Filthy Rich Cleaners: The Cleaning Business Podcast (ZenMaid)

Ever wonder how much money cleaning business owners actually take home? In this Q&A episode, Stephanie reveals exactly how much she's personally earned from her cleaning company over six years—down to the penny—and why it's more than most people think.

 

Plus, get practical answers to your burning questions about everything from the $500 insurance claim that saved thousands to pricing strategies that won't scare off clients. Learn why Stephanie pays herself from day one (despite contrary advice) and the real-world trade-offs between time freedom and higher profits.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The exact revenue numbers from Serene Clean How to handle price increases without losing clients Getting more Google reviews with a clever field strategy Essential insurance coverage you'll be thankful for Pricing formulas that ensure profitability from day one

 

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

 

• Profit First money management system
• ZenMaid booking forms
• Google Voice and phone systems
• Workers' compensation insurance

 

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

In this powerful episode, host Stephanie Pipkin sits down with Carolyn Arellano, owner of Spotless Cleaning and The Cleaning Business Mentor, for a raw conversation about the mental toughness required to build a successful cleaning business.   Learn how Carolyn transformed from an anxiety-ridden college graduate with crushing debt to a thriving entrepreneur, and learn why the right mindset is your most valuable asset when building your cleaning empire. Both owners share vulnerable stories about their early struggles and the lessons that shaped their success. Key Takeaways:

• How to develop business confidence when you're starting with zero experience
• Why having a mentor can save you years of costly mistakes (and how to find the right one)
• The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and how to handle stressful situations
• Why your business won't grow if you keep reacting emotionally to every challenge
• How to maintain focus when constant distractions are literally part of your job
• The importance of persistence when you're tempted to quit

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group
• The Cleaning Business Mentor
• Spotless Cleaning Service
• "Think and Grow Rich" book
• Melissa Maker's cleaning business resources

  Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-19/

Ready to get a fire lit under you? Liz Trotter shares her journey from managing a struggling dry cleaning business to becoming a successful cleaning company owner, and how mindset was the key difference between failure and thriving.   Liz shares the story of her brother's remarkable transformation from decades of homelessness to becoming a multi-millionaire. Learn the powerful "TIDY" method for handling conflict, and uncover the five daily practices that can completely transform your cleaning business and life.   Key Takeaways:

• Why your mindset is the primary bottleneck in your business
• How to use past trauma and difficulties as fuel instead of weight
• The four-word formula for defusing any customer conflict
• Why price increases rarely get the pushback you fear
• Five daily practices for creating business success
• The power of celebration in building momentum

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Software: Loved by 3,000+ Maid Service Owners
• Alex & Layla Hermosy's YouTube: Youtubeyoutube.com/@AlexandLayla
• Atomic Habits by James Clear: Jamesclear Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
• Core Profit Builders: Home Core Profit Builders 1
• Not Another Cleaning Group: Facebook

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Wondering how to get your foot in the door with commercial cleaning clients? Mark Lineberry from My Clean Pivot joins Stephanie to share his journey of growing a commercial cleaning company from $600,000 to $1.8 million in just two years - without websites, emails, or any digital marketing.   Mark gets real about cold calling, networking, and how to convince building managers to give you a shot even with zero experience. He also shares embarrassing walk-through mistakes (like insulting a prospect's floor work!) and practical pricing strategies that won't leave you guessing or underbidding.   Key Takeaways:

• How to target specific niches and position yourself as an expert
• Walk-through strategies that turn prospects into clients
• Pricing methods for janitorial and specialty floor care services
• Hiring and retention tactics that build a reliable team
• Smart ways to enter the commercial market without previous experience

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Mentioned in this Episode:

• My Clean Pivot: https://mycleanpivot.com
• ISSA Training: https://www.issaonline.com/
• CMI Programs: https://learning.issa.com/product_bundles
• Mark's free resource hub at mycleanpivot.com/filthy-rich-cleaners

