Vendor or Partner? 6 Questions Facility Leaders Should Ask

1. Do They Share Responsibility—or Just Deliver a Task?

A vendor completes tasks listed in a scope of work.
A partner shares responsibility for outcomes.

Ask yourself:

• When something goes wrong, who owns the fix?
• Do they proactively flag issues—or wait for complaints?
• Are they invested in long-term results, or just meeting minimum requirements?

A true partner understands that missed cleanings, safety concerns, or staffing gaps reflect on you, not just them. They operate with that accountability in mind.

At McLemore, we don’t hide behind contracts. We operate as an extension of your operation—because your success is tied directly to ours.

2. Who Actually Manages the Work On-Site?

This question alone can reveal everything.

Many janitorial companies rely on off-site or “floating” supervisors who manage multiple buildings. That means:

• Delayed response times
• Missed details
• Problems escalating before they’re addressed

A partner puts leadership on the ground.

On-site supervision means:

• Issues are handled in real time
• Staff are trained, coached, and supported consistently
• You have a clear point of contact who knows your facility

If your current provider can’t tell you who’s in charge on-site—or how often they’re physically present—you’re dealing with a vendor, not a partner.

3. Are They Transparent About Staffing—or Vague by Design?

Labor is the backbone of janitorial service. Yet it’s often the least transparent part of the agreement.

Ask:

• Are workers W2 employees or subcontractors?
• How is staffing determined?
• What happens when someone doesn’t show up?

Vendors who rely on subcontractors or last-minute staffing often struggle with turnover, inconsistency, and accountability. Partners build stable teams.

McLemore uses W2-only labor, supported by on-site supervision and backup plans. That structure protects your facility from the chaos of no-shows and rotating faces—and protects you from having to step in.

4. Can They Show You Proof—or Just Give Reassurance?

If you have to walk the building to know whether cleaning happened, that’s a problem.

Partners don’t ask you to trust blindly. They provide visibility.

Look for:

• Daily task checklists
• Digital reporting or audits
• Clear KPIs tied to your scope
• Proactive communication

A vendor tells you, “We were there.”
A partner can show you what was done, when, and how it performed.

At McLemore, reporting isn’t an afterthought—it’s how we manage performance and prevent issues before they land on your desk.

5. Do They Adapt to Your Operation—or Force You Into Theirs?

No two facilities operate the same way. A distribution center, a manufacturing plant, and a school district all have unique challenges, schedules, and risk points.

Ask:

• Did they customize the plan—or reuse a template?
• Do they understand your peak hours and critical zones?
• Can they flex for events, audits, or seasonal changes?

Vendors push standardization.
Partners build around your reality.

One of the first questions we ask at McLemore is:
“How do you want us to show up?”

Because how we staff, supervise, and report should support your operation—not create friction.

6. What Happens After the Contract Is Signed?

This is where many relationships break down.

Some vendors are highly responsive during sales—and nearly invisible after onboarding. A partner understands that the real work starts after the contract.

Ask:

• Is there a structured transition plan?
• How do they manage the first 90 days?
• Who checks performance, and how often?
• How are issues escalated and resolved?

A true partner plans for stability, not just launch day.

McLemore builds every relationship around a 30/60/90-day plan, designed to establish consistency early, adjust quickly, and lock in long-term performance—without disruption to your facility.

The Bottom Line: Vendors Fill a Role. Partners Protect Your Operation.

If your current janitorial provider:

• Requires constant follow-up
• Leaves you guessing about coverage
• Reacts instead of leads
• Treats your facility like just another account

You’re not failing as a facility leader.
You’re just working with a vendor.

The right partner reduces noise, risk, and distraction—so you can focus on the work that actually moves your organization forward.

Ready to Evaluate the Difference?

If you’re questioning whether your current provider is a vendor or a partner, that’s your signal.

Let’s walk your site.
We’ll take a look together—no pressure, no hard sell—just clarity around what’s possible when janitorial service is managed the right way.