This week, we’re flipping the script.

In this unique episode of The Profitable Cleaner Podcast, James Harper isn’t hosting—he’s the guest. Originally recorded on Dan and Lexi Schindler’s show, The Cleaning Hustle Podcast, we’re bringing you this candid conversation because it’s packed with lessons you need to hear.

From the truth about “cheap labor” VAs to how to create a culture of loyalty, performance, and trust across borders—this conversation is a masterclass in building virtual teams the right way.

🎙 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• ✅ Why hiring a $3/hour VA is usually a huge mistake
• ✅ How to build a remote culture that actually sticks
• ✅ The real difference between hiring freelancers vs. a fully supported agency
• ✅ What every cleaning company (and every business) should know about virtual staffing
• ✅ How Power Placing grew from an experiment into a proven model
• ✅ Why treating virtual talent like real team members is the ultimate competitive advantage

👋 About This Episode:
This conversation was first released by The Cleaning Hustle Podcast (hosted by Dan & Lexi Schindler). James sits down with them to talk openly about entrepreneurship, remote work, and building a business with purpose.

🔗 Explore More:
• Learn more about Power Placing & Browse vetted VA profiles → www.powerplacing.com
• Connect with Dan & Lexi → The Cleaning Hustle

👇 Watch or listen now to discover how to rethink virtual hiring and unlock new capacity for your business.

💼 Our Trusted Partners:

• ✅ uSource: All-in-one hub for the facility maintenance industry – Start Free Trial
• ✅ Team Engine: Hire, communicate, and manage your workforce – Learn More
• ✅ Swept: Janitorial software that scales with you – Check It Out

🙌🏼 Join Our Community:

• 🚀 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitablecleaner/
• 📈 Join to be a member to our Profit Advisory Board (Business Growth Community): https://advisoryboard.profitablecleaner.com/

📲 Follow Us:

• 📸 Instagram → @profitablecleaner - https://www.instagram.com/profitablecleaner/
• 💼 LinkedIn → The Profitable Cleaner- https://www.linkedin.com/company/profitablecleaner/
• 📘 Facebook → The Profitable Cleaner - https://www.facebook.com/theprofitablecleaner

Text Our Community JOIN today

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Your hosts Mark Anderson, Sharon Cowan CBSE, and Ed Selkow dive into operational efficiency and process improvement in this episode of Polishing Profits.

If you think standard operating procedures (SOPs) are only for big companies, think again. Whether you’re a solo operator or managing 100 people, clear, documented workflows are the backbone of quality, consistency, and growth.

From onboarding and training to inspections and customer follow-ups, SOPs are what keep your company out of the horror stories - and off the client chopping block.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• ✅ Why “winging it” costs you time, money, and reputation
• ✅ How to start building SOPs (without feeling overwhelmed)
• ✅ The 3-legged stool of operations, finance, and HR—and how to keep it balanced
• ✅ Why documented processes create predictable outcomes
• ✅ The magic question never to ask your customers
• ✅ How to create checklists, scorecards, and accountability loops

📌 This Episode Is For:

• ✔️ Cleaning company owners tired of constant chaos
• ✔️ Operators struggling to scale and delegate effectively
• ✔️ Managers ready to improve training and accountability
• ✔️ Anyone who wants to build a business that works without them

🕒 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Why small companies need processes too
02:35 – The domino effect of poor workflows
04:23 – The 3-legged stool of sustainable growth
06:09 – Defining quality and standard operating procedures
08:04 – The right (and wrong) ways to talk to clients
10:10 – Final thoughts and next steps

📌 Resources:
➡️ Catch up on previous episodes of Polishing Profits here:
The Profitable Cleaner Network

🔗 Where to Find Your Hosts

• Sharon Cowan, CBSE – LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
• Mark Anderson – LinkedIn
• Ed Selkow – Facebook

About Polishing Profits

Polishing Profits is hosted by three of the most respected leaders in the janitorial industry—Mark Anderson, Sharon Cowan, and Ed Selkow. With over 140 years of combined experience, they’ve built and scaled cleaning companies, coached hundreds of owners, and helped countless teams grow stronger.

Every episode delivers real stories, actionable strategies, and tools to build a cleaning business that thrives.

Produced by The Profitable Cleaner Network

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Success in business isn’t just about tactics—it’s about perspective, resilience, and the mindset you build when everything is on the line.

In this episode, James sits down with Danny Keels—janitorial sales leader, Army veteran, and seasoned entrepreneur—to unpack an incredible journey from combat zones in Somalia to closing multi-million dollar contracts in the cleaning industry.

Danny shares:

• The life-changing lessons he learned serving in Somalia
• How military discipline shaped his approach to sales
• The power of persistence when clients say “no”
• Why authentic relationships—not the cheapest bid—win in the long run
• The mindset that keeps him grounded as a father, husband, and professional

If you’re in janitorial sales, leadership, or just trying to build a business that lasts, this episode is packed with hard-won insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Whether you’re scaling past $5M or still landing your first big accounts, this one’s for those who refuse to quit.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• ✅ The unexpected link between military service and business success
• ✅ How to stay consistent when deals take 6–18 months
• ✅ The right (and wrong) ways to approach big RFPs
• ✅ Simple daily habits that build unshakable focus
• ✅ Why “cheaper isn’t better”—and how to prove your value

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

(00:00) – What Clients Really Want (Hint: Not Just Price)
(04:00) – Danny’s Story: From Somalia to Sales
(10:00) – Mindset Shifts That Change Everything
(18:00) – Why Adversity Creates Better Leaders
(25:00) – Building Trust Over Years (Not Weeks)
(35:00) – Overcoming Rejection & Staying Persistent
(45:00) – The Real Definition of Success
(50:00) – Closing Reflections and Final Advice

💼 Our Trusted Partners:

• ✅ uSource: All-in-one hub for the facility maintenance industry – Start Free Trial
• ✅ Team Engine: Hire, communicate, and manage your workforce – Learn More
• ✅ Swept: Janitorial software that scales with you – Check It Out

🙌🏼 Join Our Community:

• 🚀 Facebook Group: Join here
• 📈 Join to be a member to our Profit Advisory Board (Business Growth Community)

📲 Follow Us:

• 📸 Instagram → @profitablecleaner
• 💼 LinkedIn → The Profitable Cleaner
• 📘 Facebook → The Profitable Cleaner

Text Our Community JOIN today

Support the show