Filthy Rich Cleaners: The Cleaning Business Podcast

#186: Going From Solo Cleaner to First Hire, with Ashley O'Keeffe

ZenMaid — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ashley O’Keeffe’s cleaning business is growing so fast she’s about to start turning down work. She’s never hired a W-2 employee who stayed, yet she has to quote the biggest house she’s ever cleaned. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Ashley, owner of A.O’K Pristine Clean in Hanover, Virginia, for a hands-on coaching session. Ashley built her client base almost entirely through word of mouth and Facebook tags, and she's now at the point where she needs to hire, but her first W-2 hire lasted a day and a half. Stephanie walks her through hiring, getting out of the field, pricing a 4,000 sq ft home, staying out of side services, setting up client guidelines and checklists, and more!

📌 What You’ll Learn

— How to price a large home using square-footage production rates and your target hourly rate

— Why big houses often expect a “quantity discount,” and why you shouldn’t give one

— How to quote a first-time clean and then lock in a maintenance price after the first few visits

— Why you should never give a price during an in-person walkthrough

— The discovery questions to ask a lead, including “Why today?” and “Have you had a cleaner before?”

— Why saying no to window washing and other side services protects your business

— How client guidelines and a physical checklist protect you and help you close sales

— Why owner-operators should clear their own schedule before they start hiring

— How weekly group interviews keep a hiring pipeline full so one resignation doesn’t sink you

— How to use clock-in data and AI to build your own pricing calculator

Resources Mentioned

— Serene Clean Client Guidelines (available on Serene Clean’s website): https://serene-clean.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Client-Guidelines-112025.pdf

— Rescue My Maid Service Cleaning Tech Boot Camp: https://rescuemymaidservice.com/cleaning-tech-bootcamp/

— Sharon Tinberg’s video training modules: https://www.cleansmartacademy.com/#training

— Cleaning for a Reason: https://cleaningforareason.org/

— ZenMaid digital checklists, service ratings, and clock-in/out: https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#185: Was CleanCon Worth It? My Biggest Takeaways From Austin

ZenMaid — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Stephanie just got back from CleanCon Austin 2026, and Serene Clean is already running differently because of it.

In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down her biggest takeaways from the conference, including Kristen Hadeed's keynote on leadership, Drew Larison's "why today" approach to sales, and Molly Moran's Shine Protocol. She shares what Serene Clean has already put in place, from AI agents that log into ZenMaid and send daily reports to plans for a dedicated salesperson and weekly check-ins with new hires. She also explains what she's choosing not to change and whether CleanCon is worth attending next year.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How the FBI feedback framework (feeling, behavior, impact) replaces the compliment sandwich
— How the One Three One framework teaches your team to solve problems without running everything by you
— Why giving managers a spending threshold lets them fix problems on their own
— Why asking "why today?" closes more sales than talking about your company
— How Molly Moran's Shine Protocol helps owners treat their health as part of the job
— Why Stephanie is separating sales from customer support at Serene Clean
— How Serene Clean uses Claude to log into ZenMaid, pull reports, and automate lead follow up
— How weekly one on one check-ins with new hires can cut early turnover
— What Stephanie is not changing, including how she pays her team

Resources Mentioned
— CleanCon (next event is in the fall of 2027, plus their online mastermind group): https://mycleancon.com

— Live Bright, Molly Moran's coaching program: https://mollymoran.com

— Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34437136

— The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://www.readbrightly.com/books/9781524760915/the-four-tendencies-by-gretchen-rubin

— Claude (the AI behind Serene Clean's automations)
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#184: Inside Crime Scene & Hoarding Cleanup, with Alex Philbrick

ZenMaid — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

⚠️ Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide, death, violent crime, and blood cleanup. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US). Outside the US, visit findahelpline.com.

Blood cleanup, unattended deaths, violent crime scenes, houses packed floor to ceiling, and more. This is the part of the industry that most of us never see. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Alex Philbrick, owner and operator of T.A.C.T. Central Arkansas, a franchise that does biohazard remediation and hoarding cleanouts, to talk about what it takes to run a business built on the jobs nobody else wants. Alex shares how he went from buying and selling sports cards to taking over the franchise in 2023. He covers how he prices hoarding and bio jobs, how he staffs one-time jobs with independent contractors, how insurance billing works for trauma cleanup, and more!

📌 What You'll Learn

- How hoarding cleanouts are priced, and why dumpsters are the highest cost

- Why a $2,200 to $2,700 day rate is a useful starting point for estimating hoarding jobs

- How homeowner's insurance billing works for biohazard cleanup, and what documentation to send

- How to pay independent contractors fairly when a job's value doesn't match the hours worked

- Why the franchise route makes sense for a niche like trauma cleanup

- How residential cleaning companies can partner with biohazard and hoarding specialists on deep cleans after a cleanout

- How to run a hoarding cleanout like an assembly line, and why a good relationship with a local dumpster company matters so much

- The heat exhaustion lesson that changed how Alex handles safety in hazmat suits

- How asking "what range were you looking to be in?" helps you win jobs and fine tune your pricing

- Why being local and answering your own phone wins bids over bigger companies

Resources Mentioned

- T.A.C.T. Central Arkansas: tactcentralarkansas.com

- T.A.C.T. Central Arkansas on Facebook: facebook.com/TACT-247-Emergency-Biohazard-Decontamination-Service-103126401915515

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#183: Rebecca Emberson on Vacation Rentals, Party Houses, & Saying No

ZenMaid — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What happens when your ex-husband opens a competing cleaning company with almost the same name as yours? Rebecca Emberson went through just that, but she kept her business and her brand, and she's building a better name than ever. Stephanie recorded this episode in person with longtime listener and cleaning business neighbor Rebecca Emberson of Dells-Maid Cleaning Solutions. Rebecca shares how she started in 2018 with five vacation rentals, rebuilt after a messy divorce, and now runs teams that handle same-day turnovers around the Wisconsin Dells. They talk about flat-rate pricing, turning down property manager requests, party house surprises, caring for elderly clients, and more.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to protect your business if your marriage goes south
— Why you shouldn't panic when a former employee starts a competing cleaning company
— How to let go of a client without burning the bridge
— How Rebecca handles linens, flat-rate pricing, and teams for high-volume vacation rental turnovers
— How to respond when owners ask you to haul firewood, run the pool vacuum, or treat the hot tub
— Why you need to check every drawer, closet, and shower in a party house
— How to run walkthroughs that build trust instead of making the client feel ashamed
— How Stephanie's team used AI to find a close-rate gap on estimates between $400 and $700
— Why elderly clients should have a second contact on file

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (job photos, service ratings feedback): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Cleaning for a Reason: https://cleaningforareason.org/

— Mark Limeberry's Filthy Rich Cleaners episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWVD2CXG3Ks

— Dells-Maid Cleaning Solutions: https://dellsmaidcleaningsolutions.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#182: How Allison Diamond Built a Cleaning Business on Systems from Day One

ZenMaid — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Everyone says cleaning is a "low-cost of entry" business, but Allison Diamond found out the hard way that's only true when you're the one doing the cleaning. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Allison, owner and founder of The Clean Collective in Atlanta, Georgia. After a career in corporate marketing (plus a body movement studio and a commercial greenhouse along the way), Allison launched her cleaning business without ever working in the field, which meant funding payroll, software, and marketing from day one. She and Stephanie get into the systems she built to make it work.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why "low cost of entry" is a myth when you're not subsidizing the business with your own labor

— How a Canva onboarding packet plus automated welcome texts got clients to actually read the policies

— The weekly team meeting structure Allison has run since day one (core values, recognition, games, and monthly outings)

— How to turn a Facebook giveaway into a lead-gen funnel with a secondary offer for everyone who enters

— Why the same question coming up twice means there's a hole in your training, policy, or communication

— How switching to subscription billing on the first of the month nearly eliminated cancellations

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid (scheduling): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Go High Level (CRM, funnels, and automations): https://www.gohighlevel.com/

— The Clean Collective: https://atlcleanco.com/

— The Clean Collective (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/thecleancollectiveatl/

— The Clean Collective (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576887479073&ref=PROFILE_EDIT_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#181: Should You Buy a Cleaning Company? Do Your Due Diligence

ZenMaid — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

A cleaning company can look profitable on paper and still lose money on nearly every job. Before you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a business, you need to know what's behind the P&L. In this solo episode, Stephanie explains why she would almost never buy a cleaning business (yet why she seriously considered buying one anyway), and talks about a consulting client's rough experience after buying a mostly residential company.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why commercial accounts are a safer purchase than a residential client list

— How to check production rates and profit per hour on every client before you buy

— The red flags hiding behind a profitable-looking P&L, like owner labor, low pay, and staff turnover

— Why missing client notes create a mess for a new owner

— What to learn about a company's team and culture before making an offer

— Why Stephanie would rather put money into marketing than buy a client list

— How messy bookkeeping can stop you from getting the loan you need to grow

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— ZenMaid Newsletter: https://zenmaid.com/newsletter

— Filthy Rich Cleaners episode with Marco (Chicago) on buying a long-standing cleaning business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7fC5SLJQGo&vl=en

— Stephanie's YouTube video on managing your money as a cleaning business owner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVZbZWbhKoA

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#180: How to Hand Off Clients Without Losing Them, with Meghan Caicedo

ZenMaid — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Meghan Caicedo went from crying after shifts at a senior home to running her own cleaning company with her husband — and getting booked solid just four months after making it official. Now, she's hit the wall every owner-operator knows: she can't let go. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Meghan, owner of Caicedo Cleaning in Alberta, Canada, to work through the fears that keep new owners stuck in the field. Stephanie lays out the systems that make handing off clients' work, plus a live teardown of Meghan's website and marketing.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why standardized checklists are the foundation of getting out of the field (if surgeons need them, so do cleaners)

— How to transition long-time clients to a new cleaner without losing them

— Why client notes in your scheduling software stop customers from having to repeat themselves

— Why a card on file matters most on move-out cleans

— How Google My Business beats Facebook groups for finding clients who are ready to buy

— The pie analogy: what happens to your income when you hire your first non-family cleaner

— Why your website has to answer "why you?" instead of listing generic services

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid (scheduling software and client notes): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Serene Clean's client guidelines: https://serene-clean.com

— Caicedo Cleaning: https://caicedocleaning.ca

— Caicedo Cleaning (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589992966246

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#179: Update On Our Transition to Flat Rate: Numbers and Lessons Learned

ZenMaid — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Raising prices on 97 clients sounds terrifying...until you see the numbers 👀 In this solo episode, Stephanie answers listener Lorraine's question about how Serene Clean's flat rate transition is going. After seven years of hourly residential pricing, Serene Clean rolled a flat rate switch and a price increase into one change, and Stephanie shares the financial results, learnings so far, the pushback they got, and what she'd do differently.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why to roll out flat rate to new clients first, then transition existing clients in batches

— The real numbers: $7,693/month gained, $3,321/month lost, and a 12% cancellation rate

— The exact price increase email Serene Clean sent, plus and how a five-year client negotiated to a middle ground

— How to handle clients who think in hours, and how "priority cleans" replaced limited hour cleans

— Why production rate auditing is critical once you charge by the job instead of by the hour

— The mistake Stephanie made by not telling her cleaners about the switch, and why your team should always be in the loop

Resources Mentioned

— Flat Rate Email Estimate Template ($20) — available on Stephanie's website along with her checklists, documents, and bundles: https://serene-clean.com/downloads/flat-rate-estimate-email-template/

— Serene Clean's cleaning checklists — available on Stephanie's website: https://serene-clean.com/bundles/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— ZenMaid's weekly newsletter: https://zenmaid.com/newsletter

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#178: How to Win Apartment Building Cleaning Contracts, with Nick Spagnolo

ZenMaid — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What do you do when a hotel calls and needs 10–15 cleaners a day, seven days a week, and you only have until the weekend to deliver? If you're Nick Spagnolo, you hit the ground running. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Nick, president of Spag N Shine LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nick left a banking career during COVID, started cleaning houses with his mom, and has since grown to around 20 staff members by becoming the "one-stop shop" for apartment buildings — janitorial, turnovers, carpet cleaning, floor stripping and waxing, and more.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How to become the one contact property managers call for everything, and why that builds unshakeable contracts

— How to break into carpet cleaning using your chemical vendor's free demos, training, and equipment support

— Why joining your local apartment association can unlock a whole new tier of commercial work

— How Nick priced and staffed a hotel contract requiring 10–15 cleaners a day during COVID

— The real cost of company vehicles and the $500 car allowance system Nick uses instead

— Why staffing agencies can tarnish your name (including the story of a drunk worker, a gun, and a parking lot fight)

— Why staying on top of your insurance broker matters

Resources Mentioned

— Spag N Shine (website): https://www.spagnshine.com/

— Spag N Shine (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/spag_n_shine/

— Spag N Shine (Facebook page): https://www.facebook.com/p/SPAG-N-SHINE-100063507854791/

— ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#177: Stop Letting Your Business Live in One Person's Head

ZenMaid — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What happens to your cleaning business when your key employee goes on vacation for a week or two? For a lot of owners, things break. That's why in this episode, Stephanie shares how Serene Clean is preparing for office manager April's upcoming three-week absence, a situation that would create total chaos for a lot of businesses. Stephanie talks about the documentation gaps that April's prep work uncovered, how she's been breaking April's role down into daily, weekly, and sporadic tasks, how they're replacing SOP booklets with quick Loom recordings, and how they ran practice payroll rounds months in advance just in case.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why to treat a planned absence like an audit, not an emergency

— How to break any role into daily, weekly, and sporadic tasks (and assign each one a due date)

— Why quick screen recordings beat a 30-page SOP nobody will read

— How practice runs expose the gaps in your documentation before they cost you

— The field-tested handoff method Serene Clean uses for both clients and office tasks

— What to pause during an absence to keep the workload steady

— Why thorough documentation makes your business more valuable to a future buyer

Resources Mentioned

— Buy Back Your Time (book): https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297X

— Loom (screen recording software): https://www.loom.com/

— ClickUp (task management): https://clickup.com/

— QuickBooks (auto-invoicing): https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

— ZenMaid (client details and invoicing notes): https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/resources/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#176: How Dave Camenga Built a Thriving Janitorial Business with 30+ Cleaners

ZenMaid — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Dave Camenga started cleaning houses in fifth grade (yes, really). 11 years later, he owns a thriving commercial janitorial company in Baltimore with 30 cleaners and hundreds of monthly cleans. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Dave, owner of Dave's Cleaning Consultants in Baltimore, Maryland, who shares how he skipped college to go all-in on cleaning. His nightly janitorial teams of 4–6 people clean eight offices a night, and he shares why old-school direct mailers still land him massive commercial contracts. Dave also talks about the hardest parts of the business, including letting go of a five-year employee, firing disrespectful clients, and protecting a zero-drama company culture.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How Dave structures teams of four to six cleaners to service eight offices a night

— Why "hire slow, fire fast" and always-open interviews protect your best people from burnout

— The direct mail system that landed a $150,000-per-month commercial contract

— When to fire a client — even one worth $7,000 a month

— Why being coachable matters more than 30 years of cleaning experience

— How to command respect as a young owner by never asking staff to do what you wouldn't

Resources Mentioned

— The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591842158?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Q&A with Dave and Carolyn Arellano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dzZLaEjX1k

— Dave's Cleaning Consultants on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davescleaningconsultants/

— Dave's consulting services: https://www.davescleaningconsultants.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#175: Every Software I Use to Run My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What software does it actually take to run a $100K+/month cleaning business? In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie goes through every single tool she pays for, including what it costs, who uses it, and why she picked it over the alternatives. You'll hear about how her team relies on ClickUp for task and lead management, QuickBooks for bookkeeping, OpenPhone for client communication, Slack for team communication, Gusto for payroll, Loom for process documentation, and more! Stephanie also shares how AI has transformed her operations, and how you can use similar takeaways for your own business.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How Stephanie uses ClickUp as her CRM, task manager, and weekly time-blocking system (especially helpful for ADHD brains)

— Why every cleaning business needs bookkeeping software, even if you have a bookkeeper

— Why you should never use your personal phone number as your business line

— How to use Loom + AI to create SOPs and delegate without repeating yourself

— The case for regular software audits and being ruthless about canceling what you don't use

— Why the first-response speed of AI tools is becoming a competitive advantage for owners

Resources Mentioned

— ClickUp: https://clickup.com/

— ProcessDriven (Layla's YouTube channel and ClickUp course): https://www.youtube.com/@LaylaPomper

— The ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

— OpenPhone (Quo): https://www.quo.com/

— Slack: https://slack.com/

— Claude: https://claude.ai/

— ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/

— Acquisition.com: https://www.acquisition.com/

— Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/

— SignRequest: https://signrequest.com/

— Gusto: https://gusto.com/

— Loom: http://loom.com/

— Trainual: http://trainual.com/

— Canva: https://www.canva.com/

— Guideline (401k): https://www.guideline.com/

— The Gift Card Cafe: https://www.thegiftcardcafe.com/

— MailChimp + Zapier: https://mailchimp.com/

— Best Damn Bookkeeping Service (Dan): https://bestdamnbookkeeping.com/

— CleanCon (Austin, TX — end of September): https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#174: How Cold Calling Built This Commercial Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ty Severa is a former dispatcher and police officer who walked away from a guaranteed pension to build a 98% commercial cleaning company staffed by first responders and their families. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Ty, Owner of First Response Building Services in Roanoke, Virginia, who grew from three accounts and $1,600 a month in recurring revenue to 12 accounts by year-end. He shares how cold calling became his highest-leverage marketing channel, and how flat-rate pay lets him maintain a blended rate around $33 an hour while keeping margins healthy.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How to leave a stable career and replace the income with recurring commercial revenue

— Why cold calling gets easier the moment you reframe it as solving a problem instead of selling

— How to use the gatekeeper as an information source instead of an obstacle

— Why commercial sales cycles take months, and how to build a follow-up system that survives them

— How flat-rate pay works in practice, including the buffer Ty builds into every bid

— How to build a blind inspection system triggered by staffing changes and suspiciously fast clean times

— Why written scopes of work and infestation clauses protect you on deep cleans and post-construction

— The hardest truths about commercial: low-bid government contracts, after-hours phone calls, and big accounts with no juice to squeeze

Resources Mentioned

— BNI (Business Network International): https://www.bni.com/

— First Response Building Services (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/p/First-Response-Building-Services-61564978374874/

— First Response Building Services (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/firstresponsebuildingservices/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#173: Why We Turned Down a $50,000 Cleaning Account

ZenMaid — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

A national big-box retailer offered Serene Clean a $50k-a-year account to clean three bathrooms. Easy work, centrally located, daytime hours, yet Stephanie declined to bid it. In this solo episode, Stephanie walks through exactly how that decision got made, including the pros and cons her manager brought to the ops meeting, the one non-negotiable that outweighed every positive, and the counter-offer they made before walking away. She also gets honest about why her answer today is different from the answer 23-year-old Stephanie would have given, and why comparing your year one to someone else's year one will lead you to the wrong decisions.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why the fastest path to growth depends entirely on what you're actually willing to sacrifice

— How to evaluate a large commercial opportunity by its worst-case scenario, not its best

— Why weekend work carries a management cost most owners never price in

— How to counter-offer and reshape a job before you decline it

— Why "I don't want to" is a legitimate business reason once you've built the foundation for it

— How to tell the difference between discomfort that means grow and discomfort that means walk away

— The real test of whether something is actually a non-negotiable for your business

Resources Mentioned

— The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt (the ZenMaid Retreat book club read): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1565114248?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— CleanCon — Austin, Texas, end of September: https://www.mycleancon.com/

— The ZenMaid Mastermind on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— Serene Clean: https://serene-clean.com

— Filthy Rich Cleaners Ep. 108 with Yari Isling on walking away from a large post-construction bid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEF0xJm1DQI

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#172: How Courtney Nunes Got to 18 Cleaners in Under 2 Years

ZenMaid — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Courtney Nunes' first cleaning job was a 6,000-square-foot house, and she cried after working it for 12 hours straight. Two years later, she has 18 cleaners and is pulling in over 10 leads per day. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Courtney, Owner of Green Leaf Cleaning, who went from waitressing in California to running a 10-acre farm in upstate New York to building an 18-cleaner operation across two states in under two years. She talks about why she switched from independent contractors to W-2s within six months, how consistent social media posting took her to 10–15 leads a day, the incentive system she built to get her cleaners to produce content for her, and more!

📌 What You'll Learn

— How Courtney went from her first solo clean to 18 cleaners in under two years

— Why she switched from independent contractors to W-2s at the six-month mark, and how she handled the pushback

— The direct link between posting consistently and lead volume

— Why you should treat Google like a social media platform

— How to build a ticket and rewards system that gets your cleaners filming content for you

— The 30-second content hack for owners who are still cleaning full time

— Why holding onto a cleaner you love can cost you recurring clients

— How to know when a job isn't worth taking, no matter what it pays

— Why production rate auditing is impossible without accurate clock in / clock out data

— How to spot the clients who need a price increase, and why resentment is the signal to listen for

— What changes when you run the same brand in two very different markets

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid — scheduling and operations software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Green Leaf Cleaning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_leaf_cleaning_md_fl/

— Green Leaf Cleaning: https://greenleaforganics.org/

— Courtney's email: admin@greenleaforganics.org

— Serene Clean: https://serene-clean.com

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#171: Having Difficult Conversations With Your Employees

ZenMaid — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

No one likes confrontation, but sometimes it's necessary. In this solo episode, Stephanie shares the pattern she sees in nearly every consulting call and also recognizes in herself — clocking unacceptable behavior but only saying something when it hits a breaking point. She walks through real examples from Serene Clean, including the employee who stole a wallet from a church, and the manager she nearly lost because she waited months to say what needed to be said.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why avoiding a hard conversation now guarantees a bigger blowup later

— The difference between a genuine mistake and a blatant disregard for standards (and why they require different responses)

— How your best employees lose respect for you when you let bad behavior slide

— Why delegating every difficult conversation away costs you the skill of having them

— The 48-hour rule Stephanie set for herself when she's sitting on unsavory information

— Why stating a consequence and not following through teaches your team not to believe you

— How avoiding the conversation steals your employee's opportunity to improve

— Why "you don't need anybody" is the harsh truth that saved her culture

— What core values mean and how allowing one exception makes them worthless

— How self-respect is built by action, and why you can't command respect you don't have for yourself

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid Mastermind (free Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— ZenMaid Weekly Newsletter (free, no ZenMaid account required): https://zenmaid.com/newsletter

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#170: Behind the Scenes of Shaquille Richards's Luxury High-Rise Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500

A client claimed a 15-carat ring vanished from under a shampoo bottle, but little did they know that Shaquille spent 15 years as a fraud investigator. In this episode, Shaquille Richards, owner of Miracle Cleaners of Georgia in Atlanta, sits down with Stephanie to talk about building a five-star luxury cleaning business from scratch after losing her job three years ago. She breaks down how she landed the luxury high-rise work through a resident-app partnership, the parking and concierge logistics she manages by hand every day, and the after-photo system that protects her cleaners and her business.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How Shaquille broke into luxury high-rise cleaning through one relationship

— The parking and concierge workflow she uses so cleaners never get booted or locked out

— Why she gives customers a three-hour arrival window her cleaners never see

— How her before-and-after photo process protects cleaners from false complaints

— How she's handled awkward conversations with compassion

— Why she says high-end clients are simpler than you think

— How a 15-year fraud career made her better at running a cleaning business

— The difference between cleaning and repairing, and how to set that expectation before the job

— How she sets availability expectations in interviews so cleaners stop being shocked by their paychecks

— Why fear of Google reviews is costing owners more business than a bad review ever would

Resources Mentioned

— Miracle Cleaners of Georgia website: https://miraclecleanga.com

— Miracle Cleaners of Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraclecleanersofgeorgia/

— ZenMaid (Shaquille's scheduling software): https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#169: How My Cleaning Business Hit a Record $130K Month

ZenMaid — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Serene Clean just had its highest-revenue month ever (over $130,000 in July), and Stephanie is opening the books to show exactly how it happened. In this episode, she breaks down the July numbers at Serene Clean: record revenue, 350+ recurring clients, 29 first-time cleans, and the highest net MRR the company has ever added. She walks through the metrics driving the growth, plus the areas that still need work, including undercharged travel fees and why none of her 2026 hires have made it past 90 days. It's a number-heavy look at what's working inside of Serene Clean!

