Member Blog

Member Profile: Laurina Willie-Anthony

Jean Hanson — Thu, 07 May 2020 11:48:00 +0000

Name	Laurina Willie-Anthony
Name of your business:	Rina’s Magic Hands
When did you open your business?	2016
What services do you offer?	Residential cleaning, Airbnb turn down service, move in & move-out cleaning
Why did you start the business?	To become self employed and to grow a successful business
How many people are in your company?	Myself and occasionally a helper
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	The level of respect I get as a black woman; managing a small company. How much my clients value my work and how highly they speak of me.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Marketing and trying to expand my client base
What is the best part of running your business?	Knowing that I created a brand and it’s slowly blossoming
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I would have spent more time researching; prior to setting up my business
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Developing successful marketing techniques and becoming more familiar with social media platforms
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	Two years......penetration of the commercial sector with a focus on professional office buildings Five years..... over fifty accounts Ten years...... over a hundred accounts
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Research the market you want to penetrate and have some starting capital
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Just logged in after watching videos on YouTube
School - high school, college, technical school:	Bsc in management studies, with a focus on marketing
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Teacher & Medical biller and coder
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	No
Web Site:	http://rinasmagic.com
Email Address:	Lauri.will78@fmail.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	Coming soon

Member Profile: John Arboleda

Jean Hanson — Thu, 07 May 2020 11:48:00 +0000

Name	John Arboleda
Name of your business:	John's Cleaning Service LLC
When did you open your business?	I started my business back in 2013 with 1 client
What services do you offer?	Residential and commercial cleaning service, deep cleaning, spring cleaning, move in/out, construction clean up, after party clean up. Carpet cleaning Windows cleaning Disinfecting service Power washing service
Why did you start the business?	I started this business when I became a father. That was one of my motivations to start the business. Also, I have a passion for cleaning and I love doing it. When I came to this country 9 year ago, I started the business after my son was born; with only one client. Today, I have over 70 clients. I want to continue grow and I hope that with your help, I can take my business to the next level.
How many people are in your company?	4 people
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	Its hard to find good costumers.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	It's very hard running the business and working at the same time.
What is the best part of running your business?	When the schedule is set and you know where you need to go every day.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I wish I had registered my business from the beginning.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Website and marketing.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	To became a very trustworthy and recognized cleaning company around New Jersey.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Try to do a great job every time you clean your costumer house, no matter the situation. Build a relationship with your clients; its important that they get to know you and you get to know them.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Support and education.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Some college credits.
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	My last job was at a pizzeria, part time.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	When I became a father.
Email Address:	housecleaningsvc1@gmail.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	N/A

Member Profile: KUDZAI GOMBAKOMBA

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:06:00 +0000

Name	KUDZAI GOMBAKOMBA
Name of your business:	KG SPOTLESS, LLC
When did you open your business?	NOVEMBER 2012
What services do you offer?	RESIDENTIAL CLEANING Deep cleaning, move out/in cleaning, general maintenance cleaning, weekly, biweekly, customer tailored requests, post construction cleaning.
Why did you start the business?	As someone who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, I realized there was a need for residential and commercial cleaning services in my community. I enjoy providing excellent customer services to clients and providing that personalized service that each homeowner and business owner requires for their home and office.
How many people are in your company?	6
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	Customer loyalty has been the biggest surprise since I started the business. We have been able to retain over 90% of our customers for over 7 years, while also contracting with new ones. It goes to show that people will continue to do business with companies that provide consistent quality in their service. I am proud to say the numbers speak for themselves; that customer service and quality are my company's greatest strengths.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Employee retention is a challenge when it comes to running a cleaning business. Since my business involves closely interacting with clients and entering their personal spaces, I always want to make sure I work with individuals that are trustworthy, excellent communicators and hardworking. Unfortunately, it is difficult to retain someone with those traits, but when I do, I provide competitive salary, flexibility and treat them as partners and not employees. This strategy has allowed me to retain 1 full-time staff and 4 part-time staff.
What is the best part of running your business?	I never get tired of seeing the look on our clients' faces when they see the finished job. They are always impressed at how clean their homes or office spaces are after we finish. They really appreciate the time we take to clean every corner and the attention to detail.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	Not at the moment. Our client's are happy with our service. The reviews on Thumbtack speak for themselves. I work with my team to address any concerns that are brought to my attention and promptly work to resolve them. I use the feedback from clients to improve our services.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Expanding our service area. We currently service the greater Washington DC metropolitan area and are working to expand to reach areas 10-15 miles away from our current service area.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	In 2 years, our business will have expand to service additional areas. In 5 years, we will have a second branch office. In 10 years, we will have 3-4 branch offices that service different areas.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Treat clients as individuals, each client's needs are different and must be addressed differently. Always be honest and reliable, it will help to gain the client's trust and loyalty.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I read articles to help come up with ideas to improve my business. I also take some courses available to gain more experience and to stay up to date with the industry.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Master of Adult Education, University of Zimbabwe Certificate in Hotel and Catering Management, Malta School of Tourism.
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Hotel and Catering Trainer, Zimbabwe Ministry of Higher Education, Food and Beverage Cost Controller, Sheraton Hotel, Housekeeping Associate, NSP Cleaning Company.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	After over 20 years in the hospitality industry I realized I had a lot of experience and ideas that I wanted to implement for myself and decided to start a cleaning company.
Web Site:	http://kgspotless.wordpress.com
Email Address:	kgspotless@gmail.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	kgspotless https://www.facebook.com/kgspotless/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzai-gombakomba-9abb7457

