American Home Shield 2004 Annual Report Download - page 19

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Growing up, my father was a great role model. I guess you can say that I followed in his
footsteps because I pursued a career in finance, too. Although it wasn’t exactly my intent.
I started out studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. It wasn’t long after an
internship between my junior and senior years that I discovered it wasn’t right for me. I
realized I wanted to apply the analytical and process concepts I was learning in engi-
neering, but in a capacity other than with a drafting board.
I came to TruGreen after working for a large public accounting firm. I left the firm during
a period of corporate scandal and sweeping reform in the public accounting profession.
However, I learned a lot by being around some great companies while in public account-
ing and wanted to become part of a team that builds a business together rather than
admiring a business from the outside. When I came to ServiceMaster, I immediately
appreciated the valuable resources and backing that it provided TruGreen.
As CFO, it’s my job to help grow the Company profitably. And on some days, it’s a
daunting task. There are so many great things that TruGreen is doing to reach and keep
customers, as well as recruit and retain employees. But, we have to break each initiative
down and execute each task flawlessly.
I’m vigilant about striking the balance between simply growing and growing profitably.
At any given point in the business, there may be plenty of short term gains to be had.
But they may not always bring long term results that are sustainable. Growing profitably
means more than making a lot of money. It also means doing the right thing for all our
stakeholders — our customers, employees and shareholders.
Profitability is not always an end to itself but rather a means of accomplishing our other
objectives. Honoring God, excelling with customers and helping people develop all
contribute to growing profitably. When we act with integrity, develop trusting relationships
with our customers and employees, and give our employees opportunities to learn and
grow, profit follows.
essays on values
Grow Profitably
Charlie Daniel, Senior Vice President and CFO, TruGreen LandCare