📌 What You'll Learn

— How Serene Clean went from a $97K January to a record $130K+ July

— Why tracking net MRR (monthly recurring revenue) is the most important habit for growth

— What a "whale" client is, and why no client should be more than 10% of your revenue

— How switching to flat rate pricing made clients say yes to recurring service faster

— Why recurring close rate matters more than close rate alone

— How to normalize your profit and loss for 5-payroll-run months so you're not comparing apples to oranges

— Why most travel fees are undercharged

— What Stephanie learned from digging into why 14 employees left in 2026

Resources Mentioned

— Serene Clean's MRR tracking spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rO8m4mlE9-jHKavGDAo7kLyzvjTJuQYZdb3tOVY0Tro/edit?gid=890978938#gid=890978938

— Stephanie's flat rate estimate email template (~$20 on her website, linked below): https://serene-clean.com/downloads/flat-rate-cleaning-estimate-email-template/

— Serene Clean's active Indeed job listings: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Serene-Clean-6/jobs

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— CleanCon in Austin, Texas: https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#168: How Michelle Walker Turned $200 And One Babysitting Client Into A 15-Client Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Michelle Walker moved to the United States four years ago speaking almost no English. Today she runs Walker Cleaning Solutions in Portland, Oregon, with 15 recurring clients and her first W-2 employee — and she started the whole thing with $200. In this hybrid interview-and-consulting episode, Stephanie sits down with Michelle to walk through her path to owning a cleaning business. Michelle shares how she landed her first two recurring clients through families she babysat for and why she turns down clients other cleaners would take. Stephanie then shares what she thinks Michelle should focus on next, including how to think about revenue, how to think about revenue when you hand jobs to an employee, how picky is too picky, and the three growth levers that matter most at her size.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How to land your first recurring clients without spending a dollar on advertising

— Why the families who hire babysitters and nannies are an overlooked pipeline for cleaning clients

— The red flags in a first text message that tell you a client will be a nightmare

— Why "must-have" hiring requirements are non-negotiable, and what happens when you ignore your gut

— How to think about your revenue as a pie when you start handing jobs to employees

— How to figure out how many clients you actually need before you can stop cleaning

— Why being picky about clients only makes sense in the context of your lead volume and close rate

— The three growth levers Stephanie recommends for a solo-to-small cleaning business: in-person networking, community giving, and Google Business Profile

— Why video reviews are worth almost any amount of effort to get

— How hiring part-timers protects you when someone calls out or quits

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid (scheduling, reminders, payroll, clock in/out, digital checklists, client notes, booking form): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/073521414X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Walker Cleaning Solutions (website): https://www.walkercleansolutions.com/

— Walker Cleaning Solutions (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586779175940

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#167: Groundhog Day: Why You’re Dealing With the Same Sh*t Every Day

ZenMaid — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ever woken up and thought, "Didn't I deal with this exact same problem yesterday?" 🥴 In this solo episode (inspired by a groundhog hat and the movie Groundhog Day), Stephanie breaks down why cleaning business owners keep reliving the same problems on repeat, and how to stop. She separates the recurrences you can never eliminate (call outs, cancellations, client questions) from the ones that should never happen twice, then walks through the systems Serene Clean uses to handle both.

📌 What You'll Learn

— The "three-time rule" for knowing when a recurring problem needs a system

— Five questions to ask about any repeat issue: can you automate it, templatize it, document it, delegate it, or prevent it?

— How Slackbot autoresponders train your team to communicate fully the first time

— Why a policy is a decision you make once instead of a thousand times

— How ZenMaid's updated digital checklists let you print and share live cleaning checklists with clients

— How to build a call-out protocol so a cleaner calling in sick doesn't derail your whole day

— The first step to systematizing anything: write down what you did the last time it happened

Resources Mentioned

— Stephanie's free Slackbot Autoresponder download: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AICmhBWQ_Pt1_ZJzPMQxnBV4ppD7k1Kp/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109299880459560603683&rtpof=true&sd=true

— Serene Clean's client guidelines: https://serene-clean.com/wp-content/uploads/2026-Client-Guidelines-5-7-26.pdf

— Buy Back Your Time (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/059342297X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— The ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— The ZenMaid newsletter (respond with questions for future episodes): https://zenmaid.com/newsletter

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#166: From $700 to $13K/Month in 4 Months — Katie Wilson's Playbook

ZenMaid — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Six months into her cleaning business, Katie Wilson has already hit a $13K revenue month, fired a cleaner for time theft, lost half her team in 48 hours, and pulled off a 40,000-square-foot post-construction clean with four days' notice. This episode is, if nothing else, a presentation on figuring it out as you go.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Katie Wilson, owner of PrismPro Cleaning Solutions in Wichita, Kansas. Katie left a long career in banking and car sales to build a cleaning business she never intended to clean for. She shares how she's grown it, including Google Local Services Ads, free cleans for social proof, production rate audits, and a hiring funnel that intelligently filters candidates before she interviews them.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why Google LSA leads beat pay-per-click and why answering the phone fast closes nine out of 10 callers

— How free cleans build reviews, referrals, and the social proof that makes paid leads convert

— How production rate audits improve pricing and scheduling

— How Katie's audit caught an employee clocking out from home

— The Loom-based hiring funnel that filters out candidates who can't follow instructions before the first interview

— Why your close rate drops when you raise prices, and why you shouldn't panic or lower them

— How Katie assembled a crew of solo cleaners on Facebook to complete a 40,000 sq ft post-construction job in four days

Resources Mentioned

— Stephanie's consulting services & business bundles: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

— ZenMaid scheduling software (GPS clock-in/out, before & after photos): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Profit First (book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/073521414X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Cleaning For A Reason: https://cleaningforareason.org/

— PrismPro Cleaning Solutions website: https://prismprocleaning.com

— PrismPro Cleaning Solutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrismProCleaningSolutions/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#165: How to Scale Commercial Cleaning Without Losing Quality

ZenMaid — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Growing your commercial accounts is exciting until quality starts slipping. In this episode, Stephanie answers a listener question from Cameron of Virtuous Cleaning Services: how do you grow from 12 to 25 commercial accounts while keeping quality high? Drawing on Serene Clean's 77 commercial accounts (16 added this year alone), Stephanie breaks down the five systems her team uses to onboard new facilities, hand off accounts between cleaners, and catch problems before clients have to complain twice.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why cleaning checklists and walkthrough videos are the foundation of commercial quality
— How to arrange checklists in the order a cleaner actually moves through the facility
— Why a field lead should attend the first cleaning of every new account (and every cleaner transition)
— How monthly check-in surveys and quarterly in-person walkthroughs keep feedback flowing before frustration builds
— Why escalating after a complaint — with extra quality checks and proactive follow-up — keeps commercial clients long-term
— The scope-of-work traps (floor machines, expendable supplies, "groundskeeper" duties) that can sign away your profit before the first clean

Resources Mentioned
— Stephanie's quality control system breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5VddPy1IYs

— The ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group (free, no ZenMaid subscription required): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— CleanCon in Austin, TX — coming up at the end of September: https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#164: What Cleaning Business Owners Get Wrong About Pricing, Branding, & Content

ZenMaid — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What does the team behind your scheduling software REALLY think about the cleaning industry? Stephanie interviews four of ZenMaid's employees at the 2026 ZenMaid retreat in Barcelona, and the answers might change how you run your business.

In this special on-location episode, Stephanie sits down with Jorge (Head of Customer Success), Chris (full-stack developer), Nicole (Senior Content Marketing Manager), and Jim (Head of Design). They share what support tickets reveal about how organized a cleaning business really is, why hiding your prices can win you more clients, how to build a brand that actually fits your company, and the content mistakes that can erode customer trust without you even realizing.

📌 What You'll Learn

— The support-ticket "tell" that reveals within five minutes whether a cleaning business is organized or chaotic

— Why removing pricing from your booking form can eliminate an entire sales problem and create more human connection with customers

— Jim's two-part branding framework for small businesses: authentic visual identity plus a core belief you build everything around

— The two content mistakes that make cleaning businesses look unprofessional: inconsistent branding and inconsistent posting

— Why customers stop trusting a business that hasn't posted in months, even when the reviews are great

— How to bring retreat-style team bonding to a cleaning company where everyone works solo

Resources Mentioned

— CleanCon (September 28–30 in Austin, Stephanie will be there): https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#163: How to Know When You're Ready to Hire Your First Cleaner

ZenMaid — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Brooke Kerstetter built The Neat Nest from nothing. She didn't have a background in cleaning or business role models, but now, almost a year in, she's running eight-hour cleaning days and considering making her first hire. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brooke, owner and founder of The Neat Nest in State College, Pennsylvania, for a consulting-style deep dive into the operational gaps that hold back a solo cleaner. They cover pricing mistakes, the difference between flat-rate and hourly work, why organizing services need their own model, and all the math behind bringing on a first employee.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to calculate your production rate and stop underquoting jobs
— Why organizing services should be billed hourly and treated as an add-on
— What actually needs to be in place before you hire your first cleaner
— The right way to think about a family business partnership (and how to protect the relationship)
— Why raising prices and dropping a client can free up the time you desperately need
— How to escape the "notebook" trap with scheduling software before chaos multiplies

Resources Mentioned
— The Second Shift (book on household labor equity): https://www.amazon.com/Second-Shift-Arlie-Russell-Hochschild/dp/0380711575

— The Four Tendencies (book by Gretchen Rubin on internal vs. external expectations): https://www.amazon.com/Four-Tendencies-Indispensable-Personality-Profiles/dp/1524760919

— Profit First (book on managing business cash flow): https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X

— The Neat Nest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Neat-Nest/100064185693597/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#162: The Mother-Daughter Duo Running Two Cleaning Companies

ZenMaid — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:04:40 -0500

Two cleaning companies in one family! In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Kyleigh Lipsitz of The Blissful Clean (Grand Rapids, MI) and her mother, Lisa Temple, founder of Maid in Michigan. Lisa built her business from a stack of handwritten calendars, and Kyleigh took that framework and scaled her own business with software. They run separate residential cleaning companies two hours apart, but come to Filthy Rich Cleaners to share the systems, hiring philosophy, and sales approach that took Lisa's business to $1M in recurring revenue, and to discuss how Kyleigh is following the same playbook.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why switching from teams to solo cleaning increased pay AND efficiency
— How to move from in-person walkthroughs to phone estimates without losing sales
— Why phone estimates can actually protect you from underquoting bad jobs
— The right way to position your business to attract better technicians
— Why "the customer wants to say yes" should change how you sell
— How delegating the phones and admin work unlocks real growth
— The hard truth about AI phone assistants for cleaning businesses (and why they canceled theirs)
— The compounding profit effect once you scale past break-even

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (scheduling software both businesses use): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Debbie Sardone (Lisa's business mentor / paid coaching program): https://debbiesardone.com/

— The Blissful Clean — https://theblissfulclean.com

— Maid in Michigan — https://madeinmichiganllc.com

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#161: How Vanessa Muir Doubled Her Cleaning Business's Revenue in One Year

ZenMaid — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Vanessa Muir turned her knitting-group side gig into a cleaning company that doubled its revenue in a single year. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Vanessa, owner and founder of The Cleaning Guild in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to unpack how she built her business from two knitting-group clients into a six-person team. Vanessa shares the real numbers behind her pricing evolution, how she landed (and priced) her first big commercial contract, why she's walking away from a $4K/month account, and the hard-won lessons from firing her first three employees.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to price your services as you scale from solo cleaner to a team (and why hourly-then-flat-rate beats flat rate for first-time cleans)
— Why some commercial contracts should be dropped even when they look "big and juicy"
— The warning signs of a bad hire
— How to transition long-time clients off of "only me" and onto your team
— The exact metrics to start tracking first: leads, close rate, recurring conversions, and net MRR
— Why tracking monthly recurring revenue changed everything for Serene Clean

Resources Mentioned
— The Cleaning Guild: https://thecleaningguild.ca/

— ZenMaid (scheduling & booking): https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#160: Rose's Playbook to Attract the Right Client at the Right Price

ZenMaid — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Rose Cavanaugh started cleaning houses in 2019 as a newly single mom who needed to make money. Seven years later, she runs a 175-client cleaning business with 15 techs and an office manager, and, best of all, she is 100% out of the field. In this episode, Rose sits down with host Stephanie to walk through how she built Patriot Endeavors / Rose's Cleaning Services in rural Central Texas. She talks about the terror of the first hire, learning her worth on pricing, closing nearly every walkthrough with confidence, and building a "family first" culture in a high-turnover industry. She also shares the systems shift — ZenMaid, QuickBooks, ACH invoicing — that lets the business run without her.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why "I'll take any job" is a survival mindset you have to outgrow once you hire staff

— How to build pricing confidence: do the walkthrough, vet the minimum first, and never budge on your number

— Why selling the value (not the price) is what closes 9 out of 10 walkthroughs

— How to relay client expectations to your team so quality doesn't get lost in translation

— The "family first" flexibility that turns parents and single moms into your most loyal staff

— Why letting go and delegating is the hardest skill for a growing owner

— How switching to ZenMaid, QuickBooks, and ACH transformed operations (and why losing a few clients was worth it)

Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid (scheduling software, digital checklists, notes, client management): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Rose's Cleaning Services: https://www.facebook.com/p/Roses-Cleaning-100066975405899/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#159: Client Red Flags Every Cleaning Business Owner Should Know

ZenMaid — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

0 years ago, there was barely any competition for cleaning businesses. Today, it feels like everyone and their mother has a cleaning business, so how do you actually stand out? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Maria Dorian — owner of Task Away VA and a cleaning company that she now runs remotely from Spain. They dig into how the industry has transformed, why creativity beats budget when you're starting out, how to handle bad reviews and difficult clients, and red flags that owners should look for in current or prospective clients.

📌 What You'll Learn

— How to stand out with creativity and hustle when you don't have a marketing budget

— Why consistency and communication are now non-negotiable (not optional extras)

— How to reframe a refund as a marketing cost instead of a fairness battle

— Why responding to a bad review is really about your future customers, not the angry one

— The client red flags to watch for, including same-day requests, serial service-hoppers, price obsession, and chaotic phone calls

— Why trusting your gut on safety concerns is never worth ignoring

— How to build policies and paper trails so the same problem never happens twice

Resources Mentioned

— Task Away VA (Maria's virtual assistant company): https://taskawayva.com/

— Maria's previous Filthy Rich Cleaners episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgNrUVhaJDc

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#158: The Mindset Shift That Tripled Sophia Tyler's Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most people wait until they "feel ready" to do things like raise prices or hire staff. Sophia Tyler did the opposite and jumped straight in. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Sophia, the 24-year-old owner and founder of LadyDo in Longmont, Colorado, who launched her cleaning business at age 20. They dig into the messy early days of undercharging and overdelivering, the emotional work of raising rates on longtime clients, and how mindset, networking, and BNI became the engine behind her growth. Plus, a genuinely wild on-the-job story that you don't want to miss 👀

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why speed and confidence beat low pricing every time
— How to raise your rates on existing clients without losing your nerve
— Why "double your price and lose half your clients" can still leave you ahead
— How BNI and word-of-mouth networking tripled Sophia's business
— Why emotional regulation is a real business skill, not a soft one
— The boundary-setting mistakes new owners make in their first year
— A critical safety check every cleaner should add to their checklist

Resources Mentioned
— You Are the Placebo by Dr. Joe Dispenza: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401944590?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins (the "cookie jar" concept): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544512287?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470485884?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

— Katherine Zenkina (Manifestation Babe): https://manifestationbabe.com/

— BNI (Business Network International): https://www.bni.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#157: The Exact Quality Control System We Use at Serene Clean

ZenMaid — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you've ever wondered how to pull off a surprise quality check without terrifying your cleaner, you've come to the right place. In this solo episode, Stephanie answers a listener question from Kate in Australia about quality control checks and the practical side of making them happen. She walks through Serene Clean's exact QC form, the culture of "everybody checks everybody," the ideal timing for showing up, how often to check different staff members, and how feedback gets documented and shared with the team.

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why your cleaning checklist is the foundation of every quality check

— How to build a QC form anyone on your team can follow

— Whether to arrive during the clean or after (and why in-person, real-time feedback is ideal)

— How to handle logistics: getting into the house, telling the tech, and telling the client

— How often to quality-check new hires vs. staff in good standing

— The color-coding and tracking-sheet system that keeps QCs proactive, not reactive

— How to document and share feedback so it counts for raises, bonuses, and warnings

— The "Pavlov" pro tip for turning quality-check anxiety into something your team looks forward to

Resources Mentioned

— Stephanie's YouTube video on Serene Clean's quality control system (from ~2 years ago): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UByNeDk--BM

— ZenMaid (daily calendar view + QC task scheduling): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— CleanCon (Austin, end of September): https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#156: How Jose Razo Built a Premium Cleaning Brand From Scratch

ZenMaid — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Laid off from a 10-year cybersecurity career, Jose Razo used his severance to launch the cleaning business he'd been sitting on for years. He built it around one person: his own home's cleaner of six years. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Jose, owner of Allens Landing Cleaning just outside Houston, Texas. Jose shares how he went from tech professional to cleaning business owner in a matter of months, why he refuses to compete on price, and how he's building a premium brand from a two-person team.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why execution beats knowledge and how to stop sitting on your business idea
— How to build a premium cleaning brand from day one, even as the smallest company on the block
— Why "we're not the cheapest" belongs on your website
— How to structure pay and expectations so great cleaners want to work for you
— The reason consistency is your biggest differentiator
— How to win the first phone call and set realistic expectations on first-time cleans
— Why free and discounted cleans are an investment, not a cheapened brand
— How to leverage one apartment complex into a 13-property vendor relationship

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (scheduling & automation)
— Notion (systems & documentation)
— Claude / Claude Design (SOPs, branding, research)
— Serene Clean (Stephanie's cleaning business)
— Friendswood Chamber of Commerce
— Allens Landing Cleaning (allenslandingcleaning.com) + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenslandingcleaning/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#155: Why Accountability Makes or Breaks Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Two cleaners, the same feedback, but two completely different reactions. This told Stephanie everything she needed to know about who stays and who goes at Serene Clean. In this episode, Stephanie talks about why she views accountability as the single biggest predictor of whether someone will succeed on your team (or in your business). She walks through two active situations in her company right now: a beloved, long-tenured cleaner going through a rough patch who takes full responsibility for her mistakes, and a two-month hire who blames everyone but herself 👀

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why accountability is the telltale sign of who will succeed on your team
— How to deliver negative client feedback without ruining a cleaner's whole day
— Why you should praise in public and coach in private
— How the "line of credit" model of trust helps you decide who gets the benefit of the doubt
— Why you need to look at actions and see that how people react to stress reveals their real character
— When to stop retraining and simply let someone go
— How to proactively pull honest feedback from clients who love their cleaner and don't want to complain

Resources Mentioned
— Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
— ZenMaid service rating features (for collecting internal client feedback)
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group
— The prior episode on paying for things you didn't break

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#154: Simone Angell on How to Go From Solo Cleaner to Running a Team

ZenMaid — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you're burnt out doing every clean yourself but terrified to hire, you're not alone! In this episode, Stephanie welcomes back Simone Angell of The House Mum to talk about a question posted in the ZenMaid Mastermind: how do you transition from doing all the cleaning yourself to building and leading a team? Simone, who just hit 30 employees running a luxury household-management company in Australia, and Stephanie unpack pricing, hiring, financial transitions, client notes, and the hard conversations.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why a growing waiting list should trigger a price increase (and how that funds your first hires)
— How to handle the financial "pie" when you bring on your first cleaner without going broke
— Why hiring out of desperation backfires and how to trust your gut instead
— How to document client notes so any team member can step in seamlessly
— Why you must pay yourself from day one, even if it's only 1% of revenue
— How to frame a termination so it lands as kindly as possible
— Why employment contracts and kit bonds protect the business you've worked to build
— How part-time staff can be just as loyal and dedicated as full-timers

Resources Mentioned
— The House Mum (https://housemum.com / @housemumhomeservices on Instagram)

— ZenMaid (booking form, scheduling, GPS clock-in/out, digital checklists): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group (original post by Courtney Burleson, May 14): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#153: How to Handle Damage in Clients' Homes (And Who Pays For It)

ZenMaid — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

It's not a matter of IF you'll break something in a client's home, but a matter of when 😬 It happens to every cleaning business owner, and in this solo episode, Stephanie talks about things she and her team have broken, damaged, and replaced over seven years at Serene Clean — from a faucet that snapped in her hand to a priceless glass statue that couldn't be replaced. She breaks down who's responsible when staff damages items, why you should never hide it, and how reducing risk in your kit and scope of work protects your business in the long term.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why the employer (not the employee) pays when staff break something
— The exact email template Serene Clean uses to notify clients about damage
— Why hiding a broken item can quietly destroy your reputation
— How to reduce risk by removing harsh products and risky tasks from your kit
— When it's okay to stand your ground and refuse to pay for a damage claim
— Why charging good rates and carrying insurance protects you when expensive accidents happen

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter

📋 Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

#152: Your Gut Is Always Right About Bad Hires, with Lee Anne Chevalier

ZenMaid — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Hiring is hard, but firing is harder — especially when it's the first time you have to do it. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Lee Anne Chevalier, owner of SerenLumi in Ithaca, New York, just hours after she performed her first-ever employee termination! Lee Anne walks through her decades in cleaning, rebuilding her business from rock bottom after moving states, and the timely story of a manipulative hire who tried to pressure her into committing unemployment fraud.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why "speed of trust" matters and how to extend it like a credit card, not a blank check
— How to spot a manipulative hire before they poison your team
— Why long-commute employees almost never work out long-term
— How to protect your team (and your reputation) when an employee turns toxic
— Why building a real brand from day one beats piecing things together
— How to re-enter a market as a full brand after starting over

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (scheduling software, SOS feature, new app beta, Stripe + Mailchimp integrations): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— The ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— Serene Clean templates (purchased and adapted for SerenLumi): https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

— The Filthy Rich Cleaners episode with Cheryl Hajjar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9azk8CrpGE

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#151: Why 57% of My Interview Confirmations Never Showed Up

ZenMaid — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Stephanie used to spend nothing on job listings for years. That's all changed now, and in this solo episode, Stephanie walks through Serene Clean's real numbers behind a month of aggressive hiring. She shares the May 2026 hiring funnel — from applications started to retained hires — and how much she spent on Indeed to get there.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why free job listing hacks on Indeed no longer work
— Why Stephanie runs all interviews (group and secondary) on Zoom
— What a 57% interview no-show rate really tells you about applicants
— The full May hiring funnel: 395 applications started down to 5 retained hires
— Why she refuses to call and remind candidates about confirmed interviews
— What percentage of revenue to spend on recruiting (0.5–1.5% baseline, 2–4% during growth)
— The mindset shift behind being willing to spend money to solve your biggest constraint

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid Mastermind (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— Indeed job post: https://www.indeed.com/job/daytime-residential-and-commercial-cleaning-technician-23e73d25ef635a46

— Previous episode on group interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzpln5-Z0-A

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#150: Why Ashley, My Longest-Tenured Cleaner, Has Never Quit

ZenMaid — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most cleaning business owners obsess over hiring, but few ask the people who actually stay why they stayed. In this in-person episode, Stephanie sits down with Ashley Seekamp, one of her very first hires at Serene Clean and now her longest-tenured cleaning technician at nearly seven years. They talk candidly about what it was like to build the company out of chaos, the growing pains of adding structure, the hard call to fire a beloved employee for theft, and the on-the-job moments that have shaped Serene Clean's policies.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why flexibility, safety, and being backed up by management beat a bigger paycheck for retaining staff
— How adding "corporate" structure creates growing pains
— Why you can't hire "hot bodies" and hope for the best
— How to coach staff through trusting their intuition on unsafe client situations
— The check-in process that makes employees feel like a person instead of just a number on the payroll
— Why theft is a non-negotiable, no-second-chances firing
— How good employees notice when you hold the line
— The real skill behind professional cleaning that outsiders never see

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#149: How We Raised Prices AND Got Our Highest Close Rate in Years

ZenMaid — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Owners are often terrified to raise prices, and Stephanie Pipkin completely understands why. In fact, her team, including Serene Clean's Customer Relations Manager, Katie, just did it across the board, but they came out with their highest close rate in years. In this special in-person episode, Stephanie sits down with Katie to break down the whirlwind of May: a price increase on 72 existing clients, a full switch from hourly to flat-rate pricing, built-in travel fees, and autopay. They talk about Serene Cleans' numbers and why they believe framing a price matters far more than the number itself.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to roll out a price increase without losing the clients you want to keep
— Why switching from hourly to flat rate made selling easier, not harder
— The psychology of why long-term clients resist increases more than new ones
— How to build travel fees into one simple price (the "Amazon free shipping" trick)
— Why every hour of labor has to work as hard as possible when staffing is your constraint
— How "priority cleans" replaced "limited hour cleans" to kill the time conversation
— The production-rate auditing system that flags every job over or under target in 15-minute increments

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Serene Clean website: https://serene-clean.com

— ZenMaid Mastermind (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#148: ZenMaid's Vision for the Maid Service Industry, with CEO Amar Ghose

ZenMaid — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

ZenMaid wants to be more than your scheduling software. In this episode, Stephanie sits down again with Amar Ghose, CEO of ZenMaid, to talk about how ZenMaid is thinking about the maid service industry and the problems it's setting out to solve. They talk about using AI as a thinking partner instead of a decision-maker, the new tools coming out of ZenMaid (MaidPop, the customer portal, and a training/onboarding app), an exercise that helps owners design genuine customer delight, and more!

