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Anago Cleaning Systems announced that it is the first commercial cleaning franchise to earn the GBAC STAR, the highest rating issued by the GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) for ensuring facilities implement strict protocols for biorisk situations.

According to the GBAC website, the GBAC STAR award is the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation. GBAC bases its accreditation program on three main areas: an established and maintained cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like SARS-CoV-2; having proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease; and the use of highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for an outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

“Anago Cleaning Systems is proud to be the first commercial cleaning franchise company in the nation to earn this significant benchmark in biorisk cleanliness and workplace safety,” said Adam Povlitz, CEO and president of Anago Cleaning Systems. “As a leader in the commercial cleaning franchise industry, it is imperative to stay up-to-date with the most advanced and innovative cleaning and disinfection practices and adopt them in our South Florida-based international headquarters.”

Povlitz added that Anago had adopted the GBAC accreditation process into its international master and unit franchise program guidelines. Each business serviced by an Anago franchise is implementing the latest cleaning and disinfectant protocols learned through the COVID-19 experience.

Speaking about the GBAC STAR rating system, John Barret, executive director of ISSA, which oversees GBAC, said the accreditation program is precisely what facilities need to reopen and keep staff, customers, and communities safe. As the only nationwide commercial cleaning franchise to be accredited with the GBAC STAR award, Anago joins high-profile facilities including the Hard Rock Stadium - home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, and the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

“As a COVID-19 frontline industry, Anago was committed through each step of the pandemic by continuing to evolve and implement new disinfecting protocols when they became available. Since its inception, Anago has maintained a firm seat on the cutting edge of new technologies in both cleaning applications and processes, and in customer service as well,” said Povlitz. 

Commercial cleaning is reported to be among a tiny group of industries considered recession and pandemic-resistant franchises for risk-averse entrepreneurs. When faced with other historical global events such as the 2008 financial meltdown and the H1N1 virus, commercial cleaning not only survived as an industry but grew exponentially as the demand increased and stabilized.

At Anago, several growth factors prove the industry’s viability and profitability under global financial or social stress. The first is the number of inquiries for franchise opportunities. During COVID, Anago’s data reported a nearly 200 percent increase in interested franchise candidates. At the same time, franchise openings increased by almost 20 percent, with specialty services such as disinfection programs also increased over 200 percent. These specialty services, which are now being included in COVID-19-inspired contracts, have doubled category sales quickly.