Member Profile: Christine Izumi

Jean Hanson — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:32:00 +0000

Name	Christine Izumi
Name of your business:	Green Orchid Cleaning
When did you open your business?	April 2017
What services do you offer?	General maintenance cleaning Deep Cleaning
Why did you start the business?	I was tired of working for other people and I was already cleaning on the side to make extra money and decided to open my own cleaning business.
How many people are in your company?	Myself and one other employee
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	How difficult it would be to manage other people.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Coming up with a good system to follow and all the office work that comes along with running my business. Staying focused and consistent is a big problem for me. I feel like I don’t know what I am doing sometimes on the business end.
What is the best part of running your business?	Freedom to be flexible in scheduling so if I need to do things for my kids I can take off to do so.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	Yes. Pretty much everything! I would’ve made sure to have a system in place.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	I would like to get at least 10-15 more customers and hire 2-3 more people.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	2 years- I would like to be making $60-80,000 and have 3 to 4 teams of 3 people. 5 years- making 6 figures and have adequate staffing and have company vehicles. 10 years- Sell business, retire, and travel the world!
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Take the time to hire the right employees. Don’t take the first person that shows up for the interview. Take your time and check references. When you quote someone stick to your guns on price. Don’t be afraid to walk if they are not willing to pay your price. Be a kind boss but don’t let your employees walk all over you. Give praise when they are doing great and be helpful when things aren’t so great.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Not sure yet I just signed up!
Email Address:	greenorchidcleaninglv@gmail.com

Member Profile: Krystal Jones

Jean Hanson — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:00:00 +0000

Name	Krystal Jones
Name of your business:	Krystal Clear Cleaning Service LLC
When did you open your business?	September 2016
What services do you offer?	We offer all natural residential and commercial cleaning services as well as carpet cleaning.
Why did you start the business?	I've always had a passion for cleaning, seeing that I grew up in a household where both of my parents were in the cleaning industry. I always wanted to start my own business and give back to the community.
How many people are in your company?	3
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	The biggest surprise that happened which is in my favor, is that my hard work and determination paid off. I am a profitable business and I am not in debt. I did all this without proper knowledge of what I was getting myself into. So I had to do my research and with the help of your resources, I have came so far and learned so much! The bad and the ugly is the hiring process. I cannot find reliable workers which in return is burning me out. So I am currently researching on becoming better and finding better help. Which in return, will turn into good for me as well!
What is the toughest part of running your business?	The toughest part is the hiring process for me right now. I can't find reliable candidates.
What is the best part of running your business?	The best part, is meeting new people and being able to help with their housecleaning needs. I really love making people smile and when were finished they are smiling ear to ear. I also love the fact that I am making more money than I have ever made working any job!
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I would have changed the fact that I procrastinated a lot and I held myself back with my own doubts and fears. Other than that, everything I went through good and bad was everything I needed.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Implementing better training programs and holding my first annual client appreciation party!
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	In 2 years, I see my business expanding with 4 more teams. In 5 years, I want to possibly franchise. In 10 years, I want to be the biggest cleaning service in Milwaukee, WI.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Please do not doubt yourself, you are here for a reason! Follow your heart and if you fall, get yourself up and try again! Only you can stop you from being great and research as much as possible. Stay investing in your brand and you will get far.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	It has helped tremendously with the hiring process. I wasn't sure what paperwork I needed and you guys have it all in one hub.
School - high school, college, technical school:	I attended Bayview High school and graduated in 2007. I attended Bryant & Stratton College and graduated in 2010 with an Associate's Degree for Applied Science in Medical Administration
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	I have a lot of customer service experience.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	I was homeless with no job and had to provide for my 2 boys.
Web Site:	http://www.krystalclearcleaning.net
Email Address:	krystal@krystalclearcleaning.net
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	Krystal Clear Cleaning Service LLC (Milwaukee, WI) Facebook krystal_clear_cleaning Instagram