📌 What You'll Learn

— Why giving AI more context beats short, Google-style questions (and how to start using voice notes to do it)

— How to use AI as a thinking partner to find your blind spots — without outsourcing the actual decision

— The "12-star experience" exercise for designing customer delight at every level of your business

— Why "I can just do that" is one of the most dangerous phrases an owner can say

— How MaidPop captures website leads in about two minutes of setup

— Why the best companies use best-in-class tools instead of one all-in-one platform

— Three books worth reading: The Goal, The Algorithm, and Incorruptible

Resources Mentioned

— MaidPop: https://www.maidpop.io/

— Apply to be a guest on Filthy Rich Cleaners: https://get.zenmaid.com/guest-application

— The Goal: 40th Anniversary Edition: A Process of Ongoing Improvement: https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884271951

— The Algorithm: The Hypergrowth Formula That Transformed Tesla, Lululemon, General Motors, and SpaceX: https://www.amazon.com/Algorithm-Hypergrowth-Formula-Transformed-Lululemon/dp/B0FFG5KFSK

— Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad... and How Great Companies Stay Great: https://www.amazon.com/Incorruptible-Good-Companies-Great-Stay/dp/B0FWZZBPZB

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#147: How I Built a Career Path for My Cleaning Techs (Finally)

ZenMaid — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

After seven years, Stephanie recently built a real career path at Serene Clean, but it looks nothing like what most cleaning companies do. In this episode, she unveils the new four-level career path she launched: Cleaning Tech 1, Cleaning Tech 2, Senior Cleaning Tech 1, and Senior Cleaning Tech 2. She breaks down why she intentionally left some roles vague to future-proof the business, how she tied two new monthly bonuses to attendance and compliance, and why she deliberately skipped titles like "team lead" and "trainer." She also walks through exactly how she ran the numbers with AI to make sure the bonuses were affordable at their worst-case cost.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why a too-simple structure can quietly cause turnover and stagnation
— How to build a career path using behaviors you're already tracking
— Why Stephanie set attendance qualification at 98%
— How the rolling six-month attendance window actually works
— Why she made the bonuses monthly instead of quarterly
— How to calculate what a new bonus or benefit will cost you at its worst
— Why she avoids team leads and the power dynamics they can create
— How to future-proof roles by leaving responsibilities intentionally flexible

Resources Mentioned
— Serene Clean Raise & Wage Guidelines (previous episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQngBPrIuWQ
— Molly Moran (Live Bright Consulting): https://mollymoran.com/
— Career Path Template ($15): https://serene-clean.com/downloads/career-path-template/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#146: How Matt Ricketts Built a $6M Cleaning Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Matt Ricketts went from being a furloughed pilot back in the 2008 economic crash to owning a residential cleaning company doing $6M a year, but he didn't plan any of this. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Matt Ricketts of Better Life Home Services to talk about why he decided to own a cleaning business after being furloughed from his pilot job, and how he eventually scaled to 60+ cleaners across St. Louis. Matt shares the operational systems behind his "pod" model, why he switched from teams to solos, how he thinks about the numbers that drive growth, and where he sees private equity reshaping the industry.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why recurring revenue per week matters far more than your total customer count
— How the "pod system" cuts drive time and keeps cleaners working close to home
— The 500-to-1 hiring funnel Better Life uses to filter applicants
— Why getting a new hire to 90 days predicts whether they'll last a year
— How to fund great benefits with a customer-facing health and safety fee
— The math behind spending $360 (or more) to acquire a single customer
— The three pillars of "delight": operational excellence, custom experience, and memorable moments
— Why solo cleaners generate more revenue per head than teams
— How private equity and AI are about to reshape the cleaning industry

Resources Mentioned
— Better Life Home Services: https://betterlifehome.com/

— Sight Stones (Matt's nonprofit — gifts for customers): https://sightstones.org/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#145: 3 Ways Cleaning Business Owners Are Doing Too Much

ZenMaid — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you're prepping every cleaner's kit, tolerating time theft, or trying to force the wrong person into an office role, this one's for you 🥴 In this episode, Stephanie breaks down three examples from the past week of cleaning business owners doing too much, including why your cleaners should be responsible for their own kits and supplies, why time theft is a non-negotiable firing offense, and why pushing the wrong employee into an administrative role is costing you.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why owners should never be the ones prepping cleaner kits (and how to transition that responsibility)
— How to pay cleaners fairly for 10 minutes of prep time so you can hold them accountable
— Why GPS clock-in/clock-out is one of the most important features of any scheduling software
— How to handle staff who turn off GPS tracking or clock in from home
— Why "time theft" is still legitimate theft
— How to spot when an employee is the wrong fit for an office role
— Why problem-solving with technology matters more than knowing how to do something
— How Stephanie's team documents SOPs using recordings + Claude to make processes plug-and-play
— Why org charts and role clarity matter once you bring on admin help

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid Mastermind (free Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— Claude AI (used for writing SOPs from recordings): https://claude.ai/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#144: How Krista's Family-Run Cleaning Business Grew 30% a Year

ZenMaid — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Krista Radau didn't set out to build a cleaning empire; she just needed to help pay the bills! Six years later, she's running Extreme Clean Solutions in Oklahoma City with her husband, son, niece, and now her mom, and growing 30% a year without spending any money on ads 🤯 In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Krista to talk about starting a cleaning business in November 2019 (right before COVID), turning her husband's window cleaning company into a profitable upsell, why she walked away from a five-year Air Force Base contract, and how her TikTok handle "Queen of Clean OKC" is pulling in clients from other states.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How Krista grew her business 30% per year using only word of mouth
— Why she walked away from a five-year government contract mid-negotiation
— How to combine window cleaning with house cleaning for a massive revenue lift
— Her exact pricing on ovens ($50+), fridges ($80), and windows ($20 each)
— Why "Google loves Google" and how to treat your Google Business Page like social media
— How to build TikTok content that actually converts to bookings
— Why systems, checklists, and policies protect you from awkward customer conversations
— The squeegee method she preaches on every cleaning job
— How to add coach light cleaning as a high-margin upsell
— Why authentic, unpolished video outperforms scripted content every time

Resources Mentioned
— Extreme Clean Solutions (Oklahoma City): https://extremecleaningsolution.com/

— ZenMaid (scheduling software): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Angela Brown / Savvy Cleaner (systems advice): https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaBrownCleaning

— Krista's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@QueenofCleanOKC

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#143: How to Get Hundreds of Google Reviews for Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Reviews are the lifeblood of a residential cleaning business, and the companies racking up hundreds of them have a system in place, including Serene Clean. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down exactly how Serene Clean has collected 471 (!!!) Google reviews, 64 Facebook reviews, and dozens of video testimonials over seven years. She walks through the leave-behind cards, QR codes, email signatures, and the brand-new "Record and Reward" incentive program that pays cleaning techs to bring in video reviews.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why reviews are the single most important piece of social proof for a local cleaning business
— How to track reviews as a weekly KPI so you never go stale
— The exact leave-behind card Serene Clean uses (front and back) to ask for written and video reviews
— Why putting your review links on checklists, invoices, and email signatures multiplies your results
— How to incentivize cleaning techs to actively collect reviews
— The four questions Serene Clean asks every client for a video review
— How the Record and Reward program stacks bonuses: $20 per video, +$30 for the first video of the week, +$10 for the second, plus a quarterly pot
— Why video reviews outperform Google reviews when you're just starting out
— The pain-point question Stephanie added after Alex Hormozi's conference to make video testimonials better for marketing
— Where to repurpose video reviews so they keep working for you for years

Resources Mentioned
— Serene Clean review card (front and back): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ksddeuPtVV2cZWVaQCZV4dw34USqMjil/view?usp=sharing

— Record and Reward Incentive Program document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A0vfHqOc-SnfXYr3wtBq-6Dmhjn773HdpzGUAj0CYJo/edit?usp=sharing

— Joe's video review (example): https://youtu.be/KHlrZraiCck?si=xD-qU9amX78W6qx6

— ZenMaid Mastermind (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#142: Dan Platta on Why Hitting $1M in Your Business Won't Fix Your Problems

ZenMaid — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most cleaning business owners think they have a hiring problem, a marketing problem, or a cash flow problem, but Dan Platta disagrees. He says they actually have a clarity problem 🤯 In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Dan Platta, owner of Best Damn Bookkeeping and former operator of multiple cleaning, window, and home service businesses across the US. Dan breaks down the "Purgatories of Scaling," explains why bookkeeping is a finance activity (not a tax activity), and walks through the five spending buckets every service business owner should be tracking weekly.

📌 What You'll Learn
— The three "purgatories" every cleaning business gets stuck in
— Why doubling your revenue from $100K to $200K often means making less money
— The five money buckets every cleaning business needs to track (and the % targets for each)
— Why hiring a local bookkeeper or tax accountant for your books is usually a mistake
— Why you should NOT sync your CRM to QuickBooks
— How to reverse-interview candidates so the right people self-select in
— The biggest hiring filter mistake owners make: "stop selling the job like it's easy"
— Why your highest-producing cleaner is often the worst person to promote to manager
— How to think about admin team spend (and the 15–17% sweet spot)
— Why "growth is expensive" and how to brace your business (and team) for it

Resources Mentioned
— Best Damn Bookkeeping: https://bestdamnbookkeeping.com

— Home Service Happy Hour Podcast (Dan's show): https://www.youtube.com/@HomeServiceHappyHour

— Hire Lead Chill (recruiting company Dan co-owns with Sean Day): https://hireleadchill.com

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#141: How We Got Free Local News Coverage for Our Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Free PR? Sign us up! It's not as far-fetched as it sounds, and Stephanie's team pulled it off last month with one well-crafted email. In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down the exact media pitch her executive assistant, Veronica, used to land Serene Clean in two local news outlets in April. She talks about why charitable giving has been baked into Serene Clean's brand since its inception in 2019, how the Cleaning for a Reason partnership works, the PR pitch that worked to get Serene Clean in the local news, and more.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to structure a media pitch that local reporters will open (subject line + 150-word body)
— Why leading with the community story is the formula that gets greenlit
— How Cleaning for a Reason membership works and why $25/month is worth it for brand-building alone
— How Stephanie structures Serene Clean's monthly giving budget (fixed + variable)
— Why local TV is still the most trusted news source and reaches your ideal cleaning customer
— The subject line and pitch email Serene Clean sent to land two media placements
— Why corporate social responsibility is a long-term branding play

Resources Mentioned
— WEAU news story on Serene Clean's Cleaning for a Reason partnership: https://www.weau.com/2026/05/01/local-cleaning-company-brings-free-house-cleanings-homeowners-fighting-cancer/

— Cleaning for a Reason (nonprofit partner, $25/month membership): https://cleaningforareason.org/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— Sean Perry's previous episode on SEO and backlinks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJNnCWP4Pik

— Serene Clean's Fresh Start Project (free cleaning initiative): https://serene-clean.com/giveback/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#140: How Reagan Bell Turned Getting Fired Into a Thriving Cleaning Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Reagan Bell was fired from a toxic cleaning job at 18. Four years later, she's running her own organic cleaning company in Orlando, and about to take it fully remote. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Reagan, the 22-year-old founder of Bell's Organic Maids, to talk about how she turned getting fired from a chaotic contractor job into launching her own business from scratch. They cover the systems she set up from day one, why she chose W2 employees over independent contractors, how she's promoting her first hire into a field manager role, and the plan she's following to transition to remote ownership when she moves across the country this summer.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to turn cleaning experience into a real business
— Why W2 employees beat independent contractors for culture and risk protection
— The exact software stack Reagan uses to stay organized (ZenMaid, Confluence, Notion)
— How to promote your first cleaner into a field manager role with a stipend structure
— Why automated client reminders are a non-negotiable
— Small, thoughtful client retention gifts under $5 that drive real word of mouth
— How Stephanie maintains team culture as a remote owner using Slack channels, weekly virtual meetings, and AI-powered positive reinforcement
— Why signed service policies will save you when you run into the inevitable crazy client

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (CRM, scheduling, automated reminders, invoicing): https://get.zenmaid.com/

— Confluence (systems and SOP documentation): https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence

— Notion (team hub for checklists, inventory, employee guidelines): https://notion.so/

— Slack (team communication and culture): https://slack.com/

— Stripe (payment processing): https://stripe.com/

— Gusto + Guideline (payroll and 401k): https://gusto.com/

— Indeed (hiring)
— Canva (branded client postcards)

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#139: Why I Switched From Hourly To Flat Rate After 7 Years

ZenMaid — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

After seven years of being known as "the hourly girl," Stephanie made the change she swore she'd never make 🤯 In this solo episode, Stephanie walks through exactly how and why she transitioned the residential side of Serene Clean from hourly to flat rate pricing — on both maintenance cleans AND initial cleans — while keeping her cleaners on hourly pay. She breaks down the profit reasoning, the operational rollout in phases, the conversation with Molly Moran that sparked the official change, and the estimate email tweaks that are closing recurring clients before the first cleaning is even done.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why charging flat rate while paying hourly is the most profitable combination for her business
— How to roll out a flat rate transition in phases without losing your client base
— The exact production rates Serene Clean uses (150 sq ft per labor hour for initials, 100 sq ft per labor hour for move-outs)
— Why offering an hourly price range was actually costing her closed deals
— How to reframe your estimate email so recurring service is the default path, not an afterthought
— Why she's not switching to percentage or performance pay for cleaners
— How to handle scope creep, fast-cleaner variance, and "my house is already clean" objections under flat rate
— What to do when a long-term client pushes back on a price increase with a quality complaint
— Why you should pause price increases on any client with a recent complaint before rolling them in

Resources Mentioned
— Molly Moran (cleaning business owner, CleanCon co-founder): https://mollymoran.com/

— Serene Clean's Flat Rate Estimate Email Template — $15, available on Stephanie's website: https://serene-clean.com/downloads/flat-rate-cleaning-estimate-email-template/

— ZenMaid Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#138: Why Ryan Williams Started a Cleaning Business From Working at ZenMaid

ZenMaid — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ryan Williams spent two years at ZenMaid helping cleaning business owners better run their companies...then he bought into one. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Ryan, co-owner of The Villages Maid Service Hot Springs location and VP of Revenue at ZenMaid, to talk about what changed when he went from giving advice to living it. They talk about classic hiring chaos, the feast-or-famine pendulum, the contractor vs. W2 debate, and why brand still beats AI in 2026. They also have a few very unserious blooper moments, but that's what you get when you listen to a podcast with these two

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why the cleaners you trust earliest are often the ones who quit first
— How to handle the "feast or famine" swing between too many leads and not enough cleaners
— When the contractor model makes sense vs. when to switch to W2
— How to use Alex Hormozi's "Dream 100" to get your first paying customers
— Why brand and culture matter more than paid ads in 2026
— What to do when an applicant says "yes" the morning of and ghosts you anyway
— How to set expectations with 1099 cleaners around insurance and supplies

Resources Mentioned
— The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Machine-Turbocharge-Relentless/dp/1591842158

— ZenMaid: https://get.zenmaid.com/

— The Villages Maid Service (Hot Springs + Florida locations): https://thevillagesmaidservice.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#137: I Asked Alex Hormozi to Fix My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

...and it worked! Well, kind of. In this solo episode, Stephanie talks about her experience at the Acquisition.com scaling workshop, which she took her entire management team to. Hosted by Alex Hormozi's team, she got to ask him a question directly about how to fix an ongoing issue at Serene Clean and walked away with the clearest game plan she's ever had for breaking through her revenue plateau.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why Stephanie brought all three of her managers to the workshop
— How to categorize your clients as whales, dolphins, and minnows
— The five business "value subtractors" every cleaning business owner should audit
— Why Stephanie is launching a career path for her cleaners on June 1, 2026
— How group training cuts costs and protects your trainer's time
— The interview questions that catch cleaners who can't physically handle the work
— Why spending more on Indeed is solving her biggest constraint
— How a single consulting call with Molly Moran moved Serene Clean from hourly to flat rate pricing
— The estimating email tweak that more than doubled recurring bookings in one month

Resources Mentioned
— Alex Hormozi's content: https://www.youtube.com/c/alexhormozi

— Acquisition.com

— Molly Moran (cleaning business coach): https://mollymoran.com/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

— ZenMaid Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Stephanie's Consulting & Resources for Purchase: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#136: Shannon Miller on Why W-2s vs. 1099s Changes What Your Cleaning Business Is Worth

ZenMaid — Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Shannon Miller has been in the cleaning industry for 16 years, sold one company, is preparing to sell another, and coaches thousands of owners a year through Klean Freaks University. She's seen it all, and in this episode, Stephanie sits down with Shannon to unpack the realities of building, scaling, and eventually selling a cleaning business. They talk through the classic W-2 vs. 1099 debate, why a 100% satisfaction guarantee can actually bankrupt you, how free cleanings get weaponized without firm boundaries, and the safety policies you need before something goes sideways in a client's home.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why W-2 businesses sell for more than 1099 referral models, and when each makes sense
— How to structure free cleanings so they don't turn into scope-creep nightmares
— Why a 24-hour walkthrough policy beats an open-ended satisfaction guarantee
— The Code of Conduct Shannon now requires every client to sign
— How to coach younger techs to recognize and shut down inappropriate client behavior
— Why the cleaning industry is the first real legacy-building opportunity dominated by women
— When (and how) to pivot policies that aren't working anymore

Resources Mentioned
— Klean Freaks University: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com

— Cleaning Business Life Podcast (Shannon's show): https://cleaningbusinesslife.buzzsprout.com/

— Shannon Leanne Miller's books on Amazon (8 published works): https://us.amazon.com/stores/Shannon-Lee-Ann-Miller/author/B0G1TTBB68?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1777512932&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8779df07-7e5c-4788-a38b-491d558d9f39

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

#135: The Books That Changed How I Run My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most business owners say they don't have time to read. But Stephanie has built a 7-figure cleaning company, and these books are a big reason why.

In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down every book that has had a lasting impact on her life and her business. From heavy personal reads on trauma, suffering, and purpose, to tactical frameworks on delegation, cash management, sales, and systems, she shares what she took from each one and exactly how she's applied it inside Serene Clean.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why Man's Search for Meaning reframes how you handle hard seasons in business
— How The Body Keeps the Score helped Stephanie become a more empathetic leader
— The 40% rule from David Goggins, and why your real capacity is almost always higher than you think
— The three roles every business owner plays (and why the wrong one always wins)
— How Profit First's 5-account system kept Serene Clean out of debt for 7 years
— The 80-10-10 delegation rule from Buy Back Your Time and how to use it with a VA or EA
— Why Thou Shall Prosper changed Stephanie's relationship with money and charging what she's worth
— The "pigheaded discipline" concept behind Serene Clean's 500+ five-star reviews
— What Deep Work revealed about time blocking and why most owners are busy but not moving forward
— Why passion follows mastery, not the other way around

Resources Mentioned 📚

— Man's Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl — The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk — Can't Hurt Me — David Goggins — Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable — Tim Grover — Ikigai — Héctor García & Francesc Miralles — E-Myth Revisited — Michael Gerber — Profit First — Mike Michalowicz — Buy Back Your Time — Dan Martell — The Ultimate Sales Machine — Chet Holmes — Thou Shall Prosper — Rabbi Daniel Lapin — Your Next Five Moves — Patrick Bet-David — What Should We Do? — Joe Crisara — Start With Why — Simon Sinek — Good to Great — Jim Collins — Deep Work — Cal Newport — So Good They Can't Ignore You — Cal Newport — 4,000 Weeks — Oliver Burkeman — $100M Offers — Alex Hormozi — $100M Leads — Alex Hormozi

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://www.zenmaid.com/newsletter/

#134: How Natalie’s $15 Clean Built a 15-Year Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What happens when a corporate sales executive burns out so badly that her brother jokes she might end up on World News Tonight? She moves to Boulder and starts cleaning houses!

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Natalie Mikishko, owner of Majestic Domestics and Clean Conscience Cleaning Service in Boulder, Colorado. Natalie walked away from a career that spanned HR training, grocery purchasing, cabinet sales, and commercial construction, and then built two cleaning companies from scratch — including a $15-a-clean lost leader campaign. She shares the full story of acquiring Clean Conscience in 2022, what she wishes she'd done differently, and how her team of two jumped in to clean when she lost seven staff members in a single month.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How a Groupon-style newspaper deal at $15 per clean launched Majestic Domestics and created 15-year client relationships
— What Natalie would demand before signing any acquisition deal again
— Why she transitioned her team from hourly pay to percentage-based pay
— How she recovered operationally after losing 7 cleaners in January without canceling on clients
— The culture investments (backup company cars, AAA cards, a full office coffee and cocktail bar) that make her team stay

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid scheduling software: https://get.zenmaid.com

— CleanCon conference: https://www.mycleancon.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

#133: The Paper Checklist That Built a Million-Dollar Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most cleaning business owners think checklists are unnecessary friction and just another paper to hold onto. But Stephanie thinks they're one of the main reasons she built a million-dollar company, and she's ready to convince you 😉

In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down every angle of why Serene Clean has used a physical paper checklist at every single residential appointment since the very first free cleans she ever did. She also shares exactly what Serene Clean puts on theirs, including a notes section, an abbreviation key, a safety checklist, and QR codes for reviews.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why relying on memory instead of checklists is the #1 source of quality issues in cleaning businesses
— How to create consistency across multiple staff members, different trainers, and ongoing turnover
— The team accountability system Serene Clean uses, so there's never a "he said, she said" after a complaint
— Why the checklist is one of Stephanie's most powerful sales tools
— How a personal notes section at the bottom gets cleaning techs more tips
— The abbreviation key Serene Clean added so clients always know why a task was skipped
— How QR codes on the checklist drive more Google reviews without feeling pushy
— When a digital checklist is the right starting point
— What a safety checklist looks like and why it matters for client trust

Resources Mentioned:
Filthy Rich Cleaners Ep. 70 on Client Cancellations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjSQPf4O604

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

#132: A $25K Revenue Drop Made Us More Profitable?! What My Q1 Review Taught Me About My Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Revenue is down $25,000, yet profit is up 53%. How does that happen? And what does it actually mean for the business? In this solo episode, Stephanie walks through her full Q1 2026 financial and business review for Serene Clean (the same report she presented to her management team that week). She covers the data analysis she did to uncover her insights, why revenue is down but profit is up, and the three hidden costs that a lost commercial account was bleeding from the business for months, and so much more.

