For Immediate Release
Contact: Bob Mallory, (888) 609-5490 Community Relations

October 10, 2008…Louisiana based Stuart Services has received a top 2008 international business and best practices award. Stuart Services has been selected as the highest achiever in the Nexstar Select ServiceÒ recognition program, receiving the Nexstar® Select Service Award of Excellence –  “Best of the Best.” More than 400 electrical, HVAC and plumbing contractors comprise NexstarÒ, a world-class business-development and best practices organization.

The Nexstar Select Service program was created in 2004 as a recognizable symbol of service providers who deliver a superior level of business. Each Nexstar member applicant is surveyed annually and judged on three pillars of success in the service industry: superior customer satisfaction, excellent working environment for employees, and profitability and financial well-being.

Stuart Services started in the electrical trade in 1956.  It later added HVAC, and this year, brought in plumbing for a full-service offering.  It’s based in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, a city hit by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike this year while not yet fully recovered from Katrina in 2005.  Despite these unpredictable challenges, Stuart’s attention to high standards of service and operation helped them weather the storm. They focused on the changing demands in the marketplace while also staying focused on the key components of their business.  “Katrina taught me to expect the unexpected and appreciate my core group of loyal employees,” said business owner Jude “Jay” Raspino Jr.  

Raspino also knows it’s important to appreciate the customers and serve them by following the golden rule.  “Treat your customers as you would like to be treated,” said Raspino.  “Pay attention to details, focus on customer service and operate with high ethical standards.”

Raspino leads by example and holds himself and his employees accountable.  He says another key to his success is practicing Open Book Management. The Open Book belief is that if you share information with employees, they’ll understand the importance of their job and take ownership in performing to the best of their ability.  Steady communication of how the company is performing is a key element in this management technique.  And it’s working for Stuart Services, which is now a $3.6 million business that enjoys a comfortable profit margin.

Greg Niemi, President and CEO of Nexstar^® said Stuart exemplifies Nexstar’s commitment to business development and best practices in the industry. “We are  proud to have Stuart Services as a member of Nexstar. They consistently make the Nexstar Select Service list. Six for six.  Now, our number one.”

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