Talking Clean in a Dirty World

Ever see someone toss a floor scrubber down the stairs, then watch it snap back together like a Lego and keep on cleaning? Turns out, there’s a whole new breed of rugged cleaning tech out there—and it’s not just about durability. What if the secret to spotless, odor-free restrooms and long-lasting LV floors was ditching the mop altogether… and upgrading to something smarter? There’s a reason one s...

What if the biggest threat to your cleaning business wasn’t a missed spot or a broken machine—but something hidden right under your nose every day? In this episode, Claudia and Dave spill the real behind-the-scenes challenges that even seasoned pros rarely talk about. From the unexpected chaos of a roof leak to why “clean” doesn’t always smell the way you think, and the surprising legal risks lurk...

Ever wondered what really happens when you give cleaning pros more than just a quick handshake with vendors? At these 2026 Triple S showcases, they're flipping the script—one vendor, one focus, and a real chance to dig into the nuts and bolts of how cleaning actually transforms public health (and, honestly, bottom lines). But here's the kicker: you'll hear about the surprising numbers behind why c...

You’ve been told that if you hand your team a checklist and tell them to “be consistent,” your cleaning business will start delivering flawless, reliable service every time. But all that’s gotten you is a pile of missed details, frustrated clients, and a growing sense that you’re stuck putting out fires instead of building trust. Let’s get real: there’s a better way to create consistency and keep...

Jeff Carmon, CBSE - Manager, Member Services, Elite BSC, has over 40 years of experience in various industries, including 10 years with Frantz Building Services, and is now with Elite BSC. Jeff's professional experience spans multiple industries, including natural gas, ministry, healthcare management, and commercial cleaning. He has spent the past decade specializing in business development within...

Ever heard these myths about getting leads for your home cleaning business? Myth #1: You need to be everywhere on social media to get found. Myth #2: Only big cleaning companies can compete on Google. Myth #3: Google reviews don’t really matter unless you have hundreds. I’m about to spill the truth behind these beliefs—and trust me, it’s not what you think. Stick around, because I’ll break down wh...

If you're feeling frustrated that despite offering competitive pay and running endless hiring ads, your best cleaners keep leaving and clients are slow to trust your team, then you are not alone! If you've put in long hours training new hires, only to watch them walk out the door before they ever become part of the “family,” then you are not alone! Charlie Ramshaw is the owner of RamClean, a busin...

Claudia Goddiess is an immigrant and entrepreneur, and the owner/creator of Apex Building Services, a commercial cleaning company based in Clinton, NJ.  Claudia came to this country as a teenager, knowing not a word of English, and has worked her way up to become a college graduate and a successful business owner. With over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Claudia launched her busi...

With a background that stretches from sweaty summer lawn jobs to making big moves in the flooring industry, Sean DeVore has seen just about every angle of building a career from the ground up. He grew up surrounded by hard workers and picked up early on the importance of discipline, setting goals, and sticking to personal basics—think tidy presentation, a solid work ethic, and never shying away fr...

Rosario is the custodial director at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he oversees daily operations and leads a team responsible for maintaining clean and healthy facilities. His experience includes managing both unionized staff and vendor partnerships, as well as handling challenging situations such as winter snow removal in the Northeast. Rosario holds a Master’s Green Technician certif...

Do you want to land those dream clients and finally break out of the “hamster wheel” in your cleaning business? Imagine being recognized for your expertise, leading a crew that operates smoothly, and securing the kind of contracts that make your competitors envious. I’m sharing exactly how you can dial in on the right customers, build genuine relationships with decision-makers, and specialize in s...

Are the disinfectants you're using doing the job you think they are?   This episode was recorded live during the 2022 Rock Stars of Cleaning virtual conference, sponsored by GEM Supply. Professor Greg Whitely has been a paramount figure in the Australian cleaning and hygiene industry for over 45 years. Professor Whitely leads one of the country’s predominant disinfectant sterilant manufacturers. H...

Jerry Flug is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, having started as the owner of a BSC with 12 employees and successfully growing the business to over 250 employees. Learn about BSCAI and what it has done for Jerry and continues to do. Discover the latest commercial cleaning industry trends to stay ahead of the competition. Learn the essent...