📌 What You'll Learn — How Serene Clean brought in less revenue in Q1 2026 but made 53% more profit than the same quarter last year — The three hidden costs one bad commercial account was silently creating (overtime, training, and call-out chaos) — Why Stephanie is adding a dedicated training line item in Gusto, and how you can do it too, regardless of your payroll software — How to calculate the true cost of a failed hire, including what most owners never think to track — Why call-out hours dropped by 355 compared to Q1 of last year — How 46% of first-time cleans converted to recurring clients in Q1 — Why Serene Clean went from lead-constrained to capacity-constrained in a single quarter — The MRR goal Stephanie set for 2026, how she broke it into a monthly action plan, and whether they're on track — How price increases across 98 clients added $22,573 in revenue from the same customer base — How to use AI (specifically Claude) to analyze payroll data, appointment history, and sales reports together

Resources Mentioned — Filthy Rich Cleaners Ep. 103 — Stephanie's full 2025 year-end financial review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-GpAnCO2nM — ZenMaid (cleaning business scheduling software): https://get.zenmaid.com

#131: "We've Cleaned It All" — 18 Years of Vacation Rental Secrets

ZenMaid — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

She left nursing, started cleaning for friends as therapy, and accidentally built an 18-year cleaning empire in one of the wildest cities in America. LaShanda Brown has seen (and cleaned) everything 👀

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with LaShanda, owner of Sweeping Hands Cleaning Service in New Orleans, Louisiana, to talk about how she transitioned from a decade-long nursing career into cleaning, grew her business entirely on word of mouth, and built a 60% vacation-rental-focused operation complete with her own property management company. They talk about the wildest horror stories LaShanda has experienced, as well as advice on things like logistics, flat-rate pricing, and schedule routing through Mardi Gras parades.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How LaShanda went from nursing to owning an 18-year residential and vacation rental cleaning business
— Why word of mouth has been her only growth strategy
— How to price vacation rental cleanings with a flat rate that accounts for worst-case guests
— The off-site laundry system Sweeping Hands uses to run high-volume STR clients (color-coded bags, two shifts, property-specific labels)
— How to set expectations with first-time Airbnb owners so you stay in control of the scope
— Scheduling strategies for turnovers in a city full of parades, street closures, and unpredictable events
— Why she won't hire couples but does hire family members
— The pivotal COVID moment that led her to lock herself in an Airbnb for 5 days and finally build her ClickUp system
— How business coaches helped transform parts of her business
— Why knowing what you keep (not just what you make) is what ultimately builds wealth

Resources Mentioned
— Sweeping Hands Cleaning Service Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweepinghandscleaning/
— ZenMaid cleaning business scheduling software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ClickUp: https://clickup.com/
— RingCentral: https://www.ringcentral.com/
— CleanCon (Austin, Texas in September): https://www.mycleancon.com/austin

#130: The Real Mental Side of Running a Cleaning Business, with Kala Pomeroy

ZenMaid — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Every cleaning business owner Kala Pomeroy has ever spoken with, from brand-new solo operators to teams of 50, has one thing in common: the fear that they're doing it wrong.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Kala, a 10-year cleaning business owner in Southeast Texas and full-time ZenMaid Customer Success Specialist. Kala shares her own journey from solo cleaner to remote business operator, including how she landed her ZenMaid job after a homeless man broke into her hotel room the night before her interview. Stephanie and Kala talk through the mental patterns holding cleaning business owners back and how to build systems without losing your mind.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why pricing anxiety shows up at every stage of business, from solo operators to 50-person teams
— How analysis paralysis is costing you more time than imperfect action ever would
— The difference between what should be automated and what should stay human in your cleaning business
— Why you need to map out a process on paper before you ever touch a single software tool
— How to stop comparing yourself to bigger businesses and start running your own race
— Why cleaning is not unskilled labor and why you should be proud of what you do!

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid Pricing Calculator: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-much-to-charge-house-cleaning-2026/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

#129: 7 Lessons in 7 Years of Running a Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Happy 7 years in business to Serene Clean! 🥳 In this episode, Stephanie talks about 7 lessons she's learned — one for each year — owning and operating Serene Clean. From 2019 to now, Serene Clean is a $1.5 million company that she runs remotely from Savannah, Georgia, and Stephanie covers these 7 important lessons she picked up over the years:

Always be hiring
Raise your prices before you're ready
Difficult clients cost much more than the business they bring in
Your values are the decision maker, even when you're not in the room
The vacation test — you can let go and delegate more than you think
You're going to keep having mindset-shifting moments, so don't be scared of the change
Community is what keeps you from quitting

Resources Mentioned
— Episode 42: Group Interviews for Your Cleaning Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzpln5-Z0-A
— Thou Shall Prosper by Daniel Lapin: https://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shall-Prosper-Commandments-Making/dp/0470485884
— Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X
— ZenMaid Mastermind (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

📖 Read the full transcript:

#128: How Jonathan Berger Runs a NYC Cleaning Empire Remotely From Southeast Asia

ZenMaid — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Jonathan Berger was living in his car and driving for Uber when the idea for Cleanzilla began. Now he runs 400+ recurring clients across New York City and just came back from six months in Southeast Asia.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Jonathan, co-founder and co-owner of Cleanzilla in New York City, to learn more about his origin story. From dropping out of high school, living in his car, and meeting his wife Anna, Jonathan has since built a multi-six-figure residential cleaning business across Manhattan and Queens. He breaks down the NYC logistics of running a cleaning business with solo cleaners, subway systems, and 600–1,500 sq ft apartments, how he cut ad spend from $8,000 to $1,500 per month while keeping 15–20 inbound leads per day, and how he and Anna built the systems to step away from the business for months at a time.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How Cleanzilla scaled from Google Calendar to a fully remote operations setup with ZenMaid, Notion, and Quo
— Why Jonathan dropped from $8K/month in Google Ads to $1,500/month in SEO but maintained the same lead volume
— The "Pizzeria Effect:" how to stand out when you have five competitors on every block
— How to structure a team that runs without you
— What running a cleaning business in NYC actually looks like, including solo cleaners, metro cards, condensed supply kits, and apartment-only routing
— How Jonathan and Anna built word-of-mouth hiring by treating their team like family
— The honest truth about running a business with your spouse

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid (scheduling and CRM software): https://get.zenmaid.com/
— CBF / Cleaning Business Fundamentals by Debbie Sardone: https://debbiesardone.com/
— CBF Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleaningbusinessprofits/
— Quo, formerly OpenPhone, affiliate link: https://www.openphone.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5

#127: Creating Genuine Content for Your Business (Live from CleanCon)

ZenMaid — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Personable content that shows you (and your brand's) personality might be what your marketing strategy is missing! In this episode — recorded live from CleanCon in Indianapolis — Stephanie sits down with Nicole Somerstein, ZenMaid's Content Marketing Manager, to talk about why personable content can elevate your brand and build trust with cleaning clients. Nicole brings a marketer's eye to an industry she's come to love, and together, they break down why authenticity wins — while also sprinkling in some life advice ✨ And yes, Nicole is the one who wrote this podcast description.

📌 What You'll Learn
— Why your most imperfect, unplanned content often performs best
— Why cleaning businesses need an About Us page with a real face and a real story
— The difference between selling content and awareness content, and why you need both
— How to stop competing against other owners' timelines and focus on your own race
— Why getting on video is one of the highest-trust moves a cleaning business can make

Resources Mentioned:
CleanCon conference — https://www.mycleancon.com/
Drew Larson's episode — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIBCsJQWkc
ZenMaid Software — https://get.zenmaid.com/

#126: Sean Parry on Google Maps SEO for Cleaners

ZenMaid — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to Filthy Rich Cleaners! In this episode, Stephanie sits down for round two with Sean Parry, one of the leading automation, marketing, and SEO experts in the cleaning industry. Sean returns to break down the “black box” of local SEO and share practical, actionable strategies for cleaning business owners who want to generate more leads from Google. He dives into why ranking in the Google Maps top three is critical, and explains the website structure, Google Business Profile optimization, and consistency strategies that help cleaners rank higher and convert better.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— Why the Google Maps top 3 drives the majority of local clicks
— How Google Maps SEO can influence ChatGPT recommendations, too
— The website foundation of service pages + location pages
— What to put on your homepage “above the fold” so humans (and Google) trust you
— A realistic content target
— Why Google rewards consistency over big content dumps
— How real photos + proper image titles/alt text strengthen local signals
— The balance between SEO content and conversion-focused design
— Google Business Profile optimizations
— Backlinks explained
— Why “gray hat” SEO can tank your rankings
— The power of going hyperlocal first to win proximity-based rankings

Resources Mentioned:
— Project83 (Sean’s Marketing Agency): https://www.project83.co/

— Sean Parry's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sean_parry

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter:https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/sean-parry-on-google-maps-seo-for-cleaners/

#125: When to Fight for a Client (And When to Fire Them)

ZenMaid — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Not every client cancellation means you failed, and not every client is worth saving. In this episode, Stephanie walks through three client situations that happened within a single week at Serene Clean, including a long-term weekly residential client who canceled after years, Stephanie's very first free-clean customer ever who just nearly left after a cleaner ignored her instructions, and a small commercial account that Serene Clean chose to fire after years of unpleasant behavior.

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to handle a client cancellation when the cleaner is in the wrong
— Why comparing a current cleaner to a former employee is a red flag that rarely resolves itself
— When offering a free re-clean is the right move to save a long-term client relationship
— Why quality checking the first appointment back after a save is non-negotiable
— How to recognize when a client simply cannot be pleased
— The opportunity cost of keeping a difficult client on your roster
— How to write a professional "breakup email" to fire a client with class
— Why listening to your cleaners' feedback about specific accounts matters

#124: Samantha Price on Post-Construction Cleaning 101

ZenMaid — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Post-construction cleaning is one of the most in-demand, highest-paying niches in the cleaning industry, but there are few guidelines on how to do it right. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Samantha Price, founder of
Cleansite Solutions in South Florida, to break down everything cleaning business owners need to know about post-construction work. Samantha shares how she launched her business with zero construction cleaning experience and eventually landed commercial accounts through cold calling and showing up at job sites. She talks through the three phases of construction cleaning, her flat-rate pricing approach, the equipment that actually matters, and more!

📌 What You'll Learn
— How to get your first post-construction client through cold calling and drop-offs at job sites
— The difference between rough cleaning, final cleaning, and touch-up cleaning
— Why flat-rate pricing works better than hourly for construction clients
— What equipment you actually need (and what to skip)
— The #1 mistake cleaners make when they come from residential to construction sites
— Why bidding a little lower on your first job with a contractor is a smart long-term strategy
— How independent contractors make sense for post-construction work specifically
— How Samantha has earned repeat business from 100% of the contractors she's ever worked with

Resources Mentioned
— ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com
— ZenMaid Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind
— Cleansite Solutions Website: https://www.cleansitesouthflorida.com/
— Cleansite Solutions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleansite_southflorida/

📖 Read the full transcript:

#123: How Julia Went From 0 to $100K Months in Under 2 Years

ZenMaid — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you think your market is too small, think again! In this episode, Stephanie talks with Julia Callahan, founder of Jubilee Cleaning Co., who went from knocking on doors to building a $100K/month cleaning company in under two years — all while serving a suburban/rural area outside Pittsburgh. Julia shares what it really took to leave a six-figure medical sales career, handle ego and criticism, switch from 1099 to W2 early, and build a sustainable growth engine. She and Stephanie also share key leadership moments that business owners need to face to prioritize standards over comfort.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— How Julia hit $100K months in under two years
— Why saying YES to commercial cleaning accelerated growth
— The attendance incentive system that reduces call-offs
— How commission-based pay works for cleaning teams
— How they drive (and reward) 5-star reviews
— What to do when a clean goes sideways (and costs $10K)
— How to overcome price objections using “scope swaps”
— How to fill schedule gaps by upselling deep-clean bundles
— Why recurring bookings should be sold immediately
— The leadership skills that unlock scale

Resources Mentioned
— Million Dollar Home Cleaning Coaching Group: https://homecleaningcoaching.com/homecleaningcourses?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnL6wLgGp7zGeSnikVk30hftg9RLFYRfpDlgMPIWaKhTgf5omG4n2mmS9m6Q0_aem_SUDQ2EjtoUd7oefLvKz_ww
— Stephanie's Administrative Bundle: https://serene-clean.com/downloads/administrative-documents-bundle/
— ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/how-julia-went-from-0-to-100k-months-in-under-2-years/

#122: Katie Bradley's “Simple Kit” Strategy for Faster, Safer, More Profitable Cleans

ZenMaid — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Katie Bradley is all over cleaning social media — but she’s not here for the viral “bucket of water on the floor” bullsh*t. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Katie, Owner of Maid Busters in Cincinnati, Ohio (aka “Come Clean with Katie” online), to talk about what social media gets wrong, what real pros do instead, and how to run a cleaning business that protects clients’ homes and the cleaner’s body. This episode dives deep into safer product choices, simpler kits, stainless steel that actually looks good, and the boundaries that keep cleaners from burning out.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— Why viral cleaning hacks can damage floors, counters, and finishes (and how to professionally say “no” to risky requests)
— Katie’s simplified cleaning kit essentials
— Why oils and “shine” products can cause buildup (and how to educate clients without making it weird_
— Boundaries that prevent resentment: clutter fees, scope clarity, and contracts that back you up
— The real reason raising prices feels scary and how to stop “getting in clients’ pockets”
— Content creation while cleaning
— Why reliability is a competitive advantage

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/katie-bradleys-simple-kit-strategy-for-faster-safer-more-profitable-cleans/

#121: Why Your Cleaners Keep Going Over Time (And How to Fix It)

ZenMaid — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Are your cleaners going overtime or skipping check-ins? Before you blame the cleaner, you need to check yourself first 😉 In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down one of the most common and costly problems in cleaning businesses: cleaners going over their approved time with no communication. Inspired by a real question from the ZenMaid Mastermind and a recent consulting call, Stephanie walks through every layer of the problem and gives practical, implementable fixes for each one.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— Why the problem often starts with your estimating, not your cleaner's speed
— What production rates are and how to audit yours using real data
— How to calculate labor hours for first-time cleans, maintenance cleans, and vacant homes
— Why cleaners need to know their approved time explicitly
— How to set up a midpoint check-in process that gives you time to adjust before it's too late
— The difference in risk between hourly vs. flat rate when jobs run long
— How pay structure (hourly vs. performance-based) drives cleaner behavior
— Why a fast feedback loop matters more than a formal sit-down
— When to send a cleaner back through training vs. when it's a discipline issue
— Legal considerations around docking pay for W2 employees who go over approved time

Resources Mentioned:
— Serene Clean Document Bundles: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services
— Estimated Times Free Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q75a_fQMs0fcwGGMr5tCQL6ZwtnGJqO9bc2slfx9Qfo/edit?tab=t.0

📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/why-your-cleaners-keep-going-over-time/

#120: How Kai DeMoss Went From a Gig App Cleaner to Real Clients in San Francisco

ZenMaid — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie sits down with Kai DeMoss, owner of Kai Cleans in San Francisco, to talk about how they went from a gig cleaner to a cleaning business owner. Kai talks about their experience on platforms like Homeaglow and the good, bad, and ugly that came with it — from the signup process and “AI support,” to pricing caps, client expectations, and why the platform attracts cost-conscious customers. Kai also shares what it really took to transition off platforms, lean into a niche community for early adopter clients, raise prices without spiraling, and start building real momentum through relationship-based networking. 📌 What You’ll Learn — What Homeaglow looks like from the cleaner side (and why clients get so frustrated) — How pricing works on platforms and where the “ceiling” shows up — Simple personal touches that help solo cleaners stand out fast — Why taking platform clients off-app usually isn’t worth it (even if you could) — How Kai found early adopter clients by leaning into a niche community — A practical way to reframe price increases (and get time freedom back) — How networking groups like chambers of commerce can turn into long-term lead engines — The “three types of people” Kai believes every business owner needs

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ ✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://zenmaid.com/magazine/how-kai-demoss-went-from-a-gig-app-cleaner-to-real-clients-in-san-francisco/

#119: How Emily Built a $330K Cleaning Business After Starting Over From Zero

ZenMaid — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Emily Cox of Just Peachy Cleaning Professionals to talk about what it really looks like to build (and rebuild) a cleaning business. Emily shares how she went from a struggling new mom bartending late nights to launching a cleaning business on a whim, then scaling to a full team… only to make a partnership decision that nearly burned it all down. She walks through what went wrong, how she started over from scratch, and the systems that helped her grow back to $330K in annual revenue.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— What to prioritize in due diligence, and why “customers + employees” is the whole game
— How Marko approached price increases without causing churn
— The operational risk of technical debt in long-running cleaning companies
— Culture integration tips when you become the new owner
— Why incentives work for things like attendance bonuses, cancellation fees, and behavior changes
— Hiring and integrating a great VA
— How tight service areas and supply policies can simplify operations in a big city

Resources Mentioned
— Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-emily-built-a-330k-cleaning-business-after-starting-over-from-zero/

#118: Scaling Fast While Staffing Smart, with Jennifer Dorn

ZenMaid — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Is this our longest episode yet?! Join Stephanie for a consulting-style living room conversation with Jennifer Dorn, Owner of Augusta Housekeeping, about what it takes to scale a cleaning business without blowing up your margins, team, or sanity.

Jennifer talks through her journey being in the early growth stage, navigating staffing challenges, pricing mistakes, payroll pressure, and the fear that comes with scaling “too fast” or “not fast enough.” Stephanie talks through where to focus, what systems matter most, and how to think strategically about commercial accounts, production rates, and cleaner structure.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— How to think strategically about scaling when revenue is still small
— Why commercial accounts can create faster, more stable growth
— How to structure individual cleaners vs. teams (and when to use each)
— The biggest pricing and payroll mistakes new owners make
— How flat-rate and “approved hours” pay models change cleaner behavior
— Why production rates and walkthroughs are non-negotiable
— How to use testimonials and Google reviews as your best marketing asset
— What to consider before taking on Airbnb and event-based work
— How to protect quality while incentivizing speed and efficiency

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast
📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/consult-style-session-on-scaling-fast-while-staffing-smart-with-jennifer-dorn/

#117: How Serene Clean Built a Rockstar New-Cleaner Orientation Program

ZenMaid — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

A 6-hour orientation SOUNDS excessive...until you see what it actually fixes! In this solo episode, Stephanie breaks down Serene Clean’s full orientation structure, including why they built it, what’s inside it, and how it transformed onboarding from chaotic to scalable and clear. She explains how orientation functions like a sales + education experience for the “internal customer,” and how building it forced the company to eliminate gray areas. Stephanie also shares which tools they use, how they introduce software, pay, benefits, safety, code of conduct, “at-the-clean” expectations, and more!

What You’ll Learn
— Why orientation reduces overwhelm and improves retention
— How to structure orientation, even if you start bare-bones
— What Serene Clean covers in their 6-hour walkthrough
— How to onboard “culture” and expectations without info-dumping
— The software setup flow: ZenMaid, Slack, Gusto, Train, and more
— How orientation eliminates gray areas and creates scalable accountability
— The safety section checklist (including situational awareness + SOS tools)
— How to teach “how to be an employee here” before field training starts

Resources Mentioned
ZenMaid onboarding article: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/checklists-to-onboard-new-cleaning-employees/
Trainual Software: https://trainual.com/

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:
📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-serene-clean-built-a-rockstar-new-cleaner-orientation-program/

#116: How Marko Lazarevic Bought and Modernized a 36-Year-Old Cleaning Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

A cleaning business acquisition that goes from 0 to 25 cleaners overnight? That’s exactly what happened in Chicago to Marko Lazarevic! In this episode, Stephanie talks with Marko, a former finance professional who acquired Manic Maids (a residential-heavy cleaning company operating since 1990), to talk about what surprised him after taking over and how he’s been modernizing an “old-school” operation. After growing the business by 20% (already!) since taking over, he breaks down what he looked for during due diligence, and how he's giving internal systems a huge facelift without wrecking culture, retention, reputation, or client trust.

📌 What You’ll Learn — What to prioritize in due diligence, and why “customers + employees” is the whole game — How Marko approached price increases without causing churn — The operational risk of technical debt in long-running cleaning companies — Culture integration tips when you become the new owner — Why incentives work for things like attendance bonuses, cancellation fees, and behavior changes — Hiring and integrating a great VA — How tight service areas and supply policies can simplify operations in a big city

Resources Mentioned — Manic Maids: https://manicmaids.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: Serene-cleanConsulting Services - Serene Clean
✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: Newsletter Sign Up 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: (link)

#115: Follow Up Like a Mad Person and Stop Letting Leads Die

ZenMaid — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

2026 is the year that Stephanie buckles down for Serene Clean, and after a month, she's here to share a business update! January was a great month, but it wasn't because of luck. Stephanie breaks down the exact behavior changes that helped Serene Clean blow past its monthly recurring revenue goal, even without an impressive close rate (yet).

She shares the real wins from January and the behind-the-scenes systems that made them happen, including aggressive lead follow-up, a new “ongoing contact” status in ClickUp, adding phone calls back into the process, and introducing a simple one-hour-free offer after 30 days.

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Serene Clean added ~$2,400 in MRR in January (and why it wasn’t from a higher close rate) — The follow-up cadence that turns “dead leads” into booked recurring clients — Why silence isn’t a “no” and when a lead becomes truly dead — How one small offer can generate massive ROI without cheapening your brand — The leading indicators Stephanie tracks daily/weekly to drive predictable growth — Real production rate benchmarks for deep cleans, first-time cleans, and maintenance cleans

Resources Mentioned: — ClickUp: https://clickup.com/ — ZenMaid: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/ — Quo/OpenPhone (+ ZenMaid referral link): https://www.openphone.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5 — Drew Larson's Filthy Rich Cleaners episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIBCsJQWkc

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ ✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 🎧 Spotify: (link) 🎧 Apple Podcasts: (link) 📖 Read the full transcript: (link)

#114: Sharon Tinberg’s No-BS System for Training Cleaners Fast

ZenMaid — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with industry veteran Sharon Tinberg to break down one of the most frustrating parts of running a cleaning business: training that doesn’t stick. With decades of experience and nearly $2 million in annual revenue under her belt, Sharon shares exactly what most owners get wrong, as well as how to fix it with simple, repeatable systems. Resources Mentioned — ZenMaid: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — Clean Smart Academy: https://www.cleansmartacademy.com/ 📌 What You’ll Learn — Why shadowing trainers creates inconsistency and higher turnover — The difference between process and procedure (and why it matters) — How Sharon trained cleaners to clean homes correctly in just days — The overlooked details cleaners miss most — and how to prevent it — How periodic tasks improve client retention and reduce deep cleans — What it really took to manage 754 recurring clients successfully — How structured training systems lead to faster cleans and happier teams

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ ✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/sharon-tinbergs-cleaners-training-system/

#113: How to Always Be Hiring + Why You Need to Charge Travel Fees

ZenMaid — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this solo episode, Stephanie tackles a listener question that came in through the ZenMaid newsletter! This is one that hits so many cleaning business owners — how do you grow when it feels like you’re always stuck choosing between turning down work… or hiring too early and scrambling to fill a schedule? Stephanie breaks down the real meaning of “always be hiring,” why the fix isn’t actually hiring nonstop (but rather building a pipeline), and how to create a more structured system for hiring cadence, regional staffing, and travel-heavy scheduling. 📌 What You’ll Learn — What “always be hiring” actually means (no, it’s not onboarding every week) — How to build a candidate pipeline so you’re never starting from zero — A simple way to decide when to hire based on capacity + training lead time — Why zoning your service area can reduce chaos and travel costs — How part-time hiring can solve the “schedule fill” pressure — When to charge travel fees and how to justify them — How Serene Clean approaches travel pay, home bases, and scheduling strategy — Why driving pay structure can make or break profitability in a large service radius Resources Mentioned

— ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ ✉️ Subscribe to ZenMaid's Weekly Newsletter: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/managing-service-area-hiring-and-travel-costs-cleaning-business/

#112: How Jacques Bastien Built a Cleaning Business Without Being the Cleaner

ZenMaid — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to Filthy Rich Cleaners! In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Jacques Bastien, co-founder of Chery Maids in Tampa, Florida, to talk about what it takes to scale fast without burning out. Jacques shares how Chery Maids grew to 6 cleaning teams and 100–150 cleans per month in only 1.5 years, why he and his wife walked away from short-term rentals, and more. He and Stephanie talk about failure, marriage + business boundaries, hiring virtual team members, and Jacque's deeper mission behind his work supporting Black and Brown creators. 📌 What You’ll Learn — Why Jacques ditched short-term rental cleanings for a simpler residential model — The SEAD framework: Systematize, Eliminate, Automate, Delegate — What to focus on before SOPs, and why most people do it backwards — How to reduce stress by designing your business rules — A practical way to create scripts/SOPs by recording real work and using AI to draft documentation — Challenges of recruiting quality cleaners when reputation matters — How Jacques and his wife split roles to work together — How virtual team members can run real, important operations Resources Mentioned

Book: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss
Book: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
Book: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It―A Guide to Starting a Business in a Productive and Successful Way by Michael E. Gerber

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/building-a-cleaning-business-without-being-the-cleaner/

#111: Don't Be a Pushover! Policies That Protect Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie gets real about the messy middle of leadership: boundaries. You need boundaries to protect your business, yourself, your employees, and your sanity, especially when you’re a natural people-pleaser.