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Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Initial cleans taking twice as long as expected? No signed agreements in place? Client expectations spiraling out of control?? In this episode, we dive into three critical mistakes that can derail your cleaning business and the exact systems you need to prevent them.   Learn how to calculate clean times, what checklists protect your profit margins, and the essential policies every cleaning business needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to tighten up your operations, you'll get practical solutions to problems every cleaning business faces.   Key Moments: [00:00] - Intro [02:15] - Understanding initial cleans and production rates [08:46] - Standard scope of work and checklists [13:19] - Business guidelines and policies [17:51] - Employee documentation and protection [20:12] - Final tips and wrap-up   Mentioned in this Episode:   ZenMaid for GPS tracking and scheduling: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Sign Request ($8/month for e-signatures): https://signrequest.com/ Cleaning Tech Bootcamp: https://rescuemymaidservice.com/cleaning-tech-bootcamp-affidctbzm/ SereneClean's consulting: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/   Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/   Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-08/

Want to know how to build a cleaning team that stays for 6-9 years? Meet Maria Dorian, who grew her Austin cleaning company to 36 staff and 320+ clients before selling it. Now running a successful VA company from Spain, she shares her proven approach to hiring, training, and building an unshakeable company culture.   From her rigorous 191-question training test (requiring 93% to pass) to mastering the art of the working interview, discover battle-tested strategies for building a high-performing cleaning team that sticks around - with three staff members even following her to new ventures.   Key Takeaways:   The PAID UC core values system for hiring and culture How her intensive training program filters out unmotivated candidates Working interview secrets that reveal true character How to win unemployment claims (she won 16 out of 17!) Creating a culture so strong, policies develop naturally Tips for documenting everything properly from day one   Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Software
• Task Away VA
• The Four Disciplines of Execution (book)
• ZenMaid Facebook Mastermind group

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Stephanie answers your most pressing concerns pulled straight from listener comments, social media, and the ZenMaid Mastermind.   From her take on drug testing staff to creative childcare solutions for your team, get practical ideas for handling call-outs in a solo cleaner model, managing hourly rates when estimates go wrong, and building a business that's approaching $1.5 million in annual revenue after nearly 6 years.   Key Takeaways:

• How Serene Clean provides childcare support
• The right way to handle pricing when cleanings take longer than expected
• Why Stephanie doesn't drug test cleaning technicians (and why you might choose differently)
• Creative strategies for handling call-outs with a solo cleaner model
• Budget-friendly alternatives to hiring expensive coaches when you're just starting out
• The importance of weekly team meetings for building company culture

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group
• ChatGPT
• Checker background check service ($12.50 per check)
• Department of Justice background checks (Wisconsin, $7 per check)
• Cleaning for a Reason program

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Tired of seeing cleaning businesses marketed as an "easy passive income stream"? In this episode, Stephanie busts the myth that you can build a successful cleaning company without getting your hands dirty.   With real talk from someone who built a $1.4M company from scratch, learn why knowing how to clean yourself is crucial, why quality control matters more than fancy marketing, and why rushing to hire managers too early can sink your profits.   Key Moments: 0:00 - The passive income myth 5:30 - Why owners should know how to clean 12:45 - The problem with rushing to hire managers 18:20 - Quality control and training challenges 25:10 - Employee vs. IC debate 32:15 - How Serene Clean maintains a 0.7% complaint rate 42:30 - When business actually becomes more passive   Mentioned in this Episode:

• Cleaning Tech Bootcamp (Courtney Wisely): https://rescuemymaidservice.com/cleaning-tech-bootcamp-affidctbzm/
• ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
• Serene Clean's training system: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

 

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/   Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-5/

Is your cleaning business one OSHA violation away from financial disaster? In this eye-opening episode, Stephanie reveals why business ownership means constantly defending against threats — including her own company's unexpected legal battle.   Learn the costly insurance gaps many cleaning businesses overlook, why your cleaners' unauthorized product use could trigger $20,000 OSHA fines, and how a surprising discrimination lawsuit targeting cleaning companies could affect you (even if you're doing everything right).   Key Takeaways:

• Essential insurance coverage every cleaning business needs (and the gaps most owners miss)
• Why proper vehicle insurance documentation from employees is non-negotiable
• OSHA compliance requirements for cleaning products that could save you thousands
• How job listing wording could lead to discrimination lawsuits (even if you don't discriminate)
• Practical steps to protect your business from common legal and financial threats

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) requirements
• OSHA compliance for cleaning businesses
• Cleaning Business Insurance Guide
• ZenMaid Software

