In the first in an ongoing series featuring past Torch Award recipients, the BBB’s 
National Center for Character Ethics is pleased to shine a spotlight on The Basement Doctor.


If the majority of your customers are in a bind at the moment they seek out your assistance, it would be very easy to take advantage of the situation. Price according to the level of desperation. Up sell whether it was necessary or not.

For over two decades, The Basement Doctor has worked to establish its reputation as the industry leader in wet basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, foundation repair, mold prevention and clean up, drainage solutions and basement finishing. 

But even more important to the company’s leaders: not just WHAT they do, but HOW they do it. The Basement Doctor’s reputation and performance leadership in the areas of customer service and satisfaction very purposefully distinguish it from many other companies.

A 2007 BBB Torch Award recipient, and a runner-up in 2006, The Basement Doctor’s reason for entering the competition a few years ago echoed the principles and values of The National Center for Character Ethics. 

According to Ron Greenbaum, vice president of The Basement Doctor, “We’re committed to conducting ethical and moral business practices. We wanted to recognize our employees for their contribution to our ongoing commitment to fair and honest business practices.”

Among the business practices reinforced on a daily basis at The Basement Doctor, the company focuses heavily on:

• Treating employees, suppliers and competitors with respect. 
• Selling products and services in a truthful and professional manner. 
• Striving to always provide customers with 100% customer satisfaction. 
• Continually raising the bar of integrity, innovation, responsibility, community involvement and industry leadership.


There was ample evidence of positive employee relations and business practices demonstrating The Basement Doctor’s business integrity—from the thousands of testimonials of satisfied customers to complimentary feedback from vendors, suppliers and the general public. Numerous awards and recognition from industry, trade associations and the community for their business, civic and social involvement.

Three years later, the 2007 Torch Award still serves as a constant reminder to the company’s employees and management that The Basement Doctor’s reputation was built by a daily adherence to its longstanding policy of doing the right thing. 

“Our staff knows we’re here to create a drier, cleaner, healthier, more energy efficient home - not to blindly sell products. And no matter how tough it is economically, we always find ways to stay involved with community events and causes.”

To reinforce its EthicalEnterprising initiatives internally and with customers, the management team at The Basement Doctor plays an intentionally active roll. Greenbaum explained, “We get hands on.” 

The ownership directly coaches every department of the company – from the customer service center and installation crews to bookkeeping and benefits administration. 

All employees know their actions have consequences for homeowners, coworkers and the health of the company. And, the staff recently participated in the Center for Character Ethics’ EthicalEnterprising Survey, generating an overall average rating of a respectable 3.9 out of 5.

The Basement Doctor incorporates a “trust wrap,” into its marketing, leveraging the trust that they’ve gained over the last 20 years in the community to expand its brand. 

“Having won this type of award, and receiving an award that has a lot to do with trust, is very meaningful to us.”

Ron’s advice to leaders of other companies that want to infuse the EthicalEnterprising spirit into their organization? 

“Create an ethical code of conduct for your company. Explain the code of conduct to all new hires and have them agree in writing to honor it. Then treat all employees, suppliers, vendors, competitors, customers and the general public with respect.” 

Learn more about The Basement Doctor at mybasementdoctor.com.