This year, Mister Kleen Maintenance Company, Inc. proudly celebrates 50 years in business. Founded in 1976 by Ernie Clark, Sr. and Mary Ann Clark in Alexandria, Virginia, Mister Kleen began as a family-run operation and has grown into a respected provider of cleaning services for commercial and high-security facilities throughout the DC Metro region.

For President Ernie Clark Jr., this anniversary represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. Ernie He assumed day-to-day leadership of the company in 1986, marking the start of the second generation of the Clark family guiding Mister Kleen forward during a period of growth and change.

Reflecting on the moment, Ernie shared, “I’m extremely proud to be part of a service company that is celebrating 50 years in business this year. It seems like just yesterday that I took over the day-to-day from my parents.”  His perspective speaks to both the passage of time and the continuity of family leadership that has shaped the company for decades.

Over the years, Mister Kleen has continued to evolve to meet its clients’ needs, expanding its service offerings and adapting its focus while remaining grounded in its core values. Throughout that evolution, the company’s success has always been driven by its people. From front-line field employees to the headquarters team, it is a collective effort that allows Mister Kleen to deliver consistent, high-quality service every day. Today, that legacy continues with the involvement of the third generation of the Clark family and a dedicated team committed to excellence.

As Mister Kleen celebrates its 50th anniversary, the focus is not only on honoring the past but also on looking ahead. The company remains committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and strengthening client partnerships to ensure long-term success. With gratitude for everyone who has been part of the journey, Mister Kleen looks forward to building on its legacy and serving clients for many years to come.