The ServiceMaster Company has announced that its business units, including TruGreen ChemLawn, will voluntarily comply with the new national do-not-call list, which has been the target of a national legal battle and intense media attention lately.
“Consumers across the country have clearly indicated their preference regarding telemarketing,” described Jonathan Ward, chairman and CEO. “Regardless of the outcome of the various legal challenges, it is the right thing to do and it aligns with our company values. … We’re convinced that we will find new ways to help consumers understand and experience our service.”
The TruGreen ChemLawn business, the largest provider of lawn care and landscape services in the country, uses telemarketing as one of several methods to reach prospective clients. This year, TruGreen will serve about 3.4 million customers through more than 250 locations.
“We’re confident about the quality of our sales and service offerings,” said Dave Slott, president of TruGreen ChemLawn. “Our goal continues to be to provide excellent service while reaching consumers in the way they want to be reached.”
The broader telemarketing issue is one of fairness and respecting the homeowner’s wishes, Ward asserted. The do-not-call list is facing a legal challenge in part because it does not restrict calls from public opinion pollsters, non-profit organizations or political groups seeking donations.
“Consumers on these lists are clearly saying they don’t want the intrusion of an unwelcome call – no matter who is on the other end of the line,” Ward continued. “Our view is that all calls are created equal. Whether a company calls, or whether a political fundraiser calls, the phone still rings. Fairness dictates that all calls should be treated the same way.”