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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 contractsThe true cost of saying "yes" when your gut says "no"How to respond professionally when clients try to negotiate your pricesReal examples of setting and maintaining business boundariesMentioned in this Episode:
ZenMaid SoftwareZenMaid Facebook Mastermind groupTry ZenMaid free for 14 daysRather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.
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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 stabilizeHow to add premium organizing services ($100/hour)Building systems before buying softwareManaging through natural disastersWhen to grow vs when to strengthenCreating sustainable operationsMentioned in this Episode:WOOTRecruit SoftwareCleaning Tech BootcampDebbie Sardone SystemsZenMaid SoftwareUpcoming Book: Operational Blueprint Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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.
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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 businessWhy some cleaning companies get stuck between $300-750KConverting existing businesses to franchisesManaging both residential and vacation rental clientsTechnology and automation essentialsHiring and training strategies for different marketsRemote business operations and systemsMentioned in this Episode:ZenMaid SoftwareBreezy HRSlackGBG Marketing (Grow Baby Grow)Made This Franchise Freedom Formula PodcastTry ZenMaid free for 14 days!Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.
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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 processThe right way to ask about client availabilityWhy Google reviews beat Facebook reviewsHow to get verified on Google quicklySmart strategies for getting your first reviewsUsing free cleanings to build momentumTips for running successful cleaning giveawaysMentioned in this Episode:ZenMaidGoogle My BusinessSerene Clean (serene-clean.com)Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.
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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.
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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/
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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 employeesMentioned in this Episode:Clean Tu CasaMeetup.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.
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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 background6:42 - Starting the DC cleaning company with $60010:15 - The Halloween disaster that changed everything13:30 - First experiment with virtual assistants24:30 - Balancing action with stillness32:15 - Three tools for running a balanced business42:20 - Managing stress as a business owner48:15 - 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/
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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 myth5:30 - Why owners should know how to clean12:45 - The problem with rushing to hire managers18:20 - Quality control and training challenges25:10 - Employee vs. IC debate32:15 - How Serene Clean maintains a 0.7% complaint rate42:30 - 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/
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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 owner8:45 - Managing expectations with first-time cleaning clients15:30 - Horror stories: theft accusations and problem customers28:15 - Adding power washing services and scaling up35:40 - Finding balance as an entrepreneur42:20 - Tips for husband-wife business partnerships48:15 - Building a supportive company culture for working moms55:30 - 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/storeE-Myth Revisited (Michael Gerber): https://bit.ly/4g3DBvUExtreme Ownership (Jocko Willink): https://bit.ly/4g7ouBBZenMaid 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/
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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 meetings4:15 - Serene Clean's growth journey by the numbers8:30 - Why Google reviews matter more than Facebook12:45 - The secret to getting video testimonials18:20 - Why commercial accounts are game-changers25:10 - Group interviews: the hiring solution you need32:15 - 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/
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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 story4:15 - Navigating business growth during COVID8:30 - Creating a family-friendly workplace culture15:45 - Building a luxury service model22:10 - Managing client expectations and communication35:20 - Handling challenging situations professionally42:50 - Training and quality control systems49:30 - 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/
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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 everything11:00 - First employees - the good, bad, and ghosted 24:30 -Making it through COVID32:59 - The huge Fort McCoy project39:57 - Why she's starting this podcast46:04 - What actually works when starting out52:17 - How the business runs today Mentioned in this Episode:Profit FirstClean My Space YouTube ChannelZenMaid SoftwareQuickBooks Want to make your cleaning business run smoother? Try ZenMaid free for 14 days at https://app.zenmaid.com/sign-upRather 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/
