Episode 1305 – How to build a team for your cleaning company that you actually like and trust
Tired of hiring, firing, and cleaning when you don’t want to? In this episode, Mike Campion and Lindsay Bjorklund tackle the real reason cleaning businesses struggle to keep great people. Mike shares why you should always be hiring—even when you’re fully staffed—and how to build a system you don’t hate using. They dig into how culture, not just cash, keeps teams together, and why you need to stop promising perfection to clients. If you want a cleaning company full of people you actually like, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to finally break the cycle of employee burnout—for you and your team.
How to Build a Cleaning Team You Actually Like
Mike Campion and the always-awesome Lindsay Bjorklund dove into a big question from the Cleaning Nation: “How do I stop the revolving door of employees?” Kristen, a listener, was worn out—cleaning when she didn’t want to, short on staff, and just plain exhausted. Mike said, “You’re not alone. But there’s a better way.”
Stop Hoping. Start Hiring... All the Time.
Mike dropped truth bombs fast: Most owners only hire when they’re desperate. That’s a problem. The real trick is to keep hiring even when you’re full. Treat your hiring funnel like a steady stream, not a last-minute fire drill. Don’t wait for someone to quit before you find their replacement—have a few Lindsays lined up before you need them.
Your Hiring System Shouldn’t Suck
Here’s the deal: most people hate their hiring system. That’s why they don’t use it. Mike says build one you don’t hate. Start with a group interview. Then go to a one-on-one, then a working interview. Let your current team help. If it’s fun, you’ll keep doing it. If it works, you’ll stop panicking.
Culture > Cash
Money’s not enough. Cleaning toilets for $18/hour isn’t a dream job. But working on a mission can be. Mike says, “People stay for culture, not cash.” Give your team something to believe in. Show them how they’re helping people, not just scrubbing floors. And yes, pizza parties and real praise go a long way.
Don’t Promise Perfect. Promise Real.
Last thing: stop promising your clients the moon. Instead, promise honesty. “We’ll mess up—but we’ll fix it fast.” Be clear in sales. Know what your client wants, then deliver that. Not 1,000 checklist items, but a clean home that feels amazing. That’s what wins hearts—and keeps clients coming back.