Member Profile: Sarah Tindall

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:07:00 +0000

Name	Sarah Tindall
Name of your business:	Peachy Clean in the Valley
When did you open your business?	November 2019
What services do you offer?	Residential Cleaning Services: - Deep Clean - Initial Clean followed by regular weekly/bi-weekly/tri-weekly/monthly cleanings - General or one time clean - Move-In Clean - Move-Out Clean - I also have ala carte services that can either be done alone or added to any of the cleanings listed. Commercial Cleaning is limited to light cleaning of small offices right now.
Why did you start the business?	I enjoy being of help to others and I love to clean. The instant gratification cleaning provides is a great boost to a person's well being. Combine that with knowing that I am helping someone else and I can make money doing it, was an ah-ha moment for me.
How many people are in your company?	1
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	I'm not even a month in yet so I don't really know how to answer this question just yet.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Right now, it's figuring out how to get my website up and running. It's all Greek to me and I'm having to learn as I go.
What is the best part of running your business?	I love that I am able to have more time with my family and can home school my daughter. She has ADD and was falling behind in school and no one within the school; be it her teachers or the administration, seemed to care. I too have ADD and I know how difficult it can make things and to add the lack of concern or care from her school infuriated me. I was an insurance agent and working 60+ hours a week and felt like I was never home and so much was falling apart. I'm hoping that starting my cleaning business will prove successful so that I can have a better work-home-life balance.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I would have planned better before starting just so that I could have already gotten my website up and going and have my procedure for quoting down.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Hopefully hiring some folks to help out with the large client base I plan on having.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	2 years, I would say having a few cleaners on staff and securing my presence in my service area. 5 years, having around 8 additional cleaners on staff and beginning to expand my service area. 10 years, my goal is to no longer be cleaning but rather solely managing the business and beginning to outsource duties while continuing to be the face of my business and enjoying continued steady growth.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	I'm in no position to give advice yet.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Right now I'm still trying to figure that out. The forms and calculators have been a tremendous help so far and I'm trying to find the time to dig deeper into the content on the site.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Some college
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	I was/am an insurance agent in Georgia and Alabama licensed in property, casualty, life, accident and sickness.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	I spoke on that above.
Web Site:	http://www.peachycleaninthevalley.com
Email Address:	sarah@peachycleaninthevalley.com

Member Profile: Corinna Pohl

Jean Hanson — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:07:00 +0000

Name	Corinna Pohl
Name of your business:	Conny's Services
When did you open your business?	2013
What services do you offer?	House Cleaning, Janitorial, Post Construction Cleaning and House Sitting for regular clients
Why did you start the business?	I was in a bad money crisis after my divorce and needed to make money to help me get back on my feet. A friend also needed help after her accident and wanted to pay me for house cleaning. I realized this was not about money, it was about helping people in need. I helped her and she helped me. The majority of my clients need my help, and if I am in need, they are there to help me as well.
How many people are in your company?	4
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	After quitting my regular job, I thought things would be pretty slow getting clients, but I actually hit the ground running since July 31st 2018. I have asked many clients where they found out about me and 90 % say neighborhood websites and Facebook. Other people are doing the advertising for me.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Keeping my financial records in order since I am still in the field. I finally have an accountant.
What is the best part of running your business?	Meeting new people.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	No, I am still learning the ups and downs.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	I would like to employ people instead of subcontract out for help.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	In 2 years, having enough employees so I don't have to be in the field cleaning anymore. In 5 years, earning enough revenue to actually "look forward" to retiring in ten years, and have someone run the company for me.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Never think of cleaning someone else's homes or business as a low level job. Always think of it as; "your help is needed". Clients appreciate your help. And while you are cleaning for a lawyer or someone that does advertising, or something you might need help with, they are most likely willing to help you as well. Once I take on a client, they become part of Conny's Services family. Never think about cleaning as "I am only doing this for money" or your company will fail. Money comes on its own if people like you and the work you do.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I love that you have everything I need, such as forms and providing advice about things such as pricing jobs. Your advice on the websites helps so much. Thank you very much!
School - high school, college, technical school:	High School
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Cleaner, Store Worker Business Owner: Conny's Party with Zumba Fitness as Zumba Instructor
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	Just myself
Web Site:	http://www.connysservices.com
Email Address:	connysservices@gmail.com

