Smart Business Moves

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week's episode of Smart Business Moves with special guest Alvin Gehring, Partner Support Supervisor at MaidCentral Software. This episode will focus on practical AI tools that can enhance operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer engagement in your cleaning business. Tune in for insights that can revolutionize your business approach!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter as they explore practical strategies for growth, including upgrading technology and improving staff training. Tune in for actionable tips that can help enhance your business operations and customer satisfaction!

Join Liz this week as she sits down with Martha Woodward, co-founder and CEO of Quality Driven Software, to discuss the benefits of work retreats. Martha, an advocate for positive workplace culture, sheds light on how stepping away can rejuvenate owners, leading to better decision-making and new ideas for leadership. This episode is a must-watch for owners looking to refresh their perspective, expand their horizon and drive their business forward.

This episode features Kevin J. Bassett, CPA, the founder of Bassett & Associates, P.A., sharing his expertise in tax strategies for business owners. With over 20 years of experience, including a significant tenure at Ernst & Young, LLP, Kevin has developed tools like the Tax Minimization Process™ to help entrepreneurs maximize their financial efficiency. Tune in as we discuss the top five tax tricks every business owner should know to navigate the complexities of tax compliance and consulting, aiming for financial independence and smarter tax management.

Dive into an enlightening episode with our guest, Kevin Kunkel, as we explore how the beloved TV show 'Ted Lasso' offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders. In this episode of Smart Business Moves, Kevin deciphers how themes of mindset and innovation from the series can guide you in carving out a unique market space. Discover how embracing the unexpected and cultivating a positive team culture can open up new pathways for your business. Join us to learn how 'Ted Lasso's' approach can inspire your own Blue Ocean Strategy, setting your venture apart in a crowded marketplace.

Alonzo Adams is a visionary CEO, transformation coach, and highly sought-after keynote speaker who has made a significant impact in the business world. He is the founder of Busy Bee Cleaning Company, which he started from his one-bedroom apartment, and transformed it into one of the most successful independent residential cleaning companies globally.Alonzo is an accomplished leader with a track record of excellence in a variety of leadership roles within organizations and associations. He has received multiple awards for his company's exceptional service in the Philadelphia area.As a transformation coach, Alonzo has helped entrepreneurs and companies achieve extraordinary success. His keynote speeches are both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging business leaders to think big, be courageous, and take chances. With his extensive experience and proven expertise, Alonzo has become a trusted advisor to many organizations seeking to achieve long-term success

Join us for an exclusive preview of the upcoming MaidCentral Academy: Live event featuring Tom Stewart, Liz Trotter, and a lineup of awesome speakers! Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and connect with peers in an engaging, live setting.

Join Tom, Jeannie, Ajia, Gosia, RJ, Liliane, and Dr. Gavin for a sneak peak into the next ISSA Regional Event!

Matt Ricketts, Trisha Lake, and Sarah Mitchell are trailblazers in the residential cleaning industry, each bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the Smart Business Moves podcast. Matt, known for his strategic acumen and innovative marketing techniques, has successfully expanded his brand's reach, setting new standards for customer engagement. Trisha, with her passion for operational excellence and employee empowerment, has turned her company into a model of efficiency and a nurturing workplace. Meanwhile, Sarah, with a keen focus on sustainable practices and community involvement, has made her business a beloved local institution. Together with hosts Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter, they delve into the invaluable lessons learned at the Foundations of Success event, discussing the fundamental business practices that have catapulted their businesses to new heights and sharing their secrets to financial growth and industry leadership.

Take a sneak peek into Foundations 13 with Olu, Tom and Liz in this insightful presentation on marketing with AI tools to generate more sales!

Troy Knight brings over 12 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of success as an accomplished business owner in the cleaning industry. As a partner at Castle Keepers House Cleaning, Troy works closely with his partner, Tom Stewart, to implement practical strategies that drive the company's growth and success.Beyond his role at Castle Keepers, Troy also serves as the Sales Manager at MaidCentral, where his practical leadership and dedication to achieving tangible results are evident. He has played an important role in establishing MaidCentral as a trusted partner of residential cleaning services nationwide.Troy is passionate about guiding fellow business owners through the industry's evolving landscape, leveraging his expertise to facilitate their success. Through engaging presentations, insightful demos, and personalized consultations, Troy shares his wealth of knowledge to empower others to thrive in their businesses.Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Troy honed his skills for over two decades in materials management - working with several manufacturing organizations, refining his expertise in operational management and logistics. This background enriches his role as a business owner, providing invaluable insights into effective business operations.Driven by his pursuit of continuous improvement, Troy remains dedicated to driving growth and success in the cleaning industry; and his wealth of experience and commitment to excellence prove him a passionate leader, and trusted advisor.

