What would be your next move?

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We had a meeting with a larger janitorial company yesterday. They want us to take care of 32,000 sqft on an overnight job. It can be done in multiple nights, and if we can accommodate them, and do quality work, the owner told me they are willing to hand us the rest of their CC needs.

I kinda was taken back when he said they do daily janitorial for over 12 million sqft in multiple cities.

Do we dip our toes in the pond, or go all in and start a commercial division?
 
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AI FredC

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This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for growth. However, there are a few things you may want to consider before making a decision:

1. **Resources:** Do you have enough manpower and equipment to handle a project of this size? If not, would you be able to hire more staff and purchase the necessary equipment without straining your company's finances?

2. **Experience:** Does your team have any experience working on commercial projects? If not, you may need to invest time and money into training your team or hiring experienced employees.

3. **Market Research:** Have you done any market research to determine the demand for commercial janitorial services in your area? If the demand is high, it might be worth investing in a commercial division.

4. **Competition:** What does the competition look like? If there are several other companies offering commercial janitorial services, you'll need to develop a unique selling proposition to stand out.

5. **Contract Terms:** What are the terms of the contract? How much will you be paid and when? How long is the contract for? These are all important factors to consider.

6. **Risk Assessment:** What are the risks involved? If the project doesn't go as planned, how much could this potentially cost your company?

If after considering these factors you decide to go ahead with the project, you could start by dipping your toes in the pond. Take on the 32,000 sqft project and see how it goes. If it's successful and profitable, then consider starting a commercial division. This way, you can test the waters without committing fully from the outset.
 
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aren't you busy enough?
Yes. Between CC’ing, and another business we have, I think it’s time to let go, and see if there are other options to explore.

I’ve got a number of people I’ve been interested in hiring. They work in multiple industries, but I’ve considered them for hire.

I’ve created lists of these individuals.

I’m just wondering if this is the springboard I’ve been looking for…
 

KSL

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I am shocked that a janitorial company cleaning 12 million square/ft of space does not have a dedicated team to handle this job.

That being said it’s a nice weekend job. I wouldn’t be going head first into a new division based upon what he told you.
 
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I am shocked that a janitorial company cleaning 12 million square/ft of space does not have a dedicated team to handle this job
My thoughts exactly. I would think they have a dedicated team that would specialize in this.
As I understand it, he doesn’t want to take people off of their regular duties to ‘do a job they are not experienced of comfortable doing’.

He doesn’t want the headache of purchasing a TM, or maintaining it aswell.

His staff apparently doesn’t like the CC’ing aspect…

Whatever that means.
 

Jim Pemberton

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We had a meeting with a larger janitorial company yesterday. They want us to take care of 32,000 sqft on an overnight job. It can be done in multiple nights, and if we can accommodate them, and do quality work, the owner told me they are willing to hand us the rest of their CC needs.

I kinda was taken back when he said they do daily janitorial for over 12 million sqft in multiple cities.

Do we dip our toes in the pond, or go all in and start a commercial division?

I've seen these things happen in the past

(I've seen everything imaginable and UNimaginable in the past....half century. Damn I'm ancient)

In any event:

Make sure that they pay you well (I'm sure you will), but as importantly, make sure you get paid promptly.

I've seen too many cleaners left holding the ball for large jobs then paid 90-120 days later. Large janitorial firms are notoriously slow in paying.
 
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I've seen these things happen in the past

(I've seen everything imaginable and UNimaginable in the past....half century. Damn I'm ancient)

In any event:

Make sure that they pay you well (I'm sure you will), but as importantly, make sure you get paid promptly.

I've seen too many cleaners left holding the ball for large jobs then paid 90-120 days later. Large janitorial firms are notoriously slow in paying.
We sent in our quote today for the initial job. We also outlined our terms, (net 30). I talked with my supplier today, and he had nothing but positive to say about the company (from what he has heard).

The job is slated for January 2-3-4, possibly the 5th aswell. They are shut down until the 6th.

They’ve asked us to go in and measure and quote another gigantic job. North of 40K.

We will see…
 
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I trade options. Made about $5k this morning in my undies. Then left the house and cleaned a $250 jobber.
My wife thinks you are my spirit animal. I’ve explained the process, and how you have elevated yourself into early retirement. She thinks I should emulate you….
 

Nomad74

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My wife thinks you are my spirit animal. I’ve explained the process, and how you have elevated yourself into early retirement. She thinks I should emulate you….
It's life changing. Now if I could just convince my dad to get a real dentist.

We're heading to Mexico again in a couple of weeks. Staying in El Centro, Ca and crossing into Mexicali.
 

Kenny Hayes

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All those millions of feet and he don’t know about cimexes and op’s. I do get not using jani employees for that, but for that much footage, he could staff that separate. I do. The over night cleaning would be a serious drag! It would be a drag on you too.
 
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All those millions of feet and he don’t know about cimexes and op’s. I do get not using jani employees for that, but for that much footage, he could staff that separate. I do. The over night cleaning would be a serious drag! It would be a drag on you too.
I think they have been running 175’s with Shyte chemistry for 2 decades. And with people that have NO CLUE as to what they are doing….

I’m thinking it’s going to be not only an uphill battle, but a monumental task….

BUT, I love a challenge

It’s time for a purified shower
 

roro

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I kinda was taken back when he said they do daily janitorial for over 12 million sqft in multiple cities.

Do we dip our toes in the pond, or go all in and start a commercial division?
By my reckoning that's about 30 techs, plus you would need supervisors and office staff, and a very supportive bank if you don't have a fat wallet. If you are young enough - go for it.
 
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By my reckoning that's about 30 techs, plus you would need supervisors and office staff, and a very supportive bank if you don't have a fat wallet. If you are young enough - go for it.
This janitorial company has 350 employees. But apparently, NONE of them know how to clean carpet properly.
Funny enough, they advertise ‘carpet steam extraction’, and he told me they use floor buffers to do carpeting.
IDK, we went and took measurements on the city library yesterday for them….
 

Nomad74

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This janitorial company has 350 employees. But apparently, NONE of them know how to clean carpet properly.
Funny enough, they advertise ‘carpet steam extraction’, and he told me they use floor buffers to do carpeting.
IDK, we went and took measurements on the city library yesterday for them….
Maybe get the contract for that one building, then once it's tied up, contact the other business and offer to sub contract for them all the carpet cleaning.
 

Kenny Hayes

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This janitorial company has 350 employees. But apparently, NONE of them know how to clean carpet properly.
Funny enough, they advertise ‘carpet steam extraction’, and he told me they use floor buffers to do carpeting.
IDK, we went and took measurements on the city library yesterday for them….
Steamy hot water in that tank and off they go🤷🏼‍♂️
 
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Steamy hot water in that tank and off they go🤷🏼‍♂️
The jobs we’ve looked at for them look like dog feces. The carpeting is dull looking, lots of stains, and the people complaining of a ‘musty’ smell for a few days after. How’s that even possible if they are using 175’s???
And they they say the stains that are there, have NEVER gone away, it just looks better ‘for a day or 2’.

I think they use inferior chemistry, and don’t bother to even treat the stains.

I think both the clients and the janitorial company are in for a surprise…..
 
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