She breaks down why exceptions (made out of guilt, fear, scarcity, etc.) do more harm than good, and shares real scenarios from consulting calls and Serene Clean’s own history. Listen in for scenarios like the “but they’re a great cleaner” trap, pay advance requests, clients texting techs directly, cancellation policy inconsistency, vacation rental scope creep, and super weird asks from clients.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why “Yeah, but they’re a great cleaner” is usually a leadership red flag — How inconsistent enforcement undermines your authority (and your confidence) — The power of policies to enforce blanket rules — Boundaries that you need to prevent chaos — How to reduce business liability (pets, service providers, watching kids, etc. — Simple scheduling boundaries to implement — Why doing “little extras” sets staff up for complaints later on — How to stop being held hostage by bad behavior and rebuild the power seat

#110: How to Land Commercial Cleaning Accounts, with Juan & Regina Jaramillo

ZenMaid — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Juan and Regina Jaramillo of Bright Corners Cleaning Service in Ocala, Florida to talk about all things commercial clients, including cold knocking, follow-ups, repeat clients, walkthroughs, bidding, systems, and more! ✨

Juan and Regina share how they started in residential and why they stayed obsessed with commercial, even when it took six months to land the first client. They also share a haunted-building story that’s now officially in Filthy Rich Cleaners' history 👻 If you're thinking about taking on commercial clients, this one's for you! 📌 What You’ll Learn — Why Mondays are the best day to land commercial accounts — How they approach cold walk-ins, follow-ups, and relationship building — What to look for during a walkthrough (measurements, photos, blueprints) — Why “one production rate” doesn’t exist in commercial cleaning — How they simplify training (including limiting chemicals to reduce confusion) — How they use a photo documentation system to “tell a story” — When it makes sense to lease equipment instead of buying it — What accounts are most profitable (medical, private schools, car dealerships) — The red flags that make them walk away from a prospect — How they think about scaling leadership, i.e., lead tech vs. field manager vs. subcontracting Resources Mentioned Bright Corners Cleaning Service: https://brightcornersservices.com/ The ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

#109: On Pricing Fear and Profit Margins

ZenMaid — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Overpriced, underpriced, or just right? In this episode, Stephanie is brutally honest about the pricing story she’s been telling herself and the fear that kept Serene Clean stuck at $55 per man-hour for way too long. She talks about what finally pushed her to treat pricing like an experiment and why it's not actually an emotional decision, even though it often feels like one. Stephanie also shares numbers that matter and the margins you should be looking for when evaluating your pricing strategy.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why “the ceiling in my market” is usually a fear-based story, not a fact — How to raise prices without destabilizing your schedule (batch increases vs. blanket changes) — The new Serene Clean pricing split that separates recurring vs. one-off/first-time cleans — How to use pricing to incentivize recurring revenue and hit monthly MRR goals — What to review when bookings drop — The role of social proof, follow-up systems, and value-building in closing higher rates

Resources Mentioned — Newsletter Sign-up: https://zenmaid.lpages.co/newsletter-sign-up/ — Steven and Anna's podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBJCvAXymgs — ZenMaid Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/on-pricing-fear-and-profit-margins/

#108: How Yari Ising Called 2 Builders and Accidentally Built a Cleaning Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Yari Ising, owner of a fast-growing cleaning company in Pennsylvania, whose story will light a fire under anyone who’s ever considered starting over. Yari shares how a surprise pregnancy, a move to a brand-new community, and a sudden shift in federal work requirements pushed her to bet on herself — and turn a “side hustle” into a real business. She explains what’s helped her stand out in a competitive market, how she’s building systems with Notion, and more.

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Yari validated demand instantly by calling local builders — Why Google visibility and reviews can unlock “big-league” opportunities — The early client strategies that worked (Thumbtack, referrals, and consistency) — How to build an operations hub with Notion (SOPs, tasks, candidates, content) — What to focus on when time, staffing, and growth all hit at once — How to stop overthinking and get better at fast decision-making — Mindset shifts like “Your business isn’t for everybody” + “Everything is figureoutable” — Why asking for help is a scaling strategy

Resources Mentioned — Notion: https://www.notion.com/ — Thumbtack: https://www.thumbtack.com/ — Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/ — ClickUp: https://app.clickup.com/ — Pink’s Window Cleaning: https://pinkswindows.com/ — The Financial Diet: https://thefinancialdiet.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-yari-ising-called-2-builders-and-accidentally-built-a-cleaning-company/

#107: Leadership Mistakes That Cost Serene Clean $120K

ZenMaid — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this solo episode, Stephanie pulls back the curtain on what really happened inside Serene Clean in 2025 and takes ownership of the leadership choices that contributed to a revenue drop.

She shares an honest accountability review of the year, including how exciting new opportunities (podcasting, consulting, partnerships, speaking) unintentionally fragmented her focus, how she mistook comfort for safety, and why obsessing over lagging indicators kept her stuck in reaction mode. Stephanie also breaks down the numbers and talks about the mindset shift that’s fueling her 2026 comeback!

📌 What You’ll Learn — The hidden cost of “shiny opportunity” overload (and how it fragments leadership focus) — Why “stable” is not the same as “safe” in a cleaning business — The difference between lagging vs. leading indicators (and what to track instead) — How protected availability affects first-time cleans, recurring clients, and growth — What Stephanie’s 2026 revenue goal is and the behavior changes she’s making to hit it

Resources Mentioned — Extreme Ownership book: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057 — ZenMaid Mastermind (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — ZenMaid Cleaning Business Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

#106: Drew Larison's Take on Google vs. Facebook Ads for Cleaners

ZenMaid — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Drew Larison of Five Door Media to break down why marketing “isn’t working” for many cleaning businesses, and how to fix it.

Stephanie and Drew walk through the “Five Doors” framework: choosing the right platform, creating scroll-stopping content, dialing in targeting, tightening up what happens after the click, and mastering the sales follow-up that actually turns leads into long-term recurring revenue. They also talk CleanCon, what to expect, and why this industry’s trust factor changes everything. 📌 What You’ll Learn — How to tell fast if you’re advertising on the wrong platform — Why video wins right now (and how to start even if you hate being on camera) — The most common creative mistakes that make people scroll past your ads — Targeting tweaks that improve lead quality (income, neighborhoods, service areas) — Why homepages are not landing pages—and what to do instead — How long forms, clunky pages, and too many questions kill conversions — Why “speed to lead” matters (and how follow-up should actually work) — What Clean Con is and why it’s built specifically for residential cleaners Resources Mentioned

CleanCon Conference 2026: https://www.mycleancon.com/
Five Door Media: https://www.fivedoormedia.com/
SendJim Direct Mail Marketing: https://sendjim.com/
DOPE Marketing Direct Mail: https://www.dopemarketing.com/
Profit First Book: https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/drew-larisons-take-on-google-vs-facebook-ads-for-cleaners/

#105: The “Free Cleaning” Strategy That Grows Your Business

ZenMaid — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:53:51 -0600

Free cleanings sound insane... until you use them strategically 👀 In this episode, Stephanie breaks down one of Serene Clean’s “secret weapons”: Giving away free cleanings with guardrails, and how it’s driven real results across the business.

She walks through four specific buckets where free cleanings create leverage: 1) Learning your production rates 2) Generating reviews and visibility 3) Building culture through giving 4) Reducing risk (especially when bidding commercial jobs)

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Stephanie used 10 free cleanings before opening Serene Clean (and why it mattered) — Why first-time cleans take longer than you think — and how to track room-by-room timing — The #1 rule: set guardrails (hours + scope) so “free” doesn’t become a disaster — How to turn free cleanings into reviews, social proof, and lead generation — Why Google reviews matter more than Stephanie realized early on — How giveaways drive visibility (and why Stephanie boosts the giveaway video) — How “Cleaning for a Reason” and nomination programs build trust, culture, and retention — A smart way to use free cleaning to reduce risk and collect bidding data for commercial — How free commercial “sample cleans” can help you prove quality and avoid underbidding

Resources Mentioned: — Cleaning for a Reason (nonprofit): https://cleaningforareason.org/ — ZenMaid Booking Forms / ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-free-cleaning-strategy-that-grows-your-business/

#104: Scaling a Cleaning Business as a Husband-and-Wife Team

ZenMaid — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

What happens when a homeschool mom starts cleaning “on the side”… and her corporate-leader husband realizes the numbers actually make sense? 👀 You get Grand Junction Cleaning Services!

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Anna and Stephen Rodriguez to unpack how a single referral turned into a rapidly scaling cleaning company — complete with W2 employees, multiple revenue streams, five-star reviews, and a clear division of roles that actually works. They talk all things fear, anxiety, hiring mistakes, documentation lessons, customer recovery, fast growth pressure, and what it takes to move from being a great cleaner to running a successful business.

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Anna went from solo cleaner to managing a growing team — The mindset shift required to stop cleaning and start leading — Why Stephen pushed hiring before Anna felt ready — The real risks of hiring too late (and keeping the wrong people too long) — How clearly defined roles save partnerships and marriages — Why reviews matter more than almost anything else in local service businesses — How they scaled to $400K in revenue after hiring their first employee — What most cleaners misunderstand about W2 vs. 1099 — When adding services like carpet and floor care actually makes sense — How stress tolerance grows over time

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — Cleaning Business Success (Stephen's coaching + book): https://cleaningbusinesssuccess.com — Grand Junction Cleaning Services: https://grandjunctioncleaningservices.com

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/scaling-a-cleaning-business-as-a-husband-and-wife-team/

#103: The Data and Numbers Behind Serene Clean's 2025

ZenMaid — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie talks about her business by the numbers in 2025 and how, unfortunately, Serene Clean shrunk by $120,000 in revenue. It wasn’t random. There were system problems, including staffing instability, fragmented availability, and a time-off policy that unknowingly crushed onboarding capacity.

She walks through the exact reports she pulled (ZenMaid, QuickBooks, ClickUp, Gusto), how she used ChatGPT to analyze patterns, and the key metric she wasn’t tracking at all — Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). Then she breaks down the 2026 plan to turn the ship around.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why revenue decline is often capacity, not demand — The difference between “coverage” and growth capacity — How turnover creates schedule fragmentation that blocks new clients — Why approving PTO based only on “can we cover current cleans?” silently kills growth — The KPI Stephanie missed: MRR gained vs. MRR lost (and why churn alone lies) — The minimum first-time-clean requirement (8–10 labor hours) and why 1–2 hour gaps don’t help — The 2026 targets: 2–3 new recurring residential clients/month + 1 commercial account every 6–8 weeks — Why Stephanie is stepping back into sales + follow-up to convert past clients

Resources Mentioned — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — EveryDollar budgeting app (mentioned): https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar?srsltid=AfmBOopRMU0IL8EQEUh-rtRGTw6gBgaYuGMVyyA5wqUDuu1D87aVmGiA

#102: Sidi Thiam on Sales Skills and Pricing Confidence

ZenMaid — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Starting a cleaning business sounds simple — until pricing mistakes, unreliable cleaners, scope creep, and money stress hit you all at once 🥴
In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Sidi, a 25-year-old cleaning business owner out of Philadelphia, to unpack what it really looks like to start and grow a cleaning company from scratch. He shares the wins, mistakes, and mindset shifts that shaped his first two years in business, and dives into things like pricing confidence, sales scripts, flat-rate estimating, recruiting cleaners, running 1099 teams, why charging less “just to get the job” almost always backfires, and more!

📌 What You’ll Learn: — How Sidi's sales experience translated directly to closing cleaning jobs — Why most new owners underprice and how to stop doing it — Flat-rate pricing vs. hourly, and how Sidi estimates first-time cleans — The real cost of “giving discounts” and loose money boundaries — Why cleaners make or break your business — Lessons learned from trying to run a cleaning company remotely — How confidence closes higher-paying clients — The importance of systems, scripts, and call recordings Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — OpenPhone (now Quo) (call recording system): https://www.openphone.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5 — Cleaning Entrepreneur Academy: https://www.skool.com/cleaningacademy/about — Sidi's TikTok (cleaning business content): https://tiktok.com/@sidi.inspires

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/sidi-thiam-on-sales-skills-and-pricing-confidence/

#101: How Victor's Residential-First Model Achieved 600+ 5-Star Reviews

ZenMaid — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

What happens when a college grad with zero cleaning experience decides to launch a residential cleaning company in one of the most competitive markets in the USA? You get Mighty Maids — now one of the highest-rated cleaning companies in San Diego!

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with owner Victor Migos, who built his business from the ground up after being inspired by watching his mom clean homes to support their family. Eight years later, he’s running 19 employees, two service areas, and a residential-first model that consistently delivers 5-star experiences.

Victor breaks down how he hires, trains, routes, handles walk-through surprises, manages upset customers, and develops his team, all while maintaining the personal touch that sets Mighty Maids apart ✨

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Victor built Mighty Maids without ever doing the cleaning himself — Why he runs teams of two in his business — How to evaluate attitude vs. skill during training (and spot bad hires fast) — What actually creates a “unique client experience” in residential cleaning — The mystery-shopping strategy Victor used to out-serve competitors — How to handle pricing mismatches when homes don’t match the client’s description — Why emotional detachment is a leadership superpower in customer disputes — The logistics challenges of a big city and how Mighty Maids overcame them — How to create loyal employees who refer their friends and family — Why your "why" matters more than chasing bigger revenue numbers

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 🎧 Spotify: (link) 🎧 Apple Podcasts: (link) 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-victors-residential-first-model-achieved-600-5-star-reviews/

#100: The Official 2025 Naughty and Nice List

ZenMaid — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

It's our 100th episode! 🥳 Oh, and it's also the holidays! So, we thought there'd be no better way to celebrate both things than by ringing in Episode 100 with a full breakdown of Serene Clean’s 2025 Naughty and Nice List 🎅

Lawsuits, staffing meltdowns, wild client situations, turnover chaos, and more — 2025 was a chaotic year for Serene Clean, and Stephanie gives a full rundown based on the year's memorable events. She walks through the biggest lessons, the hardest hits, the surprising victories, and the systems that saved Serene Clean from spiraling, all while wearing her Santa suit and sipping wine (and also having remnants of the flu)!

Whether you're new here or have been around since our first episode, THANK YOU! Filthy Rich Cleaners would be nothing without you, and we're so proud to hit 100 episodes 🙌

📌 What You’ll Learn

— Serene Clean's official Naughty and Nice list breakdown, including:

— A discrimination lawsuit

— What actually happens when you underbid a large commercial job

— The revenue-killing mistake Stephanie made with bookkeeping

— How turnover spiraled this year

— Why lockboxes, Slack, and OpenPhone were game-changing upgrades

— The cleaner stories you truly couldn’t make up

— How the training overhaul led to Serene Clean’s lowest complaint rate ever

— The power of giveaways, hiring videos, and strategic Indeed boosting

— What Stephanie is taking into 2026 after the hardest operational year to date

Resources Mentioned:

— Serene Clean Training Bundle: https://sereneclean.com/consulting-services

— Stephanie’s Maid Summit Training Program Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9GOeByDuUM&t=1s

— Filthy Rich Cleaners episode with the bank story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvGvFf9ypqk

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-official-2025-naughty-and-nice-list/

#99: The “Be Your Customer” Marketing Strategy (and Why It Works), with Katie Pearse

ZenMaid — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

What if we told you that the easiest way to improve your marketing...is to stop trying to market to everyone 🤔 In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Katie Pearse of Glisten Academy, a nearly 20-year cleaning industry veteran who’s built multiple commercial and residential operations across Canada and the US.

Katie shares how her company exploded from a weekend side hustle into a multi-city business, and why the best marketing strategy is to sell to the version of you who would hire your own company. They get into the real psychology of residential clients and how checklists, proactive communication, and clear positioning are what actually let you charge premium prices. Katie also opens up about a hard lesson in fraud, and tips to prevent it in your own business.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why the best way to sell cleaning is to “sell to yourself” — How to communicate that you understand your ideal client (not just claim you do) — The invisible nature of cleaning — and how checklists make clients feel real value — How proactive communication reduces client stress and cancellations — Differentiation ideas that don’t require rebranding your whole company — What it really takes to scale into multiple locations and industries — The risks of gatekeeping owner access — and why clients need a direct line — A real fraud story that shows why systems matter more than trust alone

Resources Mentioned: — Glisten Academy (Courses + Staff Training Programs): https://www.glistenacademy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoravYMVGG2QPfsRtIVi4KGH0Er-7qIxCZN9cRLortLDmBx-DBBD — Discount Code: FILTHY50 — 50% off any Glisten Academy course — Contact Katie: katie@glistenacademy.com

— Glisten Academy on TikTok/Instagram: @glistencleaningacademy — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-be-your-customer-marketing-strategy-and-why-it-works-with-katie-pearse/

#98: Stop Letting Fear Run Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Fear of growth is one of the most universal problems for business owners — and it shows up everywhere. "If I hire, everything will fall apart!" "I want more clients, but it might make things more chaotic." Sound familiar?

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the patterns she saw in four consulting calls last week — owners stuck because of fear, lack of systems, burnout, people-pleasing, and a complete misunderstanding of what real growth actually requires. She shares the exact concepts she taught these owners, so you can apply them too.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why fear of growth appears at every revenue level — How to understand the real reason things feel overwhelming — Growth as a dial — How to hire with buffers instead of panic — When part-timers outperform full-timers for controlled scaling — Why systems must always continue to evolve — Must-have protections like client guidelines + employee docs — How to fix manual chaos in operations — Marketing that works with your mental capacity — When to pause growth without losing momentum — The mindset shift that finally lets you trust yourself as a leader

Resources Mentioned — Chelsea Withers’ episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cphw5tKzdF8 — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — Signrequest for e-signatures: https://signrequest.com/index.html#/ — QuickBooks for bookkeeping: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ — Wave for bookkeeping: https://www.waveapps.com/ — OpenPhone (now “Quo”) for business lines: https://www.quo.com/ (plus ZenMaid discount link: https://www.quo.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5 ) — Extreme Ownership (book): https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057

#97: Why Your Systems Determine Your Success (Not Your Experience)

ZenMaid — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Most new cleaning business owners think they need years of experience and a spotless (hah, get it?) strategy before they can grow. But Chelsea Withers, Owner of Mindful Methods Cleaning, proves all of that wrong. A stay-at-home mom battling postpartum depression, she started cleaning out of necessity. With no industry background, she still built a fast-growing company by focusing on deeply systemized operations in two years.

In this episode, Stephanie and Chelsea talk about how your prior experience matters far less than the systems you build, the way you think, and your ability to take action before you feel ready.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why systems, not experience, determine whether your business grows or not — How ADHD became Chelsea’s unexpected advantage in building SOPs — The real reason her first hire exposed every gap in her business — Why taking extreme ownership accelerates success — How to avoid perfectionism and take action before you “feel ready” — What a strong customer journey actually looks like in the early stages — How Chelsea uses Slack, ZenMaid, Wave, and simple forms to streamline operations — Why hiring for values beats hiring for experience every time — How building systems now unlocks long-term scale and freedom

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — Extreme Ownership Book: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250067057 — Wave (invoicing + bookkeeping): https://www.waveapps.com/ — Slack (team communication): https://slack.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/why-your-systems-determine-your-success-not-your-experience/

#96: Yes, Your Team Needs Weekly Meetings (and Here's Why)

ZenMaid — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Lots of service-based businesses skip team meetings because they feel “unnecessary” or like wasted labor hours. Stephanie did too until she realized the silent damage it was causing, including teams that didn't mesh well together, inconsistent quality, scattered communication, and a culture that never fully gelled 😬

In this episode, she breaks down the exact system Serene Clean has used for years to keep 40+ cleaners aligned and informed, even with multiple locations and Stephanie as a remote owner.

📌 What You’ll Learn
— When to start holding meetings (hint: earlier than you think)
— How to run meetings for solo-cleaner companies, team-based companies, and multi-location setups
— A full breakdown of Serene Clean’s agenda (KPIs, wins, QC notes, reminders, housekeeping, connection time)
— How to make meetings work for different availabilities, locations, and schedules
— The exact cadence that keeps cleaners consistent
— The KPIs you should be sharing (that don't create anxiety in your staff)
— Why cleaners drift when you don’t hold consistent meetings

🙌 Free Resource:
Team Meeting Agenda Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ko80z5SaurwA9nx1WN6J5Cj32xmqCb1MuDUsOvPZINs/edit?usp=sharing

Additional Resources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com
— Slack (for team communication): https://slack.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:
📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/yes-your-team-needs-weekly-meetings-and-heres-why/

#95: You Need to Think Like a CEO, Not a Cleaner

ZenMaid — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Despite what you might assume, cleaning business owners aren’t held back by pricing, marketing, hiring, or retention. They’re actually held back by their mindset. Survival mode. Chaos mode. “I’ll do it myself” mode. And for many, it never stops, even years into their business.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Amar Ghose, CEO of ZenMaid software and former maid service owner, to break down the exact mindset differences between owners who stay stuck in the field forever and owners who build a business that runs without them. They talk about all things control issues, daily habits, brutal truths, and why you need to accept that your cleaners will never care as much as you do. Hopefully, this episode will help you understand the importance of thinking like a CEO — and how to take the first steps into adopting a CEO mindset.

What You’ll Learn — The difference between working in the business vs. working on it — Why 10–15 minutes of “CEO time” daily will change everything — How to prioritize when everything feels like it’s on fire — Why expecting cleaners to care as much as you do is unrealistic — How systems create consistency even when humans don’t — Why momentum beats “perfect planning” every time — The mindset that helps you let go of control without letting go of quality — How to tell if something is an actual problem… or just noise — Why the business you build should need nothing from you someday

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/you-need-to-think-like-a-ceo-not-a-cleaner/

#94: Solo or Team Cleaning? Choosing What’s Right for Your Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:19:44 -0600

Solo or team cleaning? Should you have a company car or should cleaners use their own? Is it better to look for experienced cleaners instead of people with no cleaning background? Decisions, decisions

In this episode, Stephanie digs into three of the biggest operational decisions cleaning business owners have to make — and why there’s no single “right” answer. She shares why she runs Serene Clean almost entirely with solo cleaners, why she’ll probably never own a fleet of wrapped company cars, and how she hires for attitude over experience (and never regrets it).

📌 What You’ll Learn
— The real pros and cons of solo vs. team cleaning models
— Why efficiency often drops when you put cleaners together
— The hidden costs and headaches of managing company vehicles
— Why requiring cleaners to have their own cars can improve reliability
— How to decide if hiring experienced cleaners helps or hurts your growth
— When “experimenting” becomes dangerous as your company scales

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/solo-or-team-cleaning-choosing-whats-right-for-your-business/

#93: Couch-Surfing to CEO: Building a Million-Dollar Cleaning Company, with Misael Avalos

ZenMaid — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Most people want to grow their business, but few are willing to become the person required to do it. In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Misael Avalos talks about how he built his company, TimeMaid Cleaning in Arizona, from nothing after a rock-bottom moment changed everything.

They talk about the identity shifts, habits, and core values required to scale a cleaning business, and how Misael went from sleeping on his mom’s couch to cleaning seven days a week, handling every client himself, networking nonstop, and ultimately retiring his mother after 45 years in the field.

📌 What You’ll Learn — Why personal growth is mandatory if you want business growth — How Misael used "burn the boats” focus to scale from 0 to 24 cleaners — The role of networking and community when you have no budget — How your beliefs about yourself quietly limit your revenue — Why core values must be yours first before they become your team’s — How to fire fast without losing team morale — The onboarding elements that keep cleaners long term

Resources Mentioned: — The Cleaning Journey Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cleaning-journey/id1843212838 — The Cleaning Journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningjourney/ — Atomic Habits (book by James Clear): https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 🎧 Spotify: (link) 🎧 Apple Podcasts: (link) 📖 Read the full transcript: Most people want to grow their business, but few are willing to become the person required to do it. In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Misael Avalos talks about how he built his company, TimeMaid Cleaning in Arizona, from nothing after a rock-bottom moment changed everything.

