A true entrepreneur, Todd Kollar founded Commercial Grounds Maintenance with a partner in 1997 before purchasing his partner’s share three years later. As CEO, Kollar employs and manages between 12 and 60 people, depending on the season. In advance of winter, he acquires the heavy equipment needed to fulfill CGM’s service contracts, recruits experienced operators, updates the storm response plan, and organizes the crews and routes for the entire company.
Last winter, when Peoria was hit with heavy snowstorms, Kollar and his crew worked tirelessly to remove snow from important lots while the city slept. Because of his extensive planning, CGM was able to lend a hand to other snow removal companies, as well as the City of Peoria, when they could not keep up with the weather.
For the past eight years, Kollar has been involved with the St. Jude runners’ reception dinner at the Peoria Civic Center, and currently serves as the event’s co-chair. He is responsible for preparing the food donated by vendors, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring the event runs smoothly. He coordinates more than 50 volunteers and organizes the feeding of up to 3,000 runners and their families, which all takes place in less than an hour.
On Sunday evenings, Kollar can be found providing meals for up to 60 homeless men through the Salvation Army’s Safety Net program. He donates products and services to the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate and Holy Family Church and School through CGM. Under his leadership, CGM has received numerous Orchid and Iris awards from Keep Peoria Beautiful for their efforts in site beautification and landscaping of their property.
In addition to his professional and volunteer commitments, Kollar is a devoted husband and father who still finds time to be an active member of the Mack Bicycle Racing Team, Peoria Bicycle Club and Illinois Valley Striders. He is committed to doing his part to ensure the community is an inviting place to live and work. iBi