Member Profile: Steve & Carlene Pierce

Jean Hanson — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:07:00 +0000

Name	Steve Pierce
Name of your business:	Life Maid Easy LLC.
When did you open your business?	1968
What services do you offer?	Residential cleaning service, maid service, window cleaning
Why did you start the business?	My wife was working for the largest building contractor in our town and I felt that we could do this together
How many people are in your company?	At this time, 18 employees
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	The biggest surprise was how much we were needed in our community
What is the toughest part of running your business?	The business pretty much operates on it's own because of the systems we have developed and hiring good employees
What is the best part of running your business?	Meeting so many people and learning to trust employees and clients over the many years
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I truly enjoy every part of operating our business
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Perhaps advertising more to attract more clients
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	Our constant growth will be our biggest joy
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	This has not been the easiest business, but it has been the most satisfying. Enjoy working with our employees and our clients
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Constantly referencing to the many articles and posts from the members
School - high school, college, technical school:	Graduated in 1961 from Gardiner High School, Gardiner, Maine
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Managed a large supermarket for 4 years, served 7 years in US Army, and grew up working in our family grocery market
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	My loving and understanding wife Carlene
Web Site:	http://lifemaideasy.com
Email Address:	lifemaidez@live.com

Member Profile: Victoria Rowles

Jean Hanson — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 20:42:00 +0000

Name	Victoria Rowles
Name of your business:	Sanctified Cleaning Services
When did you open your business?	March 2018
What services do you offer?	Residential, Real estate, and AirBnB/Vacation rental cleaning.
Why did you start the business?	To get away from my government job and work with my husband so we could leave a legacy for our children.
How many people are in your company?	2
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	Everything took off faster than we expected.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Knowing what to do- I feel so lost most of the time.
What is the best part of running your business?	Knowing what it COULD be in the future.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I would have educated myself and started off on a stronger foundation for growth from the beginning.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Systems for budgeting, customer intake, cleaning, and eventually hiring and training.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	In 2 years, I would like to have tripled our income and have 6 employees. In 5 years, I would like to have begun 1-2 other cleaning businesses with offices in the 2 neighboring counties, and in 10 years, I would like to be doing something completely different altogether, while living off business profits.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Learn not to be afraid very quickly and learn to recognize a comfort zone when you land in one, they're evil.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	Just signed up!
School - high school, college, technical school:	GED after 10th grade; some college for family therapy but never finished.
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	I used to be a hairdresser, a home health aide, and a postal clerk.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	I ended up pregnant less than a year into my marriage and we knew our lives needed to change if we were ever going to be happy.
Web Site:	http://www.sanctifiedcleaning.com
Email Address:	Sanctifiedcs@gmail.com

Member Profile: Cintia Leone

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 07:01:00 +0000

Name	Cintia Leone
Name of your business:	House Bliss Cleaning
When did you open your business?	2016
What services do you offer?	Post-Construction Cleaning Move-in Move-out Vacation Rental Turnover House Cleaning -Green Cleaning
Why did you start the business?	I started my business for my mother, who has been a house cleaner for about 15 years. She convinced me to help her start a residential cleaning business. We identified that across the board, the cleaning industry in Boston was dominated by franchises and big companies offering "hit-and-run" services with high price tags to cover high overhead, often associated with large business administration and cleaners who are earning slightly more than minimum wage. On the other side of the spectrum, I identified hundreds of solo-cleaners, many of them that don't speak English, and undercharging for their services, cutting costs using low-quality cleaning products and exposing their helpers, who clean about six to seven homes a day, using acutely toxic chemicals. They bring in helpers that have no prior cleaning experience or training, and in some cases, without any background checks. Most of them don't carry insurance or bonds and they also experience a high turnover rate. Of course, I also identified a very few small business delivering sustainable employment opportunity, responsible hiring practices and five-star service to customers, and that's the company we aim to be.
How many people are in your company?
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	In the beginning, was difficult to get clients. But once we started to get client recommendation, started a website, and joined some groups for networking, clients started to find us. Pricing is still sometimes difficult to explain. Many people want services and only look at the price; that would not allow us to be a sustainable business.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	For me, it's finding work-life balance. I spend a lot of hours online looking for opportunities to network in groups, answering questions in forums, and participating in Facebook groups relevant to my business. As well as organizing the business, writing a manual, website content, marketing, etc. Not to mention that I still visit my clients from time to time, or if my staff is out.
What is the best part of running your business?	I love to improve my processes, please clients, work on marketing, and all the "creating part" of being an entrepreneur. It's fun work for me. Not to mention I love the instant gratification on a clients faces when their home is clean (you know, those before and after pictures)?
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	Nothing I can think of
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Implementing more training material, including a manual. More feedback session with employee / evaluations, etc.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	Next 2 year scale and double our client base. 5 years, being the number one provider locally. Being known as the "influence" for the cleaning providers in my area. From 6 to 10 years, exit strategy, sell the business.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Start with a soundproof business plan. Always get legal consulting first, properly set up your company (LLC. or Corp.), get insurance.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	The resources are a great way to work on my business documentation.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Some college / no formal business education.
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	In 2005 I started a language school. I started with a small group who I met with twice a week, to teach English. A few years later, I had a fantastic team of teachers, academic manager and operations running a six-classroom school in Boston. We applied for accreditation and received the federal approval to enroll international students on a student visa (F-1). In 2014, I accepted an offer I could not refuse, and excise my exit strategy, selling the school to a leader in the education industry.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	My life story started with a humble upbringing in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I discovered my entrepreneurial desire at age 12 counting a cash drawer full of cash after I sold homemade iced popsicles. I still remember that caramel and coconut were a hit and sold out in just a few hours after I hanged a handwritten sign on the entrance of the house. At that point, I was determined not to allow my circumstances to dictate my future. I knew somehow I could change my future and learned that success was the result of hard work, creativity, and a positive attitude.
Web Site:	https://houseblisscleaning.com/
Email Address:	hello@houseblisscleaning.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	https://www.instagram.com/houseblisscleaning/ https://twitter.com/HouseBlissClean https://www.linkedin.com/in/cintialeone/

