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Determining the potential success of your cleaning business involves assessing its alignment with the trajectories of already successful ventures in the same industry.
This article will present the story of Katie Pearse, a Canadian cleaning entrepreneur who achieved a million-dollar business within three years.
Additionally, the article will feature other entrepreneurs with equally inspiring cleaning business success stories.
Green Clean Squad: the million dollar cleaning business
In 2008, Katie was employed in web communications. Intrigued by online marketing, she dedicated her spare time to learning about the newest tools and tactics. Unfortunately, she couldn’t implement her ideas in her current role, prompting her to establish her own business to pursue her marketing aspirations.
Katie collaborated with a local cleaning specialist who managed the service aspect of the business. Together, they launched an Edmonton-based cleaning company named Green Clean Squad.
To achieve those results, Katie implemented unique strategies that were uncommon in the residential cleaning industry. Here’s what Green Clean Squad did differently:
- Mystery shopping: Katie introduced a mystery shopping program to assess the performance of her cleaners. Clients received a 50% discount on a cleaning if they provided a detailed evaluation of that day’s cleaners, and cleaners received a bonus for top ratings.
- Customer service: Katie consistently aimed to deliver an exceptional customer experience and went the extra mile whenever possible. This premium customer service was the reason the company could charge such a high hourly rate.
- Online quotes: Unlike most companies that visit potential clients in person to provide a quote, Katie believed in-person quotes were inefficient. Therefore, she developed a method to provide accurate quotes online.
Green Clean Squad’s 7-year cleaning success story
- 2008: Katie and her business partner initiated their venture in April, balancing their new endeavor with full-time day jobs by cleaning during nights and weekends. By May, the business was thriving enough that Katie resigned from her day job. Their first employee was hired in June.
- 2011: The business achieved its first million in sales.
- 2012: Katie and her partner implemented an employee benefits plan, which attracted better candidates and retained top performers on their team.
- 2013: The business generated $1 million in sales within that year.
- 2015: Katie increased investment in advertising, which led to a significant rise in monthly revenue from $80,000 to $115,000 within three months. That same year, Katie exited the business to pursue consulting and other entrepreneurial ventures, including Glisten Academy.
Read 7 more cleaning business success stories
Inspired by Katie’s story? Meet six of the most successful cleaning companies we know, and discover their paths to success:
- Karen Conchie transitioned careers by founding The Cleaning Ladies, which now provides employment to numerous professional cleaners. A significant factor in their success is the use of the Jobber mobile app to manage job details efficiently.
- Cleaning Ninjas services over 500 homes and offices monthly across more than 25 communities in Nebraska. Their success is attributed to their unique name, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional client service.
- Marianna’s Cleaning Co., a long-standing residential cleaning business in the Los Angeles area, nearly doubled its leads by incorporating online booking through Google’s Local Services Ads.
- My Cleaning Angel expanded its business by leveraging a cleaning website, online advertising, and excellent client communication. They have successfully hired 50 cleaners across various locations in Florida.
- Grace Reynolds founded Handmaid Cleaning as a single mother of two. She expanded the business with her husband Kevin by using house cleaning ads on Facebook. They also manage the American House Cleaners Association.
- Hope Cleaning improves their community by employing individuals from low-income backgrounds or challenging life situations. They build client trust through word-of-mouth referrals and a commitment to social responsibility and green cleaning.
- Irene Zibin’s eSunshine Cleaning offers green residential cleaning services. Irene streamlined her scheduling and invoicing processes by adopting Jobber, reclaiming her time in the process.
What’s the average cleaning business success rate?
68% of new businesses are projected to survive their first two years, though this rate declines to below 50% within five years, indicating that success requires effort and determination.
The cleaning industry is experiencing a 20% annual growth, as reflected in current trends. Demand is also on the rise, with 80% of households anticipated to utilize cleaning services by 2024.
If you don’t already operate one, now is the ideal time to learn how to establish a cleaning business in the residential market. Additionally, you can explore how to start a commercial cleaning business.
