Founder, chairman and community leader Harvey L. Massey of Massey Services has passed away at age 81.
The retired CEO passed away peacefully on Tuesday. Harvey was a long-time resident of Winter Park, Florida.
Harvey L. Massey was born in the small town of Melville, Louisiana, a grandson of Italian immigrants and Missouri farmers. At the age of 18 he joined the U.S. Army Security where he served for three years before he was honorably discharged. While serving his country, Harvey met the love of his life, Carol Nisula and they married on August 24, 1963.
In 1985, after working for Orkin and Terminix International, Harvey purchased his own business, Massey Services. With two kids in college and one entering high school, he moved to Orlando and bought a stagnant 50-year-old pest and termite company for $3.9 million, which, under his leadership, has grown to a $350 million business in 2023.
“Total Customer Satisfaction”
Total customer satisfaction was not just a slogan for Mr. Massey. In the early 90’s he was the first in the industry to offer a money back guarantee. He believed that if you told the customer you were going to do something, you did it; if not, they deserved their money back. He was accessible to any and all customers who contacted Massey Services with a concern…and elected to keep his telephone number public.
The Importance of Giving Back
An unwavering philanthropist, Harvey and Carol formed the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation in 2014 to solidify their commitment to being contributing members of their community. When asked why philanthropy is important, he would reply, “Philanthropy, at its best, is about caring, sharing, and giving back. When you think about it, aren’t these the attributes and qualities we all respect and admire?” He believed Winston Churchill said it best, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. In other words, you can’t go through life with catcher’s mitts on both hands…sooner or later you have to throw something back.”
Harvey’s faith was his compass that guided him in the right direction. Not surprisingly, his favorite saying was, “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.”
Harvey Massey was a renowned leader in the pest management industry and pillar in the community. He served on the Board of Directors of the National Pest Management Association and was the first Chairman of the Professional Pest Management Alliance. In 2018, he was awarded the Pinnacle Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry.
He also gave tirelessly of his time and expertise in the community and served on many boards including Board of Governors for Stetson University, Board of Directors of Pontifical Irish College of Rome, Italy, Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports, Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, and Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, to name a few. In recognition for his outstanding contributions, Harvey received countless awards included Mennello Museum’s Distinguished service award, Laureate in Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, Orlando’s Most Influential Citizen, Economic Development Commission’s James B. Greene award, the H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2016, he received the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans Award in Washington D.C.
Family
Harvey leaves a legacy of service, care, and accomplishments. He was a man known for his thoughtful leadership, drive, and compassion. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
