The Business of Cleaning

Edwin Eaton is back. The owner of I Pro Building Services — a three-time Inc. 5000 company — returns to share what it really takes to build a commercial cleaning business that runs without you. Edwin opens up about the systems and leadership structure that kept his company growing while he stepped away to care for his wife during her battle with stage four cancer. He also breaks down how he broke...

How do you scale a commercial cleaning company past $100 million—and set your sights on $300 million? In this episode of the Business of Cleaning Podcast , host Tim Clagg sits down with Adam Povlitz , CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems , to break down the strategies, leadership principles, and real-world decisions behind building one of the fastest-growing cleaning franchise systems in the industry. Fr...

What happens when a radio program director pivots into commercial cleaning just months before a global pandemic? In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast , we speak with Tom Riggs, Operations Manager at Interstate, about his unexpected transition from broadcasting to frontline operations leadership. After being laid off in 2019, Tom entered the cleaning industry with no prior experience...

Karen Denton, CEO and Founder of Karen’s Second Chance Commercial Cleaning Services, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming major health challenges to building a thriving commercial cleaning business. In this episode of The Business of Cleaning, Karen discusses the importance of mentorship, setting up your cleaning business the right way, and learning from early mistakes. She breaks down how...

We are pleased to present our Best of 2025 Conversations episode from The Business of Cleaning Podcast. This special edition brings together the most insightful moments, meaningful stories, and influential voices that shaped our discussions throughout the year. It reflects the evolving landscape of the commercial cleaning industry and the leaders who continue to advance it. In this episode, you wi...

In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast , host Tim Clagg sits down with Archie Heinl , CEO of Double A Solutions and Janitorial Manager , to unveil the official launch of JaniJobs —a powerful cleaning jobs app designed to solve one of the commercial cleaning industry’s toughest problems: staffing . Discover how JaniJobs , the newest janitorial staffing platform , is transforming how cl...

In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, host Tim Clagg sits down with Adon Rigg, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Clean Pro Growth Academy, to explore what it truly takes to excel in today’s cleaning industry. From his humble beginnings to becoming a respected industry leader, Adon shares powerful insights on mindset, continuous learning, and building a professional identity in sa...

Join host Tim Clagg on The Business of Cleaning Podcast as he sits down with Josh Melton , owner of Athens Cleaning Company and founder of The Six Figure Cleaner . In this inspiring conversation, Josh reflects on his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to building a thriving cleaning business, all while overcoming setbacks and shaping a leadership style rooted in purpose, resilience, and gra...

Behind every successful company is a story of courage, change, and purpose. This month on The Business of Cleaning podcast, we welcome an extraordinary guest whose career path took a dramatic-and inspiring-turn. Shari Cedar began her professional journey in the fast-paced world of television, where she served as an Executive Producer, including work on The Real Housewives of Atlanta . Despite the...

In this month’s episode of The Business of Cleaning, we’re joined by Jerry Flug of HRA Consulting Group. Jerry was working in the ministry when family illness forced him to look for new work opportunities. That's when he found the cleaning industry and bought his first company. Jerry walks us through his journey from growing, scaling, and eventually selling his business and becoming a business...

Mario Kelly, a 5th-generation Detroiter and Owner of Believe313 Cleaning, went from being homeless-with just $27 worth of cleaning supplies-to building a million-dollar cleaning company. In this powerful episode he discusses overcoming adversity, the importance of resilience, community involvement, and giving back.

In this month’s episode of The Business of Cleaning, we sit down with Sharon Cowan, CBSE, owner of Cleaning Business Consulting Group to discuss the steps you need to follow to sell your commercial cleaning company. Sharon is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and consultant with over 30 years of experience in the residential and commercial cleaning industry. As Chairman and President of Cleaning...

Rob Anspach, a marketing consultant and former carpet cleaning business owner, shares his journey from entrepreneurship to media. He discusses innovative marketing strategies that increased his average sale from $75 to over $500. Rob shares SEO, email marketing, and social media strategies designed to help commercial cleaning professionals attract more clients and stand out in a competitive market...

In this month's episode of The Business of Cleaning we talk with Nate Lucht, owner of Spotless Enterprise Corp, who shares his journey from various unfulfilling jobs to founding a successful cleaning business. Nate highlights the significance of employee relationships, retaining 90% of his employees, and the importance of mindset, systems, and documentation. Nate's philosophy centers on se...

Kendal St Louis, CEO of Ladnek, shares his journey from construction work to a successful commercial cleaning business owner in Trinidad and Tobago. Starting with a side hustle selling snacks, he transitioned to cleaning, growing from a solo entrepreneur to managing over 200 employees. Kendall explores the role of social media, particularly TikTok, has played in helping him build brand awareness a...

Dr. Ian Charlery, owner of A One Cleaning Services in the Cayman Islands, discusses his leadership journey, emphasizing empathy, accountability, and innovation. He transitioned to the cleaning industry after years of working as a police officer. Dr. Charlery highlights the importance of clear communication, continuous training, and employee support. He also shares his experience representing the C...

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our incredible BOC community. Join us in celebrating our top conversations of the year with our 'best of' episode. Stay tuned for more amazing content in 2025.

Wendy Dietzler, Senior Director of Events & Education for Trade Press Incorporated, emphasizes the importance of Building Service Contractors attending the Clean Buildings Conference on Tuesday, March 25th, and Wednesday, March 26th, in Baltimore, Maryland. The Clean Buildings Conference (CBC) and NFMT events unite building service contractors, in-house cleaning professionals, and facility man...

Bill Dunn spent decades in the wine and spirits business where he successfully recruited, hired, trained, and mentored future leaders. But his goal was to one day own his own company. Approaching his 50’s he took a gamble by pulling all his resources together and purchasing CNS Cleaning in 2021. CNS Cleaning now has over 1,000 monthly accounts and has tripled revenue since acquisition. Dunn emphas...

Ed Nichols, President of The ISSA Show North America discusses why this show is the premier trade show for the commercial cleaning industry, attracting over 600 exhibitors from 23 countries and nearly 13,000 professionals annually. This event acts as an industry barometer, displaying the latest products, innovations, and educational opportunities, and consistently aims to exceed expectations for b...

Matt and Greg Stowe have been with Octoclean since 1989 when their parents founded the business. They spent early mornings and late nights mastering the trade. Today, they oversee more than 60 franchise owners delivering services across Southern California and Arizona. Matt and Greg currently reside in Riverside, California.

Daryl Hicks, an expert in infection prevention and control, discusses the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection, especially during flu and COVID-19 seasons. He is nationally recognized as a subject matter expert in infection prevention and control as it relates to cleaning. He has written and published numerous articles in professional and healthcare related journals as part of his comm...

Jeff Carmon brings in millions of dollars in new business each year to Frantz Building Services. He also serves as a commercial cleaning industry consultant. He’s found that in order to achieve long lasting customers you have to develop customer loyalty. Jeff resides in Owensboro, Kentucky with his wife.

In 2002, Chris Mondragon immigrated to the United States from Mexico, seeking to earn money for his family and his college education. Recognizing the necessity of becoming a resident to access better opportunities, Chris undertook various jobs, including working as a chef, construction worker, car salesman, and ultimately, entering the cleaning industry. Despite facing numerous challenges, Chris h...

Since 1971, Dave Thompson has been a part of the commercial cleaning industry. Over his 50+ year career, he has witnessed numerous changes and advancements. Starting as a frontline worker, he moved into sales and eventually found his calling as a professional educator, operating the Academy of Cleaning Excellence.