Member Profile: Frederick Rollins

Jean Hanson — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:36:00 +0000

Name	Frederick Rollins
Name of your business:	Rosa's Maid Service
When did you open your business?	May 23, 2016
What services do you offer?	All cleaning services, power washing, window cleaning,
Why did you start the business?	No one likes to clean, most don't want to pay, the industry is booming if you apply good customer service.
How many people are in your company?	Between 1 to 4. Trouble keeping good workers
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	High turn over with employees.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Finding and keeping good hard working workers that are young.
What is the best part of running your business?	When the client sees the finished product.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	No.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Floor scrubbing machines, buffers.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	2019 will be my first year advertising in the phone book. Up until now it has only been word of mouth and I keep a steady supply of clients.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	For young people I would say the cleaning industry is a very good industry to get into. Low start up. Two years before I retired from teaching, I began to stock up on mops, buckets, cleaning supplies, and anything else I could use for cleaning. I also began to study the cleaning industry and learning as much as possible about how to clean properly and quickly.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	MHCB has been a big help with paperwork.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Masters Degree
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Cleaning 4 story library, internet supply company and many local customers just to mention a few.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	No.
Email Address:	fdrollins@hotmail.com

Member Profile: Amanda Uhde

Jean Hanson — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:19:00 +0000

Name	Amanda Uhde
Name of your business:	Happy Cleaners
When did you open your business?	2009
What services do you offer?	residential cleaning, move in and out cleanings, condo cleaning, cottage cleaning, rental cleaning. I am an sole proprietor from Canada with 4 employees and 100 regular rotation customers
Why did you start the business?	cleaning is in my blood, my mother ran a cleaning service for 30+ years before i took over
How many people are in your company?	5
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	employee turn over!
What is the toughest part of running your business?	hiring and coming up with new marketing ideas
What is the best part of running your business?	independence
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	taking classes in leadership
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	marketing, growth and new promotions
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	still going strong!
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	stick with it and ask for advice if you need it!
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	the articles are always very informative and i look forward to using the tools and forms available
School - high school, college, technical school:	some college
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	store clerk then this
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	my mother
Web Site:	http://thehappycleaners.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	facebook.com/thehappycleaners

Member Profile: Jessica DeCandia

Jean Hanson — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 07:41:00 +0000

Name	Jessica DeCandia
Name of your business:	You Have it Maid
When did you open your business?	2012
What services do you offer?	Residential cleaning
Why did you start the business?	I am a single mom so I needed something that I could make my own schedule and still be able to provide for my boys.
How many people are in your company?	4
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	There is a big difference in someone wanting these services and needing
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Actually charging what I am worth rather than what's affordable for people.
What is the best part of running your business?	Being able to literally change lives!
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	Have better prices
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Trying to patent the cleaner I have created that is 100% all natural and cleans literally anything! Hiring more team members, trying to donate services to seniors
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	Selling the cleaner or at least keep it exclusive and continue cleaning for seniors perhaps start a non profit
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Raise your prices
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	It's my go to for anything business related
School - high school, college, technical school:	High school
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	The most amazing Bartender!
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	Yes. My boys and I were in a domestic abuse shelter for 30 days about 8 years ago. I had to leave that place and do what I had to do to raise and care for my boys alone. we have no other family here. So it's what I did to make sure my babies ate!
Web Site:	http://www.youhaveitmaidcleaning.com
Email Address:	Jessica@youhaveitmaidcleaning.com

Member Profile: eliane gebhart

Jean Hanson — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 08:16:00 +0000

