Talking Clean in a Dirty World

The Power of Specialization in the Commercial Cleaning Industry with Claudia Goddiess

Claudia Goddiess is an immigrant and entrepreneur, and the owner/creator of Apex Building Services, a commercial cleaning company based in Clinton, NJ. 
Claudia came to this country as a teenager, knowing not a word of English, and has worked her way up to become a college graduate and a successful business owner.
With over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Claudia launched her business in 2019 and has since expanded it to more than 70 accounts, employing over 90 staff.
Her company specializes in clean room cleaning for pharmaceutical clients, requiring strict adherence to protocols and specialized training. Claudia’s expertise includes understanding and implementing detailed SOPs, handling negative and positive airflow environments, and maintaining high standards for safety and cleanliness.
Her practical knowledge, combined with her ability to adapt during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to Apex Building Services’ steady growth and strong reputation in a demanding niche market.
 
Email for Claudia: cgoddiess@apex-building-services.com
Contact Claudia on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-cardona-apex/
Apex Building Services
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Starting a Cleaning Business Amidst Challenges00:06:30 - Understanding Clean Rooms and Their Unique Cleaning Standards00:08:00 - The Role of PPE and Strict Protocols in Pharmaceutical Cleaning00:10:30 - Importance of SOPs and Step-by-Step Clean Room Procedures00:12:30 - Diverse Pharmaceutical Cleaning Needs and Maintaining Sterile Environments00:14:58 - The Critical Role of Cleaning in Healthcare and Child Safety00:16:35 - Cleaning as a Life-Saving Profession and Pride in Work00:18:02 - Specialized Training and Pay in Pharmaceutical and Clean Room Cleaning00:20:18 - Clean Room Protocols: Gowning, Equipment, and Contamination Control00:26:46 - Hiring, Training, and Operational Excellence in Specialized Cleaning Services00:29:44 - Hiring Trusted Referrals and Onsite Training Best Practices00:31:17 - Immigrant Experience and Building a Diverse Workforce00:34:00 - Industry Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing to Foster Growth00:36:30 - Balancing Family Life and Business Growth00:38:56 - Finding Your Niche and the Importance of Specialized Certification00:43:40 - Carpet and Stone Floor Care Certifications and Training Insights00:48:12 - Chemical-Free Floor Stripping Techniques and Health Benefits00:49:32 - Remote and Hands-On Training Blends for Effective Cleaning Education00:51:30 - Entrepreneurial Advice: Mentorship and Training for Success in Cleaning Business00:53:05 - Claudia Goddiess’ Personal and Professional Growth Plans

Your Bucket of Drips * Sean DeVore

With a background that stretches from sweaty summer lawn jobs to making big moves in the flooring industry, Sean DeVore has seen just about every angle of building a career from the ground up.
He grew up surrounded by hard workers and picked up early on the importance of discipline, setting goals, and sticking to personal basics—think tidy presentation, a solid work ethic, and never shying away from a challenge.
Over two decades in flooring sales taught Sean that connecting with people and sharing honest stories can open unexpected doors.
His path wasn’t a straight shot; it took him from manual labor and maintenance gigs to thriving in commission-based sales, where he learned the true value of persistence and adaptability. Sean’s story isn’t just about flooring—it's about how determination, humility, and a willingness to keep learning can turn any dream into something real.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - The Power of Sharing Your Story and Life Lessons 00:02:34 - Early Work Ethic and Foundations of Success 00:07:04 - Transitioning to Sales and Developing Skills 00:10:16 - Overcoming Challenges and Mastering Sales Techniques 00:12:33 - Building a Successful Flooring Business in South Florida 00:13:44 - Setting Personal and Professional Foundations at 31 00:14:00 - Negotiating a $100,000 Sales Role with Confidence 00:15:22 - Defining Success Beyond Money and Material Gains 00:15:40 - The “Drips in the Bucket” Philosophy for Customer Relationships 00:16:20 - Mastering Basics for Personal and Sales Success

