Two of the more difficult positions to fill and train for in a cleaning business or any type of service operation are the salesperson and estimator.

Not everyone agrees as to what type of a background is needed or most advantageous to have when it comes to finding someone to fill these positions. Some will say; if a person knows how to run the numbers and can learn a computer program they can bid, estimate and workload cleaning accounts. The same can be said about sales; if a person has a silver tongue, handles themselves professionally and knows a few buzz words and follows the basic concepts of how to close a sale, they can sell cleaning services. I disagree. In my experience, the best sales people and estimators, not only have the above listed skills, but also have experience in the cleaning, maintenance or property management field.
(more…)

Filed under: Training by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM March 2015

Training is most effective when utilized as a method of supervision and management. Training is much less effective when it is an activity done on a set schedule or only done in an attempt to solve a problem or correct a behavior. Training should be a mindset that guides how you approach and interact with staff, customers and others, whose behavior or attitude you want to influence.

For training to be effective on a long term basis it must be ongoing and reinforced with follow up refresher exercises that keep the information easily accessible in the mind of the learner. Training should start before an employee is hired and continue indefinitely with each and every contact or interaction you have with individual.
(more…)

Filed under: Training by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM February 2015

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
The holidays are always a good time for cleaners. Both residential and commercial customers like to tidy things up before the holidays, which often results in requests for carpet cleaning, hard floor care, a little extra service or clean up after a party or event.

For residential cleaners, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest times of the year and then come the middle of January when you might as well close up shop and take a vacation until spring rolls around. In fact many carpet cleaners do just that or find ways to supplement residential work with commercial accounts until things pick up again in the spring.

I’ve got several topics I’d like to talk about this month. I’ll start with the basics and roll on from there.
(more…)

Filed under: Bidding and Estimating by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM December 2014

When looking at a concrete floor most people see a dull gray slab. Not me, I see profit and opportunity. Concrete is one of fastest growing segments of the flooring industry and is finding wide use in all types of residential and commercial facilities around the world. This is a trend that will continue to grow in the future as carpet and other flooring materials lose market share. In an effort to reduce maintenance and labor costs, existing floor coverings are being removed to expose concrete that can brighten a room when cleaned and polished.
(more…)

Filed under: Floor Care, Uncategorized by William Griffin
Originally Published: Clean Fax August 2014

The increasing use of wood flooring in residential and commercial applications presents a growing and profitable market for carpet cleaners and janitorial services who educate themselves regarding the cleaning, maintenance and refinishing these surfaces. Although the work can be highly profitable, it is not without risk. Special training is required to avoid rework, claims and damage to wood, bamboo and similar moisture sensitive materials.

As with other types of cleaning, pre-inspection and education of the customer on the realities of what you can and can’t do (before the work begins) is critical to avoiding misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.

The surfaces, products and processes used to clean, maintain and refinish wood and wood like surfaces are continuing to evolve. New dustless equipment, enhanced abrasives and sustainable water based finishes are opening up a service category to companies that were in the past excluded due to the high cost of equipment and a lack of access to information and training that would allow them to do the work effectively and profitably.
(more…)

Filed under: Floor Care by William Griffin
Originally Published: Clean Fax February 2014

When you got a go, the question becomes where do you go and today, consumers are voting with their feet. In the recent “Value of Clean” study by the ISSA, researchers cited multiple studies indicating that up to 79% of the public are turned off by and will avoid or not return to a business with poorly maintained restrooms. Building owners and managers are beginning to realize that it’s good business to maintain restrooms in top condition.

The image of an organization, its future, and the morale of building occupants often centers on the cleanliness of the restrooms. Just think about the last time you were seated in a toilet stall, considering your options, after realizing that there was no toilet paper. Not a pleasant thought.
(more…)

Filed under: Restroom by William Griffin
Originally Published: ISSA Today February 2014

Does cleaning in a green sustainable manner cost more or less than cleaning in what might be referred to as the standard way? Good question.

What I’m Seeing
A transition is taking place from the standard way of cleaning to what is commonly referred to as green or sustainable cleaning. This normally refers to at least the use of green chemicals and possibly green equipment and processes. The more advanced thinking companies (and better customers), along with health care, education and government are demanding or expect that their cleaning contractor will at least use green chemicals. Many companies now want to see a more comprehensive package of services that includes green equipment, processes along with support for their recycling program.

(more…)

Filed under: Green Cleaning by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM July 2013

The first time I heard the term self-cleaning was in 1995 at an Indoor Air Quality symposium in Seattle. One of the speakers mentioned the self-cleaning of air, as it passed through an air duct. Being I had never heard of self-cleaning I cornered the guy after the talk and hit him up with a few questions which lead to my writing an article on Self-Cleaning Surfaces in the Sept/Oct issue of CleanFax in 1996.

Over the last 6 months I have come across at least six different practical applications of self-cleaning technology and my guess is that within the next year or two, you will see the release and marketing of self-cleaning carpeting and other fabrics. In fact, I believe we are already seeing manufactures edging closer to the marketing of self-cleaning carpeting. An example of this is the warranties for PET fibers. Shaw Industries now warrants the PET product they sell, against basically all common household stains, including pet urine. Another indicator is the recent development of self-cleaning fabric for use as tenting material, roofing and military uniforms. Lastly, the carpet and fiber manufacturers are desperate for a new and flashy innovation that their marketing departments can use to revive what has been a 10 plus year slide in the sales of wall to wall carpeting.
(more…)

Filed under: Carpet by William Griffin
Originally Published: CleanFax July 2013

Restrooms are an important and sensitive area in any building and must be maintained at high levels of cleanliness, sanitation and safety at all times to avoid complaints, liability and a negative impression on employees, customers and the public.

This emphasis on cleanliness can be used as a valid marketing tools when preparing and submitting proposals for services in all types and sizes of building.

Restrooms are unique in that they are often designed for cleaning, with water and stain resistant surfaces that include vitreous china, chrome, stainless steel, ceramic tile, glass and other relatively easy to clean materials. Water connections, floor drains, ventilation and good lighting can also be part of the design that will facilitate and speed up the cleaning process.
(more…)

Filed under: Bidding and Estimating, Restroom by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM November 2013

When it comes to excitement in the cleaning industry, floor care is center stage for cutting edge innovation and technology. Everything about floor care is in flux, from the products and equipment we buy, to the processes we use and the surfaces we clean and maintain. The speed and depth of change is creating turbulence and uncertainty for manufacturers, business owners and department managers as the industry transitions from the familiar ground of “how things have been done in the past” to the uncertainty of an unknown future that is rapidly evolving.
(more…)

Filed under: Carpet, Floor Care by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM April 2013