You’ve probably seen him around the Crescenta Valley helping where needed. Chris Waldheim, owner of J’s Maintenance on Foothill Boulevard in La Crescenta, is a staple at many civic events and his roots in the Crescenta Valley run deep.

The business was started back in 1969 by his parents Ed and Linda.

“They purchased a little company called Joe’s Maintenance,” recalled Waldheim.

It wasn’t easy. Ed and Linda, with Chris oftentimes in tow, cleaned the businesses and homes that Joe’s Maintenance – later named J’s Maintenance – had secured.

The pair soon discovered they needed to get more clients, which was Ed’s job, and more employees. Linda’s attention was on running the business – specifically bookkeeping.

Chris grew with the business and has been on the payroll since 1980 when he was making repairs to machinery used by J’s Maintenance. He took over the business around 2000.

Being part of J’s Maintenance since its early beginnings has taught him the value of his employees.

“Our employees are the best,” he said. “They work their butts off. Many have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet.”

The company also offers benefits unlike those in similar companies, which ensures a low turnover.

“We’re probably the last janitorial firm in California that pays vacation time,” he said proudly.

And Waldheim is quick to point out that the business is not about Chris – it’s about the J’s Maintenance team.

“It starts with our employees in the field who are well managed then extends to our people in the office who make sure everyone has what they need,” he said. “I really trust the team to take care of our clients.”

That trust has allowed Waldheim to invest in his community.

“People are going to hire you because they trust you,” he said. “We support a lot of different events.” These include the local chambers of commerce, Prom Plus and the CV Fireworks Assn. – and the Crescenta Valley Weekly.

“One of our best decisions is using our ad space to promote local non-profits,” he said. “It’s a valuable lesson for me and it was a fortuitous decision. One of the best things J’s Maintenance has done is use that space to help others.”