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/couch-surfing-to-ceo-building-a-million-dollar-cleaning-company-with-misael-avalos/

#92: How to Set Your Pricing, Staff Pay, and Packages

ZenMaid — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Cleaning business owners who choose their pricing model and pay structure on gut instinct tend to pay for it later 😬 That's why in this episode, Stephanie breaks down all the major decisions you must make as a cleaning business owner in terms of how to charge clients and pay cleaners. She talks about the pros and cons of charging hourly, flat rate, by square foot, or using a hybrid model, as well as whether to pay cleaners hourly, via a percentage, or per job.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — The truth about hourly pricing (and why Serene Clean still uses it at scale) — Why charging a flat rate can explode profits and chaos at the same time — The reason square-foot pricing falls apart in residential and commercial — How to correctly run limited-hour cleans without confusing clients or techs — How to protect your profit when clients ask for extras — The hidden dangers of changing pay structures once you have staff — How to plan your services + packages — What production rates actually tell you and why your pricing depends on them

Resources Mentioned: — Stephanie’s Production Rate Audit Spreadsheet and Resources: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

#91: The Biggest Mistakes Cleaning Owners Make and How to Stop Them, with Cheryl Hajjar

ZenMaid — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Even the grittiest, hardest-working owners get burned by fuzzy pricing, weak boundaries, bad hires, and saying “I’ll figure it out later" 😅 In this follow-up episode with Cheryl Hajjar, Founder of Sisters Who Scale, Stephanie and Cheryl talk through the most common (and expensive) mistakes cleaning business owners make. In fact, these mistakes are ones both of them learned the hard way and now consult cleaning business owners on!

📌 What You’ll Learn : — Why “I’ll do anything while I’m here” destroys margins and confuses clients — The pricing math that keeps wages under control without underpaying your team — W2 vs 1099 in real life — what’s legal, what’s risky, and why “contractors” backfire in residential — How to stop desperation hires and interview for reliability (not just charisma) — Onboarding that reduces turnover — hybrid teams, clear roles, and quality control — GPS, time theft, and schedule optimization — protect your payroll and routes — Bookkeeping basics you can’t skip — owner draws, separate accounts, weekly P&L — Ads vs scrappy growth — when to spend, when to build brand and reviews first — Client communication that prevents scope creep and last-minute chaos — The mindset shift from cleaner to CEO — detach, lead, and document

Resources Mentioned: — Sisters Who Scale (Cheryl Hajjar): https://sisterswhoscale.com — Sisters Who Scale Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sisterswhoscale — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-biggest-mistakes-cleaning-owners-make-and-how-to-stop-them-with-cheryl-hajjar/

#90: How to Spot & Fix Bottlenecks in Your Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Even the best-run service companies face constant problems, and that’s normal! Every problem in your business falls into one of three buckets — Supply (staffing), Demand (leads/sales), or Operations (everything else) — and in this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie talks about how she's learned to quickly diagnose issues and move forward without the overwhelm.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — The 3-bucket framework to categorize every problem: Supply, Demand, Operations — How to use the “If we had 50 employees tomorrow, what would break?” thought experiment — When you should mitigate vs. eradicate a recurring problem — Practical ways to avoid analysis paralysis when making your first W-2 hire — Where to look first if quality slips during growth (training, QC, SOPs, delegation) — Simple workload wins: automation (reminders, follow-ups) and eliminating time sinks (e.g., unnecessary in-person walkthroughs) — Planning for the inevitable (like call-outs or schedule gaps) so they’re speed bumps, not crises

#89: How Paige Built a 15-Person Cleaning Team (Plus Her Secrets to Retention)

ZenMaid — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:53:32 -0600

In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Paige Collins, founder of All Spruced Up Cleaning Co., who went from being a dental hygienist during COVID to running a thriving residential and commercial cleaning business with 15 employees.

Paige shares all about her rapid growth, how she balances business and motherhood, her top tips for employee retention, and why flexibility and compassion have become her company’s superpowers. She and Stephanie also discuss building training systems for multiple employees, the right way to price commercial jobs, and what it's like hitting that first million in revenue.

📌 What You’ll Learn — How Paige grew her cleaning company from zero to 15 staff in under five years — The truth about hiring “out of desperation” and what to do instead — Why flexibility for working moms can actually boost retention — How to price and bid for commercial cleaning without overcomplicating it — Creative ways to use ZenMaid to systematize your business — What a “done early” checklist is — and how it helps with quality control — How Paige plans to scale to $1M and launch her nonprofit cleaning initiative

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — Profit First by Mike Michalowicz — OpenPhone (now Quo) – the business phone system Paige uses: https://www.openphone.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5

#88: How to Delegate Without Losing Control of Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Every cleaning business owner hits this breaking point — when you’re juggling every email, call, quote, and cleaning, wondering how much longer you can keep your sh*t together. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how she transitioned from doing everything herself at Serene Clean to building a reliable, well-trained admin team that keeps operations running smoothly (even when things go wrong).

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Why your first office hire shouldn’t be full-time — How to transition a cleaner into an admin role (without overwhelming them) — How to decide what to delegate first — The most common mistakes business owners make when hiring admin help — How Serene Clean structures its daily operations and priorities — Tips for building a “buffer” between you and the field — How to create trust, accountability, and systems that actually work

🧰 Resources Mentioned: — Trainual (Train Now) — SOP documentation & onboarding: https://trainual.com/newhome — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (Free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — Book: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell — Book: The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 🎧 Spotify: (link) 🎧 Apple Podcasts: (link) 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-to-delegate-without-losing-control-of-your-cleaning-business/

#87: How Coaching (and Chaos) Transformed a Cleaning Business, with Jamie Runco

ZenMaid — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Jamie Runco prayed for a new direction in life, and four years later, she’s running a thriving residential and commercial cleaning business in rural California. In this episode, FRC Host Stephanie Pipkin sits with Jamie to talk about how she went from cleaning church floors to leading a full team, hiring her first coach, and scaling to six figures (and beyond). They share what it’s like to build a business when failure isn’t an option, including learning payroll and OSHA laws the hard way, navigating maternity leave, hiring friends, and managing panic-fueled creativity.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — How Jamie turned a $25/hour solo hustle into a multi-employee cleaning company — Why mentorship and accountability can accelerate your business growth — The biggest legal and financial mistakes new cleaning business owners make — How to handle employee laws, OSHA requirements, and California’s strict labor rules — Why “panic moments” can actually fuel your creativity and growth — The importance of building community reputation in small towns — How to structure pricing and policies that protect your time and your team — Why hiring friends can go very wrong — and how to recover when it does

Resources Mentioned: — Shannon Miller (Coach & Mentor): https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-coaching-and-chaos-transformed-a-cleaning-business-with-jamie-runco/

#86: Our Spiciest Takes About the Cleaning Industry

ZenMaid — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

BOO! 👻 Did we scare you? Maybe not, but hopefully these hot takes will 🌶️ In this special Halloween edition of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie is serving up her spiciest opinions about the cleaning industry. She talks about controversial opinions around business policies, walkthroughs, pricing transparency, team cleans, the habits that make or break a company, and more! This episode isn’t for the faint of heart (or for people who still think cleaning is “unskilled labor”).

👻 What You’ll Learn: — Why charging by the square foot almost always backfires — The real reason Serene Clean refuses homes with smoke damage — Why you should stop hiding client info from your cleaners — How to handle commercial accounts without being taken advantage of — Why “automated scheduling” is a myth — Why no prices on your website is a power move — The bold reason Stephanie stopped answering her phones — Why she doesn’t hire family members or want experienced cleaners — How to handle drama-free teams and build loyalty — The case for being real, funny, and a little unhinged with your staff — Why cleaning checklists, software, and paying yourself from day one are non-negotiable

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — OpenPhone (business phone system) + affiliate link https://www.openphone.com/perks/zenmaid?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=partnerstack&utm_content=community_experts&utm_campaign=c92107ec7cc9&pscd=get.openphone.com&ps_partner_key=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5&fbclid=IwY2xjawMr03ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBleUtsVnZtUjlJa2h5ZWpwAR7Gp8p4NVVF-Y8WODTTXb-NJi57ltYrsQs-pyFmuaRR4gMrj6TGYWpL1zlA_Q_aem_Ey2JG_AkBSk_SI8w5kDOBA&ps_xid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gsxid=iGpmmTBqEJNW4d&gspk=YzkyMTA3ZWM3Y2M5 — Gusto (Payroll Software): https://gusto.com — QuickBooks Online: https://quickbooks.intuit.com — Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com — Zapier: https://zapier.com — Filthy Rich Cleaners Ep. 33 (with Brenna Sledge) on vacation rentals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2eZQv4-no — Profit First (Book by Mike Michalowicz)

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎧 Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the Full Transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/our-spiciest-takes-about-the-cleaning-industry/

#85: How to Get Quality Cleaning Leads, with Sean Parry

ZenMaid — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie sits down with marketing expert Sean Parry, aka “the king of automation,” to talk about what actually brings clients to your cleaning business. Sean talks about methods to dominate your local market through Google reviews, SEO, and Local Service Ads (LSAs), and why most owners are wasting time chasing leads that were never going to convert 😢

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Why Google will always be the most powerful lead source for cleaning businesses — The difference between quality leads and cheap window shoppers — How to set up your Google Business Profile the right way — When (and why) to add SEO, Google Ads, and LSAs — How to follow up fast and close more leads — even while you’re still in the field — Why shiny object syndrome (TikTok ads, anyone?) kills your growth — How tracking your numbers can completely change your business trajectory — Sean’s simple framework for growing to $10k–$20k/month with just Google

Resources Mentioned: — Project83 (Sean’s Marketing Agency): https://www.project83.co/ — Sean Parry's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sean_parry — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (Free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/google-local-services-ads-for-cleaning-businesses-2026-guide-with-real-screenshots/

#84: How Handwritten Letters Built a Thriving Cleaning Business, with Lucy Spencer

ZenMaid — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Not every successful cleaning company starts with Facebook ads or a huge budget. In Lucy Spencer's case, it started with $10 and a stack of handwritten letters 💌

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Lucy, who owns River Girl Cleaning in Boston, Massachusetts. Lucy shares how she built her business from the ground up, starting with nothing but grit, family, community, and the belief that “there’s enough for everyone.” Together, they discuss the art of keeping clients for decades, why human connection always wins, and how going back to basics can cut through the digital noise and bring in real, loyal customers.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — How Lucy started River Girl Cleaning with $10 and a letter-writing campaign — Why working with family (not for them) can be a business superpower — The timeless marketing trick that still brings Lucy new clients today — What to do when fear of confrontation holds you back as a leader — How to fire clients (or employees) with tact and confidence — Why “there’s a client for everyone” is a business strategy

Resources Mentioned: — River Girl Cleaning: https://www.rivergirlcleaning.com — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/ 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-handwritten-letters-built-a-thriving-cleaning-business-with-lucy-spencer/

#83: Creating a Culture of Accountability in Your Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

If money talks, raises scream! Raises cannot be based on “vibes” and gut feelings, or else you'll watch cleaner performance plateau. However, when you give your team full control of their own raises and make clarity and accountability the standard, you'll see quality skyrocket.

In this solo episode, Stephanie shares how Serene Clean completely transformed their culture by putting the responsibility for raises in the hands of their cleaners. She also opens up about how “clarity is kindness” in leadership, including rewriting policies, setting quality standards, automating Slack responses, and overall empowering her team to find their own answers.

📌 What You’ll Learn:
— How to tie raises directly to performance (and why it works)
— The 3 key metrics Serene Clean uses for raises: quality, attendance, and policy compliance
— Why vague expectations kill accountability (and how to fix it)
— How to coach struggling cleaners without enabling them
— What “clarity as kindness” really looks like in practice
— How to prevent complacency in hourly or percentage pay systems
— How automation (like Slack bots) can teach better communication habits
— Creating a “culture of excellence” that people want to live up to

📎 Resources Mentioned:
— Breakdown of raises and wages full episode:
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (Free to Join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com
📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/creating-a-culture-of-accountability-in-your-business/

#82: How to Make Your Cleaning Business Stand Out Online

ZenMaid — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

We get it — it's hard to stand out online, especially when cheap competition is flooding your market. In this Filthy Rich Cleaners episode, Stephanie breaks down how to make your cleaning business shine on social media without burning yourself out or wasting time on platforms that don’t actually convert.

Facebook, TikTok, Google My Business, and more! You’ll learn exactly where to focus your energy, how to avoid “generic” posts that make it look like you're leading amateur hour, and why consistency beats creativity every single time.

📌 What You’ll Learn:
— Why Facebook is still the #1 platform for residential cleaning leads
— How to build brand trust with simple, repeatable content
— The fatal mistake cleaning owners make when outsourcing their social media
— How to create before-and-after posts that actually convert
— Why showing your team’s faces (not stock photos) builds loyalty and sales
— The easiest way to systematize social posting without hiring a full team

Resources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind
— "How to market your cleaning business for free" article: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/market-your-cleaning-business-for-free/
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

ZenMaid Socials:
— 📱 TikTok (for cleaning business memes and educational content): https://www.tiktok.com/@get.zenmaid
— 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.zenmaid/
— 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/get.zenmaid

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Listen to the Podcast:
Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-to-make-your-cleaning-business-stand-out-online/

#81: Staying Calm When Your Business Is in Crisis

ZenMaid — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Even the best-run cleaning businesses have those weeks when it seems like the bad news does. not. stop. As Murphy's Law says, "anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

In this FRC episode, Stephanie gets brutally honest about one of her toughest recent weeks: losing her biggest government contract overnight due to the federal government shutdown, multiple employee resignations, and new hires not working out. Instead of spiraling (even though it would be easy to 😅), she shares how she kept her team calm and made level-headed decisions under pressure. Hopefully, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that calm, strategic leadership matters when chaos hits.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — How the federal shutdown unexpectedly hit Stephanie's local cleaning business overnight — What to do when your largest account suddenly halts revenue — Managing cleaners’ hours, unemployment, and communication during downtime — The mindset shift that helps you stay calm when it feels like everything’s falling apart — How to ask your staff the right questions before you start rearranging schedules — What to do when multiple employees quit at once (and how to save a great one from leaving) — How to stay rational, not reactive, when business chaos hits — Why leadership composure sets the tone for your entire team

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Socials: — 📱 TikTok (for cleaning business memes and educational content): https://www.tiktok.com/@get.zenmaid — 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.zenmaid/ — 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/get.zenmaid

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/staying-calm-when-your-business-is-in-crisis/

#80: When a Longtime Client Gets Weird (Handling an Awkward Cancellation)

ZenMaid — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

The AUDACITY! 🙄 In this solo episode, Stephanie shares a first-ever situation from her cleaning company, Serene Clean: a long-time commercial client (a bank) tried to tie their cleaning contract to their business banking relationship. It started as a standard cancellation, but then turned weird — crossing into unprofessional and borderline unethical territory.

Stephanie talks through this experience as a lesson in standing firm, and then also goes into the realities of raising rates and letting go without guilt. If you've ever had a weird client experience like this, let us know! We'd love to hear it in the comments.

📌 What You’ll Learn:
— How to professionally call out inappropriate or shady client language
— When it’s time to walk away from long-term accounts
— Why “letting go” can be a smart business decision
— How to handle pricing increases for commercial clients
— The role of opportunity cost in cleaning business growth
— Why it’s okay to lose a client and how to turn that into a win

Resources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/when-a-longtime-client-gets-weird-handling-an-awkward-cancellation/

#79: Bidding 170,000 Sq Ft and Beating Imposter Syndrome, with Amanda Stovall

ZenMaid — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What happens when a “small-but-mighty” residential company is asked to quote a 170,000 sq ft, five-day-per-week church campus… and the client found you through Google reviews? In this episode, Stephanie welcomes back Amanda Stovall of Stovall’s Cleaning Service to unpack the exact mindset shifts, pricing choices, and operational guardrails she used to turn panic into a credible proposal and a realistic start plan. From flat-rate vs hourly to weekly invoicing, client “training,” and building a part-time bench, this is a play-by-play of stepping into commercial without losing your sanity.

What You’ll Learn:

How Google reviews and a living GBP profile drive enterprise-size inquiries
Why you should not price big commercial by square foot, and how to scope instead
Flat rate vs hourly for janitorial work, and how to handle weekly invoices and time-clock requests
Red flags to catch early: when the client is managing your staff, deduction habits, and turnover signals
Negotiating start timelines and “training the client” to your operating model
Building a staffing plan with part-timers first, plus “always be hiring” for large accounts
Simple finance moves to reduce anxiety: emergency fund habits and paying yourself consistently
Tools and systems that sell your professionalism: CRMs, job notes, and clean internal comms
Mindset frameworks to beat imposter syndrome: run your own race and the “cookie jar” wins you can pull from

Resources Mentioned:

ZenMaid Scheduling Software (with GPS check-ins): https://get.zenmaid.com/
ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com

Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/bidding-170000-sq-ft-and-beating-imposter-syndrome-with-amanda-stovall/

#78: How to Stand Out Against Cheap Competitors

ZenMaid — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Ever been ghosted? 👻 Us, too. Usually, leads ghost because of price, and nothing is more frustrating than when a potential client decides to go with the $80 “cheap” cleaner instead of you.

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie breaks down why it’s not the client’s fault that they ended up choosing the cheaper option — it’s actually a problem with how you’re communicating your value. Using her juicy Honeycrisp apple analogy, Stephanie talks about how clients make decisions, why “better cleaning” isn’t enough, the steps you can take to stand out before they ever hire you, and strategies that Serene Clean uses to signal that they're the obvious choice over the bargain-bin cleaner.

🍎 What You’ll Learn: — Why competing on price is a losing game — How to showcase your value before the client hires you — The power of standardized checklists in selling your services — Small branding details (like email signatures & business emails) that demonstrate legitimacy and professionalism — Using ZenMaid’s scheduling & GPS tracking as a sales tool — How insurance, bonding, and background checks set you apart from solo cleaners — Follow-up strategies that win more clients

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software (with GPS check-ins): https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

👉 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com 📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙 Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/how-to-stand-out-against-cheap-competitors/

#77: Lessons from Scaling a Veteran-Owned Cleaning Brand to $55K/Month, with Ibrahin & Jessica Robles

ZenMaid — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What does it take to grow from a solo $3K per month to roughly $55K per month while juggling five kids, sky-high turnover, and quality control? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with husband-and-wife duo Ibrahin Robles and Jessica Robles, the team behind a fast-growing, veteran-owned cleaning brand. They unpack how a recruiting background, a community-first identity, and tight training systems fueled rapid growth.

Stephanie and the Robleses dive into the realities of hiring in an industry with brutal turnover, the step-by-step of building a pipeline, and the timing of key hires like a VA, office manager, and bookkeeper. They also cover brand pillars like using all-natural products and giving back with quarterly deep cleans for disabled veterans, plus smart boundaries for Airbnbs and the tech stack that keeps it all moving.

What You’ll Learn:
— How they went from ~$3K to ~$55K per month
— Where to post, quick screens, ad budgets, and building pipelines
— The hiring math of turnover
— When to bring on help
— Community-first branding that attracts loyal clients, including veteran initiatives and givebacks
— Using a real CRM and automations to protect time without over-tooling too early
— Clear role splits: Jessica on training, inspections, and quality; Ibrahin on ops, tech stack, and metrics
— Airbnb strategy: custom onboarding, detailed checklists, and keeping it under 10% of revenue
— The core metrics they watch weekly, like payroll-to-revenue ratio and complaint rates

Resources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days → https://get.zenmaid.com

Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/lessons-from-scaling-a-veteran-owned-cleaning-brand-to-55k-month-with-ibrahin-jessica-robles/

#76: Don’t Do These Things Yet! Timing is Everything

ZenMaid — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

It’s not always about what you do for your business, but when you do it. Timing mistakes can hurt your cleaning business more than you realize, and these decisions can drain cash faster than you can stop it.

In this FRC episode, Stephanie breaks down the biggest timing mistakes she and other owners have made, and what to do before you make those types of costly decisions. If you’ve ever been tempted to “go big” too soon, this conversation will hopefully save you money and sanity 🙏

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Why renting an office too early can drain your money — How overloading new hires ruins retention — The real risks of company cars (and why Serene Clean will never have a fleet) — How to plan vacations without letting your business burn down — The right and wrong ways to bring on admin staff or VAs — When investing in fancy software actually makes sense — Why you should focus your services before adding niches — The dangers of opening a second location before the first one runs smoothly

📌 Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (Free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days → https://get.zenmaid.com

Book a consulting call with Stephanie → https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙 Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/dont-do-these-things-yet-timing-is-everything/

#75: Lessons from Building a 140-Employee Cleaning Company, with Sharon L. Cowan

ZenMaid — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What does it take to scale from 6 employees to 140 — and eventually sell your business at its peak? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with industry veteran Sharon L. Cowan, President & CEO of Cleaning Business Consulting Group, who built one of the largest cleaning companies in her region, spanning both residential and commercial.

Stephanie and Sharon talk about Sharon's background and how she created a 140+ employee cleaning company. They talk about hard lessons learned over the years, peaks and highs, the risks of growing too fast without systems, and top advice for cleaning business owners.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Early mistakes Sharon made in commercial bidding — Why residential is vital for cash flow but commercial builds long-term profit — The key structural differences between managing residential vs. commercial staff — Why delegating early is important for growth — How to protect your reputation when employees mess up (hint: theft stories included!) — Why culture matters more than perks — The “float system” Sharon used to guarantee reliability when employees called out — Which industries make the best commercial clients (and which ones to avoid) — Why follow-ups and personal touches are still the #1 differentiator in cleaning — The right time and wrong time to sell your cleaning business

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days → https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙 Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/lessons-from-building-a-140-employee-cleaning-company-with-sharon-l-cowan/

#74: The 7 Signs Your Cleaner Is About to Quit

ZenMaid — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

All companies have turnover — especially service-based ones like maid services and cleaning businesses. There are a million reasons someone can give as to why they're quitting, but most exits aren’t truly out of the blue.

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down 7 common patterns or behaviors she and her managers see before a cleaner resigns, including backlash, frequent personal emergencies, coworker drama, lack of engagement in communication, and more. You'll hear real examples from Serene Clean, how Stephanie and her managers respond in the moment, and what adjustments (like hours, tasks, tools, expectations, etc.) can save a great hire — or confirm that it's time to go your separate ways.

What You’ll Learn:
— The #1 early quitting signal: defensiveness to fair quality-check feedback
— How repeated call-outs and “life on fire” stories in the first 90 days predict churn
— The difference between healthy accountability and policy pushback tantrums
— Why team drama means someone is quitting soon (and how to shut it down fast)
— How physical strain from the job often leads to resignations
— Practical adjustments and tools that help reduce employee churn
— Signals of disengagement and what to do about it
— Scripts and approaches to reduce escalation while keeping standards highResources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: https://get.zenmaid.com/

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-7-signs-your-cleaner-is-about-to-quit/

#73: From Burnout to Balance — Lessons from 16 Years of Cleaning Business Ownership

ZenMaid — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When Molly Moran started her eco-friendly cleaning company in 2009, she thought the only way to be successful was to hustle herself into the ground. 16 (!!!) years later, she’s grown a thriving business, built a strong culture for both employees and clients, and learned a lot of lessons, including that saying “yes” to everything comes at a cost (this was a tough one to learn 😬).

In this FRC episode, Stephanie and Molly chat about the realities of scaling a cleaning company, from hiring mistakes, integrity issues, building systems, managing managers, and creating a culture that lasts even when you step away from the business. Molly also shares how she moved from burning the candle at both ends to leading her team as a “head coach,” focusing on growth, appreciation, and values-driven leadership.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Why saying “yes” to every client request can break your business — The moment Molly decided to give up commercial night work (and how it literally saved her sanity) — How to build a company culture that survives when you’re not physically there to enforce it — The most expensive leadership mistake Molly ever made and how to avoid it — Why trusting your gut when hiring can save you $$$ — How to systematize appreciation and keep your team motivated long-term

Resources Mentioned: — Carrot (Employee Recognition Software): https://www.qarrots.com/ — Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙 Listen to the Podcast: 📖 Read the full transcript: [Link]

#72: Roasting Myself and Exposing My Biggest Business Owner Mistakes

ZenMaid — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

You don't need to step into a church to confess In this honest self-roast episode, Stephanie exposes her worst habits, flaws, and blind spots that have slowed down Serene Clean’s success, per the opinions of herself and her own staff! She shares stories about when these traits have steered her wrong, like letting an employee live in her apartment with her, and talks about the messy side of being a business owner. This episode is 50% confession and 50% cautionary tale, and hopefully serves as a way for you to identify your own improvement areas.

