Neil Atkinson is the owner of Chase Carpet Care Co. in Denver, CO.

How would you best sum up the last 50 years (or the time that you’ve been a part) of the carpet cleaning/restoration industry?

The last 50 years have been most significant because of the proliferation of carpet in both residential and commercial environments (as well as) advances both in the products and cleaning processes especially in the 1970-80s.

In your opinion, what have been some of the most significant events and milestones to impact the industry over the past 50 years? What about some of the most significant people?

Hot water extraction and encapsulation have both been big cleaning advances, as well as the tremendous advances in drying technology. Ed York and others who pushed education and communication between competitors to improve the overall industry provided better and faster advances in customer service.

What are some of your fondest memories of being involved in the industry in years past?

Going to California for early trade shows and volunteering in trade associations and IICRC were much fun. The early adopters were in it just for the camaraderie and to promote the industry.

Moving forward, what do you see in store for the cleaning/restoration industry’s future?

The end customer must always be kept in mind. The idea of making money off the industry without providing a real service must be avoided.