FBG Mourns Passing of Founder Wayne Simmonds

FBG Service Corporation Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Wayne Simmonds passed away on June 17, 2019, at 80 years of age. 

Following active duty in the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, Simmonds moved his family to Omaha and began selling dust mop services for Dust-Tex. In 1968, he became the sole proprietor of the janitorial company Floor Brite, Inc., and pursued a series of expansions and acquisitions that led to the creation of FBG Service Corporation. 

Today, the company employs more than 1,300 people and manages over 60,000,000 sq. ft. of space for customers in a variety of industries nationally. 

Simmonds’ vision of a company that shared its success with its employees led him to introduce an Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 1992. FBG Service Corporation became 100% employee-owned by 2006. 

In 2000, his daughter Terri Gogetap became President of FBG, and more recently CEO. Daughter Sandi Bruno also works at FBG in the corporate office and Terri’s twin sister, Sherri Labedz, spent many years at the company as well. 

Mr. Simmonds has made significant contributions to the business history of Greater Omaha, FBG’s home base, providing services to nearly every major company and building in the area. Over its nearly 60-year history, FBG has developed a reputation as being a leading community partner and is one of the Top 100 employee-owned companies in America.

Simmonds has been a recognized advocate of diversity, supporting Omaha’s overall quality of life and has created numerous opportunities for minorities and veterans. As a pioneer of environmentally responsible business practices, a champion of employee ownership and recognized leader in the building services industry, he has contributed significantly to the overall image of the industry. 

In addition to serving as president of the one of the industry’s leading associations, BSCAI (Building Service Contractors Association International) in 1984, Simmonds and FBG have also received more than 100 major accolades for industry leadership, business achievements and community involvement. Most notably: 

• Walter L. Cook Award for Distinguished Service, Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), 1984

• The Golden Spike Award from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce (1985)

• James E. Purcell Award, the BSCAI’s most prestigious honor, 1987

• Pro Patria Award from the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the 

Guard and Reserve (1991) 

• The Urban League Award presented by then- Governor Ben Nelson (1991)

• Top 100 Employee Owned Companies 

in America (2005-Present)

Simmonds’ positive, can-do spirit continues to be an inspiration to all employee-owners, team members, peers and family. He will be greatly missed by all.