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Meet Stephanie Pipkin, your host and owner of Serene Clean. In this first episode, she tells the story of how she started her cleaning business at age 22 with just a flyer and a hope to make some side income. Today, at 28, her company makes $1.4M in revenue, and she runs it from Savannah, Georgia while her team operates in Wisconsin. Stephanie gets real about all the ups and downs - from her first employee ghosting her (and crying about it) to managing hundreds of cleaners at a military base during the Afghan refugee crisis. She talks about what it's really like to run a cleaning business, including dealing with problem employees, building a solid team, and creating a company culture she's proud of.   Key Moments: 0:00 - Who's Stephanie and what's Serene Clean? 2:13 - Life before cleaning (waitressing and office work) 6:42 - How a YouTube video changed everything 11:00 - First employees - the good, bad, and ghosted 24:30 - Making it through COVID 32:59 - The huge Fort McCoy project 39:57 - Why she's starting this podcast 46:04 - What actually works when starting out 52:17 - How the business runs today   Mentioned in this Episode: Profit First Clean My Space YouTube Channel ZenMaid Software QuickBooks   Want to make your cleaning business run smoother? Try ZenMaid free for 14 days at https://app.zenmaid.com/sign-up Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-1/

Stephanie shares two recent personal encounters that left her feeling unsafe, and connects these experiences to the vulnerable positions cleaning staff face daily—an issue too often ignored in our industry.   From isolated workers in clients' homes to uncomfortable encounters with customers, learn why having a clear safety protocol isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential. Stephanie breaks down the exact steps Serene Clean takes to protect staff and how to respond when a cleaner signals they're in danger.   Key Takeaways:

• How to establish safety protocols that actually protect your team
• Why situational awareness training is critical for all cleaners
• Step-by-step response plan for when a cleaner feels unsafe
• How to use the new ZenMaid SOS button effectively
• Communication tactics to help extract cleaners from dangerous situations

Mentioned in this Episode:

• 7 Must-Know Cleaner Safety Tips: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/cleaning-business-safety-tips/
• How to Keep Your Cleaners Safe Video Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKNv3RA90aU&t=608s
• ZenMaid SOS Button feature: https://get.zenmaid.com/
• Staff Safety Reminder template: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yUvXO_ggbvv1L36h2_WsGUQ6Q8agGxJv/view?usp=sharing

 

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Meet Simone Angell, who turned her dream of helping busy moms into a booming luxury housekeeping company. As a single mom of five, she started House Mom Home Services in January 2020 - right when COVID hit. Instead of letting that stop her, she used it to her advantage and built something amazing.   Today, her team doesn't just clean houses - they run entire households, from folding laundry to meal prep to organizing. In this juicy conversation, Simone spills all her secrets - like why she fires clients who don't fit (even wealthy ones), how she handles people who try to steal her staff, and the exact systems she uses to keep quality sky-high. If you've ever dreamed of building a premium cleaning service that charges premium prices, this episode is pure gold.   Key Moments: 0:00 - Introduction & House Mom's origin story 4:15 - Navigating business growth during COVID 8:30 - Creating a family-friendly workplace culture 15:45 - Building a luxury service model 22:10 - Managing client expectations and communication 35:20 - Handling challenging situations professionally 42:50 - Training and quality control systems 49:30 - Future growth plans and expansion strategy   Mentioned in this Episode:

• House Mom Home Services: https://www.housemum.com/
• Google Docs: https://docs.google.com/document/
• ZenMaid Software Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/

  Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-2/   Find out how Simone Angell was able to build a six-figure home services business with ZenMaid: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/simone-angell-zenmaid-story/

What happens when your entire cleaning staff quits at once? In this compelling episode, Stephanie interviews Michelle from Sparkling Homes Cleaning, who rebuilt her $50,000/month business from ashes after a mass employee walkout.   Discover how Michelle turned disaster into opportunity by streamlining her hiring process, creating a family-like team culture, and building a thriving business with loyal staff who've stayed for years since the walkout of 2021.   Key Takeaways:   How to rebuild after losing nearly your entire cleaning staff at once Transforming your hiring process to attract quality "A-player" team members Creating genuine bonds that turn employees into loyal family Why cleaning business "forest fires" can clear the path for stronger growth Strategic approaches for handling client relationships during staffing crises Building a workplace culture that inspires long-term loyalty   Mentioned in this Episode:   Sparkling Homes Cleaning (Minnesota) ZenMaid Software   Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Tired of clients trying to haggle your prices or push your boundaries? In this candid episode, Stephanie shares three recent examples of when and how to stand firm in your cleaning business decisions.

