Richard “Rick” Simon, of Chicago is the owner and president of United Service Companies.

Based in Chicago, United Service Companies is the parent company of United National Maintenance, United Maintenance Company, U.S. Aviation Services Corp. Inc., United Temps Inc., and United Security Services Inc. Under Rick Simon’s direction, United National Maintenance has grown to become the United States’ largest cleaning contractor of conventions and special events.

Rick Simon has worked with the company in some capacity since its start in 1965. Rick filled a variety of roles until 1985 when he finally stepped into the role of CEO and President.

Since assuming leadership, the company has grown from just having a few small accounts in Chicago, to having thousands of accounts all over the United States, from the eastern seaboard to the Hawaiian islands, including many well-known brands and Fortune 50 companies. Richard Simon’s passion and commitment to his work have cemented United Service Companies as one of the fastest-growing cleaning, security and staffing companies in America.

Richard Simon joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and actively served his country from 1967 to 1970 including an 18-month tour of duty in Vietnam. After returning to the United States, he started working as a Member, Supervising Member and Command Member in law enforcement in the Chicago area from 1973 to 1997, serving several agencies including the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff and other agencies. He did this while simultaneously growing United Service Companies.

Richard Simon is an active contributor to the business and tourism industry in Chicago. He has a seat on several boards. Since 1980, he has served as an active member and chairman of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau now called Choose Chicago. He has also served on the boards for Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (now the Magnificent Mile Association), The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Gateway Green, and Friends of the Park.

Rick Simon of Chicago is also involved with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), the International Association of Exhibition Executives (IAEE), and the Exhibition Service Contractors Association (ESCA). During his long, successful career, he has been recognized in his industry and by his peers, receiving numerous awards for his work. Tradeshow Week selected him as one of the trade show industry’s most influential people.

Richard Simon is dedicated to serving as a leader in the Chicago community. Because of this, United Service Companies is a significant contributor to The United States Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Chicago Police Foundation, and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the last two of which he is on the Board of Directors.

As a business owner, Rick Simon’s favorite part of his work is getting to see his thousands of employees grow every day, both professionally and educationally. He makes an effort to promote virtually all of the management team from internal positions to provide his team with those growth opportunities.