Barnett Gershen is the owner/CEO of Gershen Consulting, LLC and specializes in business advisory services.

 

Prior to becoming an independent consultant, Mr. Gershen gained invaluable experience as Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Associated Business Services (ABS), a $120-million service firm that consistently ranked in the top 5% of like companies in the US and achieved margins higher than industry standards. Mr. Gershen is qualified by multiple academic degrees and 30 years experience in executive management roles. He is an innovative leader, with appreciation for strategic alliances, particularly in applying technological advances to enhance and expand market presence.  He was also responsible for generating a client list of domestic/international Fortune 500 companies. He implemented unique growth strategies that enabled successful transition from local business to national company within a highly competitive, tight-margin business. Simultaneous with the sale of ABS, this national service company became part of a $230-million structure with 13,000 employees nationwide - the 9^th largest company in the field.

 

 He is the son of Margie Abrams, who began Associated Building Services (formerly XGI Services) in 1945. As a young widow with three small children, her sheer determination provided the basics for a very small janitorial service. Her integrity was her calling card. She built the business up to annual revenues of $10k, at which time Barnett stepped up to the helm.

 

As President in 1975, Barnett (Barney to his friends) implemented growth procedures that would make The ABS Companies one of the largest, most profitable maintenance companies in the U.S.

 

When the company sold in 2004, it employed over 13,000 employees across the nation with revenues of $230 million.

 

Barnett is now lending his hard earned experience to friends and associates. He believes that this is his opportunity to pass on what contributed to his success. He is endeavoring to build the same hopes and dreams in a new generation of business owners.

CAREER OVERVIEW

PRESIDENT/OWNER-Gershen Consulting L.L.C., Houston, Texas - 2005 to Present-Privately owned organization, where proven abilities as an executive, are used in reproducing companies, wherein driving up the top line as well as increasing the bottom line.

VP ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT-Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc., - 2005 -Initiated an overall organizational restructure and created infrastructure positioned for growth and profitability.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - The ABS Companies, Houston, Texas - 1978 to 2004-Began with this organization in 1955 as laborer, acquired hands-on knowledge of all positions, and earned additional responsibility leading to management and executive roles.

 

ADJUTANT GENERAL -Captain U.S. Army, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana - 1971 to 1978-Retired with honorable discharge.

 

 

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts - 1992 to 2003-Successfully completed Odyssey program, School for the Second Half of Life, along with three-year Owner, President and Manager (OPM) program.

 

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION- The University of Texas, Austin, Texas - 1971-Finance Concentration Thesis: "Going Public for Small Corporations: A Service Company Examined."

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas- 1969-Distinguished Graduate ranked No.4 in class; Dean's List four years-Distinguished Military Graduate; Corps of Cadets four years.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Southwest Association of Building Services Contractors Organization (SWABSCO)

Founding member and past officer Building Services Contractors Association International (BSCAI)

Board and committee member for organization with membership of 4000

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)

 

 

Personal Honors

 

Texas A & M University, Outstanding alumni in the Mays Business School, 2004. 

 

In 2002, he was awarded third place as the Ernst & Young, Entrepreneur of the Year in Houston, Texas.

 

The YMCA consistently recognizes Mr. Gershen's contributions and has awarded him the honor of both the Lyla Mae Padon Character Award, 2001 and the Hero of the Year, 2002.