Name	eliane gebhart
Name of your business:	POWERDUST CLEANING SERVICE
When did you open your business?	SEPTEMBER
What services do you offer?	RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING, MOVE IN/OUT, POST CONSTRUCTION, SUMMER RENTAL PROPERTIES CLEANING
Why did you start the business?	I HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 20 YEARS
How many people are in your company?	JUST MYSELF FOR NOW
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	HOW HARD IT IS TO SET UP THE CLEANING BUSINESS
What is the toughest part of running your business?	PROPOSALS
What is the best part of running your business?	MEETING NEW PEOPLE, NOT HAVING A BOSS
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	NO
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	ADDING CARPET/WINDOW CLEANING
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	I WOULD LIKE TO HIRE UP TO 5 PEOPLE TO HELP
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	CLEAN AS YOU WOULD CLEAN YOUR OWN HOME!
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	PROPOSALS, TRAINING INFORMATION, CLEANING TIPS
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	LACK OF GOOD PAYING JOBS
Email Address:	egebhart@aol.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	none yet

Member Profile: Janice Kober

Jean Hanson — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:06:00 +0000

Name	Janice Kober
Name of your business:	Janice H Kober DBA ChoreBusters, LLC
When did you open your business?	2007
What services do you offer?	Property Chores - Inside and Out Any chore around your home or building, we can help.
Why did you start the business?	We started in 2007 after a builder bought my in-laws farm land. We had tractors mowing the lands and he offered us outside work for the new homes he built. We began with outside work then cleaned the newly constructed homes. The builder went bankrupt 2 years later owing us $7K. We were forced to enter residential work to survive.
How many people are in your company?	up to 6 part-time employees in the summer
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	Employees, I have dealt with employee's for 20 yrs in food and beverage. Cleaning employees are very similar, but I am still amazed at how few potential employees are out there.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Budgeting, keeping the budget to fit the income.
What is the best part of running your business?	Independence, flexing my schedule as needed.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I never searched out other cleaning owners or even thought about a cleaning coach for the first 10.5 years in business. Should have thought about that long before 10.5 yrs.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Automation
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	I am striving to have a business I can manage while visiting the National Park systems during "retirement".
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Be true to yourself, be genuine with your interactions ---> AUTHENTICITY! By being genuine and true to yourself the result will be consistent and your clients will know what to expect.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I do not use this site to its full potential. I know this is my mistake. I need to poke around lots more.
School - high school, college, technical school:	High School Diploma
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Fd & Beverage for 30 years. Groomed as a city trainer for major restaurant chain, managed people over 20 yrs.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	I got really tired of working every Holiday and weekend.
Web Site:	https://www.chorebustersllc.com
Email Address:	JHKober@ChoreBustersLLC.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	Facebook - @chorebustersllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-kober-50b80753/

Member Profile: Deborah Crowley

Jean Hanson — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:34:00 +0000

Name	Deborah Crowley
Name of your business:	Exclusive Cleaning Services
When did you open your business?	2015
What services do you offer?	Residential and Commercial Cleaning specializing in move in/move out apartments. You need multiple streams of income plus I also offer legal and identity thefts services for individuals and small businesses. www.legalshieldassociate.com/hub/dcrowley39
Why did you start the business?	I knew that this was part of my journey. A great small business always starts out as an idea, but I transformed that idea into action. Like any big goal, if you start by breaking it down into smaller tasks, you'll be able to tackle enough of the actions necessary to get started. I just started researching the cleaning industry, met with mentors and also met with a business coach. I developed my business plan and started learning more about business. Somehow people were placed in my path to help me begin this journey. As well as My House Cleaning Biz...I stumbled on this website and I had all the answers I needed. :) Simply put...It was time! After working for corporate for over 25 years, I knew it was in my heart to build an empire. I had obtained management skills by watching other executive leaders but found it really came down to managing my own business. I supported tons of charity organizations by donating thousands to different charities throughout the years (Special Olympics, Family Tree, Make A Wish, Adopt A Family, and more). It was time to continue providing a service that will continue to help others.
How many people are in your company?	12
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	People Energy and Effort Time Freedom Financial Freedom Gratitude Decision Making
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Staffing Meeting Payroll Balance
What is the best part of running your business?	I enjoy helping people. If I could take away some of the stress of daily living from single parents, seniors, young parents, working class individuals, it would mean the world to me. This is why I do this business. I was one of those individuals and it was hard maintaining a family as a single parent and raising two children and trying to keep a healthy and safe environment while working two jobs and school. I make sure my prices are affordable and we provide free cleanings for seniors and cancer patients (partnering with Cleaning for A Reason).
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I think I would have maybe taken more classes in management and human resources.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Better staffing, more training, and more social media presence.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	I am truly looking to expand in 5-7 years in other states.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	I think the most important advice is think more about your business and your business growth. As business owners we sometimes lose ourselves in the daily issues of our staff, and sometimes it is totally draining after you have supplied all the resources to make their lives better. My main issue was letting someone go because I perceived the individuals as having potential; meanwhile, they were destroying my business.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	MyHouseCleaningBiz.com has been a tremendous help. I thought I was all alone until I joined the organization. I would read a lot of the blog comments and I was amazed that everyone was having the same issues as myself. The training's and support are amazing. I don't know where I would be without their assistance in the cleaning industry. I have created a board to advise me on the business industry; however, My House has truly guided me through the path of success in the cleaning industry.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Barringer High School University of Phoenix Personal Development Courses consistently...
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	I have always worked in corporate America: McDonald's Corporation, Rutgers University, Easter Seals, Xerox Corporation supporting GM Legal (Management, Customer Complaint Coordinator, OnBoarding Management, Charity Coordinator, Model/Modeling Instructor, Class Instructor). My other company is Legalshield, and this is an amazing company as well. I am presently a director with this company but still working on my own terms, generating income as a resourceful funding for my cleaning business.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	I was truly tired of working for others. I always knew that I was going to open my own business, I just did not know when. I was working in corporate America and I was truly frustrated with all the tasks and burdens put upon me. I literally got out of my desk chair, walked around, looked over 300 people and said I will never see these individuals again. I went back to my desk and started packing. Within two weeks, I left corporate America and started my own business. It took a lot of faith and courage; however, I succeeded and started my journey in the cleaning business.
Web Site:	http://exclusivecleaningservices.co
Email Address:	crowleydeborah@yahoo.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	https://www.facebook.com/iexclusivecleaning https://www.instagram.com/iexclusivecleaning https://twitter.com/iexclusiveclean