What You’ll Learn:
— Why your personal flaws WILL show up in your cleaning business
— The dangers of people-pleasing with staff and clients
— How emotional reactivity creates bigger problems than it solves
— Signs you’re burning yourself out with “Hurricane CEO” energy
— Why inconsistency and exceptions destroy team trust
— How delegation done right frees you from firefighter mode
— Why hearing hard truths from your team is essential for growth

Resources Mentioned:
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind
Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/
Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/roasting-myself-and-exposing-my-biggest-business-owner-mistakes/

#71: Deep-Dive into Scaling with Independent Contractors

ZenMaid — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Independent contractors are one of the hottest — and most confusing — topics in the cleaning industry. Are they legal? What are the risks? And why do so many owners run into trouble when they think they’re doing everything right? We've talked about this before in Episode 62, and today, we're doing a deep dive.

In this episode, Stephanie brings Chris Schwab, remote cleaning business owner and founder of Local Business MBA, back on the podcast to talk more about the reality of running a cleaning business with independent contractors. Chris has operated a fully remote cleaning company for 10+ years and has coached hundreds of owners through this same challenge. They talk about the risks, benefits, and most important things to know about choosing ICs vs. employees.

What You’ll Learn:
— The IRS’s “Big 3 Tests” that define employees vs. independent contractors
— Red flags that will get you misclassified (uniforms, checklists, scheduling)
— Why quality control is the biggest roadblock to scaling with contractors
— Insurance and liability protections you need in place if you run ICs
— The gray area of hybrid models (and why most fail)
— How to safely transition from contractors to employees if you need to
— Creative ways to find independent contractors in smaller service areas

Resources Mentioned:
— Chris Schwab’s Local Business MBA: https://localbusinessmba.com
— Subscribe to Chris’s Newsletter (Cleaning Industry Insights): https://localbusinessmba.beehiiv.com/subscribe
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (Free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/deep-dive-into-scaling-with-independent-contractors/

#70: When and Why You’re Most Likely to Lose Customers

ZenMaid — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Even the best cleaning companies lose clients — it's part of the business, whether we like it or not. But when clients choose to drop often follows a predictable pattern. Things like your client's favorite cleaner quitting or you needing to increase the prices of your services can all contribute to what we call client "danger zones," and there are critical moments in your business where client relationships are the most fragile.

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie breaks down the top danger zones where cleaning clients are most likely to leave, as well as how you can prevent them. She shares real stories from Serene Clean, including practical communication strategies and retention tactics that you can apply immediately!

What You’ll Learn:
— The #1 danger zone where most clients drop (and how to fix it)
— How to successfully transition clients to new cleaners without losing their business
— The right way to roll out price increases to avoid mass cancellations
— Why first cleanings can make or break a long-term client relationship
— How to handle client complaints so they don’t happen twice
— The hidden risks of long-term clients and how to re-engage them
— Why communication, notes, and standardized checklists are your best retention safety net

Resources Mentioned:
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie:
https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/when-and-why-youre-most-likely-to-lose-customers/

#69: Fired Over Makeup to $10K Months — Amanda Stovall’s Journey

ZenMaid — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Amanda Stovall was fired from a restaurant job for refusing to wear makeup, and used that experience as a spark for her entrepreneurship. Today, Amanda runs Stovall’s Cleaning Services in Missouri and hit her first $10K month! She's built strong systems and laid the foundation for long-term growth.

In this episode, Stephanie and Amanda dive into Amanda’s journey from being a dispatcher and server to a cleaning business owner, including the tough lessons she’s learned about hiring, pricing, and trusting herself. They talk about team walkouts, the sales psychology that changed Amanda's close rates, and more! Amanda’s story is equal parts raw, inspiring, and practical.

What You’ll Learn
— Why “experimenter mindset” can save your business when things go wrong
— The hard truth about hiring friends and family (and what Amanda learned the hard way)
— How Amanda used ZenMaid to double her revenue in 60 days
— The tiered pricing shift that made clients book her top package every time
— Why staying in your lane and ignoring competitors can keep you sane
— How Amanda is preparing her team and systems for explosive growth in 2025

Resources Mentioned:
— What Should We Do? by Joe Crisara: https://www.amazon.com/What-Should-We-Do-Clients/dp/B0CSK2V9FZ
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/fired-over-makeup-to-10k-months-amanda-stovalls-journey/

#68: The 3 Traits That Built My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Any small business owner (regardless of the industry they're in) will attest that this job is one of the hardest but most rewarding out there. You pour your heart and soul into your business and learn so much about yourself along the way.

In this fiery solo episode, Stephanie talks about the three traits that have allowed her to build Serene Clean into the 7-figure business it is today: grit, vision, and leadership. She shares the story of (cluelessly 😅) walking into her first commercial walkthrough at 23, leading a million-dollar government contract, navigating betrayals and setbacks, and figuring things out as she went. Stephanie discusses the mindset and habits that helped her push forward when she thought that quitting would have been easier.

This episode is 50% motivational speech and 50% practical breakdown of the traits any cleaning business owner can develop in their journey.

📌 What You’ll Learn: — Why grit and resilience matter more than knowing everything from the beginning — The “ready, fire, aim” approach to action, and why it works for entrepreneurs and small business owners — How having a vision and maintaining and standard of excellence create a company's culture — How the values you instill in your business will attract like-minded employees — Leadership habits that make employees feel respected, connected, valued, and proud — How to frame failures as experiments instead of setbacks — Why raising your prices and buying back your time is so important for growth

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! https://get.zenmaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-3-traits-that-built-my-cleaning-business/

#67: Real Talk on Marketing, Experimentation, and Growing Smart

ZenMaid — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Would you rather send out a 20% off coupon twice in one day, or go viral for a typo that says “we’ll clean your crack”?

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Ryan Williams, ZenMaid's Head of Marketing, to share real marketing mishaps (including $30k ad spend mistakes and sending emails with the wrong dates twice) and talk through how cleaners can stop overthinking marketing. They cover marketing via email vs. text messaging, whether discounts cheapen your brand, how to spot shady marketing agencies, and why focusing on what already works is smarter than chasing every shiny object.

What You’ll Learn:
— Why progress beats perfection when running ads, and why “trashy" Canva ads often win
— How to offer discounts without making your brand look cheap
— The truth about email vs. SMS marketing, and why both still work in 2025
— Red flags (and green flags) when hiring a marketing agency
— Why attribution is overrated and what you should track instead
— How to avoid shiny object syndrome and scale what already works
— Why your website and personal story are still your strongest marketing tools

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! → Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/real-talk-on-marketing-experimentation-and-growing-smart/

#66: The KPIs You Need to Track Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What KPIs actually matter when you're running a cleaning business? There are a million different numbers you can track, so it's important that you spend your precious time on the ones that actually matter. Are you really short on leads, or do you just need to close better? Are clients dropping off because of price, quality, or something totally outside your control? Without tracking, you’ll never know.

In this solo episode, Stephanie shares how she tracks sales, marketing, and client KPIs at Serene Clean, as well as the exact numbers that keep her business growing past $1M in annual revenue. She talks about software she uses (from simple spreadsheets to automated dashboards in ClickUp) and breaks down what’s non-negotiable, what’s “nice to have,” and what tracking is 100% necessary to help you make smarter decisions.

What You’ll Learn:
— The 3 baseline KPIs every cleaning business must track (no excuses!)
— Why “more leads” isn’t always the answer and what to measure instead
— How to find out which marketing sources really bring in paying clients
— The easiest way to calculate things like close rates, churn, client retention, and more
— What tracking recurring clients gained vs. lost will tell you about your business's health
— How Serene Clean tags, tracks, and analyzes clients for long-term growth (and why it's worked)

Resources Mentioned:
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: [Link]

#65: Would You Rather (Cleaning Business Owner Edition), with Stephanie, Amar, and Maria

ZenMaid — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this very special (and chaotic) episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, we bring you poolside in Barcelona, Spain at our annual ZenMaid company retreat! 🇪🇸

Filthy Rich Cleaners host Stephanie Pipkin sits down with Amar Ghose, Founder and CEO of ZenMaid, and Maria Dorian, Founder of TaskAway VA and Co-Founder of Quality Driven Software, to play a fun game of Would You Rather, talk about their crazy cleaning business experiences, and more. From meth head cleaners to clients who like to micromanage you to hiring reliable, trustworthy staff, this episode covers it all! 🫣

📌 What We Talk About: — If it's better to have consistent, drama-prone employees vs. drama-free, unreliable ones, and what trade-offs matter most — Whether we'd prefer to lose a great cleaner with no notice than keep a mediocre one long-term — The unexpected challenges of clients who micromanage our cleaners — Why some high-performing employees might be red flags in disguise 🚩 — What to do when your team relies on personality over quality — How to think about former employees starting their own cleaning companies (and when not to worry about it) — Lessons from running a business without systems (and how to avoid learning them the hard way) — What to prioritize when you’re short-staffed, burnt out, or stuck in chaos — And so much more!

Resources Mentioned: — ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/ — ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

💡 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: Get.ZenMaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

📖 Read the full transcript: [Link]

#64: Managing Inventory and Supplies in Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Learning how to manage inventory is one of the hardest parts of opening a cleaning business. It's difficult to forecast how much of each item you'll need, when you should anticipate running out, where to store your items, whether the client should supply certain things, and more — it can feel like a logistical nightmare. We've been there, and that's why this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners focuses on effectively managing inventory and supplies.

In this solo episode, Stephanie shares how Serene Clean handles inventory and supply management, and what has and hasn't worked for her team in the past. She gives advice to cleaning business owners at every stage, like those who are just starting out, and walks through her systems for restocking, laundry, expectations around supplies, and more!

What You’ll Learn:
— Why you should use a simple inventory checklist to avoid running out of cleaning supplies
— The unexpected challenges of managing supplies when you're operating without an office
— How Stephanie keeps multiple Serene Clean locations stocked using Google Sheets (and her team's help)
— The importance of providing your cleaning techs with everything they need to succeed, while keeping budget in mind
— Tips for managing the laundry headache and why having washer/dryer hookups could change your life
— The one item you should always ask clients to supply

Resources Mentioned:
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Read the full transcript: [Link]

#63: Taking a Heartfelt Approach to Cleaning, with Kimberley Crockett

ZenMaid — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Can you wear your heart on your sleeve and run a business at the same time? The answer is no, but that doesn't mean you can't still lead with compassion and care for your employees and clients

In this episode of Filthy Rich Cleaners, Stephanie chats with Kimberley Crockett, the owner of Clean Keepers in Athens, Georgia. Kimberley shares how she started her cleaning business at the beginning of COVID — Spring 2020 — when the restaurant she bartended at full-time shut down. She had previously cleaned as a small side hustle and needed a new plan, and, amazingly, it took off!

Five years into her business, Kimberley joins the podcast to talk about the emotional side of cleaning business ownership, including how she balances compassion with leadership and how this business is all about the pursuit of helping others. They talk about Kimberley's experiences of leading with heart while also making the tough calls that come with managing employees and clients.

What You’ll Learn:
— How to lead with empathy while setting clear boundaries as a business owner
— The role of compassion in client retention and employee satisfaction
— Why being emotionally connected with your team leads to better service and a stronger company culture, but also when to draw a line between friend and boss
— Why having the courage to help others, even when it’s not required, creates a memorable, positive impact

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-s ...

Read the full transcript: [LINK]

#62: The Truth About Running Your Cleaning Biz with Independent Contractors

ZenMaid — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Do you know any cleaning business owners who skip the mop completely and don't actually clean anything themselves? Many times, people start out as cleaners and work their way up, or open their own business entirely, but there are some people who start out with the intention of never personally doing any cleaning. This is when they turn to independent contractors (ICs) instead of full-time employees. On paper, it sounds great — flexible staffing, no payroll taxes, and no scrubbing toilets yourself. But what’s the reality of running your business this way, and can you actually do this for the long haul?

In this solo episode, Stephanie talks about the real challenges (and, more importantly, risks) of starting and growing a cleaning business without cleaning yourself and relying on ICs. She shares the three operational areas where IC-run companies often struggle most — training, quality control, and communication — and offers practical, logical, and legal (!) tips to keep your business running smoothly.

📌 What You’ll Learn:

— The biggest legal and operational challenges of running your cleaning business with independent contractors

— Why ICs can be great (speed and availability) but risky (insurance, liabilities, etc.)

— How to ensure training and quality control when you can’t “train” ICs yourself

— Ways to build in fill-in coverage for last-minute cancellations

— How to stay reliable so clients see the value in your company's pricing

— Communication systems that work when you can’t be on-call 24/7

Resources Mentioned:

— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com

— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/

— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

💡 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: Get.ZenMaid.com

📞 Book a Consulting Call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎙 Listen to the Podcast:

🎧 Spotify: [Link]

🎧 Apple Podcasts: [Link]

📖 Read the full transcript: [Link]

#61: “Clarity is Kindness” — The Right Way to Give Feedback

ZenMaid — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:50:00 -0500

Honest feedback can be hard to give — and it's often even harder to receive. In this Filthy Rich Cleaners episode, Stephanie is joined by leadership expert and author Mike Robbins to talk about how to lead with empathy and create an honest, emotionally safe work environment, especially in an industry with high turnover like cleaning. He and Stephanie discuss the right way to go about level-setting with your team and share instances of mistakes and learnings. They also share tips to encourage an open dialogue and promote a culture of honesty within the business, even when it's easier to hide a mistake.

What You’ll Learn:
— The 3-step emotional process your team goes through when you give them feedback
— How to set boundaries, especially when work life and personal life are crossing over too hard, without breaking trust or compassion
— Why sharing your own mistakes can actually build culture and retain your employees
— The difference between recognition and appreciation (and why you need both)
— How to avoid toxic positivity while also staying optimistic
— Tips for giving difficult feedback

Resources Mentioned:
— Mike Robbins’ website: https://mike-robbins.com
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free): facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! http://Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: [Link]

#60: When Misaligned Expectations Lead to Angry Client Emails

ZenMaid — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Even cleaning businesses with raving reviews and A–Z checklists still face nightmare scenarios. Think after-hours emails, upset clients, confused employees, and "Oh no, what the hell do we do now?" conversations.

In this episode, our host Stephanie shares a recent (and horrific) scenario after a cleaning at an existing client's new property. Emotions were high with the client's upcoming family visit and personal challenges, and Stephanie's team had to make it right. Hear how her team navigated the chaos without burning bridges or backing down, as well as how they used it as a learning lesson moving forward.

What You’ll Learn :

When you should and shouldn't reply to after-hours customer emails (and what to do instead)
The best way to deliver client complaints to your team
Why your “cleaning checklist” could be creating dissatisfied customers
What to do when clients need reparations ASAP
How to document problems, de-escalate, and still come out with lessons learned
How Serene Clean enforces quality standards for employees

Resources Mentioned:
— Maid Summit (Free Training Event): https://www.maidsummit.com
— ZenMaid Scheduling Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
— ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/when-misaligned-expectations-lead-to-angry-client-emails/

#59: Why This Healthcare Worker Ditched Her "Real Job" for Cleaning (And Never Looked Back)

ZenMaid — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Think you need a business degree to excel in the cleaning industry? Hannah Sutton proves otherwise. After 16 years in healthcare, she found her calling at Serene Clean - and now trains the next generation of cleaning professionals. Discover how proper training systems, quality control, and company culture can transform your cleaning business from chaos to excellence.

What You'll Learn:

Why healthcare professionals are naturally drawn to cleaning businesses
The specific green and red flags to watch for when training new cleaners
How to build training systems that ensure consistency across your team
Quality assurance strategies that prevent complaints before they happen
Why company culture matters more than competitive wages for retention
How to handle difficult situations and maintain safety in the field
The importance of empathy and professionalism when cleaning challenging homes
Systems for managing commercial accounts and maintaining client relationships

Resources Mentioned:

ZenMaid scheduling software and SOS feature: https://get.zenmaid.com/
Cleaning for a Reason charity organization
ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/zenmaidmastermind

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Book a Consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/why-this-healthcare-worker-ditched-her-real-job-for-cleaning-and-never-looked-back/

#58: The Numbers That Actually Matter for Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:33:29 -0500

Think tracking KPIs is overwhelming? Stephanie breaks down exactly which metrics will transform your cleaning business from guesswork to data-driven success. From basic profit tracking to advanced client lifetime value calculations, discover the specific numbers that separate thriving cleaning companies from those flying blind.

What You'll Learn:

Why weekly P&L tracking is your business security blanket
The magic 40-45% payroll percentage that keeps you profitable
How to spot supply theft and misuse through simple tracking
Client lifetime value calculations that reveal retention problems
Revenue breakdown strategies that pinpoint exactly where money is lost
The cleaner utilization rate formula for maximizing your team's productivity
Why tracking hourly rates (even for flat-rate clients) is non-negotiable
Simple spreadsheet systems that soothe business owner anxiety

Resources Mentioned:

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
QuickBooks Online accounting software
Stripe and Square payment processors
ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook Group (free to join)
Gusto Payroll Software
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Power of Habit book

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Get.ZenMaid.com

Read the full transcript: https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/the-numbers-that-actually-matter-for-your-cleaning-business/

#57: From Immigration Consultant to Cleaning Empire Builder

ZenMaid — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:39:45 -0500

What happens when an immigration consultant discovers the cleaning industry is the perfect pathway to the American Dream? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Julie Lesage, who specializes in helping international investors start cleaning businesses through E2 visas. From her own pandemic pivot to cleaning full-time to building an affiliate network across the US, Julie shares the unique challenges and opportunities of launching cleaning companies for newcomers to America.

What You'll Learn:

Why cleaning businesses are ideal for E2 investor visas
How to manage W-2 employees remotely before owners arrive in the US
The cultural differences that make Canadian business owners exceptional employers
Smart backup planning for staff and client cancellations
How concept-based training beats rigid checklists every time
Why cancellation fees can fund charity cleanings (genius move!)
The surprising states international investors gravitate toward

Resources Mentioned:

Clean Logic E2 Visa Services
ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
Homebase HR App
Cleaning for a Reason: https://cleaningforareason.org/

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days

Read the full transcript:
https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/from-immigration-consultant-to-cleaning-empire-builder/

#56: Fear of Being Misunderstood vs. Standing on Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:39:08 -0500

What happens when your biggest fear as a leader is being misunderstood? In this solo episode, Stephanie gets real about the constant push and pull between wanting to be understood and needing to make confident decisions as a business owner. Fresh back from Barcelona with the ZenMaid team (and some serious luggage drama), she dives deep into why explaining the "why" behind your decisions is crucial for buy-in, but over-explaining can make you look weak and defensive. From mop bucket mutinies to price increase psychology, Stephanie shares how to communicate with confidence while accepting that some people will misinterpret your intentions no matter what you do.

What You'll Learn:

Why "because I said so" leadership kills team buy-in (and what to do instead)
The psychology behind price increase communications that clients actually embrace
How to explain your decisions without sounding defensive or insecure
Why some people will intentionally misunderstand you (and how to handle it)
The art of proactive communication that prevents drama before it starts

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
ZenMaid Software: https://get.zenmaid.com/
Maid Summit (free registration): Register here

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: Listen here

Apple Podcasts: Listen here

📝 Read the full transcript: Read here

#55: Double Your Bookings with Katie & Stephanie’s Cleaning Funnel Fixes

ZenMaid — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Most cleaning business owners know their funnel could be better, but where do you even start?

In this episode, Katie Jenks of Serene Clean joins Stephanie Pipkin to unpack the real-world funnel transformation that helped Serene Clean fill its calendar fast. From low-converting forms to forgettable follow-ups, Stephanie shares the exact changes she made with Katie’s help to plug the leaks, and the numbers to prove it worked.

They break down every part of the funnel: website tweaks, lead magnets, automations, metrics, and mindset. This isn’t theory, it’s the behind-the-scenes of a cleaning company that went from silent inboxes to booked-out schedules.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually moves the needle in your marketing funnel, this episode is your blueprint.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

How Katie identified the “silent killers” inside her original funnel
What finally made her website start converting—not just existing
Stephanie’s advice that led to higher-quality leads and faster bookings
Why Serene Clean ditched the fluff and doubled down on simplicity
The small email tweak that changed everything
How to track what’s working (without feeling overwhelmed by data)

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Cosulting - Stephanie Pipkin

👀 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!
Episode 55

Apple Podcasts: Episode 55

📖 Read the full transcript:
https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/double-your-bookings-with-katie-stephanies-cleaning-funnel-fixes/

#54: Stop the Turnover Spiral: How Stephanie Built a Drama-Free Dream Team

ZenMaid — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Hiring doesn’t have to be painful or regretful.

In this episode, ZenMaid’s Stephanie Pipkin shares the exact hiring system she built to train and retain a 7-figure cleaning team without complaints, micromanagement, or drama. You’ll hear the hard lessons behind her transition from solo cleaner to true CEO, and how she rebuilt her business with freedom, boundaries, and a culture that runs itself.

This isn’t theory. It’s the actual step-by-step hiring process Stephanie used to go from overwhelmed to in control, and she’s handing it over to you.

If you’re tired of wasting time on interviews that go nowhere, struggling to find people who stay, or constantly jumping back into the field... this episode will shift everything.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

The biggest mistake most cleaning owners make when hiring (and how to fix it)
How Stephanie uses “level-based accountability” to stop micromanaging
Why she stopped hiring people who “just want a job”
Her 4-part retention formula that works even when you’re not watching
A simple system to train faster and increase loyalty
The mindset shift that turned her into a true CEO

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Cosulting - Stephanie Pipkin
https://get.zenmaid.com

🎧 Listen to the podcast:
- Spotify: Episode 54 (link placeholder)
- Apple Podcasts: Episode 54 (link placeholder)
📖 Read the full transcript:
https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/stop-the-turnover-spiral-how-to-build-a-drama-free-dream-team/

#53: From Accidental Startup to Remote Empire: Juan Chaparro on Culture, W-2s & PipeHire

ZenMaid — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Most cleaning businesses struggle with hiring. But what if your biggest bottleneck wasn’t finding people, it was how you were filtering them?

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with industry veteran Juan Chaparro, founder of Gmaids and creator of PipeHire, to unpack how he and his wife Karen accidentally started a cleaning company at age 20, scaled it remotely from Colombia and Miami, and built a thriving culture using only W-2 employees.

Juan reveals the hiring disaster that forced him to invent PipeHire, how their business runs with zero office visits, and the core values that keep their team loyal, efficient, and happy, even across time zones.

Whether you’re drowning in Indeed resumes, debating IC vs. employee, or dreaming of managing from the beach, this one’s for you.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

Why independent contractors might be costing you more than employees
How Juan replaced his entire IC team with W-2s—and kept scaling
The remote company playbook: managing a team without ever stepping into the office
How PipeHire filters applicants before they hit your calendar
The 5 values that drive loyalty and retention at Gmaids
Essential oils, culture workshops, and the surprising secret to glowing reviews

🔗 Resources mentioned:

👀 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!
Episode 53 (link placeholder)

Apple Podcasts: Episode 53 (link placeholder)

📖 Read the full transcript:
https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/from-accidental-startup-to-remote-empire-juan-chaparro-on-culture-w-2s-pipehire/

#52: Audit Your Cleaning Biz & Stop Overpaying: How to Save $10K+ a Year

ZenMaid — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Every cleaning business has expenses that quietly eat into profits. Insurance policies you set and forget. Training steps that slip over time. Processes that used to work but don’t anymore. In this episode, Stephanie shares how she uncovered over $10,000 in annual savings by auditing Serene Clean’s insurance and why taking a hard look at all your costs and policies is essential. She also explains how her team improves training and policies when complaints come in, making sure small problems don’t grow into big ones.