From turning down a $2,000/month client over a suspicious contract demand to learning a $20,000 lesson about saying "no" to accounts outside your service area, discover why protecting your business boundaries is crucial for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Why you shouldn't cave to discount demands (even for "guaranteed" contracts)
• Red flags to watch for in commercial cleaning contracts
• The true cost of saying "yes" when your gut says "no"
• How to respond professionally when clients try to negotiate your prices
• Real examples of setting and maintaining business boundaries

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Software
• ZenMaid Facebook Mastermind group

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

From starting with "just a mop and a caddy" as a single mom to running multiple successful service businesses, Cheryl shares her incredible journey building Made Bright in Boston. In this candid conversation, she spills the real talk about client theft accusations, difficult customers taking down Christmas trees during cleanings, and how she and her husband turned a $25,000 power washing investment into a thriving second business.   Whether you're dreaming of starting a cleaning business or already in the trenches, Cheryl's honest stories about employee drama, client expectations, and work-life balance will make you feel less alone - and give you practical tips for growing your own empire.   Key Moments: 0:00 - Cheryl's journey from single mom to business owner 8:45 - Managing expectations with first-time cleaning clients 15:30 - Horror stories: theft accusations and problem customers 28:15 - Adding power washing services and scaling up 35:40 - Finding balance as an entrepreneur 42:20 - Tips for husband-wife business partnerships 48:15 - Building a supportive company culture for working moms 55:30 - The future of the cleaning industry   Mentioned in this Episode:

• Sisters Who Scale Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sisterswhoscale/
• Drop the Mop and Scale Program: https://www.sisterswhoscale.com/store
• E-Myth Revisited (Michael Gerber): https://bit.ly/4g3DBvU
• Extreme Ownership (Jocko Willink): https://bit.ly/4g7ouBB
• ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/   Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-4/   Dive into the story of how Cheryl Hajjar Added $75k to Annual Revenue With One Maid Service Tool: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/cheryl-hajjar-case-study-zenmaid/

In this powerful episode, host Stephanie Pipkin welcomes Katrina Johnson and Tameka from Tenacity Clean for an intimate conversation about building a cleaning empire from the ground up. Their story takes us from bankruptcy to building a thriving cleaning business and coaching academy. Hear their raw insights about losing $180K in accounts, managing partnerships, and maintaining resilience through tough seasons.   Mentioned in this Episode:   Tenacity Academy (https://www.tenacityacademy.com/) ZenMaid (https://get.zenmaid.com/) Cleaning For A Reason (https://cleaningforareason.org/) Upcoming Workshop in Savannah (January 25) March 29 Operations Workshop (link)   Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!  Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Meet Vanessa Higgins, who transformed her corporate marketing career into a thriving cleaning company in Atlanta. From building an inclusive company culture to managing a successful Airbnb cleaning division, Vanessa shares practical insights on running a modern cleaning business. Learn how she creates winning employee incentive programs, manages a multilingual team, and built a sustainable Airbnb cleaning service. Whether you're transitioning from corporate or looking to scale your existing cleaning business, you'll get actionable strategies from someone who's been there. Key Moments: [00:00] - Introduction and Atlanta snow story [02:15] - Transitioning from corporate marketing [06:42] - Building strong company culture [13:19] - Managing multilingual teams [17:51] - Employee incentives and recognition [24:30] - Evolving Airbnb cleaning services [35:15] - Vetting vacation rental clients [42:20] - Finding and retaining quality employees Mentioned in this Episode: Clean Tu Casa Meetup.com for networking   Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Are you trying to offer every cleaning service under the sun? In this solo episode, Stephanie shares why she's officially breaking up with vacation rental cleanings after discovering they represent only 4% of revenue but cause significantly more stress and operational challenges.

Learn why mastering one or two services before expanding is crucial for success, how to recognize when a service isn't aligned with your business model, and why sometimes the best business decision is to say "no" to opportunities that distract from your core strengths.

