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The Cleaning Indy Podcast

The Cleaning Indy Podcast

By: Tom Moore
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About this listen

Brought to you by: American Facility Care

Visit us at

CleaningIndy.com

Concept
This is a podcast that that dives into the world of Facility Management and the Cleaning Industry.


  • Each episode will run for 15-30mins
  • Delivery: 1 episode a week
    Goals
    Establish local brand awareness for our company.

    Provide insight into the world of FM and cleaning in a professional yet entertaining way.

    Interview current willing customers, or other leaders across several industry sectors.

    Tone & Personality
    • Insightful
    • Personal
    • Professional
    • Entertaining

      CleaningIndy.com


2026 Tom Moore
Economics
Episodes
  • How to handle a skipped service!
    Nov 15 2024
    Welcome back to The Cleaning Indy Podcast, brought to you by American Facility Care! Tom and Sarah Moore kick off this episode with a lively discussion about strengthening the bond between contractors and facility managers through effective communication and solid cleaning practices.They revisit their online quiz, specifically diving into the second question: Do you experience too many instances where the cleaning staff fails to show up for scheduled appointments? Tom and Sarah share a real-life story about a daycare left scrambling every Friday when their cleaning company failed to show up—highlighting the ripple effects of unreliable service on overworked daycare staff.To tackle this common issue, they outline actionable tips, such as asking critical questions during contractor walkthroughs, like:
    • How does your management structure operate?
    • What happens when staff calls in sick?
    • Do you utilize technology like geofencing to ensure coverage?
    They also stress the importance of clear contract language to define expectations, penalties, and service guarantees. A good contractor, they note, should value communication and cater to your preferred style—whether it's via text, email, phone, or in person.The Moores close with a teaser for the next episode, where they'll explore why service quality often declines after 90 days with a new cleaning company and what steps you can take to prevent it.If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe, and check out their website, CleaningIndy.com, for more insights.
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    12 mins
  • Help! My Cleaners Quality Dropped After Initial 90 Days
    Feb 25 2025
    Why Cleaning Quality Drops After 90 Days & How to Prevent It!

    In this episode of the *Cleaning Indy Podcast*, hosts Tom and Sarah Moore, brought to you by American Facility Care, dive into an all-too-common issue: why cleaning service quality tends to decline after the first 90 days. They explore the typical scenario where a cleaning contractor starts strong, providing exceptional service and attention to detail, but after a few months, small issues begin to creep in—missed trash cans, dusty surfaces, unstocked supplies, and overall lapses in quality.

    Key Discussion Points:

    🔹 **The Initial Cleaning "Honeymoon Phase"** – Many cleaning companies perform a deep clean at the beginning of a contract, making everything look pristine. However, if regular maintenance isn’t properly structured, that initial deep clean wears off, leading to noticeable drops in cleanliness over time.
    🔹 **Common Signs of Declining Quality** – Trash cans being missed, floors not being vacuumed, dust accumulation, and restrooms not being fully stocked with essential supplies.
    🔹 **Understanding the Root Causes** – - A lack of ongoing training for cleaning staff. - Inconsistent inspections and supervision. - Weak communication and complaint resolution processes. - Increased foot traffic in a facility leading to faster wear and tear.
    🔹 **How to Prevent Quality Drop-Off:**
    1. **Ask the Right Questions During the Bidding Process:** - How does the company handle complaints? - How many supervisors and managers are involved in quality control? - What systems (software, work orders, inspections) do they use to track performance?
    2. **Improve Communication & Relationship Building:** - Frequent check-ins with the cleaning team to address issues early. - Providing detailed, specific feedback rather than general complaints. - Recognizing that a strong relationship with a contractor leads to better service.
    3. **Determine If Your Cleaning Needs Have Changed:** - Has foot traffic in your facility increased? - Are daily or weekly cleaning schedules still enough, or do you need an additional shift?
    4. **Setting Clear Expectations & Holding Contractors Accountable:** - Defining scope of work clearly to ensure all key tasks are covered. - Implementing a structured review process to track ongoing performance. Tom and Sarah share real-world insights, including a case where a company switched cleaning providers due to poor complaint handling—where the previous contractor’s response to issues was simply yelling at employees. This highlights the importance of hiring a team with a solid system for handling concerns professionally.
    **Looking Ahead** In the next episode, they’ll tackle another critical question: *Is it difficult to arrange meetings with the actual onsite cleaners?* and how that affects overall service quality. **Connect With Us!** If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple, Google, or Spotify! You can also visit CleaningIndy.com to take their quiz and learn more about optimizing your cleaning service. Want to share your experience? Leave them a voice message on their website! 🎧 Tune in next time for more insights on maintaining a high-quality cleaning service in your facility.
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    12 mins
  • Franchise vs National vs Privately Owned Cleaning Companies - Which Is The Best?
    Jul 15 2023
    In this episode, Tom & Sarah delve into a comprehensive comparison of franchise cleaning companies, national cleaning companies, and privately owned cleaning companies.

