Commercial Cleaning Companies – A Strategy For The Future

Commercial cleaning companies are on the forefront of service industries that are expected to see high levels of growth in the coming decade, according to a report by commercial cleaning company Maptitude. Demand for commercial cleaning services is growing because employers are seeking to cut costs by outsourcing this function, and many apartment complexes and office parks now require tenants and employees to pay for their own facility maintenance. With an aging workforce, there will be a need for companies such as Janitors, who provide custodial services.

## Describe Your Company's Top Five Features

Of course it would be easy enough just telling you what our top five features are but we take pride in answering the question "What do you guys do?", with "We deliver". Our customers are looking for a solution to a problem, not just someone to come in and clean. We've listened to our clients and designed an approach that goes beyond our competitors with unsurpassed Return on Investment (ROI). For example, the average Janitorial service provides up to two cleans per week for its clients. We provide two cleans per day (and often three) plus we provide a wide range of additional services including restroom supplies and linen service that can be ordered from our mobile app.

## What's Unique About Your Company?

Janitors is not only unique because of the brand name but also because we are quick to adapt – thinking out of the box – when it comes to using technology. Our company is located in a central location but our janitorial service is unique because we often obtain information about our clients' business needs (for example, the frequency of floor cleaning and other maintenance requirements) through a mobile app that we provide to our clients.

## What Competitive Advantages Give Your Company an Edge?

We are the only commercial cleaning company that has a local presence, meaning we come in and provide a comprehensive service. We can walk the floor, discuss all of our options, and determine how we can provide a high level of service to the customer while keeping their costs down.

Janitors has developed a unique and very successful business model by providing high-quality office cleaning services and a variety of other services through its proprietary mobile app. Offered exclusively in North American and European markets, Janitors' proprietary mobile app allows clients to schedule cleaning at any time on any day as well as monitor service history. Clients also have access to restroom supplies, linen service, permanent signage, janitorial supplies and equipment sales through the Janitors app. The company competes with traditional localized commercial cleaning companies that have no specialized services or technological advantages. It competes with national cleaning companies that do business through an outsourced work force.

## Company History

What inspired you to launch [Company Name]?

The idea for Janitors was hatched in 2002 and has continued to grow over the years. The founder of Janitors came up with the idea for the business after working for a large commercial janitorial company. He found that although these companies were very good at cleaning facilities, they didn't provide any services beyond custodial services. They didn't have a way of providing additional value offerings to their customers like restroom supplies, linen service and permanent signage among others. He saw the continuous labor costs of janitorial companies as a huge opportunity for a new type of business to deliver a higher value in this industry.

## What Was Your Biggest Challenge When Launching?

A major challenge faced by business owners is raising money and getting investors on board to invest in their start-up venture. However, Janitors was fortunate enough to have gained some early support from angel investors and they were able to begin operations with $3 million. The company has steadily gained revenue since then and at the time of writing, was on the verge of completing its Series A funding round with more than $6 million already committed and more than 30 accredited investors.

## What Lessons Have You Learned?

I think the story of how Janitors came to be is very important for other business owners. One thing that I always stress to my clients is that, you need to have a good idea and a plan. This is true for all businesses, whether you are starting a lemonade stand or a multi-billion dollar corporation. The truth of the matter is that there are many people who will tell you how to do it and the way you do it, but the reality is that there are many others who can see your vision and help turn it into a reality.

## i<3Janitors vs. Competitors

i<3Janitors vs. Competition: The way you ask the question is really telling of how you feel about your product or service. In this case, Janitors is a great way to compare against competitors! Because Janitors has developed a mobile app, it allows clients to communicate directly with their cleaning service, as well as monitor their tracking history. This means that the client can track when the service crew was at their office and whether they cleaned any particular areas (such as bathrooms).

# Describe Your Company's Top Five Features

Janitors offers several core benefits. I believe that customers are looking for a solution to a problem, not just someone to come in and clean. We design a service that goes beyond our competitors with superior Return on Investment (ROI). We're the first janitorial service to offer a mobile app, as well as comprehensive bathroom supplies such as restroom mats and paper towel holders. Our team of office cleaners are very professional and our work ethic is second to none. After all, we're committed to taking care of your office for you!

## The "Best" Part of Your Business

The best part of Janitors is….well, I know it sounds cliché, but we get to help businesses be successful.

## What Sets You Apart From Your Competition?

Janitors is unique because of the brand name and the way we are able to use technology to provide an added level of convenience, containment and flexibility to our customers. We are the only commercial cleaning company that has a local presence, meaning we come in and provide a comprehensive service. We can walk the floor, discuss all of our options, and determine how we can provide a high level of service to the customer while keeping their costs down.

Conclusion

## What Marketing Strategies Have You Used To Attract New Clients?

The company identifies corporations that are looking for janitorial services, and then the company's sales team heads out to meet with them. The company also utilizes its technology platforms, such as its mobile app, to attract new clients.

## What Do You Think Is The Best Way To Market Your Company?

The best way to market our service is through word of mouth. When we do a great job and our customers see the value in what we provide, they'll tell other companies about us.