With nearly fifty years in the cleaning business, Bill Fellows might just be the most experienced man in the industry.
Bill began his long relationship with the cleaning industry in 1966 working for a small janitorial firm. After marrying in 1969, he and his wife Regina started a cleaning service that eventually expanded into light maintenance and a janitorial supply business.
In 1989 he began working in the automotive industry overseeing union janitorial employees.
In 2002 Bill shifted his focus to consulting, using decades of experience to help leaders in the cleaning industry improve operations, remain compliant, and adopt better practices. He continued to stay updated on industry changes to support his clients with the most accurate information possible.
Working closely with ISSA, in 2007 Bill became an ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) assessor and earned the ISSA Industry Certified Expert (I.C.E.) designation — one of very few people nationwide with this credential.
Because of his expertise, integrity, and ability to simplify complex regulatory topics, Bill is frequently called upon by companies like Stathakis and Facility Managers to explain industry changes, MSDS updates, and compliance requirements.
What follows is our interview with Bill.
How Has The Cleaning Industry Changed And Why Are MSDS Requirements Important?
When Bill and Regina first started their business, OSHA didn’t exist. They used the same cleaning chemicals as everyone else, and early OSHA training felt like an inconvenient added cost.
In 1980 Regina became severely ill — chronic reactions to cleaning chemicals impaired her breathing and overall health. Despite treatment at multiple clinics nationwide, her condition worsened and she eventually passed away in 2014.
Bill learned that many common chemicals contained carcinogens, mutagens, and harmful compounds. He became passionate about MSDS, learning to analyze ingredients and sharing knowledge with anyone willing to listen.
How Do New OSHA MSDS Labeling Requirements Impact Facilities?
The new SDS format standardizes information placement, improving clarity and reducing confusion. Pictograms will also help teams recognize incompatible chemicals and prevent improper storage.
The biggest adjustment for U.S. workers is the hazard rating reversal: previously **0–1 = low hazard**, **3–4 = high hazard**, while under GHS the scale is reversed.
What Safety Concerns Should Facilities Managers Address?
Bill identifies two major issues:
1. Chemical storage and usage.
Many employees do not understand MSDS and mistakenly store reactive products together or place chemicals on high shelves, risking spills or exposure.
2. Misuse or neglect of PPE.
Inadequate or inconsistent PPE use remains a frequent safety hazard.
What Are The Biggest Industry Changes In Recent Years?
The surge in environmentally preferable cleaning — equipment, consumables, and chemicals — has reshaped the industry.
Some tenants will not even rent office space in a building that is not LEED Certified. Cleaning teams must meet standards that contribute to LEED points.
Though “green cleaning” met early resistance, improvements have made it more affordable, productive, and beneficial for worker health.
How Did You Realize Consulting Could Help Companies Understand Green Cleaning?
Bill noticed misleading marketing around “green” products. Some claims were technically correct but still misrepresented environmental value.
Example: EPA recommends plastic liners with at least 10% post-consumer recycled content. Some companies claimed “100% recycled,” but the material was actually manufacturing waste — not post-consumer — meaning it did not meet EPA criteria.
What Changes Do You Expect In The Next 5–10 Years?
Technologies enabling chemical-free cleaning will grow more accessible and effective. This will benefit cleaners, tenants, and the environment simultaneously.
Why Should Facilities Managers Care About CIMS?
Facility Managers oversee cleaning operations but have limited time. Cleaning-related complaints are one of the highest-volume issues in most buildings.
Companies that achieve CIMS certification must demonstrate:
- accurate bidding & workload systems
- strong recruitment & onboarding processes
- robust training
- regulatory compliance
- commitment to safety
- effective communication systems
- continuous improvement
Companies without these traits often cut corners, creating unhealthy building environments over time.
What Can Facilities Managers Expect From A CIMS Certified Company?
More consistency, faster response times, and strong communication from frontline staff to upper management.
Is CIMS Certification Easy? What Does It Say About A Company?
CIMS is challenging not because companies lack knowledge, but because they often lack documentation. Many organizations need outside help to formalize processes.
Companies that fully commit see improved training, reduced turnover, better scheduling, and lower long-term costs. The investment cannot be passed to the customer — so achieving CIMS demonstrates management’s integrity and long-term vision.
Any Other Advice For Facilities Managers?
Ask for at least 5 references — ideally 10 — and review past clients. One lost account can be budget-related, but a pattern indicates performance issues.
Request safety metrics such as EMR and IR. High numbers signal risk and poor safety practices.
For More Information On Bill Fellows
For consulting inquiries or additional details, visit BillFellows.com.