Key Takeaways:

• Why spreading yourself too thin across multiple services hurts quality and profitability
• How to identify when a service isn't worth the administrative burden
• The importance of mastering your core services before expanding
• Why "getting deeper" with clients doesn't always mean adding more services
• How to determine what's truly causing revenue problems in your business
• When and how to gracefully cut services that no longer serve your business

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid's digital checklist feature
• Episode with Libby on organization services [LINK]
• Episode #2 with Simone Angell on specialized house management [LINK]

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog. [https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-24/]

After Hurricane Ian wiped out 400 customers in a single day, Libby DeLucien discovered something unexpected: slowing down was exactly what her business needed. In this candid episode, she shares how losing nearly a quarter of her company led to powerful lessons about sustainable growth and the importance of understanding your business "season."   Get ready for straight talk about rebuilding after disaster, why most companies try to grow too fast, and how to build something that can weather any storm. Whether you're pushing for growth or questioning your next move, this conversation will change how you think about success.   Key Takeaways:

• Understanding business "seasons" and when to stabilize
• How to add premium organizing services ($100/hour)
• Building systems before buying software
• Managing through natural disasters
• When to grow vs when to strengthen
• Creating sustainable operations

Mentioned in this Episode:

• WOOTRecruit Software
• Cleaning Tech Bootcamp
• Debbie Sardone Systems
• ZenMaid Software
• Upcoming Book: Operational Blueprint

  Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Stephanie rips back the curtain on a financial nightmare that kept her up at night during her cleaning business's slowest month. When her revenue numbers weren't matching expectations, digging into the real reason WHY the numbers were down helped her team solve the problem. In this episode, she shares what to look for when your revenue is down. (It's probably not the reason you thought it would be.)     Key Takeaways:

• How to identify when fear is clouding your business judgment
• Why tracking call-outs and attendance is crucial for understanding revenue fluctuations
• The danger of jumping to solutions before fully understanding the problem
• How to use AI tools as a free "business coach" when you don't have a mentor
• Why January and February are typically unprofitable for cleaning businesses
• The importance of building financial buffers for seasonal downturns

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid scheduling software
• ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Even excellent cleaning companies fail because of these three common mistakes. In this episode, Stephanie shares the costly errors she sees cleaning business owners make "all the time" - mistakes that force you to work harder and spend more money than necessary to attract clients.   Learn exactly what to do instead, from smarter scheduling strategies to leveraging free cleanings, and discover why Google reviews should be your top priority from day one.   What You'll Learn In This Episode:

• How to take control of your scheduling process
• The right way to ask about client availability
• Why Google reviews beat Facebook reviews
• How to get verified on Google quickly
• Smart strategies for getting your first reviews
• Using free cleanings to build momentum
• Tips for running successful cleaning giveaways

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid
• Google My Business
• Serene Clean (serene-clean.com)

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Meet Kate Croukamp, owner of Clean Like a Pro Cleaning Services in Australia, who transformed her parents' small carpet cleaning business into a thriving enterprise.   Kate's cleaning content unexpectedly created a whole new revenue stream, with her cleaning product line hitting seven figures in its first year. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for pricing confidently, how they built their product line, and how to create boundaries that attract clients who respect your worth.   Key Takeaways:  

• Why deposits and upfront payments eliminate no-shows and payment headaches
• The perfect team structure for labor-intensive move-out cleans
• How to avoid burnout by limiting cleaner hours to 25-30 per week
• Smart social media strategies that attract the right audience
• When to walk away from problematic clients and red flags
• How testing products in real-world extreme conditions led to product success

  Mentioned in this Episode:  

• Clean Like a Pro Products
• ZenMaid Software
• Clean Like a Pro TikTok
• Clean Like a Pro Instagram

  Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!   Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog. https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-25/

Want to know how Stephanie grew her cleaning business from $10,000 to $37,000 monthly revenue in less than a year - during COVID? In this episode, she spills all her growth secrets, including the exact strategies that helped Serene Clean make these massive jumps in revenue.   She breaks down the three key ingredients that skyrocketed her business: getting killer social proof (including a clever $5 trick to get more Google reviews), landing commercial accounts that are worth 20 residential clients, and a group interview hack that saves tons of time in hiring. Whether you're stuck at $10K or dreaming of hitting your first $20K month, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can use right now.   Key Moments: 0:00 - The importance of weekly team meetings 4:15 - Serene Clean's growth journey by the numbers 8:30 - Why Google reviews matter more than Facebook 12:45 - The secret to getting video testimonials 18:20 - Why commercial accounts are game-changers 25:10 - Group interviews: the hiring solution you need 32:15 - Building a constant candidate pipeline   Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind/
• Google My Business: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/business/
• Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/
• Vista Print (for review cards): https://www.vistaprint.com/

