Catherine Schrader McCann is an esteemed CEO, entrepreneur, and board director with over three decades of experience in building and scaling businesses across multiple industries. As the co-founder and CEO of Best Companies, a diversified enterprise in New York’s Capital Region, Catherine has been instrumental in growing the organization from a small dry-cleaning business to a multi-division enterprise with $10M in recurring revenue. Best Companies encompasses several businesses, including Best Cleaners, Best Restoration, EmilyGrace Gown Preservation, and Best Logistics and Transport, covering industries from garment care and bridal gown preservation to logistics and disaster restoration. Catherine’s strategic leadership saw the company weather the COVID-19 pandemic, despite an 89% drop in revenue, and she led its expansion through organic growth and acquisitions.
One of Catherine’s signature achievements is the growth of Best Restoration (CRDN) into a leading player in disaster recovery for homeowners, specializing in the restoration of textiles, electronics, and artwork. With a focus on operational efficiency, Catherine oversaw a team of 75 employees and a fleet of 20+ vehicles, delivering $6M annually. She also launched Best Logistics and Transport, providing last-mile delivery services for corporate giants like Amazon.
Catherine’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond Best Companies. She co-founded the McNulty Veteran Business Center in 2018, a non-profit organization focused on helping veterans and military spouses transition into civilian life by supporting them in launching and growing businesses. Through networking, entrepreneurial training, and one-on-one counseling, she has played a crucial role in transforming ideas into successful ventures. Her commitment to fostering new businesses has made a profound impact on the veteran community.
Catherine also co-owned and consulted for America’s Best Cleaners from 2014 to 2021, a high-end garment care consultancy focused on driving excellence and operational improvements in the dry-cleaning industry. As a partner and consultant, she motivated over 20 business owners to elevate their leadership and business strategies, resulting in successful business turnarounds and industry growth. Her efforts in organizing conferences, educational retreats, and industry events reinforced her status as a thought leader in the garment care space.
Before launching her entrepreneurial career, Catherine held executive positions at AT&T, where she served as Chief Financial Officer of Global Sales and Director of Sales for the Northwestern USA. In her global role, she oversaw sales teams across Canada and internationally (excluding the U.S.), managing relationships with major global businesses and delivering $2B in annual revenue. Her financial and sales acumen was instrumental in implementing compensation and sales plans that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion across global teams.
Catherine is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Women Presidents Organization, where she has been a member for over 10 years, and the Forum for Executive Women, where she is a current member. She is also involved with Capital District Local First, Green Business Bureau, and the Dry-cleaning & Laundry Institute. Catherine has served on several boards, including the McNulty Veteran Business Center and the Watervliet Business and Technology Partnership, where she chaired finance, audit, governance, and fundraising committees. Her community service and leadership have been recognized by organizations like the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, where she previously served as a board director and executive committee member.
Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 1988. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for entrepreneurship, team building, strategic planning, and organizational governance. Her dedication to building businesses that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and community engagement makes her a highly respected leader in her industry.
Character: Catherine Schrader McCann is a resilient and adaptable leader who successfully navigated her businesses through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of experience, Catherine possesses extensive expertise in strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and business development across diverse industries.
Strategic: Catherine’s strategic vision transformed Best Companies from a single dry cleaning business into a $10 million enterprise with multiple divisions through acquisitions and organic growth.
Communication: A skilled communicator, Catherine effectively builds relationships with stakeholders and inspires teams while also being a sought-after speaker in professional organizations.