Member Profile: Jorge Leiva

Jean Hanson — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:20:00 +0000

Name	Jorge Leiva
Name of your business:	Bee Maids
When did you open your business?	2009
What services do you offer?	Residential Cleaning
Why did you start the business?	My wife and I started this business in 2009 as a way to look for extra income and flexibility for my wife to spend more with our little ones.
How many people are in your company?	11
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	Well, at first we thought that cleaning homes was just about cleaning. Our belief that by providing a quality cleaning each and every time, we were going to grow really fast and we were wrong. There are many other factors in place besides cleaning to operate a grow a healthy cleaning company.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Education is key. We discovered this the hard way. No matter what we do in life we always have to be educating ourselves.
What is the best part of running your business?	We love the flexibility that the business provides, the daily challenges and rewards.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	We would have invested in educating ourselves even before we started the business.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Improving marketing, SEO and our processes.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	In 2 years we see ourselves working smarter and achieving more of what we have done in the past. In 5 years we definitely want to be as absent as possible and in 10 years we want to be able venture in other businesses without abandoning our cleaning company.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	Education is key as I mentioned before. Before, during and every time. I find myself learning more now than in my previous careers. and I love it!
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	We come here to find answers to common questions, to find answers to daily struggles that could happen to anybody else.
School - high school, college, technical school:	My wife and I were born in Colombia, so the major part of our education was there. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Architecture. I also have a degree in Bilingual Education from University of Saint Thomas. My wife is an accountant in Colombia. so obviously she is in charge of the numbers in our company!
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	I was a planning chief for a small town in Colombia I had a design office in partnership with a fellow architect. I work as a bilingual teacher for 13 years. I also tried to start a photography business and my wife and I tried to start a bookkeeping company which of course weren't successful. My wife work in the financial industry in Colombia and here she worked for a food broker as an account executive.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	We have always wanted to be entrepreneurs. I have always though that in corporate America we are just another piece of the puzzle that can be replaced whenever. We didn't want that for ourselves.
Web Site:	https://beemaids.com/
Email Address:	info@beemaids.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	https://www.facebook.com/beemaids/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bee-maids https://twitter.com/beemaids

Member Profile: Corinna Pohl

Jean Hanson — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 09:31:00 +0000

