Episodes

  • What Happens When Training Your Staff Fails?

    What Happens When Training Your Staff Fails?
    Nov 6 2024
    The cleaning industry faces many challenges, especially when it comes to training staff effectively.

    In this episode, we discuss the importance of a structured training system for cleaning staff to ensure they can handle their tasks efficiently and safely. We explore the seven-step training process that includes written instructions, hands-on demonstrations, and ongoing inspections to guarantee that employees are well-equipped to perform their duties. By implementing a choreographed cleaning routine, we can help staff manage overwhelming tasks and maintain high standards of cleanliness.

    This podcast is a must-listen for facility managers and contractors looking to improve their cleaning processes and employee training. Tune in to learn how to enhance your cleaning operations and ensure your team is set up for success!
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    11 mins
  • How To Hire The Right Cleaning Company

    How To Hire The Right Cleaning Company
    Jan 22 2024
    In this first podcast episode of the new year, Tom and Sarah take the lead in empowering facility managers for the crucial task of selecting the perfect commercial building cleaning contractor for janitorial services. The duo kicks off the discussion by highlighting the three fundamental criteria influencing major purchasing decisions: Know, Like, Trust. Addressing the urgency in expediting the contractor selection process, Tom and Sarah explore two pivotal methods – pre-qualifying over the phone and carefully considering walk-through observations.

    During the pre-qualification phase, Tom and Sarah guide facility managers through a series of key questions aimed at gauging a
    • contractor's experience,

    • company size,

    • staffing capabilities, and

    • references.
    Special emphasis is placed on adhering to industry standards such as OSHA, creating a comprehensive checklist for facility managers to navigate the selection process effectively. The duo stresses the significance of a multifaceted vetting process, encompassing online research, reviews, website visits, blog readings, and even podcast listening. The goal is to foster a deep understanding of, affinity for, and trust in the cleaning contractors.


    Drawing from industry professionals like Odessa Woodlee and Ayaz Ahmed, Tom and Sarah incorporate valuable insights into the conversation. Topics discussed include staffing levels, equipment quality, and the brands of cleaning chemicals used. In this episode Tom and Sarah talk about the "dust test" during walk-throughs and offers practical advice on addressing specific concerns related to delicate surfaces or unique areas within a facility.

    As the discussion unfolds, Ricky Smith contributes a noteworthy observation, emphasizing the correlation between quality and cost. Facility managers are encouraged to consider the significant budget allocation for janitorial services, underscoring its substantial role in effective facility management. Tom and Sarah conclude by reinforcing the critical importance of choosing the right cleaning or building service contractor, positioning it as a linchpin for success in commercial settings.

    This comprehensive episode, guided by Tom and Sarah, serves as a valuable resource for facility managers navigating the nuanced landscape of commercial building cleaning and janitorial services.

    Enjoy the show!

    Show page: CleaningIndy.com
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    19 mins
  • What Makes Us Different Than The Competition?

    What Makes Us Different Than The Competition?
    Dec 4 2023
    In this podcast episode, hosts Tom and Sarah explore what sets their commercial cleaning company apart from competitors. They discuss the challenges of using physical logbooks for communication and cleaning records, pointing out the inefficiencies and delays in addressing issues. They highlight two key differences:

    Firstly, their cleaners use apps instead of traditional logbooks, drawing a parallel between ancient logkeeping and modern-day paper systems still prevalent in various industries. They emphasize the immediacy and convenience of apps for communication, inspections, trend analysis, and work order submissions.

    Secondly, they delve into their comprehensive training program, emphasizing its importance based on feedback from 700 Facility Managers who cited lack of training as a major issue with cleaning companies. They describe their training method, the Tell, Show, Do, Review approach, which ensures effective learning and application. They stress the significance of practice and review stages in solidifying knowledge, citing research on learning effectiveness.

    The hosts conclude by noting the importance of consistency in using both technology and effective training methods to achieve optimal results. They acknowledge that while a standardized training approach is essential, individual learning paces vary, sometimes benefiting from training newcomers without prior habits.

    Overall, the episode emphasizes how their company's use of technology and training methods distinguishes them from competitors, ultimately enhancing their service quality and efficiency.

    Enjoy the show!
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    10 mins
  • Effortlessly Transition To A New Vendor!