 Melody has owned and operated multiple home service businesses over the past 25 years, andcurrently co-owns HomeServiceVA.com. As an entrepreneur diagnosed with A.D.D. She has relentlessly studied how to harness the gifts found in the creative part of her brain, while creating strategies to manage her symptoms. One of the most transformative strategies she adopted washiring an Executive Assistant to tackle the mundane tasks that were challenging for her, freeing her up to focus in areas where she thrives. Together, Melody and her first assistant Din co-founded Homeserviceva.com, and built the business they wished had existed when they first began working together. They have since matched hundreds of small business owners with VirtualAssistants, teaching them how to successfully work together. Melody offers a unique perspective and enjoys sharing her hard earned knowledge with business owners so they can build easy systems and amazing teams like she has. 

Ryan Kettering is the founder of Prolific Brand Design, specializing in elevating home service contractors’ brands through the innovative Fractal Brand Identity framework. His approach, encapsulated by the mantra “Be More of You,” focuses on crafting authentic brands that resonate with customers and stand out in the industry. At Prolific Brand Design, Ryan merges creativity with strategy, offering services from logo design to comprehensive brand strategies and vehicle wraps, all designed to boost brand differentiation and strengthen company culture. Since 2015, Prolific has helped over 2000 clients to differentiate in the competitive home service market.Not counting his early ventures during high school, which he completed in three years; Ryan’s journey into the world of branding began at 17 with his first business in home service. This experience taught him the crucial interplay between sales, marketing, and branding, and through the community, eventually guided him back to his true passion for graphics and branding. Join him on the podcast to uncover the secrets of building a unique brand identity, drawing on his deep insights and personal journey in the home service industry.

Ruth Furman likes to ask business leaders “why do you keep your success a secret?” She started her career in journalism and corporate public relations, launching her own firm in , ImageWords Communications, in 2001.  She helps individuals and business owners and has a specialty in the home services industry,  helping  residential and commercial cleaning services nationwide. Ruth handles, local, regional and national publicity for her clients and frequently works with media outlets to connect home services experts for news stories

How do you maintain a culture of excellence as your cleaning business scales up? Especially as many of your technicians work remotely?PODS are a collaborative concept that creates geographic teams within the larger company. Creating leadership opportunities and pushing Leadership, Management, & Accountability (LMA) down to the technicians. POD will also allow Better Life to increase operational efficiency and increase technician engagement. Matt Ricketts is the President and Chief Experience Officer of Better Life Maids, a residential cleaning company that delivers high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Matt has been leading and growing this business for over 15 years, developing systems, strategies, and brand awareness that have earned multiple awards and recognition in the industry. Matt previously served as the CMO and an Advisory Board Member of MaidCentral Software, a SaaS solution that helps cleaning companies scale and optimize their operations, revenue, and profitability.In addition, Matt is a speaker and consultant at Matt Talks Business, where he leverages his experience as both a successful entrepreneur and a former professional airline pilot to help other business owners accelerate their results and success. Matt has been speaking and consulting for over 7 years, sharing insights and best practices on topics such as strategic business development, marketing, publicity, customer experience, and employee engagement. His mission is to empower cleaning business owners to make more money, create happy clients, and attract and retain better employees.

"Sharon L. Cowan, CBSE is a 32 year veteran of the industry and the former CEO of a multimillion dollar regional commercial and residential cleaning company. Sharon grew her company using her background in business development, strategic planning, national corporate leadership and education. Sharon sold her company in 2000 to pursue coaching and consulting globally. Her coaching process includes customized programs for each business owner so they receive personalized training designed specifically for their business needs. She has been a guest speaker and seminar leader for ISSA, BSCAI, CMI and ARCSI industry trade groups and twice won marketing awards from the BSCAI. In addition to one on one coaching internationally, Sharon conducts workshops throughout the United States teaching cleaning business owners how to structure their businesses for maximum profit and growth.Often called a Turnaround Specialist, Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.Sharon is one of less than 100 women to earn the distinguished CBSE Certification (Certified Building Service Executive) from the BSCAI. She is also an Industry Expert for several online janitorial sites and has authored industry eBooks, white papers, C/D training programs and the BSC University Series."

Tom, Liz and Olu will explain how to build value in your business with the Foundations of Success business development program. Find out if Foundations of Success might be the right fit for you this year.

Join Liz and guests Maria Montserrat-Dorian and Dan Smith as they discuss hearing what isn't said in sales conversations. It's sure to be enlightening!

Chris Schwab, a British-American entrepreneur based in Yokohama, Japan, is the driving force behind multiple thriving businesses. He manages Think Maids, a nationwide remote cleaning business headquartered in Washington, D.C., runs Inova Local, a Virtual Assistant agency empowering local business owners to achieve similar remote success, and offers the Local Business MBA, an innovative blueprint for building and automating local businesses. Chris's expertise in remote business management, automation, and delegation allows him to oversee his ventures seamlessly from Japan. In his personal life he is a practitioner of handbalancing, yoga, martial arts, and a firm believer in the philosophy of balance, which guides both his personal and business life. 

We will replay a SBM from December 2021 with guest Meaghan Likes.  Meaghan, Liz and Tom will discuss Budgeting and Goal Setting, a timely topic as we prepare for 2024.