The Business of Cleaning

In this episode, hosts Adam Latham and Pete Cromly sit downwith Crystal Snyder to talk about what it really takes to build a residential cleaning company that clients stay with and cleaners want to work for. In this episode, you will learn:-How Crystal went from cleaning houses on her own to hiringher first employee just two months in-Her quality process: careful hiring, hands-on training,surprise quality checks, and weekly product testing-The cleaning products she relies on most, and the commononline shortcut that damages grout and showers-How she handled a client who wasn’t the right fit, and howone honest conversation helped a struggling cleaner move onWhether you’re thinking about starting a cleaning company ortrying to grow the one you have, Crystal’s story is a practical look at building a business on standards, respect, and relationships.

The Business of Cleaning podcast, sponsored by Janitorial Manager, returns with an episode focused on how AI is reshaping the cleaning industry. New hosts Adam Latham and Pete Cromly sit down with Brittney Liggett, VP of AI Business Systems at Double A Solutions, about her key takeaways from a major AI conference. In this episode, you will learn: Why "free" AI tools could cost you your customers' dataHow AI can flag at-risk accounts before you lose themWhat back-office work you can hand off today, risk-freeWhere AI-powered robotics are really headed for this industryAI isn't here to replace people or clean the floors itself. It's here to take repetitive, time-consuming work off your plate so your team can spend more time on the customer relationships that actually grow the business. As Brittney put it, the businesses that get ahead now are the ones willing to start experimenting.Subscribe for more episodes on commercial cleaning, business growth, and leadership.

Edwin Eaton is back. The owner of I Pro Building Services — a three-time Inc. 5000 company — returns to share what it really takes to build a commercial cleaning business that runs without you. Edwin opens up about the systems and leadership structure that kept his company growing while he stepped away to care for his wife during her battle with stage four cancer. He also breaks down how he broke into the data center cleaning niche, built a $1.8M LinkedIn sales pipeline without ads, and grew a 15,000-follower TikTok audience by showing up consistently and telling the truth. If you want more freedom, better culture, and real growth strategies, this episode delivers.

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.