Questions and answers with Frank Karkazis

Northbrook's Frank Karkazis is big on motivational statements.

Here's a favorite: “Kindness is the ability to know the right thing to do and have the courage to do it.”

He took that bull by the horns when, after 22 years of trading commodities at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, he embarked upon a whole different line of work.

Working for and then purchasing a cleaning company in 2007, he continued in that vein in 2013 when he created FGK Services Inc., a full-service commercial janitorial company.

“The goal of FGK Services is to provide services that people need, not want,” said Karkazis, a father of three adult children — medical student Frank Jr., Google account manager Karlee, and Sophee, a fourth-grade teacher at Willowbrook Elementary School in Glenview.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, FGK Services (the “G” is for George, his father's name) was in the thick of it. Quickly certified in COVID disinfection by May 2020, adding further certification in 2021 for infection prevention in public spaces, the company completed around 350 COVID-based disinfections for customers throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

“A wise man once said, ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,'” Karkazis said. “We at FGK Services live by that motto, and I try to live my life that way, too.”

As a result of his work during the pandemic Karkazis earned several honors — the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry's 2021 Business of the Year, the Rotary Club of Northbrook's inaugural Spotlight Award and 2021 Paul Harris Fellow, and the Golden Award of the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where Karkazis graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

On May 12, West Deerfield Township honored Karkazis for FGK's COVID disinfection of the township building so it could hold in-person elections and vaccination clinics.

Born in Evanston and raised in Chicago before moving to Northbrook and Wood Oaks Junior High in the seventh grade, Karkazis has varied interests.

A former 11-year wrestling coach with stints at Glenbrook North and Deerfield high schools, Karkazis is a member of the Lake County Opioid Initiative, established a memorial fund and event for a great friend, and speaks fluent Greek.

For that ability, and others, he credits his parents, George and Helen, and his brother, Harry.

“They gave me the greatest gift of all. They believed in me,” Karkazis said.

Following is a question-and-answer session Frank Karkazis completed upon the Herald's request. It has been edited for length.

Herald: You went from trading commodities to industrial cleaning — how'd that happen?

Karkazis: I got into the commercial cleaning world after my previous career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was basically shut down due to computerization. I knew I needed to do something else, as I was still at a relatively young age with three great kids.

I had heard, through one of my neighbors, that the nightly janitorial business in Chicago was a hot market, and also a good, recession-proof business. The cleaning must go on each day and night. Obviously, through COVID, the public has learned just how important daily cleaning and disinfection really is.

I vowed to myself to get into a business that could never be affected by computers, and this mentality was a motivating force in my mind when I created FGK Services. FGK Services is comprised of the best employees anywhere, and I am so proud of all of them. We truly are a big family.

Herald: What's been the most challenging individual job?

Karkazis: The most challenging individual job or service is the COVID-19 Disinfection Service, as it was a scary time, and I was mainly motivated by fear.

I knew I needed to do something to help FGK Services, my customers and the community. Each location is different and needed to be tailored for the disinfection process. As essential workers, the end goal was to also be able to keep all of our customers open for business.

FGK Services also has provided numerous free COVID disinfections to many people who are unable to afford the service. I must admit that this was not the original business model; however, I truly believe it is our duty and mission to do our part to ensure this virus is eradicated.

Herald: Please comment on the awards you've won.

Karkazis: I never expected that this work would become life and death, and I do not want to be overly dramatic, but that is exactly the case. In our efforts to keep our customers and their businesses and homes COVID-free, FGK Services has been a lifesaver.

I never thought that these efforts would result in accolades, awards or speeches. It's been a true honor to be asked to speak at various organizations, and everyone is always welcoming to me. I have tried to give back to numerous organizations through my business and I will continue to do so.

Herald: Any Northbrook memories from when you were young?

Karkazis: My greatest Northbrook memories are Glenbrook North wrestling-related. The coaching staff at the time, the legendary Walt Sherman and Chuck Hanson, taught me so many important life lessons, in addition to wrestling.

I formed real friendships at Glenbrook North, and am still especially close with my former teammates, even today. We had a great squad, which consisted of a lot of really tough kids who went through many ups and downs together. I honestly feel that wrestling prepared me for all of life's surprises and how to deal with them.

Herald: You helped start a motorcycle ride for a departed friend. Can you tell us about that?

Karkazis: I lost one of my best friends during the COVID scourge, Eric Fischer, and felt that he needed to be honored and never forgotten. It was, and still is, my mission to keep his memory alive.

As a current member of the North Suburban YMCA Community Strong Committee, I thought it would be a no-brainer to hold his event there, as Kathy Fielding and her staff are a first-class organization and definitely know how to put events of this magnitude together, from start to finish.

To honor the giving spirit of Eric Fischer, I along with other friends of his and his family continue his legacy through the Eric Fischer Memorial Fund. This fund will help the North Suburban YMCA provide financial aid to families, seniors and children in need in the 15 communities they serve — including Wheeling, where Eric was from.

Eric's larger-than-life personality was one that focused on giving back, and he was known for going out of his way for others. Eric was the kind of man who'd pay the tab for a veteran, senior or youth in need at a local restaurant or stick up for someone being bullied. He was the kind of man that the phrase “He'd give you the shirt off his back” stemmed from. He also attended numerous NSYMCA Community Strong events in the past.

Our second Eric Fischer Memorial Motorcycle Ride will be held June 18, and the ride will conclude at the YMCA, where we will then have a barbecue and party with music and speeches. It was a wonderful event last year, and the turnout was great. Anyone can come, and you don't have to participate in the ride portion of the event if you don't want to, but please come to the party and bring your entire family.

Herald: What do you do for fun around town?

Karkazis: What I do for fun around town is supporting and attending various fundraisers, as it is my way of giving back. I love volunteering at all kinds of events, and usually team up with my dear friend Ron Bernardi from Sunset Foods. He has taught me a lot about being a servant leader in the community, and it has been very rewarding. It is my opinion that no one does more for this community than Ron.

It makes me feel great to put a smile on someone else's face, especially during these pandemic times.

I also enjoy going to local live music and especially love fishing and boating with my kids. I am so proud of my kids: Frankie, Karlee and Sophee, as they already have so many huge accomplishments under their belt. It's a gift to be able to see them thrive. I'm truly blessed.

Herald: What's something about you that would surprise people?

Karkazis: I guess the fact that I am a USA Bronze Certified Wrestling coach. I have not been able to actively coach for a few years now, as work has exploded and other duties call.

I've been able to implement and transform my wrestling coaching skills into managing employees and customers at both the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and now at FGK Services.