    They provide a thorough analysis of the pros and cons associated with each type, offering valuable insights for both business owners seeking cleaning services and consumers in need of cleaning solutions.

    Starting with franchise cleaning companies, Tom & Sarah highlight several advantages. These companies offer cookie-cutter business plans and comprehensive administrative support, which can be a boon for entrepreneurs lacking organizational skills on the office side. Franchise cleaning companies also employ dedicated marketing staff who excel at finding new accounts. However, there are notable downsides to consider. Local franchisees often face challenges in achieving long-term success, as the franchisor retains significant control over their operations and can revoke contracts if strict adherence to their rules is not maintained. Ongoing fees and royalties further impact profitability and long-term financial viability. Additionally, high initial costs, including franchise fees and equipment purchases, can be daunting for those with limited resources. Franchisees also experience limited flexibility and autonomy, being bound by operational guidelines, standards, and brand image requirements set by the franchisor. This restricts their ability to make independent decisions and adapt to local market conditions, including pricing and marketing strategies.

    Moving on to national cleaning companies, Tom & Sarah explore the benefits and drawbacks associated with this type. National cleaning companies excel at securing accounts with nationally recognized brands and retail chains, providing a robust account pipeline for their subcontractors. They also ensure timely payment for subcontracted services. However, there are significant downsides to consider as well. National cleaning companies often claim a steep percentage of the revenue generated from accounts, ranging from 30% to a substantial 70%. This revenue sharing arrangement reduces profitability for local cleaning companies. Moreover, miscommunication issues frequently arise in the delivery of work orders due to the intermediary nature of these companies. There is also a risk of contracts being abruptly terminated without notice, leaving local cleaning companies without work unexpectedly.

    Lastly, Tom & Sarah delve into privately owned cleaning companies, thoroughly examining the pros and cons. Privately owned cleaning companies offer a range of benefits that cater to customer preferences. Being local entities, they can provide prompt on-site services, often on the same day if required. These companies have a vested interest in delivering high-quality services to maintain their reputation and secure repeat business, making them highly motivated and dedicated. Additionally, they possess extensive knowledge of the local market, allowing them to offer competitive pricing. Tom & Sarah emphasize the importance of supporting these small, often generational family businesses, as doing so strengthens the local community. However, there are potential downsides as well. Quality can vary significantly among privately owned cleaning companies, as they differ in size and available resources. It is crucial for consumers to conduct thorough research by examining social media presence, reviews, and website authority to ensure reliability. Additionally, some companies may be too small to handle large-scale cleaning projects or lack robust training systems to maintain consistent service quality.

    Tom & Sarah conclude by emphasizing the need for careful consideration of specific needs, budget constraints, and personal preferences when selecting a cleaning company. Each type presents its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these nuances will empower listeners to make informed decisions. By weighing the pros and cons outlined in this episode, individuals can find the cleaning solution that best aligns with their requirements.

    Enjoy the episode!
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    45 mins
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