Sit With the Winners * Rosario

Rosario is the custodial director at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he oversees daily operations and leads a team responsible for maintaining clean and healthy facilities.
His experience includes managing both unionized staff and vendor partnerships, as well as handling challenging situations such as winter snow removal in the Northeast.
Rosario holds a Master’s Green Technician certification, reflecting his commitment to environmentally responsible cleaning practices.
Throughout his career, he has focused on building effective teams through clear communication, accountability, and practical leadership development.
His approach centers on helping others grow into leadership roles while implementing sustainable solutions in the facilities management field.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Leadership and Helping Others Climb Together 00:03:40 - Practicing Leadership Through Repetition and Energy 00:07:16 - Identifying True Leaders: Key Traits to Watch For 00:11:32 - Handling Opposition and Developing Leadership Maturity 00:13:03 - Nine Essential Leadership Rules for Success

Unlock Your Cleaning Business Growth: 5 Golden Nuggets for Defining Your ICP with Jerry Flug

Do you want to land those dream clients and finally break out of the “hamster wheel” in your cleaning business?
Imagine being recognized for your expertise, leading a crew that operates smoothly, and securing the kind of contracts that make your competitors envious.
I’m sharing exactly how you can dial in on the right customers, build genuine relationships with decision-makers, and specialize in services that keep your team busy (and your bank account happy).
Let’s talk about what it takes to become the go-to cleaning company in your area—without burning out or trying to do it all.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how defining your ideal customer profile can transform your cleaning business by attracting clients who truly fit your strengths.
Unlock the unexpected benefits of attending cleaning industry conferences that can fast-track your business growth and networking power.
Discover how coaching tailored to cleaning businesses can help break through growth plateaus and sharpen your operational focus.
Explore why specializing in specific floor care services can set your business apart and boost your profit margins.
Master the art of building strong relationships with decision makers to secure long-term janitorial service contracts.
Connect with Jerry here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/
 
https://hraconsultinggroup.com/
 
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Defining Your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) for Cleaning Businesses00:03:34 - Upcoming Cleaning Industry Conferences and Networking Benefits00:05:16 - The True Value of Conferences Beyond Exhibits00:08:32 - Evolving Cleaning Technology and Old-School Wisdom00:11:19 - Overcoming Business Growth Challenges in Cleaning Services00:14:06 - Specializing in Floor Care Types to Build Revenue Streams00:15:38 - Focusing on Three Floor Care Services for Business Efficiency00:19:29 - Understanding Concrete Floor Maintenance and Avoiding Common Mistakes00:24:56 - Identifying Ideal Customer Profiles and Market Opportunities00:27:42 - Managing Account Size and Cleaning Frequency for Sustainable Growth00:28:40 - Intentional Growth Strategies for Janitorial Businesses00:30:11 - The Critical Role of Floor Care in Customer Retention00:31:18 - Building Ownership and Partnership Mindset with Clients00:32:32 - Podcast Growth and Community Support in the Janitorial Industry00:33:28 - Closing Remarks and Resources for Janitorial Professionals
 

Biofilms and Cleaning * Can Disinfectants Really do the Job?

Are the disinfectants you're using doing the job you think they are?
 
This episode was recorded live during the 2022 Rock Stars of Cleaning virtual conference, sponsored by GEM Supply.
Professor Greg Whitely has been a paramount figure in the Australian cleaning and hygiene industry for over 45 years.
Professor Whitely leads one of the country’s predominant disinfectant sterilant manufacturers.
His educational background, which includes a doctorate from the University of Western Sydney, a master's degree from the University of New South Wales, and an undergraduate degree from Hawkesbury Agricultural College, further bolsters his credibility.
A longstanding member of ISSA and an executive committee member at the Cleaning Industry Research Institute International, Greg’s insights promise to be both engaging and enlightening.
 
Many thanks to Professor Greg for being a frequent contributor to this podcast over the years.
 
Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-greg-s-whiteley-526b2bb7/

Build Before You Grow: Creating A Solid Foundation For Your Cleaning Company

Jerry Flug is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, having started as the owner of a BSC with 12 employees and successfully growing the business to over 250 employees.
Learn about BSCAI and what it has done for Jerry and continues to do.
Discover the latest commercial cleaning industry trends to stay ahead of the competition.
Learn the essential steps for building a successful cleaning business from the ground up.
Gain insight from expert coaching explicitly tailored for cleaning business owners.
Uncover effective pricing strategies that will maximize your cleaning services' profitability.
Master the art of employee retention in the cleaning industry for a sustainable and prosperous team.
 
