Celebrating 25 Years of Conservice: 25 Lessons We’ve Learned

The world looked a lot different in 2000. People crowded around their computers in anticipation of Y2K at the stroke of midnight. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston got married. Survivor first aired (and is still, remarkably, on the air). You could wear your shoes through airport security without paying for TSA PreCheck. But most importantly, Conservice was founded by Dave Jenkins with a single customer.

We’ve learned a lot in 25 years. We no longer have one customer and two employees. We’ve grown into a fine-tuned machine that handles utility bills for nearly 8 million units, but it didn’t happen overnight. Here are 25 things we’ve learned along the way. 

1. Customers are always first

Our clients are our cornerstones. Without them, we couldn’t operate. Their satisfaction is our #1 priority. Every process we refine, every technology we implement, and every expert we hire is done with one goal in mind: making utility management easier and more efficient for them.

2. Do one thing really, really well

There are a lot of companies out there that have a utility management system add-on in addition to their other offerings. But we’ve learned that when you dedicate yourself to doing one thing exceptionally well, the results speak for themselves.

3. Invest in technology

Innovation is everything. We’ve built and invested in technology solutions that make us better in every way. The right tech doesn’t replace expertise. It enhances it.

4. Build a strong team

A company is only as strong as its people. We’ve learned that team members vote with their feet, and investing in their development means lower turnover and career growth. 

5. Culture is everything

We spend more time with our coworkers than with friends and family. So work should be a place where people thrive and want to be. Fostering a positive, inclusive, and value-driven workplace has made Conservice a certified Most Loved Workplace.  A company that values its employees creates employees who value their work.

6. Trust is easy to keep and hard to earn back

Our customers count on us to get it right. By delivering on promises and maintaining transparency, we have built 25 years’ worth of trust with our clients and partners. When mistakes happen, we own them, fix them, and ensure they don’t happen again. Transparency and accountability are the foundation of lasting relationships, and we take that responsibility seriously.

7. Keep a pulse on the industry

The rental housing market changes quickly. We have a team dedicated to watching trends, economic shifts, and regulatory changes so you stay in the know.

8. It pays to be green

We know. You see numbers on sustainability efforts and they scare you and your wallet. Making small, sustainable changes not only saves resources, it keeps you compliant. With ESG regulations tightening, proactive sustainability efforts aren’t just good practice; they’re critical for long-term success.

9. Service over sales

Growth is important, but not at the expense of service. We learned this during the pandemic when demand for managed utilities skyrocketed. There are times to focus on chasing new business, and times to solely prioritize existing customers. Providing exceptional service first builds on long-term loyalty and trust.

10. Stick to your core values

When a company stays true to its values, it never loses its way. For our team members, our core values- Be an Expert, Own the Experience, and Build the Relationship- are more than words on a wall.

11. Data is king

You can’t improve what you don’t know. Data-driven decision-making allows us to optimize utility spend, detect inefficiencies, and help customers make smarter decisions. Gut feelings don’t drive success—data does. 

12. Utilities change

Your utility bill from 2000 doesn’t look like your utility bill in 2025. We evolve with the industry and just last year, we added bulk internet solutions to our deck.

13. Give back to the community

With great success comes great responsibility. Our team members dedicated 2,360 hours to Conservice Cares initiatives in 2024 alone. We have a large team that can make a difference, no matter where they’re located. With great success comes great responsibility. 

14. Celebrate the wins

You can learn as much from the wins as you can from the losses. Take a second to celebrate the wins and learn what patterns and behaviors got you there.

15. Keep it simple

Complexity leads to inefficiency. Utility management is a complex business, but the more we simplify processes, the more we enhance efficiency and user experience. Cut redundancies and streamline processes when possible.

16. Utility management is a necessity, not a luxury

When the economy is good, you need support to maintain growth. When the economy is slow, you need us help to reduce costs. No matter the market, a managed utility partner is essential.

17. Compliance is key

Remember those costly compliance fines we talked about? Our legal team is on it for you. Make proactive changes and avoid it altogether.

18. Collaboration fosters creativity

Innovation isn’t a solo act. Collaboration across teams, industries, and partners always creates better ideas and results.

19. Strategic partnerships are a gamechanger

Along that note, external partners are critical to growing your impact. No company succeeds in isolation. Our strategic partnerships have not just made us better – they’ve made our clients better too. 

20. Encourage innovation

Innovation doesn’t just relate to technology. We encourage all of our team members to have an innovative mindset in their careers. Thinking outside the box leads to greater ideas and processes. 

21. Conservation is for everyone

We didn’t pick a name with “conserve” accidentally. Conserving utility resources reduces greenhouse gases, keeps utility rates down, saves precious resources, and saves money. It should be at the forefront of any property owner’s mind.

22. Be fast but be accurate

Speed matters, but so does precision. Late payments lead to fees, and errors lead to confusion. We’ve built a reputation on delivering both speed and accuracy, never sacrificing one for the other.

23. Meters matter

Metering is not a “one-size-fits-all” method. What works for one property may not work for the next. Ask an Expert which metering system suits your needs best.

24. Maintenance over repairs

If we have one theme, it’s that investing in the right things saves money. Maintenance is no different. Make sure your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are properly maintained to avoid costly repairs. A small investment in preventive maintenance can save thousands.

25. The best is yet to come

While we celebrate our past, we are excited for the future. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you!

As we look back on the last 25 years, we are overcome with gratitude to our customers, team members, partners, and leaders who have paved the way for our success. Here’s to the next 25 years – we are just getting started.

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