The Business of Cleaning

How do you scale a commercial cleaning company past $100 million—and set your sights on $300 million?In this episode of the Business of Cleaning Podcast, host Tim Clagg sits down with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems, to break down the strategies, leadership principles, and real-world decisions behind building one of the fastest-growing cleaning franchise systems in the industry.From leaving IBM to cleaning daycares at night, Adam shares his journey to the CEO seat—and the mindset required to scale a service business in a competitive market.In this episode, you will learn:How Anago’s unique 3-tier franchise model drives growth and scalabilityThe role of technology and proprietary systems in modern janitorial operationsKey leadership lessons from navigating the COVID-19 pandemicThe 5-prong strategy that helped Anago surpass $100M in just 19 monthsWhy 2026 is shaping up to be the “Year of Experience” in businessHow AI is transforming the cleaning industry—and the human skills that will matter mostSmart pricing strategies when clients push back on budgetsWarning signs your cleaning services are underpricedThe importance of integrity and long-term thinking in business decisionsAdam’s approach to servant leadership and building a lasting legacyWhether you own a commercial cleaning business, operate a franchise, or want to grow as a leader, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.Subscribe for more episodes on commercial cleaning, business growth, and leadership.

What happens when a radio program director pivots into commercial cleaning just months before a global pandemic?In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, we speak with Tom Riggs, Operations Manager at Interstate, about his unexpected transition from broadcasting to frontline operations leadership.After being laid off in 2019, Tom entered the cleaning industry with no prior experience. Within months, COVID-19 reshaped workforce expectations and operational demands, accelerating his learning curve and leadership growth.In this conversation, Tom shares insight on:Transitioning into cleaning from another industryManaging call-offs and workforce challengesImproving hiring and onboarding in today’s labor marketUsing AI to support hiring and leadership communicationDrawing on his background in broadcasting, Tom emphasizes the critical role of communication, adaptability, and accountability in operational success.For cleaning company leaders navigating workforce challenges, this episode delivers practical strategies that can be applied immediately.

Karen Denton, CEO and Founder of Karen’s Second Chance Commercial Cleaning Services, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming major health challenges to building a thriving commercial cleaning business.In this episode of The Business of Cleaning, Karen discusses the importance of mentorship, setting up your cleaning business the right way, and learning from early mistakes. She breaks down how minority certification helped open new doors, and what it means for her company to be selected as the official cleaning provider for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.If you own or manage a commercial cleaning business, this episode delivers real-world advice on legal setup, financial best practices, bidding, operations, and sustainable growth. Karen’s story highlights how resilience, community support, and strategic planning can create long-term success in the cleaning industry.🎙 Topics covered in this episode:-Starting and scaling a commercial cleaning business-Overcoming challenges as a business owner-Minority certification for cleaning companies-Mentorship and coaching in business-Preparing for large contracts and national events-The 2026 NFL Draft and commercial cleaning opportunities

We are pleased to present our Best of 2025 Conversations episode from The Business of Cleaning Podcast. This special edition brings together the most insightful moments, meaningful stories, and influential voices that shaped our discussions throughout the year. It reflects the evolving landscape of the commercial cleaning industry and the leaders who continue to advance it.In this episode, you will hear standout segments from remarkable guests, including:• Ian Charlery, Owner of A1 Cleaning Services• Kendal St. Louis, CEO and Founder of LADNEK Limited• Nate Lucht, Owner and CEO of Spotless Enterprise Corp• Rob Anspach, Owner of Anspach Media• Sharon Cowan, Owner of Cleaning Business Consulting Group• Mario Kelly, Owner of Believe 313 Cleaning• Jerry Flug, CED of HRA Consulting Group• Shari Cedar, CEO and Owner of AK Building Services• Josh Melton, Owner of Athens Cleaning Company• Adon Rigg, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Clean Pro Growth AcademyThis compilation is filled with valuable lessons, diverse perspectives, and standout industry expertise that defined our 2025 season.