    Effortlessly Transition To A New Vendor!
    Nov 7 2023
    "Effortlessly Transitioning to a New Cleaning Company Vendor"

    In this episode, Tom and Sarah discuss the steps to effortlessly transition to a new cleaning company vendor, which can apply to various vendors. They highlight the common pain points that indicate a need for a change, such as cleaners not showing up, corporate noticing cleanliness issues, or inadequate training and management. Here are the key steps they outline:

    1. You Feel The Pain:
    - Identify common pain points in your current cleaning services.
    2. You Search Google:
    - Utilize Google to find potential new vendors.
    - Common Google searches related to janitorial services.
    - Insights from Google Analytics on how people search.
    3. You Make The Call or Book Online:
    - Use scheduling services like Calendly for easy appointment booking.
    - Schedule a meeting to discuss your cleaning needs with the vendor, with no pressure to commit.
    4. You Schedule A Site Visit:
    - Arrange a site visit at your convenience.
    - Walk through your building and discuss your cleaning priorities.
    5. You Receive A Cleaning Analysis & Proposal:
    - Get a detailed proposal including an introductory letter, scope of work, recommended services, terms, references, and insurance details.
    6. You Choose The Starting Date:
    - Select a start date and have owners personally oversee the initial cleaning to ensure a successful start.
    7. You Receive On-Going Inspection Reports:

    - Ensure ongoing communication and regular inspections to maintain high cleaning standards.
    The hosts emphasize the importance of long-term relationships with cleaning vendors and stress the need for effective communication both with clients and within the cleaning company. They recommend choosing a vendor that can be flexible and responsive to address any problems that may arise.

    Enjoy the Show!
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    18 mins
  • The Impact Cleaning Has on Employee Productivity and Morale

    The Impact Cleaning Has on Employee Productivity and Morale
    Oct 24 2023
    Podcast Episode Summary: The Impact Cleaning Has on Employee Productivity and Morale

    In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, hosts Tom and Sarah delve into the crucial topic of how cleaning can significantly influence employee productivity and morale. They kick things off with a relatable story of a sandwich shop in Avon, where the presence of persistent crumbs beneath the counter caught their attention. The hosts discuss how such seemingly minor cleanliness issues can have a substantial impact on employee morale over time.

    The episode goes on to highlight the three key ways in which regular, consistent, and professional cleaning can positively affect workers:

    1. Establishing Better Health and Hygiene: Tom and Sarah explain the concept of biofilm, defining it as a sticky layer of organic material hosting germs. They emphasize the prevalence of biofilm on various surfaces in the workplace, such as desktops, office doors, and restroom handles. The hosts detail effective methods for removing biofilm, including the use of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hydrogen peroxide cleaners. They stress the importance of thorough cleaning techniques and how proper training ensures a truly clean surface.


    2. Boost in Employee Productivity: The hosts discuss the direct link between cleanliness and employee productivity. They reveal how unplanned absences due to sickness can lead to a 54% reduction in productivity, citing data from the ISSA. Dust is identified as a major culprit, causing breathing and respiratory problems. Tom and Sarah advocate for the use of proper cleaning tools like Swiffer Dusters, microfiber cloths, and HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve air quality. The episode also shares that workers tend to be 2-8% more productive in a clean environment.

    3. Extending the Lifespan of Surfaces: Listeners gain insight into the importance of maintaining various surfaces in the workplace, such as carpets, vinyl floors, and stainless steel elements. Proper care is essential to prevent premature wear and tear. Tom and Sarah emphasize the significance of avoiding excessive salt usage, especially during winter, and recommend maintenance practices for different surface types.

    The episode wraps up with thought-provoking reflections. The hosts propose the idea that while anyone can clean, it makes economic sense to hire a professional cleaning company. Such a decision, they argue, not only saves money in the long run but also boosts employee productivity, ensures a healthy and hygienic workspace, and creates a positive visitor experience.
    In conclusion, this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast underscores the pivotal role of cleaning in shaping employee morale and productivity, shedding light on the often-overlooked influence of cleanliness in the workplace.

    Enjoy the show!
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    23 mins
  • Using Software To Improve Your Operations. What Do We Use?

    Using Software To Improve Your Operations. What Do We Use?
    Oct 17 2023

    Title: "Using Software To Improve Your Operations. What Do We Use?"

    In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, our host Tom Moore takes a look into the world of operations software and its transformative impact on janitorial businesses. The spotlight is on SWEPT, a powerful operations SAAS designed specifically for the janitorial industry. Tom shares how this software has revolutionized their cleaning company's operations and highlights its unique features.

    Tom begins by narrating the inception of SWEPT, an idea conceived by an entrepreneur who recognized the need for streamlined operations management in the cleaning industry. He emphasizes how SWEPT has emerged as the go-to software, simplifying various operational aspects for janitorial businesses.

    Rather than listing software features, Tom takes a storytelling approach, sharing real-life operational challenges their company faced and how SWEPT effectively addressed them. He first discusses the challenge of managing employee attendance and locations during unexpected no-call/no-show scenarios. SWEPT's geo-fenced, location-based time clock feature proves pivotal, providing crucial insights into employee clock-ins and hours worked.

