William Doan worked in the industry from 1964 to 2007 at DuPont, Steamway International, Shaw Industries and, most recently, as the VP of Shaw Product Care.

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?

Change and growth… “Change is inevitable, growth is optional” - Ralph Bloss

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?

Events and milestones: Stain resistant carpet, DuPont Stainmaster, IICRC, CRI Seal of Approval program, Connections, Industry Standards. People: Ralph Bloss, Howard Olansky, Ed York, Tom Hill, Larry and Tryna Cooper, Jeff Bishop, Joey Pickett, Cy Gantt, Mike Berry, Doyle Bloss, Bob Hughes, Bill Yeadon, John Downey, Carey Mitchell, Bill Bane, Ron Vangeldren/Werner Braun

What are some of your fondest memories of being involved in the industry in years past (i.e., association involvement, trade shows, etc)?

Hundreds of trade shows and hundreds of dedicated hard working participants, the trade associations, Stanley Steemer and the 1987 UCCI Trade Show (Industry meeting in Marriott Hotel bar – “Doan meets the Downeys”).

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

Even more growth and professionalism, even more technical soundness, better cleaning methods, lower costs and the politics must stop (at least stop being so decisive!).