Connect with Jerry here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/
 
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Clean with Ace00:01:03 - Networking and Learning in the Industry00:03:40 - Jerry's Background and Coaching Business00:10:07 - Networking and Industry Challenges00:14:02 - Industry Statistics and Challenges00:14:32 - Challenges in the Cleaning Industry00:15:24 - Building a Strong Foundation00:16:31 - Strategic Business Approach00:19:56 - Professionalism in the Industry00:25:28 - Employee Retention and Community00:28:53 - Spreading Hope and Encouragement00:29:26 - Defining Organizational Culture00:30:42 - Winning the Pricing War00:33:41 - Accounting for Equipment Replacement Cost00:36:17 - Offering Support and Mentorship

Conquering Labor Shortages in Restroom Cleaning * Taking Clean In a Dirty World

Did you know that facilities managers spend only 18% of their time on improving cleaning and quality, despite claiming it as their top priority?
Join us as Javier starts the conversation by uncovering the disparity between what is said and what is done as the panel explores the impact of restroom cleanliness on building perception and employee happiness. 
Javier Caurta is a seasoned facilities manager with a passion for improving workplace cleanliness.
With years of experience in the industry, Javier has become an expert in addressing restroom cleanliness in the face of labor shortages.
He understands the challenges faced by facilities managers and is dedicated to finding practical solutions to enhance employee satisfaction and create a positive building perception. Javier's insights and knowledge make him a valuable guest on our podcast, Talking Clean in a Dirty World.
We are excited to have Javier join us for this episode and share his expertise with our listeners.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:53 - Facilities Managers' Time Allocation 00:02:39 - Importance of Clean Restrooms 00:03:48 - Perception of Cleanliness 00:08:10 - Addressing Clean Failures

Build, Grow, Scale: A Commercial Cleaning Expert's Framework for Business Growth

Discover the unexpected personal ambition driving a janitorial business coach.
Find out why his personal bucket list goal for the year is more than just a vacation. It's a heartwarming story of resilience and hope.
Stay tuned to learn more about the man behind the coaching expertise and the inspiring journey he's embarking on this year.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Mastering the Phases of Building a Business: Learn the essential steps to successfully grow and scale your janitorial business.
Creating a Positive Company Culture: Discover how to foster a workplace environment that motivates and retains your janitorial staff.
Strategies for Reducing Employee Turnover: Discover effective tactics for keeping your janitorial team engaged and committed to your business.
Importance of Customer Service in Business Growth: Explore how exceptional customer service can propel your janitorial business to new heights.
Coaching for Janitorial Business Owners: Gain valuable insights and mentorship to navigate the unique challenges of running a janitorial business.
My special guest is Jerry Flug.
Jerry Flug, a former commercial janitorial company owner of 20+ years, brings a wealth of experience and passion to janitorial business coaching.
Following a successful merger and sale of his company, Jerry realized his passion for helping others grow and succeed in the industry.
With a focus on employee retention and positive company culture, Jerry's hands-on experience and dedication to cultivating thriving businesses make him a valuable resource for janitorial business owners looking to build, grow, and scale their companies.
His deep understanding of the industry's nuances and commitment to helping others succeed make him a welcome addition to the Beyond Clean with ACE podcast.
Connect with Jerry here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/
 
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Three Phases of Building a Business: Build, Grow, Scale00:01:14 - Introduction and Background of Jerry Flug00:06:01 - Employee Retention and Cultivating Culture00:12:48 - Structuring Company Mission and Vision00:13:47 - Building Trust through Core Values00:14:25 - Importance of Trust in Business00:15:11 - Increased Awareness in the Industry00:17:03 - Bridging Generational Communication Gap00:18:40 - Building and Scaling a Business00:27:37 - Balancing Profit and Growth00:27:58 - The Importance of Outstanding Customer Service00:28:27 - Treating Family Well and Making a Profit00:29:47 - The Personal Touch in Business00:35:48 - Writing a Book and Helping Others00:39:34 - Personal Bucket List and a Cruise00:41:09 - Jerry's Bucket List00:41:19 - Understanding Jerry's Journey00:41:46 - Parting Words00:41:19 - The Power of Reflection00:41:46 - Final Thoughts