Key Takeaways:

How Stephanie saved over $10,000 a year on insurance
Why “set it and forget it” costs can wreck your margins
How to audit and renegotiate policies for real savings
Using customer complaints to improve training and quality
Making your policies living documents that evolve with your business
Building a culture of accountability (without micromanaging)

🔗 Resources mentioned: -ZenMaid (of course 😉) https://get.zenmaid.com/ -Penn National Insurance (for dividend-based workers comp policies) Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!

Book a consulting call with Stephanie: https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services/

🎧 Listen to the podcast: Spotify: [link to your Spotify episode] Apple Podcasts: [link to your Apple Podcasts episode]

📝 Read the full transcript: [LINK]

#51: How One Cleaning Tech Employee Becomes Irreplaceable

ZenMaid — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder what it takes to go from cleaning tech to essential operations leader in your cleaning business? In this candid episode, Stephanie sits down with April West Serene Clean’s payroll administrator, accounts manager, and longtime right hand.

They share honest stories about extreme cleans (the Cat House! the Chicken House!), the reality of managing call-outs, building sustainable company culture, and learning to set boundaries with clients. April reflects on joining Serene Clean as a part-time technician with triplets at home and growing into her critical role today, all while keeping a sense of humor about the industry’s messy realities.

Key Takeaways in this Episode:

Why flexibility beats high wages for attracting long-term staff
How to nurture part-timers into loyal team members
Setting clear boundaries with clients (and each other)
The messy, hilarious truths of extreme cleans
Improving training, onboarding, and quality control as you scale
How software choices (ZenMaid, Gusto, Trainual) made admin easier
Balancing mission, culture, and accountability in a growing team

Resources mentioned:

ZenMaid. https://get.zenmaid.com/
Serene Clean Consulting. https://serene-clean.com/consulting-services

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days: ZenMaid Free Trial

Read the full transcript: Blog post

#50: What I Wish I Had in Place Before My First Nightmare Client

ZenMaid — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Every cleaner has a nightmare client story... The client who left surprises in the toilet. The one who flipped out over late fees. The one who thought hiring you meant cleaning up fleas. In this episode, Stephanie walks through Serene Clean’s 10-page client guideline document — and the real stories behind each policy. Learn what to include, how to roll it out, and why you’ll sleep better once it’s signed.

Key Takeaways:

Why client guidelines are non-negotiable for cleaning businesses
What to include in your policy (and how to get it signed without hassle)
How to set expectations around pets, poop, payment, and more
Why digital signatures can save you in a dispute
The unexpected benefit of sounding more professional — and weeding out bad clients

Resources Mentioned:

SignRequest
ZenMaid (of course 😉)

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!

Read the full write-up: [Blog Link]

#49: The Divorced, Broke, and Fearless Journey to Six-Figure Vacation Rental Success

ZenMaid — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:30:12 -0500

Getting fired and divorced at 24 led Mila Thee Hostkeyper on an unexpected journey from teaching English in Korea to building a thriving vacation rental cleaning business across Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Her secret? An unshakeable belief that she could "figure it out."

Mila shares how she went from cleaning her first Thumbtack gigs to landing 68 units from a single client, why she hires exclusively Spanish-speaking cleaners, and how she handles the unique challenges of vacation rental turnovers. Plus, learn her pricing strategy that eliminates last-minute booking headaches and why she believes being "cutthroat" is essential for success.

Key Takeaways:

Why vacation rental cleaning requires a completely different mindset than residential
How to price same-day turnovers to protect your schedule and profits
The power of hunting down clients instead of waiting for them to find you
How to maintain quality control when scaling across multiple cities
The importance of believing in your ability to "figure it out"

🔗 Resources mentioned:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Book a consulting call with Stephanie.

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog

#48: 8 Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Leads (And How to Fix Them Fast)

ZenMaid — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Your website should be doing two things: getting you more leads and helping pre-sell your services to those leads. But if you're making one of these 8 mistakes, it might be doing neither.

In this tactical solo episode, Stephanie walks through the biggest website errors she sees on consulting calls — and the exact fixes you can make to turn your site into a lead-generating machine.

Key Takeaways:

The biggest call-to-action mistake most cleaning websites make
How to write an About section that builds trust and pre-sells clients
The number one way to use reviews (and the type that books the most jobs)
Why stock photos could be killing your credibility
What ZenMaid forms can do when they’re embedded right

Mentioned in this Episode:

ZenMaid Booking Forms
ZenMaid Digital Checklists
SereneClean.com – For booking form examples
Canva Templates – For testimonial and photo layouts

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days.

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog. [LINK]

#47: An Interview With One of Stephanie's Amazing Cleaning Techs

ZenMaid — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Ashley spent 14 years in the healthcare industry — until burnout, COVID, and caregiving for her dad pushed her to look for something more flexible. She applied for a cleaning job. Serene Clean said no. Then she applied again. And again. Four years later, she’s one of the company’s most beloved cleaning techs.

In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with Ashley to reflect on her journey from job applicant to core team member — and what Serene Clean’s culture, flexibility, and purpose-driven work have meant to her life. If you want to know what makes employees stay (and thrive), this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Why part-time staff can be your most loyal team members
How Serene Clean built a culture that employees fight to join
Tips for training, feedback, and setting expectations from a tech’s POV
What ZenMaid looks like from the field — and why it matters
Why hiring from healthcare might be your best-kept secret

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

#46: The Week Everything Went to Sh*t — And What Makes You a Real Leader

ZenMaid — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What do you do when four cleaners quit or get fired in a single week — including one who worked with you for years? In this raw and emotional solo episode, Stephanie opens up about one of the hardest weeks in Serene Clean’s history. From betrayal and burnout to tough conversations and short-staffed chaos, she breaks down what really happened, what she learned, and how she found the strength to lead anyway. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for this, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

What to do when multiple team members quit in a short time
How to fire someone you love (and still sleep at night)
The emotional toll of leadership no one warns you about
Why staff documentation and signed policies can protect you from unemployment claims
How to regain control when things feel totally out of control
What makes people trust you as a leader — even when you’re falling apart

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

#45: She Cleaned to Survive — Now She’s Booked Out. Zaila’s Story Will Blow You Away

ZenMaid — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What drives someone to launch a cleaning business as a teenager — and grow it into a thriving, booked-out service while pregnant and raising a family?
In this episode, Stephanie interviews Zaila Filler, a young cleaning business owner from Indiana who started out scrubbing Airbnbs to escape a tough home life. They cover the wild reality of starting from scratch, training staff while dilated in the hospital, and why pricing and policies can make or break your early growth.

Expect honest talk, hilarious stories, and some hard-won lessons on staffing, systems, and scaling.

Key Takeaways:

Why your first few hires will probably quit (and why that’s normal)
The “aha” moment that doubled Zyla’s initial clean prices
How to handle flaky team members without losing your mind
Red flags to watch for in new hires (and clients!)
When to start charging more — and how to test your rates
Using Square + ZenMaid to simplify payments and invoicing

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

#44: A Full Breakdown of My Company's Rates, Wages, and Revenue — From Day 1 to $121K Months

ZenMaid — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Stephanie takes you behind the scenes of Serene Clean’s growth — from charging $30/hour and paying $12/hour, all the way to $55/hour and six figures in monthly revenue.

You’ll hear exactly what the business was charging, paying, and earning at every stage — plus when benefits were added, how price increases impacted hiring, and what finally pushed Stephanie to offer health insurance. It’s an honest, detailed timeline packed with practical insights for every cleaning business owner.

Key Takeaways:

The exact rates Serene Clean charged at every growth stage
How Stephanie set employee wages based on a 40% labor cost model
What benefits were added (and when the business could afford them)
Why starting at $40/hour is crucial if you plan to scale
How pricing affects employee retention and client loyalty
Serene Clean’s journey to zero complaints across 1,400+ cleanings

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

#43: How My First Employee Became the Heart of the Cleaning Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Stephanie sits down with Crystal Davidson — Serene Clean’s very first employee — to talk about what it was really like in the early days. From working out of Stephanie’s apartment to helping build a million-dollar company, Crystal has seen (and survived) it all.

They cover what made her leave a stable healthcare career for a part-time cleaning job, how her role evolved over time, and what it actually takes to build a loyal leadership team in an industry known for high turnover. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how trust, flexibility, and shared values can shape a workplace that people never want to leave.
Key Takeaways:

The early chaos at Serene Clean — and what kept her from quitting
What made Stephanie know Crystal was a “diamond” hire
How Crystal’s role evolved into Director of HR (without a roadmap)
The #1 mistake they used to make when hiring under pressure
What makes a truly flexible workplace — and why it matters

Mentioned in this Episode:

ZenMaid Facebook Mastermind
Group interviews (LINK TO Episode 42)

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

#42: The Secret to Hiring Cleaners Faster (and Smarter) with Group Interviews

ZenMaid — Wed, 28 May 2025 16:49:00 -0500

In this solo episode, Stephanie shares one of the top three strategies that helped Serene Clean grow to 30+ employees across three locations: group interviews. After years of trial and error (and far too many no-shows), she walks you through exactly how—and why—to set up a group interview system that saves time, filters out bad fits, and keeps your cleaning business hiring-ready at all times.

Whether you’re a solo cleaner doing it all or managing a full team, this is the hiring framework Stephanie swears by—and you’ll get her full step-by-step breakdown.

Key Takeaways:

Why hiring only when you’re desperate will keep you stuck
How to use group interviews to filter candidates without wasting time
What to include in your job listings to attract the right applicants (without spending money on Indeed)
Why resumes don’t matter (yet) and how to vet applicants more effectively
How to track interviews and no-shows like a pro
A behind-the-scenes look at Serene Clean’s benefits and onboarding process

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

#41: What Running a Maid Service Taught ZenMaid’s CEO About Leadership

ZenMaid — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with ZenMaid's CEO, Amar Ghose, to talk about everything from his days running a maid service to building a software company that’s now 11 years strong.

They cover the early chaos, what Amar would do differently if he ran a cleaning business again, and how he stayed calm and led his team through a recent health scare. It's an honest, insightful, and sometimes hilarious look at the real behind-the-scenes of ZenMaid.

Key Takeaways:

How Amar scaled his maid service to 8 cleaners in 14 months (then shut it down)
The surprising hiring strategy that worked—until it didn’t
Why most cleaning business owners wait too long to adopt systems
What makes ZenMaid’s approach to content and customer success different
Amar’s leadership mindset through life-threatening uncertainty
The #1 trait that separates scalable cleaning companies from those that stay stuck

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

#40: Live Coaching Call: She's Ready to Grow... But Hiring is Holding Her Back

ZenMaid — Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Anastasia, owner of Essence of Clean, turned a part-time side gig into a six-figure cleaning business with her husband—despite moving states and starting over more than once. Now based in Washington and working just four days a week, they’ve built a business that gives them freedom, stability, and time with their family.

In this coaching session, Anastasia opens up about battling self-doubt, navigating others’ judgment, and preparing to hire her first employees after a previous bad experience. If you're on the fence about hiring or want to hear what it really takes to scale your cleaning business, you’ll want to tune in.

Key Takeaways:

How Anastasia and her husband built a business that earns more than his teaching career
The detailed prep work she’s done before hiring her first employees
Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and judgment about cleaning as a profession
Website and marketing adjustments to capture more leads and reduce price shopping
Why starting with individual cleaners may be smarter than jumping straight to teams

Mentioned in this Episode:

💻 Try ZenMaid free for 14 days

Rather read than listen? Visit the full transcript [https://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/live-coaching-call-shes-ready-to-grow-but-hiring-is-holding-her-back/]

#39: From $15 Intern to $84M CEO: Executive Coaching Lessons for Cleaning Business Owners

ZenMaid — Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Stephanie sits down with Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo and executive coach to 7–9 figure founders (including ZenMaid’s own Amar Ghose). They dive into what it takes to evolve from a founder to a true CEO — and how even cleaning business owners can start thinking like executives.

You’ll learn how to overcome growth plateaus, why Ayman believes every CEO should aim to be the “laziest” person in the business, and how to finally solve your hiring headaches (without throwing more money at the problem). Plus: what to do when you’re stuck at $1.4M and unsure which direction to scale.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between a founder and a CEO — and when you need to switch roles
How Ayman scaled AppSumo from $3M to $84M (starting with a $15/hour intern)
How to solve staffing bottlenecks without burning out
Why your cleaning techs — not your clients — are your real customers
How to avoid “CEO seagull syndrome” and finally stay focused

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

#38: How to Create a Trustworthy Cleaning Brand (Even if You've Messed Up)

ZenMaid — Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Your brand isn’t built when you say the right things. It’s built in the messy moments when no one’s watching... and when the consequences catch up. In this episode, Stephanie unpacks a controversial cleaning industry trend (yep, naked cleaning) and uses it as a jumping-off point to talk about integrity, consistency, and long-term brand building. Whether you're navigating pricing mistakes, hiring growing pains, or just trying to look more professional online — your reputation is made one choice at a time. You don’t need perfection. But you do need consistency. Key Takeaways:

Why one off-brand choice can tank 364 great ones
How inconsistency shows up in ways you might not notice
The checklist of things clients remember — and talk about
Real talk on tattoos, topless cleaners, and tabling events
How to make your brand “spectacular” in your city

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.

#37: Building a Cleaning Business That Serves Your Life with Ken Carfagno

ZenMaid — Tue, 13 May 2025 06:22:59 -0500

"I went from a 5-6 day week solo business making $60K profit to the SAME profit working just 2 days a week." Former GE engineer Ken Carfagno shares the optimization strategies that transformed his cleaning business and allowed him to live the life he really wanted. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on building a cleaning business that actually works for YOU instead of trapping you in a cycle of overwhelm. Learn why Ken abandoned his prestigious engineering career, how he built multiple successful cleaning businesses, and the exact framework he uses to help other cleaning business owners find freedom.

Key Takeaways:

The four business fundamentals every cleaning company owner needs to master
How Ken optimized his solo cleaning business to work just 2 days per week while maintaining profits
Why "knowing your numbers" is critical
The truth about commercial vs. residential cleaning: which is harder to get and easier to keep
How to price your services to attract high-value clients and increase perceived value

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

#36: My First 10 Hires: The Hilarious (and Horrifying) Truth About Finding Good Cleaners

ZenMaid — Thu, 08 May 2025 06:33:02 -0500

"I get to the house... she had filled out the checklist and said she did everything, but she didn't clean a f***ing thing." Stephanie shares the raw, unfiltered stories of her first 10 hires, from the employee who never showed up to the one who asked her to commit fraud! This episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling with hiring or wondering if they'll ever find good staff. Through disaster stories and surprising successes, Stephanie proves that building a great team IS possible - even when it feels impossible. Key Takeaways:

Why you might cry after your first hire (and why you shouldn't give up)
The dangers of becoming "friends" with your employees instead of their leader
How to handle staff who want to test boundaries (including outrageous requests)
Why group interviews are essential for new cleaning business owners
The mindset shift needed to grow beyond being a solo cleaner

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

#35: Live Coaching Call: Navigating Your First Few Months in Business with Gentry Hunter

ZenMaid — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Four months into her cleaning business venture, former teacher and social worker Gentry Hunter sits down with Stephanie for a live coaching call. Together, they explore the REAL challenges of launching 2.0 Cleaning in Austin, Texas. Tune into this conversation to hear both practical advice and emotional support as Stephanie helps Gentry navigate common stumbling blocks of early entrepreneurship. They discuss everything from handling difficult client situations to determining proper labor rates for profitability - wisdom any cleaning business owner can apply. Key Takeaways:

Why using your personality as your brand is crucial for new cleaning businesses
How to price residential and commercial cleanings correctly (and why most new owners charge too little)
Strategies for handling difficult employee situations
When to avoid certain types of commercial clients (like dentist offices)
Effective marketing ideas for small cleaning companies with limited budgets

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

#34: Gossip, Bad Ideas, and Lost Money: My Top 3 Business Regrets

ZenMaid — Thu, 01 May 2025 06:10:00 -0500

From oversharing with staff to launching a service that totally flopped (spoiler: carpet cleaning), Stephanie gets honest about the mistakes that cost her time, money, and peace of mind. In this solo episode, she breaks down three big business regrets—plus the lessons she’s learned that will save you from making the same missteps. If you’ve ever felt torn between “staying in your lane” and trying something new, or worried about setting boundaries with clients and staff, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why gossiping (even casually) can backfire in a small business ✔️ The costly mistake of offering a service you’re not equipped to handle ✔️ How a few unpaid invoices changed her payment policy forever ✔️ Why focusing on what’s working beats chasing new ideas

Resources mentioned in this episode:

#33: She Didn’t Plan to Start a Cleaning Business… And Then It Took Off

ZenMaid — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0500

From a neighbor’s Facebook post to managing a team of 20+, Brenna Sledge didn’t plan to start a cleaning company... but the impact she’s had since launching Busy Bees Cleaning in 2020 is no accident.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brenna to talk about what it really means to run a purpose-driven cleaning business. They dive into community impact, vacation rental partnerships, hiring with heart, pricing lessons the hard way, and how to build a cleaning culture rooted in service — not shame.

If you’ve ever felt like your cleaning business could be something more, this episode will light that fire.

Key Takeaways:

How Brenna built a thriving business by accident during the pandemic
The do’s and don’ts of cleaning for vacation rental companies
How to set healthy boundaries with clients (even when they ask you to fish things out of a lake)
What it looks like to hire and lead with empathy
How giving back — locally and globally — can become part of your business model
Why shame has no place in the homes we clean

Mentioned in this Episode:

#32: The Client Isn’t Always Right — Why We Fired a “Good” Account

ZenMaid — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Just because a client is “nice” doesn’t mean they’re a good fit. In this solo episode, Stephanie walks through the decision to let go of a long-standing commercial account that had become more trouble than it was worth — and breaks down the true cost of keeping bad fits on your roster. From communication chaos to scope creep to straight-up budget misalignment, this is a crash course in understanding opportunity cost in your cleaning business. If you’ve been afraid to fire a client or set stronger boundaries, this episode will give you the push (and proof) you need. Key Takeaways:

What “opportunity cost” really means for your cleaning business
The invisible costs of hanging onto the wrong clients
How to know when it’s time to drop an account
Why nice people can still be bad clients
How to weigh short-term discomfort against long-term growth
The difference between an ideal client and a tolerable one

Mentioned in this Episode:

#31: She Left Wall Street and Built a Thriving Cleaning Business (Here’s How)

ZenMaid — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

From finance exec to cleaning CEO, Helen of Cool Peaches Cleaning shares how she built a growing maid service using Google reviews, local networking, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Stephanie and Helen Leyzerovich talk client acquisition, staffing struggles, pricing mistakes, and why your intake form matters more than you think.

Helen doesn’t sugarcoat the early growing pains (including what not to do with pricing), and Stephanie shares real-time advice on standing out in a saturated market. If you’re a new cleaning business owner — or looking to scale without losing your sanity — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

How Helen used real estate investing skills to fast-track her cleaning business
Why BNI groups can be a lead generation goldmine
The pros and cons of using independent contractors vs. W2 employees
What most new owners get wrong about pricing — and how to fix it
Why client communication (even over video!) builds customer loyalty
When it’s time to raise prices — and how to do it without losing sleep

Mentioned in this Episode:

#30: The Exact Lead Management System I Use in My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

#30: The Exact Lead Management System I Use in My Cleaning Business
Description: Tired of juggling cleaning leads across text, email, Facebook messages, and phone calls? I was too. In this episode, I (Stephanie) tackle the common mistake of scattered client communications that's costing cleaning business owners time, money, and professionalism.
Learn how to create a centralized lead management system that captures all inquiries, enables effective follow-up, and presents a polished image to potential clients - even if you're still cleaning in the field yourself.
Key Takeaways:

Why scattered communications make you look unprofessional (and lose money)
How to create a strategic intake form that both gathers information and sells
Setting up automated responses on multiple platforms
Follow-up strategies that work every time
Simple systems that scale as your business grows

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days! Rather read than listen? Check out thehttps://www.zenmaid.com/magazine/filthy-rich-cleaners-podcast-episode-30/

#29: How She Merged With Her Competitor and Built a Cleaning Empire Together

ZenMaid — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What happens when two cleaning business owners decide to join forces? In this conversation, Stephanie speaks with Dayane from Washe Cleaning Services, who shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the US from Brazil without speaking English to building a cleaning empire approaching seven figures.

Dayane shares how she and her friend—who each had their own separate cleaning businesses—were already informally sharing staff before deciding to formalize their partnership. Their strategic merger allowed them to handle operational challenges more effectively than hiring additional managers, and helped them create a great staff retention rate in an industry known for high turnover.

Key Takeaways:

How to successfully merge two cleaning businesses under one brand
Transitioning clients from yourself to your cleaning team
Building a positive company culture that cleaners don't want to leave
The hiring philosophy that focuses on character over cleaning skills
Creating clear communication systems that build trust

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try ZenMaid free for 14 days!

Rather read than listen? Check out the full episode write-up on our blog.

#28: How Much Does a 7-Figure Business Owner Take Home? + More Juicy Q&A's

ZenMaid — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:19:45 -0500

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:

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

#27: The Lead-Converting Marketing Secrets Most Cleaning Businesses Get Wrong

ZenMaid — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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:

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

#26: The Client Retention Strategy Your Competitors Don't Want You to Know

ZenMaid — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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:

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

#25: How Kate Croukamp Built a 7-Figure Product Line in Her Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:11:14 -0500

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:

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/

#24: Why I'm Cutting a $56k Service from My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:01:00 -0500

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/]

#23: Stop Making Excuses: How to Overcome Your Mental Barriers to Success with Liz Trotter

ZenMaid — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:24:20 -0500

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.

#22: The Cleaning Industry's Dirty Little Secret: Why Your Cleaner's Safety Can't Wait

ZenMaid — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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.

#21: Breaking into Commercial Cleaning: From Cold Calls to 7-Figure Contracts

ZenMaid — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:15:14 -0500

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

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

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

#20: What to Do When Your Revenue Is Down (Hint: Don't Panic)

ZenMaid — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:18:25 -0500

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:

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

#19: How to Ride the Emotional Rollercoaster of Cleaning Business Ownership with Carolyn Arellano

ZenMaid — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:48:44 -0500

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/

#18: Answering Your Burning Questions (Childcare, Drug Testing, Call-Outs & More!)

ZenMaid — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:49:49 -0600

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:

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

#17: "They ALL Quit in One Day!" How She Rebuilt Her Cleaning Business After a Mass Walkout

ZenMaid — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0600

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.

#16: How to Avoid Legal Nightmares in Your Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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:

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

#15: Tired of Cleaners Quitting? This Owner Kept Her Staff for 9 Years

ZenMaid — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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:

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

#14: The $20,000 Mistake That Taught Me to Trust My Gut in Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:24:35 -0600

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:

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

#13: Why Libby DeLucien Slowed Down Her $2M Organizing Company

ZenMaid — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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:

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

#12: The 5 CRAZIEST Stories from My Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:34:40 -0600

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.

#11: Turning a Local Cleaning Business into a National Franchise with Neel Parekh

ZenMaid — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:29:11 -0600

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:

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

#10: Mistakes New Cleaning Business Owners Make

ZenMaid — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:49:14 -0600

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:

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

#9: From Rock Bottom to Rising Star: Inside Tenacity Clean with Katrina Johnson & Tameka

ZenMaid — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:07:00 -0600

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.

#8: EXPENSIVE Mistakes New Cleaning Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

ZenMaid — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:01:44 -0600

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/

#7: Building a Multicultural Cleaning Company (+ Airbnb Cleaning Tips) with Vanessa Higgins

ZenMaid — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0600

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.

#6: Running a Cleaning Company from 7,000 Miles Away with Chris Schwab

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:02:38 -0600

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:

#5: Why a Cleaning Business is NOT Passive Income (And That's Okay!)

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:03:00 -0600

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/

#4: Wild Client Stories and How to Survive the Hard Days with Cheryl Hajjar

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:02:00 -0600

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/

#3: The Secret Sauce to Growing from $10K to $40K Monthly Revenue

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:01:00 -0600

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/

#2: Building a Luxury Home Assistant Business with Simone Angell

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600

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/

#1: How Stephanie Pipkin's Side Hustle Grew into a Million-Dollar Cleaning Business

ZenMaid — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:11:05 -0600

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/