The success of Jamaican-born Ingrid Murray, CEO, and president of Prospect Cleaning Service Inc., has come full circle. She was honored with a citation from the office of Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams that lauded her as a motivating and inspiring entrepreneur.
Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown, host of podcast carryonfriends.com presented the citation to Murray during a ribbon cutting on Feb. 13 to officially open the 249-251 Empire Blvd., headquarters of the family owned business. The commendation acknowledged the outstanding work Murray did to enhance Brooklyn.
Against images of African-American trailblazer, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Shirley Chisholm, Murray, an innovator, also received a citation from State Senator, Zellnor Myrie.
Prospect Cleaning Service, a multi-million dollar corporation contracted by Kings Theatre, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Health and Hospitals Corporation, Weill Cornell, NY State Bridge Authority, among others, is poised to grow as the company looks to expand its reach to other states.
Murray, who praised her husband, Courtney Murray for entrusting her to lead the company seven years ago, after it was started by him some 20 years, noted that her heart was set on being the first African American woman to have a multi-national company in cleaning and janitorial services, and is inspired to take over the janitorial industry.
“That is where my reach is, and trust me, I am on my way,” remarked the businesswoman, who was excited to take the “magnificent” company to higher heights.
With this ambition step in mind, Murray embarked upon finding the best qualified staff to build the business.
“I have a wonderful team. We wanted to find people with the same vision, who were business oriented, and who wanted to be a part of a growing corporation.”
“I incorporated them within our culture, and let them know being a part of the culture, is not only to satisfy our clients, but to make sure we ourselves are well, both mentally and physically,” she explained.
“I wanted individuals who share the same passion and the same drive, and thank God we have great synergy within this organization,” Murray said.
This is evident by the uplifting quotes on the walls of the headquarters which reads: “Coming Together Is the Beginning,” ”We Work Hard and Stand for Creativity & Innovation, “We are Inspired by Each Other.”
Murray’s company has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic sanitizing Grand Central Terminal and other agencies around New York city.
The company’s affiliation with the Small Business Association, Building Service Contractors Association International, among others, is a testament to its commitment to quality service.
She also credits her success to the training she received from the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
Murray said she is truly grateful for the opportunity to extend her reach to other states, which would be soon.
“We cater to anyone who requires janitorial and building cleaning services, that includes floor stripping and waxing, sidewalk maintenance, and window cleaning, up to 40 feet, in commercial buildings,” she said.
Residential service is provided to condominiums, said Murray, a graduate of Medgar Evers College, who added that Prospect Cleaning Service did not become a multi-million dollar corporation over night, but it was built by hard work and dedication.
She spoke of attending many events that at times amounted to nothing, but she nevertheless stayed the course knowing that the connections could be valuable to the development of her business.
Murray believes, that “whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Prospect Cleaning Service, Inc. is a member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and certified Minority Women Owned Business Enterprise (M/WDBE) both with the New York City and State NYC and NYS, according to its website. www.prospectcleaningnyc.com