    Communication challenges, both within the team and with clients, are next on the agenda. Tom highlights how SWEPT's in-app messaging feature has greatly improved internal and external communication, allowing for seamless updates, performance feedback, and client-specific messages.
    Additionally, Tom touches on other important features of SWEPT, such as checklists, problem reporting, supply tracking, and inspections. These features collectively contribute to enhanced efficiency and service quality.

    In conclusion, Tom underscores the game-changing impact of operations software like SWEPT, emphasizing its role in boosting communication, problem resolution, and overall operational efficiency in the janitorial business. He emphasizes the value SWEPT adds to client relationships, illustrating how it's a cost-effective technological solution that augments business operations.

    Listeners are invited to join Tom as he showcases the immense benefits of adopting the right operations software, showcasing how it can make a significant difference in the day-to-day operations of any janitorial business.

    Enjoy the show!
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    11 mins
  • How Do We View Our Competition??

    How Do We View Our Competition??
    Oct 2 2023
    In this episode of The Cleaning Indy Podcast, Tom delves into the intriguing topic of how we perceive our competition in the commercial cleaning industry. The short answer? They are viewed as colleagues and fellow professionals. Tom elaborates on this concept and highlights the distinct types of commercial cleaning companies: nationwide cleaning companies (large franchises), regional cleaning companies (smaller franchises and medium-sized privately owned cleaning businesses), and local cleaning companies in Indianapolis (mostly smaller enterprises).

    In Episode 6, Sarah and Tom take a deep dive into the pros and cons of each type of commercial cleaning company, emphasizing that success ultimately hinges on how well these companies are managed at every level. Tom introduces the notion of "the irreducible minimum of core business philosophies and practices," emphasizing the critical importance of truth and foundational systems that drive consistent, quality-driven service.

    Tom outlines key aspects that form the bedrock of a reliable cleaning service company, such as rigorous hiring and onboarding processes, trained management staff, regular quality inspections, proper uniforms and equipment, and the presence of a dedicated account manager. He underscores the significance of operating on solid foundations and continually striving for improvement.

    Drawing from past episodes, Tom recalls that a significant challenge faced by facility managers is the lack of training provided by some cleaning companies, reinforcing the importance of selecting a company grounded in truth, transparency, and a robust system of core practices. He concludes by reaffirming their focus on self-improvement and adherence to their core values, allowing them to lead in their market by breaking their own records and continually advancing.

    Join us for this insightful episode as we explore the nuances of the cleaning industry and how a strong foundation and commitment to improvement can set cleaning companies apart. Tune in to "The Cleaning Indy Podcast" to learn more about maintaining excellence in commercial building cleaning services.

    Enjoy the show!
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    9 mins
  • How Did the Pandemic Affect The Cleaning Industry?

    How Did the Pandemic Affect The Cleaning Industry?
    Sep 18 2023
    In this episode, we're delving into How Did the Pandemic Affect The Cleaning IndustryHow Did the Pandemic Affect The Cleaning Industry COVID-19 significantly reshaped how we perceive cleanliness, hygiene, and the demand for disinfection services. We invite you to contribute to the discussion by visiting CleaningIndy.com, tapping into the "send Tom a voicemail" feature, and sharing how the pandemic has influenced your experiences.

    We begin by sharing our personal narratives of where we were when the pandemic broke out, and how it altered our understanding of germs, cleanliness, and hygiene practices. The closures of day care centers, churches, and schools propelled us to adapt and introduce Electrostatic Disinfecting Services, obtaining certification through GBAC and strictly adhering to CDC guidelines, implementing a thorough two-step disinfection process.

    The pandemic posed significant disruptions to the supply chain, particularly with hospitals swiftly securing substantial quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants. In response, we took initiative and created our own sanitizing wipes to meet FDA requirements for a specific client. Additionally, the crisis shifted the perception of janitors and cleaning technicians, shedding light on their indispensable role in maintaining public health.

    As businesses grappled with evolving safety protocols, they began to recognize the immense value a dependable commercial cleaning company could provide. The commitment to upholding CDC recommendations, acquiring elusive disinfectants, and executing comprehensive disinfection procedures underscored the essential contributions of cleaning professionals during these trying times.

    In closing, we reflect on the enduring transformations that COVID-19 brought to our commercial cleaning company and the broader industry. We invite you to share your own experiences: How did COVID-19 impact your commercial cleaning company, and what lasting changes have you observed in your operations?

    Join the dialogue as we explore the enduring effects of the pandemic on the commercial cleaning landscape.

    Enjoy the show!
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    16 mins