A family story through the generations

In 1984, Lucien Jan and his wife founded JL Services in Geneva’s Les Grottes neighbourhood.  This bold move, driven by a genuine passion for the business and a commitment to the highest quality work, became a family journey. In 2002, Lucien’s son, Marco Jan, joined the business, taking the helm. Today, the company boasts a team of 750 employees! Every stage of this growth has been meticulously managed, ensuring it stays anchored in the core values of quality and proximity. 

People come first

At JL Services, success is measured in smiles and loyalty. Many of the team members have been there for 20 or 30 years. “We’re one big family,” says Marco Jan. This culture is felt every single day through shared meals, family events—not to mention multiple generations working side by side.

To mark the company’s 40th anniversary, a truly memorable celebration brought some 800 people together under a grand marquee. That day, the company reversed the usual roles, proudly serving its teams! A powerful moment indeed, and one that perfectly captures the JL Services philosophy: respect, appreciation, and community spirit.  

An essential mission and managed evolution

JL Services operates in highly sensitive sectors: hospitals, private clinics, schools, and nurseries, where hygiene standards are paramount. When COVID hit, the company was fully prepared, with training, protocols, and the right equipment: everything was ready to go. This period highlighted the company’s crucial role: providing reassurance, disinfecting spaces, and responding to emergencies.

This in turn led not only to a newfound appreciation for the teams, but a full recognition of the vital nature of the JL Services mission. The company didn’t wait for a global crisis to delve even more deeply into its commitments: it adopted the use of ozonated water for cleaning, pH-neutral products, and a fleet of electric vehicles—all innovations that reconcile top-notch hygiene with environmental responsibility. 

While cleaning remains the heart of the business, JL Services has successfully expanded its offering to include specialist services, landscaping, street maintenance, and pest control. A comprehensive range of services born from listening to its clients and responding to their real needs. 

And a core belief resonates through all of this: as Operations Director Bertrand Silve puts it, “Technically, we provide cleaning services. But above all, we work with people.” 

A fresh chapter at QUARTET

In 2023, JL Services reached a new milestone by investing in the commercial premises at QUARTET.  Seen as a fresh start, this move enabled the company to rejuvenate its brand identity with a new logo, light-filled office spaces, a mezzanine, a modular staff restaurant, and bespoke storage areas. This collaborative project united the team around a shared vision and transformed daily operations: merging three sites into a single hub, creating modern spaces for teamwork, and even making facilities available to staff at the weekends… A real breath of fresh air for a company that remains deeply loyal to its roots.     

QUARTET is also a symbolic place, steeped in history: it is here, on this very site, that the founder, Lucien Jan, did his internship. This ‘homecoming’ adds a profound sense of meaning to the company’s journey.

After 40 years, JL Services continues to move forward with the same enduring promise: to embrace its personal approach, stay close to its people, and remain attentive to its clients. The future looks bright and promising, the natural continuation of a truly inspirational mission.