Episode 1298 – How Erin Scaled Her Cleaning Company the Smart Way
In this episode, Mike Campion chats with Erin Broderick, founder of BG Custodial, who’s built a commercial cleaning business that scrubs 250,000 square feet a day. Erin opens up about her journey from doing the cleaning herself to leading a growing team—and what it really takes to level up as a business owner. They dive into why she chose commercial over residential cleaning, how she thinks about hiring in a tough labor market, and why building a strong culture matters more than pay alone. Plus, Mike shares no-fluff advice on how to talk to clients about rising wages and pricing. It’s real talk, full of laughs and leadership gold. If you’re growing a cleaning company, you don’t want to miss this one!
Erin Built Something Big—And Real
In this episode, Mike Campion sits down with Erin Broderick, founder of BG Custodial, a commercial cleaning company based in Columbus, Ohio. Erin started her business in 2017 and now cleans a whopping quarter-million square feet every single day. With 10 team members and growing fast, Erin’s built more than just a cleaning company—she’s built a vision people believe in. And no, Mike isn’t actually drunk (he just jokes like he is).
From Cleaner to Leader
Erin shared that her toughest moment came when she realized she couldn’t do it all herself anymore. Growing meant depending on others—and that was both exciting and scary. She had to become a real leader, not just a great cleaner. Mike jumped in to say this is exactly the moment when owners need to level up. It’s not just about doing more. It’s about becoming more.
Choosing Commercial Over Residential
Most women in the cleaning industry lean toward residential cleaning—but not Erin. She saw a better path in commercial work. Why? The business model made more sense to her. It felt scalable, profitable, and more in line with her goals. Mike loved this thinking. Instead of choosing based on comfort, Erin picked the lane that aligned with her vision.
Hiring Isn’t Just About Pay
These days, finding workers is tough. Erin wanted tips on how to talk to clients about higher costs, now that wages are rising. Mike’s advice? Don’t compete on pay—compete on culture. Build a company people want to work for. Core values like have fun, make money, be real, and help out matter more than a dollar or two in hourly wage. Create a team that feels like family, and the right people will come.
Raising Prices? Just Be Honest
Erin also asked how to handle price hikes with clients. Mike was blunt: Just tell the truth. Everyone knows prices are going up. Clients see it too. Don’t apologize—own it. You’re offering a valuable, essential service. And if they leave, they’ll likely be back. The best companies don’t hide from the tough talks—they lead them.