Member Profile: Deborah Crowley
| Name | Deborah Crowley |
| Name of your business: | Exclusive Cleaning Services |
| When did you open your business? | 4/2013 |
| What services do you offer? | We provide residential and commercial cleaning. |
| Why did you start the business? | I love helping people, and it was time for me to open my own business. I had a cleaning business before with two partners and it was a nightmare. I started doing my research by going to a business plan class to find fundings, and obtained a business coach to find that I had all the skills already. However, I needed to hear other opinions and advice. I started looking for an office space, and I found the perfect location. I truly believe that the business will create more jobs and assist others with their daily activities throughout the day. |
| How many people are in your company? | I currently have 8 employees; however, I have hired 32 employees since I have been business. |
| What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started? | The biggest surprise is the human resource piece. Keeping employees has been a major challenge for me. As well as, customers for the commercial business paying for service in a timely manner. The good part is I am helping young mothers and families gain their stability back. I try to mentor the employees and keep them positive. Sometimes, I think that is my downfall because I care too much. |
| What is the toughest part of running your business? | Keeping good employees and making the customers happy. As someone mentioned in your blog, we can't please everyone. My mentor told me that all business is not good business. Of course, the financial aspect of the business can be a little tough. |
| What is the best part of running your business? | I love the independence of having your own. It is a great challenge for me to make my company successful. I strive on positivity and strength. I have come a long way through my journey, and I am at the point of no return. I am constantly working on personal development. My strong reason why overcomes the obstacles that I face, and my "WHY" is dedicated to my two sons. I want to do this for them so that we I can leave a legacy. |
| Is there anything that you would have done differently? | Lean more about pricing and quotes. |
| What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business? | I will be adding more clients and more dependable employees. I would like to stand firm in a system for the office and create a culture of happiness in our office environment. |
| Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years? | My goal in five years is to expand my location and provide services to more commercial locations. I want this business to be a household name. |
| What advice could you give others and please don't hold back! | I would say to do your homework before you open a cleaning service. Understand your demographics, and your customer needs. Most importantly be able to say "No" to clients that can take you out of business. Be coachable and willing accept the challenges that will come. There will be a lot of them so prepare yourself. Don't get caught up in your employees life style it will take you on another journey. I am learning to step away from issues that are not mine. Be firm with you payroll process. Don't be afraid to ask people for your payment for services rendered. They do not hesitate to call you to complain. |
| How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business? | I read your blogs and tips. I pass on the information to my site coordinator as well. It amazed me that cleaning business owners are going through the same headaches as I am. It helped me to cope with my daily tasks. I have ordered the training videos as well. |
| School - high school, college, technical school: | Barringer High School and Rutgers University |
| What are some of your prior jobs or businesses? | I have worked in corporate America for over 25 years, and I learned management styles. Also, I have learned how to treat employees. |
| Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself? | Yes, we are so conditioned to the work world environment and making others rich. Someone tells us when we can eat, when we can go on vacation, when we can go to the doctor, and most importantly how much we are worth and we accept it. I just don't want to experience that type of environment anymore. |
| Web Site: | http://exclusivecleaningservices.co/ |
| Email Address: | [email protected] |
