Von Schrader Company's heritage begins with an enterprising young man named Francis Von Schrader, who, in 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression, dreamed of helping people find ways to help themselves. He left his position with a nationally known company in the electric appliance field and started the Von Schrader Company with an ambitious goal and a shoestring investment less than $5,000.

What Fran wanted to sell was not merely carpet cleaning equipment but opportunity - a chance for industrious individuals to develop and build prosperous, independent businesses. Each individual who became affiliated with him and the company through the use of Von Schrader equipment and programs came to be known as a Von Schrader "Associate," and as they prospered, so did the Von Schrader company.

We'll lead you to success

Today, more than 70 years later, Von Schrader Company has proudly worked with over 50,000 Associates worldwide and has expanded its business to include many major industrial clients. The original Von Schrader Company had only 200 square feet of manufacturing and office space and two employees. Only two products were produced, a carpet cleaning machine and a coconut oil shampoo. Fran firmly believed that the only way to assure true quality control for his products and continued growth for the company was to manufacture all the components of the machine in-house. That pursuit of quality led the Von Schrader Company to be the first company in the Americas to manufacture synthetic detergents.

In 1986, Fran retired from the company and Quentin Rench became president. Under his guidance, the company remodeled its training facilities, and continues its leadership in the on-location cleaning industry which it pioneered.

And as Quentin Rench affirms, "We are living in rapidly changes times. New generations of fibers, indoor-outdoor carpet and man-made fabrics continue to change the home furnishing maintenance field. That's why we are constantly adapting our equipment and adjusting to meet today's requirements. The current generation of Von Schrader carpet, upholstery, wall and ceiling cleaning systems was the result of radical new designs developed to meet these changes." He explains, "With this method of carpet and upholstery cleaning, low moisture foam is developed, applied and simultaneously vacuumed off, extracting dirt. Our system doesn't merely clean the surface, pushing the real dirt down - it removes it."

Since most carpet wear occurs at the base of the carpet, where dirt lodges, it must be removed professionally - while the dirt is in suspension. Cleaning with the low moisture extraction technique is the best answer. With proper professional cleaning, carpet can last 30-40 percent longer. Because they perform this valuable service effectively, the Von Schrader Company and its Associates prosper.

Complete Support

The Von Schrader "System for Success" is designed to provide each Associate with a business of his or her own. The carpet, upholstery, wall and ceiling cleaning systems are sold factory direct, along with a complete business-building, marketing and promotional program. Beginners can visit the plant in Racine for personalized training or obtain it from other Associates in the field to whom they are referred. The simple operating techniques are perfected in a matter of hours. After that, there is ample back up. The company is always available to help you solve any problems that may arise. In addition, special detergents, spot removers, supplies and promotional sales aids can be purchased from Von Schrader headquarters as needed via a toll free order desk line.

When a new Associate starts in this business, the company provides him or her with all the material and equipment needed. Many have started with one piece of equipment and as circumstances permitted, purchased the other machines. Thousands of Associates offer complete maintenance services including carpet, furniture, wall and ceiling cleaning.

The company's unblemished reputation is indicated by its participation and memberships in leading professional, business and trade organizations. It is actively involved in local and state Chambers of Commerce and Better Business Bureaus. It also participates in the programs of the prestigious Carpet and Rug Institute, an association of America's major carpet and fiber manufacturers; LMCCA, the National Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association, the World Trade Center of Milwaukee and other international trade associations.

Quentin Rench has brought additional emphasis on customer contact and training. He strongly encouraged Associates, professional cleaners and facility managers to become more successful in their profession through advanced and accredited cleaning methodology. Since 1988, several thousand men and women in over 150 school sessions have taken advantage of Von Schrader introductory and accelerated classes in carpet, upholstery, wall and ceiling cleaning.

We want the individuals who choose to use our equipment to be the most highly skilled and best informed in the business. People come to us knowing we are vitally interested in their success and that we will stay with them as they learn and build their expertise.

We are striving to stay closely linked with all of our customers through communications like the Between Cleanings newsletter or through our National Academy of Von Schrader Associates (NAVSA). NAVSA members have the opportunity to know our other Associates on a more personal basis and to take advantage of networking opportunities. They receive technical information and a newsletter update on carpet, upholstery, wall and ceiling cleaning developments as they occur.

We also sponsor biennial National Associate Conventions to destinations such as Florida or Las Vegas. At these conventions, we feature "top notch" experts in the industry as guest speakers, whose knowledge will greatly expand the participating Associates' understanding and make them the recognized cleaning experts in their local areas.