Clayton Custodians Make Every Town Building Shine Before the Day Begins
From polished floors to sparkling bathrooms, custodians like Crystal Richardson help the Town of Clayton shine before anyone even walks through the doors. Their efforts often go unseen, yet they are essential to keeping Town facilities operating efficiently and welcoming for everyone who enters.
The Town of Clayton is proud to recognize National Custodians Day on Thursday, October 2. The day encourages communities to pause and acknowledge the role custodians play in supporting staff, serving visitors, and making sure public spaces function smoothly each day.
For Richardson, a typical day begins before most employees arrive and continues after they leave. She is part of a seven-member team that manages nearly a dozen buildings across the Town, balancing routine upkeep with unexpected challenges to keep every facility ready for staff and visitors.
“The importance of it is just to keep the buildings maintained. If you keep it up day to day, you will not really have a problem with making sure the buildings stay clean,” she said.
Richardson’s work goes beyond appearances. By keeping surfaces sanitized, floors swept, and spaces organized, custodians help maintain public health, prevent accidents, and allow staff to focus on their responsibilities without distraction. At the same time, residents and visitors experience a professional and inviting environment that reflects the Town’s commitment to care.
Much of the work happens behind the scenes. Richardson empties trash, disinfects surfaces, cleans tall windows, and addresses outdoor areas after storms. Her day can also include responding to spills, preparing meeting rooms, or addressing maintenance issues before staff arrive. On one occasion, she discovered a broken water fountain and quickly handled cleanup and safety precautions.
“To know that I did it and I know it is clean, that is all that matters at the end of the day,” she said, reflecting the pride custodians take in their work.
Beyond maintaining buildings, custodians build connections across departments. Richardson enjoys interacting with staff and visitors and learning about the many roles within the Town.
“It is pretty cool. You get to learn what everybody does. It is always kind of cool to get to know the different departments and everybody who works for the Town,” she said.
For more information about the Town of Clayton and its departments, visit townofclaytonnc.org.
