Friday, April 5, 2013 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Karen Martinez

Founder, President and CEO, BRAVO! Building Services

Fifteen years ago, Karen J. Martinez founded BRAVO! Building Services, Inc. which has evolved today to one of the largest, privately-held, facility and outsourcing companies in the country.  Employing over 3,100 employees, the company is headquartered in Green Brook, NJ and operates Regional offices in Virginia, Delaware and North Carolina and serving over 14 States throughout the North and Southeast. BRAVO! offers a full-range of expert services throughout the organization such as Janitorial, Mechanical Engineering and HVAC Service/Repair.

Karen has been named by Ernst & Young in 2011 as Entrepreneur of the Year and the only woman in 2011 to win this award.  Karen had led BRAVO! through several acquisitions in the U.S. creating a revolution in the janitorial and maintenance service industries by setting a strong example with her motto, “Do what you say you are going to do.”  BRAVO! Employees take personal responsibility for delivering quality service and excellent customer satisfaction.  Creating opportunities for her employees and being passionate about their customers contribute to the success and tremendous growth the company has experienced. 

BRAVO! has assisted a few dozen customers with achieving their LEED certification.  In 2009, the company lead the industry by receiving its CIMS Green Certification with Honors.  BRAVO! is committed to reducing their carbon foot print while embracing chemical free cleaning going beyond the sustainable movement. 

Karen attacks her community involvement with the same fervor and commitment she does in her professional life.  In the late 1980’s she was a pioneer in the Community Food Bank while simultaneously spreading the awareness of organic food by demanding no pesticides in food markets.   In 2007, she was recognized by Boy Scouts of America as Distinguished Citizen of the Year as well as honored by the YWCA.  

Karen is active in many Real Estate and Industry Associations and is the Chairperson for BOMA’s  Office Building of the Year Awards.

Register Here: Eventbrite

If you have questions, please call 973-443-8842 or e-mail rothman@fdu.edu with "Female Lecture" in the subject line. RSVP by March 26, 2013. Space is limited.

The lecture will follow a reception at 6 pm and an awards ceremony for the winners of the 2013 NJ Business Idea Competition.

Female Entrepreneur Lecture Sponsors

Business Idea Competition Sponsors

Business Idea Competition Partners

For more information on the 2012 Business Idea Competition, please visit: Website