  Try ZenMaid free for 14 day: https://get.zenmaid.com/   Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-3/

From his corporate finance desk, Neel Parekh built a cleaning business on the side, quit his 9-5, scaled it to $2M, and then turned it into a nationwide franchise serving both residential and Airbnb clients across America.   Whether you're stuck in what Neel calls the "$300K-750K death zone" or wondering if franchising is right for you, learn why some cleaning business owners are converting their existing operations into franchise locations - and if you should too. Key Takeaways:

• Building a $2M residential and Airbnb cleaning business
• Why some cleaning companies get stuck between $300-750K
• Converting existing businesses to franchises
• Managing both residential and vacation rental clients
• Technology and automation essentials
• Hiring and training strategies for different markets
• Remote business operations and systems

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Software
• Breezy HR
• Slack
• GBG Marketing (Grow Baby Grow)
• Made This Franchise 
• Freedom Formula Podcast

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Tired of throwing money at advertising with nothing to show for it? In this eye-opening episode, Stephanie sits down with Horatio from Grow Baby Grow who reveals why your competitors are stealing clients right from under you—and how to flip the script.   From the truth about why video ads crush static images to the exact number of follow-ups needed before clients convert (hint: it's more than you think), discover how to build marketing funnels that actually turn leads into long-term revenue. Learn why your customer lifetime value is the most important metric you're probably ignoring.   Key Takeaways:

• Why most cleaning businesses fail at lead follow-up (and how to fix it)
• The Facebook ad strategy that's working right now (while others fail)
• How to calculate customer acquisition cost vs. lifetime value
• Creating automated follow-up systems even if you're still small
• Working with influencers to create high-converting content

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Grow Baby Grow Marketing
• Facebook Ads Platform
• LSA (Local Service Ads)
• Zapier automation tools

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Meet Chris Schwab, who runs a thriving cleaning business in DC... while living in Japan! Chris shares his unique approach to finding balance and peace while running a fully remote cleaning business.   From his morning meditation practice to his practical systems for managing a cleaning business remotely, Chris reveals how he built a successful company he can run from anywhere. He shares his unique approach to finding balance as a business owner and the exact tools and mindset he uses to make it all work.   Key Moments: 0:00 - Introduction & Chris's background 6:42 - Starting the DC cleaning company with $600 10:15 - The Halloween disaster that changed everything 13:30 - First experiment with virtual assistants 24:30 - Balancing action with stillness 32:15 - Three tools for running a balanced business 42:20 - Managing stress as a business owner 48:15 - Chris's daily routine and planning system   Mentioned in this Episode:

• Full Focus Planner (Michael Hyatt)
• The 4-Hour Work Week (Tim Ferriss)

  Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/ Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog at https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-6/

Buckle up for some of the most unbelievable (but true!) employee stories from Stephanie's years of running a cleaning business. These are the kind of moments that make you realize managing people is never boring - and sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying. Between bizarre excuses, surprising situations, and lessons learned the hard way, this episode is packed with real stories that'll make you feel better about your own business challenges. Plus, Stephanie shares what each wild situation taught her about being a better owner.     Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

Ever wonder why some cleaning businesses keep clients for years while others struggle with constant turnover? In this episode, Stephanie breaks down Serene Clean's "celebration systems" - their secret weapon for keeping clients happy, staff loyal, and social media buzzing.   She walks you through exactly how they use ZenMaid to track client anniversaries, send personalized video messages, and deliver branded gifts that clients rave about. You'll learn why those "too extra" appreciation moments (like custom employee songs!) are building a workplace culture that keeps cleaners from jumping ship - even when competitors offer more money.   Key Takeaways:

• The exact client anniversary system that's generating Google reviews without even asking
• Why spending $10 on employee birthdays might be your smartest business investment
• How to turn your business anniversary into a viral marketing campaign with thousands of views
• Setting up sustainable celebration systems that don't overwhelm your schedule
• Why "trying too hard" is actually your competitive advantage in building loyalty

Mentioned in this Episode:

• ZenMaid Software
• Serene Clean's Giveaway Video
• Loom Video Software
• Canva for graphics creation
• ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group

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