A reader writes: “I continue to educate myself on cleaning. What do you think I need to know to be a true professional?”

I really appreciate your desire to be a professional and can make a few general suggestions in this brief article. We need to understand that being a cleaning professional (janitor, custodian, housekeeper) in today’s world is far more demanding than in past generations. Many founders of some rather large and successful cleaning businesses started out with a mop, broom, vacuum cleaner and a lot of grit. They will readily admit that they went into cleaning as a last ditch effort to feed their families until “something better” came along. Ten or twenty years later, they look back and laugh at the fact that somewhere they fell in love with their job and really enjoy what they do.

One observation is that you need to have a passion for what you do or find the line of work that helps to fuel that passion. As I speak and train across the country, attendees will comment about my passion and enthusiasm for something as mundane as cleaning a soiled carpet or bringing a luster to a hard floor. I have to admit to being guilty. Of course, my passion today is to pass on this knowledge as best I can to the next generation of cleaning professionals who will be the front line of defense against future contagions yet to be named. I truly believe that we play a vital role in the future health of America and the world.

Another point to consider is to always keep learning and sharing. A glowing example of that trait is Quintis Millsaps of Q’s Cleaning Service outside of Chicago. He will travel to another city at his own expense to learn from someone more knowledgeable in a given subject. He then goes back to his crew and implements these Custodial Best Practices. His greatest asset is that he freely shares his knowledge and expertise with others. He has travel to various training sites with me including Puerto Rico and several states at his own expense to share his knowledge and passion. Thanks Q for all you do to further the industry. You are the epitome of a Cleaning Professional.

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 12/14/2017