| 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: |
[email protected] |
| Your Social Network links (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc): |
https://www.facebook.com/iexclusivecleaning https://www.instagram.com/iexclusivecleaning https://twitter.com/iexclusiveclean |
