Want to” or “Know how”… Which is more important?”

I often tell my franchisees and staff that this industry, much like other very labor driven industries, is a “want to” business. In the early days of OctoClean (then known as Service Pros) my Dad and I knew very little about efficiencies and cleaning technique.

What we learned was learned through trial and error. What we did have was a drive to learn and to be better every day. We learned a lot in those first few years. I recall a time we were cleaning a building and there were customers of the building owners at the parts counter waiting for service. I noticed one man looking at me and the crew for a while and I started feeling like I had toilet paper stuck to my shoe or something. As we progressively got closer to the group the man spoke up “You have to be the owner of this cleaning company?” Before I could open my mouth he said “No one works this hard at a crappy job unless they have something at stake.” I was pissed and stunned. How dare someone say my “job” was crappy. I admit throughout my career I have had many opportunities to add to that chip on my shoulder. Even though I work in an industry that is unskilled our work deserves respect. I now am blessed to have “made it” to a desk job and operate a mid-sized and successful janitorial firm. “Want to” is now more important than ever as the arm chair warrior can get lazy and disillusioned. Instilling “want to” in others is my burden and opportunity everyday.

Our mission statement at OctoClean in part states “we will transform the janitorial industry”. This is a big statement and as much as I believe we can train every franchisee to be the best at efficiencies and technique nothing will be changed or transformed without the love of the work. Innovation and breakthroughs come from being stubborn and believing that YOU will be the difference maker. To every business owner, franchisee and employee this is your responsibility and opportunity to love your job without excuse or shame. Whether you are a janitor or a surgeon, be the best and want to do it. Anyone can be trained, not everyone can be great. Be great!