Did you know that facilities managers spend only 18% of their time on improving cleaning and quality, despite claiming it as their top priority? Join us as Javier starts the conversation by uncovering the disparity between what is said and what is done as the panel explores the impact of restroom cleanliness on building perception and employee happiness.  Javier Caurta is a seasoned facilities man...

Discover the unexpected personal ambition driving a janitorial business coach. Find out why his personal bucket list goal for the year is more than just a vacation. It's a heartwarming story of resilience and hope. Stay tuned to learn more about the man behind the coaching expertise and the inspiring journey he's embarking on this year. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering the Phases of...

Watch and listen as we discuss Citra Shield, a spray-and-walk-away solution that removes algae and biological growth without the need for constant pressure washing. I'm joined by Joe Macomber, Don Tracy, Javier Caurta, and Bobby Zagers to learn how using Citra Shield can extend the cleanliness of surfaces for months, reduce maintenance costs, and provide a safer alternative to harsh chemicals. Tun...

Have you heard these myths about custodians who prioritize cleanliness and effective communication in educational institutions? Myth 1: Custodians only focus on picking up trash, not deep cleaning. Myth 2: Custodians are not actively involved in maintaining hygiene standards. Myth 3: Custodians often lack proper communication skills. In this episode, our guest Mike Ward, along with Bobby Zagers, w...

My special guest is Mike Ward, author of the book, "Who Swings Your Mop" and creator of the Rock Star Custodian. Today we're joined by Mike Ward, a seasoned veteran in public education with an impressive 33-year-long career. Having started as a frontline custodian, Mike gradually climbed the ladder, occupying roles from head custodian to administrator of custodial and maintenance departments. His...

Every time you do ATP swabbing, you should do two swabs on the same surface. With every ATP swab, there's a 20% chance that the swab is wrong by a factor of two. But if you use two swabs, that frequency of failure rate becomes less than 1%. Suddenly you've lifted your likelihood of good data to a much higher level. - Dr. Greg Whiteley   Does this sound familiar? You diligently clean and sanitize y...

Dr. Greg Whiteley, Javier Caurta, Don Tracy, and Bobby Zagers unravel the complexities of cleaning biofilms. Discover the significance of understanding the variables involved in cleaning, from choosing the right method to utilizing appropriate materials. Gain insights into the resistance capabilities of biofilms and the importance of proper training in healthcare settings. Uncover the challenges f...

Renowned disinfectant expert Dr. Greg Whiteley exposes the dirty truth of bio-based cleaners, as he separates effective disinfectants from imposters, revealing the crucial guidelines manufacturers must navigate for compliance and safety. In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the complexities of bio-based disinfectant regulations within the U.S. context. Dive deep into the interplay of FDA...

When the camera is SUPPOSED to be OFF!  What happens?  Here is your first look! Join Javier Caurta as he takes a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, immersing himself in the soulful sounds of jazz and indulging in the delectable flavors of Louisiana. Don't miss this thrilling, after-show, adventure filled with music, history, and more. In this episode, you will be able...

Do you want to improve the safety of your disinfection practices and find a better alternative? Our guest, Bobby Zagers, will reveal a solution that will lead to enhanced surface disinfection while minimizing toxicity. He will share the key to achieving a safer environment without compromising effectiveness. Get ready to discover the path toward a result that ensures both optimal cleanliness and r...

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to choose a Building Service Contractor (BSC) based solely on their price. However, this ineffective action often leads to subpar results and a never-ending cycle of disappointment. The pain you're feeling is the constant frustration of dealing with an unreliable and underperforming BSC, which ultimately reflects poorly on your facility's reputation. It's...

Join host Dave Thompson and his guests, the tech-savvy Javier Caurta, the industry insider Bobby Zagers, and the efficiency-driven Don Tracy, as they uncover the irony of the cleaning industry's resistance to technology, delve into the need for WiFi-enabled chips to revolutionize efficiency, and explore the central conflict of staying competitive in a fast-paced world on this episode of, Talking C...