Name	Corinna Pohl
Name of your business:	CONNY'S SERVICES
When did you open your business?	I started in 2012, unofficially and named my business in August 2017
What services do you offer?	Maid Service, Post Construction Cleaning, Janitorial and House Cleaning/Sitting.
Why did you start the business?	I went through a bad divorce and one of my best friends noticed how financially strapped I was due to the divorce. She asked me if I could help her clean her house once every two weeks, and she would pay me for it. She had problems doing it by herself because she was still recovering from a bad car accident. After that I started cleaning at the studio where I would workout and kick box as a trade for payment to be able to keep working out. One of my kick boxing partners thought I did a really good job cleaning, so she asked if I would be interested in cleaning the office building she worked at. I first wanted to say no, but instead decided to meet up with her and do a walk-through. I am still cleaning this place and now that I've became licensed, insured and bonded, I have been getting clients left and right for move-outs and maid services. I hired two more people but do not want to grow so big that I can't control the business. For me, it is all about quality of work; not quantity. I do however want to be able to have financial freedom and be able to quit my other job.
How many people are in your company?	2 people; one is paying for college and the other just needed a job.
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	I think my biggest surprise is the amount of referrals by just word of mouth.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Still having to work at my regular job because they don't want to see me go.
What is the best part of running your business?	Scheduling my own time. If I need to take time off, I can do so because I have people that can step in, and financially, it keeps getting better. I just purchased a brand new car.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	I don't think I would have done anything differently. It is all about patience and not try to out grow myself. Slow and steady. Like I said before, quality not quantity.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	Would like to do more janitorial and post construction jobs. I think that is where the money really is.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	I want to leave behind a legacy for my children and grandchildren.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	My advice to others is don't clean because you think you have to. Clean because you know someone needs your help, and you are more than happy to help them. There is no shame in the game. Always smile!
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I have seen MyHouseCleaningBiz.com on YouTube and liked how easy it was to navigate pricing quotes. I also have Clean Guru, but I am getting very frustrated with it. I also like the offerings of literature about running a cleaning business.
School - high school, college, technical school:	High School
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Retail, Military Housing Cleaning, Travel Industry (Airline Accounting, Tour Bus driver in Europe, Travel Agent in Europe and USA)
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	My girlfriend helped me out financial during my divorce
Web Site:	http://connysservices.com
Email Address:	connysservices@gmail.com

Member Profile: Laura Erwin

Jean Hanson — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:01:00 +0000

Name	Laura Erwin
Name of your business:	Suds In A Bucket
When did you open your business?	2011
What services do you offer?	Residential and commercial cleaning
Why did you start the business?	I lost my job after my daughter had a major surgery and my company made me make a choice between staying home with my 14 year old daughter or my job. I chose my daughter and opened a cleaning business after she healed. I helped my sister in law in high school cleaning office buildings.
How many people are in your company?	2
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	The good is; some of my clients I got when I first opened are still with me. The bad is; some clients don't know how hard it is to do the cleanings by yourself.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	Finding dependable employees.
What is the best part of running your business?	Some of my clients treat me like I am family.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	There are some things that I did in the beginning that I wish I could have changed.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	I have done more marketing. I hope to get busier; to branch out and hire more people.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	Big enough so i can sit in the office booking appointment, doing bids, and answering the phones, and having my girls go out and do the jobs.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	No matter how much you don't want to clean a messy house .... always have a smile on your face.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I just started to use this. I am hoping it will teach me to do bids better.
School - high school, college, technical school:	High School and Technical School
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Customer broker Receptionist Business owner
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	My daughter
Web Site:	http://sudsinabucket.net
Email Address:	laura@sudsinabucket.net
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	/www.facebook.com/SIAB.Texas/

Member Profile: Rena Holman

Jean Hanson — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:53:00 +0000

Name	Rena Holman
Name of your business:	Apartment Prep Service
When did you open your business?	September 2017
What services do you offer?	We offer move in/ move out cleaning service for mostly apartments and some residential.
Why did you start the business?	We are real estate investors and entrepreneurs. We understand the need for this type of cleaning in this field. We offer a quality cleaning service that targets apartment buildings, condos, student housing, etc.
How many people are in your company?	From the offset; 2.
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started?	The potential for this type of service in this area. We serve Syracuse, NY and the surrounding suburban areas. There is tremendous potential for growth, employment opportunities and service in the housing market.
What is the toughest part of running your business?	The toughest part of running this business at this stage is getting started and learning all that's needed to be successful.
What is the best part of running your business?	The best part is knowing we are not just for profit but we also fulfill a real need in the real estate market.
Is there anything that you would have done differently?	Not yet. Ask me in about 6 months from now!
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?	The most important thing I will be adding is people. Giving people an opportunity to earn a decent living.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years?	I see the business established so that the next point person can take this vision and run with it.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back!	The advice I could give to others; having been an investor since 2003, is to stay focused. We are a husband and wife team. Keep your eyes on the goal. You will achieve your dreams.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business?	I am hoping to access many different forms and lots of wisdom. No need to reinvent the wheel.
School - high school, college, technical school:	Yes; 4 years of college. Graduate with a degree in Psychology.
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses?	Accounting, bookkeeping, preparing taxes and real estate.
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself?	Oh yeah; I married an entrepreneur.
Email Address:	ausbyrrebecca@gmail.com
Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc):	Not yet- coming soon!