Member Profile: Sandy Bollo Valdicieso
Your Name: Sandy Bollo Valdicieso
Name of your business: Shore Naturals
When did you open your business? January 2008
What services do you offer? We offer Eco-Cleanings for residential customers mostly. We use natural and Green Seal certified cleaning products and professional equipment. Our vacuums use HEPA filters and provide better indoor air quality. We are happy to provide healthy cleanings to our clients.
Why did you start the business? I was a stay-at-home mom and wanted to keep my schedule flexible to be there for my family while doing something productive that pays, during school hours. I have ADHD and have learned so many ways to stay organized, de-clutter and keep areas cleaned, that are a perfect match for this business. I learned many years ago how to "speed clean" with Jeff Campbell and I feel very at ease cleaning - professionally.
How many people are in your company? Mostly me and sometimes one employee
What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started? How hard is to find and train good employees. That has been my biggest obstacle.
What is the toughest part of running your business? Wearing all the hats! I can't wait until I have a good employee that I can delegate the cleaning and start focusing on the business side and grow it!
What is the best part of running your business? I love that we make a difference in our clients lives! Coming back to a clean home gives you so much satisfaction and lifts a heavy weight from my clients shoulders.
Is there anything that you would have done differently? Not underestimate the business part of it. Staying in this business is hard! I see so many cleaners with a full schedule charging half my price, not being professional and using cheap cleaners or equipment. It is frustrating and sometimes gets me down... but I know I provide better service and I give my best every time and my clients appreciate it.
What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business?
I will partner with my neighbors. Sharing the work and responsibility load will
be a great thing.
I will producing a TV commercial with the local NBC station.
And I have as a goal to be able to go to the ARCSI convention in 2011.
Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years? In two years with 5 employees and busy. More than that is hard to picture just yet.
What advice could you give others and please don't hold back! This is not as easy as it looks! To do it right you have so many expenses that make it hard to compete with trunk slammers. Although you do try to differentiate your business from them, you will find people that rather be cheap and it makes it hard to go on. But with any business at least 3 years to see success... give yourself the time to get there.
How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business? I love this website. I keep up to date with the industry, download forms that save me LOTS of time to run my business in an organized manner. And take advantage of discounts that are promoted in the website. And the forums! They are so great for specific questions.... and to know you are not alone!
School - high school, college, technical school: College degree in BA in Tourism - Management
What are some of your prior jobs or businesses? Management positions in other service industries (auto and hotels)
Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself? No. I just do better doing things on my own, leading and taking charge of my life.
Website: http://ShoreNaturals.com
Email Address: [email protected]
Your Social Network Links:
http://www.Facebook.com/ShoreNaturals
http://www.Twitter.com/SandyBollo
http://www.linkedin.com/in/SandyBollo