In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, host Tim Clagg sits down with Archie Heinl, CEO of Double A Solutions and Janitorial Manager, to unveil the official launch of JaniJobs—a powerful cleaning jobs app designed to solve one of the commercial cleaning industry’s toughest problems: staffing.Discover how JaniJobs, the newest janitorial staffing platform, is transforming how cleaning companies connect with reliable cleaners. This episode explores how innovation, technology, and adaptability are reshaping the future of the cleaning workforce—from smarter hiring to flexible work opportunities.💡 Episode Highlights:• Purpose-Built Platform: A marketplace made exclusively for the cleaning industry• Flexible Work Options: Cleaners choose jobs that match their schedule with quick pay• Streamlined Hiring: Companies can post, search, and fill cleaning jobs fast—even last minute• Trust and Safety: Built-in reviews and background checks for professional transparency• Scalable Growth: Supports everything from commercial contracts to Airbnb turnovers• User-Friendly Design: Simple to use, with new features like job bidding coming soon• Industry Visibility: A better alternative to generic job sites, giving cleaners real exposure🎙️ Tune in to learn how JaniJobs is redefining staffing for cleaning businesses through technology and real-world experience. Whether you’re a cleaning company, janitorial service, or independent cleaner, this platform is built to help you grow, connect, and succeed.

In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, host Tim Clagg sits down with Adon Rigg, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Clean Pro Growth Academy, to explore what it truly takes to excel in today’s cleaning industry. From his humble beginnings to becoming a respected industry leader, Adon shares powerful insights on mindset, continuous learning, and building a professional identity in sales. Together, Tim and Adon dive deep into the art of the walkthrough—why it’s the most critical step in winning contracts, how empathy and effective questioning shape client trust, and what every cleaner should capture during site visits to stand out from competitors. Adon also breaks down the changing landscape of janitorial distribution and offers actionable strategies to improve your approach, generate leads, and position your business for growth.

Join host Tim Clagg on The Business of Cleaning Podcast as he sits down with Josh Melton, owner of Athens Cleaning Company and founder of The Six Figure Cleaner.In this inspiring conversation, Josh reflects on his journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid to building a thriving cleaning business, all while overcoming setbacks and shaping a leadership style rooted in purpose, resilience, and grace.You’ll hear how Josh navigated challenges like losing 25% of his company’s revenue, why establishing clear core values matters, and how mentorship can transform your growth as both a leader and an entrepreneur.Whether you’re just starting out or leading an established company, this episode offers actionable insights on building culture, leading with integrity, and discovering your greater purpose in business and life.👉 Connect with Josh on LinkedIn, Instagram (@strongerjosh), or at sixfigurecleaner.com for more resources.📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Behind every successful company is a story of courage, change, and purpose. This month on The Business of Cleaning podcast, we welcome an extraordinary guest whose career path took a dramatic-and inspiring-turn.Shari Cedar began her professional journey in the fast-paced world of television, where she served as an Executive Producer, including work on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Despite the excitement and accolades of the entertainment industry, Shari sought something more permanent and personal-something that could serve her family long-term.That moment of reflection led Shari and her husband to launch AK Building Services, a commercial cleaning company that has grown to employ over 800 people and serve clients across a broad range of industries. As CEO and Owner, Shari has brought her creativity, leadership skills, and passion for excellence into an industry where those qualities are often overlooked but deeply needed.A Conversation on Growth, Leadership, and LegacyIn this episode titled "From Prime Time to Clean Time: Shari Cedar’s Journey in Commercial Cleaning", we sit down with Shari to explore:The challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling a cleaning company from the ground upLeadership insights gained from managing large teams and navigating a fast-growing operationPersonal growth milestones as a business owner and industry leaderThe dynamic experience of building a business alongside her spouseAnd much moreShari’s story is not only about changing careers-it’s about redefining success, leading with integrity, and leaving a lasting impact in an essential industry.

In this month’s episode of The Business of Cleaning,we’re joined by Jerry Flug of HRA Consulting Group. Jerry was working in the ministry when family illness forced him to look for new work opportunities. That's when he found the cleaning industry and bought his first company. Jerry walks us through his journey from growing, scaling, and eventually selling his business and becoming a business coach helping commercial cleaning companies grow.

Mario Kelly, a 5th-generation Detroiter and Owner of Believe313 Cleaning, went from being homeless-with just $27 worth of cleaning supplies-to building a million-dollar cleaning company. In this powerful episode he discusses overcoming adversity, the importance of resilience, community involvement, and giving back.