Having grown up in Columbus, Ohio, Mark remembers the annual family vacations in Ormond Beach, Florida. After grad- uating high school, he was excited to be heading off to Bowling Green on a full football scholarship. When his mom was diagnosed with cancer, those plans all fell by the wayside. “Mom’s oncologist told us there was nothing more he could do for her. Mom said she wanted to die in Florida.” His dad, who was in the body shop business, bought a Stanley Steemer franchise in Winter Park and moved his wife and son to Florida to start the business in 1981. “I did the cleaning, driving the one company van we had
at the time. Mom worked the phones,” said Mark. “At first, it was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was going to play football, and all I could think about was that I’d be cleaning carpets for the rest of my life.” They had $72,000 in sales that first year. Today, the Gellner Family operation includes six Stanley Steemer franchises across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas, 50 cleaning vehicles, a staff of 120 and more than $12 million dollars in sales. There are more than 250 Stanley Steemer franchises across the country. Mark, who works 60 hours a week, is one of a few franchise owners who still goes to the office every day to motivate his staff. Thankfully, Mark’s father Budd Gellner lived to see his
been married for 17 years and have two teenage daughters, Morgan and Madison. They adopted six-year-old Clover, the company's spokesdog, from Pet Alliance of Orlando. Stella, the family’s English Cream Golden Retriever just turned five. She was adopted from a guide dog organization after she didn’t meet the requirements to become a service dog. Dakota, their Chocolate Labrador Retriever, survived a bear attack six years ago. The bear wandered onto their property in the Magnolia Plantation neighborhood.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Connie created “The Steem Team,” a company program
made up of employees who donate their time to give back to the community. She coordinates all additional community involvement, special events and charity work. “We probably do about 30 events a year. I am very proud of all of our employees. We would not be able to do what we’re doing without their support,” said Connie. As far as community work, the company donates their cleaning services to Canine Companions for Independence facilities and cleans the air ducts in the cat room at Pet Alliance of Orlando. “My parents always told me to treat people the way you want to be treated, plus one,” said Mark. “The community made us successful and we want to give back. Connie has really helped us up our game. In 2003, the
Fellow Dog Lovers: Connie Gellner (left) and her girlfriend Michelle Freeman Stevens meet up with Kenny Chesney.
Gellners began work- ing with Pet Alliance of Orlando, formerly the SPCA of Orlando. “We started with their annual fundraiser, Wiggle Waggle Walk, paying a couple of hundred dollars to participate as a ven- dor,” said Connie. Since that first event, Stanley Steemer has become an integral
son's success, but passed away in 2013. His mother Sally has retired and lives in Daytona Beach. Connie and Mark have
We’re just a sinner’s choir
Singing a song for the saints. from Song For The Saints –by Kenny Chesney
partner of not only Pet Alliance, but also SPCA Florida in Lakeland, Lakewood Ranch Humane Society in Myakka City, Halifax Humane Society and the Greater Huntsville Humane Society in Huntsville, Alabama. “We love animal rescue. We believe in spay/neuter programs,” said Connie. “Animals can’t speak for themselves. They can’t rescue themselves.” In 2011, the Gellners offered the use of part of their 10,000-square-foot building in Corporate Park to the newly- founded Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch. The 2,500- square-foot space at the front of the building was already equipped with multiple offices, a waiting room and large main area. The organization had use of the space, rent-free, for seven
years. It served as an adoption center as well as a medical facility for the shelter animals. Prior to the Gellners’ generous donation, the shelter operated under a foster system for animals, with volunteers fostering dogs and cats in their own homes.
Continued g on following page THE NEW BARKER 41
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