Honoring a Legacy: Charles Wax Reflects on a Lifetime of Leadership, Innovation, and Service

When you've spent more than 50 years helping shape an industry, the honor of being recognized with ISSA's Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award carries a profound weight. For Charles Wax, former president and CEO of WAXIE Sanitary Supply, the award represents far more than personal recognition-it's a celebration of a family legacy, a company culture built on service and innovation, and an industry that has evolved dramatically under the guidance of leaders like him.

"It's a validation and recognition for all the hard work and for everything that we achieved," Wax said. "This honor isn't just for me-it's for everybody who's been associated with us. We couldn't have been there without everyone."

From sweeping floors to steering a company

Wax's introduction to the family business came early. At just 12 years old, his father put him to work in the WAXIE warehouse. "They gave me the most mundane jobs," he recalled with a laugh. "I'd sweep the floors, put stickers on boxes, whatever they needed." But those summers laid the foundation for a lifetime in distribution. He learned every part of the operation-loading trucks, receiving shipments, taking phone orders, and helping walk-in customers.

After college, he briefly left San Diego to work for Crown Zellerbach, one of WAXIE's top suppliers-a move that would introduce him to a figure who would become pivotal in ISSA's history. "That's where I first met John Garfinkel, of all people," Wax said. The two men formed an early friendship that would later connect their paths again when Garfinkel became ISSA's executive director.

Wax eventually returned to WAXIE, where his father's passion for technology and forward-thinking business practices helped shape his leadership style. "My dad was one of the smartest, brightest guys in the industry," Wax said. "He was always ahead of his time-always investing in new technology and looking for better ways to do business."

By 1986, Wax was officially appointed president and CEO, carrying forward his father's vision while expanding the company's footprint across the western United States.

A legacy built on people and performance

Over the decades, Wax helped transform WAXIE into one of the most respected names in the janitorial and sanitation industry. He attributes much of that success to a people-first culture. "We measured the success of the business by the success of the people," he said. "So many of our key employees started in the warehouse and worked their way up to management. Seeing them grow was one of the most rewarding parts of the job."

That philosophy extended to customers as well. "We wanted to build a business that takes care of the customer," he said. "Everybody can come up with a lower price, but can you come up with a solution that saves them real money?"

Under his leadership, WAXIE invested heavily in training, technology, and facilities that reflected the company's standards of excellence. Wax was especially proud of the company's LEED-certified buildings in Phoenix and Salt Lake City, completed in 2010. "We always built for the future," he said. "We wanted our customers to be proud to come to our facilities. My dad used to say, 'How can you sell cleaning supplies if you're not clean yourself?'"

The Garfinkel connection: A pivotal recommendation

While Wax is celebrated for his leadership at WAXIE, his family's influence also shaped the direction of ISSA itself. During his conversation, Wax reflected on the pivotal role his father played in bringing John Garfinkel into ISSA leadership.

"As I said, I met John before my dad did," Wax recalled. "And I liked and respected him a lot. When John left the company my dad learned that ISSA was looking for a new executive director. He called Lou Goorland, who was ISSA president at the time, and said, 'I've got a guy who might be really good at this.' He suggested John-and the rest is history."

That single phone call would mark the beginning of a transformative era for ISSA. "John was a great guy and did an incredible job," Wax said. "We've maintained a good relationship for over 50 years. We've always had a lot of respect for him."

Change, consolidation, and continued commitment

As Wax reflected on the industry's evolution, he acknowledged that the last decade has brought tremendous change-especially consolidation. "It's probably the biggest shift we've seen," he said. "Customers, suppliers, distributors-all consolidating. I'm not sure it's all good."

After partnering with John Miller of North American Paper in 2020, WAXIE merged with FEMSA during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, later transitioning through acquisitions by Brady and then Imperial Dade. "Here we are again with another consolidation," Wax said. "I'm not sure it's good for the industry because what built this business were long-term relationships and service. I think independents still have a great opportunity now."

A well-earned chapter of reflection

Today, Wax stays busy managing WAXIE's real estate portfolio-seven facilities across multiple states-and continues to enjoy an active life. He plays golf, travels frequently, and even serves on a national security board that has taken him to Saudi Arabia and Israel alongside retired military leaders. "It's been enlightening," he said. "You learn a lot from seeing things up close."

Despite stepping away from day-to-day operations, Wax remains deeply proud of the company he helped build and the people who made it possible. "We bleed WAXIE blood," he said. "We wanted to help our customers, help our people do well, and build good lives for themselves. I feel like we were able to do that very successfully."

Words of wisdom for the next generation

When asked what advice he would share with the next generation hoping to leave their mark, Wax's response was sincere but straightforward: "Work hard," he said. "Be committed. Get to know your people. Develop solutions tailored to your customers' needs. Invest in your systems and training. And recognize your people-because people want to be recognized."

For Wax, success was never measured by profit margins alone. It was about the pride of seeing his employees thrive, his customers succeed, and his family's name remain synonymous with integrity and innovation in the industry.

And now, with an ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award to his name, Charles Wax joins the ranks of those whose contributions have defined-and elevated-the professional cleaning world for generations.