Why the right people — and the right system — turn a cleaning franchise into a thriving, self‑running business
When Gary first stepped into the cleaning industry, it wasn’t with the intention of building a business that would one day run without him. It began as a simple side gig, something flexible that fit around his life. But as many Urban Clean franchisees discover, consistency and reliability have a way of attracting opportunity. Before long, clients trusted him, word spread, and the “extra income” idea evolved into a fully-fledged cleaning franchise with real momentum.
What set Gary apart wasn’t just his work ethic—it was the way he built relationships. Clients felt looked after, and that trust became the foundation of his growth. Urban Clean gave him the structure, but Gary brought the heart. That combination turned a modest start into a business with genuine potential.
What set Gary apart wasn’t just his work ethic—it was the way he built relationships. Clients felt looked after, and that trust became the foundation of his growth. Urban Clean gave him the structure, but Gary brought the heart. That combination turned a modest start into a business with genuine potential.
Growing a Team the Right Way
Gary didn’t scale by hiring anyone and everyone. He grew slowly, intentionally, and with a focus on people who shared his values. When he treated his team well, they naturally brought in friends and family who wanted to be part of the same supportive environment. This organic growth created a tight-knit team that cared about the work and about each other.
To maintain high standards, Gary paired experienced staff with new recruits. This buddy system ensured every clean met Urban Clean’s 10/10 expectations and helped new team members feel confident from day one. It also created a culture of mentorship—something that strengthens a cleaning franchise far beyond the early stages.
Leading From the Front (When Needed)
No matter how well a business is structured, life still happens. People get sick, emergencies arise, and schedules shift unexpectedly. Instead of letting clients down, Gary stepped in without hesitation. He filled gaps, covered shifts, and made sure every clean was completed to the standard his clients expected.
This willingness to lead from the front earned him deep loyalty from both clients and staff. His team saw that he wasn’t just a boss—he was someone who had their back. And clients saw that reliability wasn’t just a promise; it was a practice. That kind of leadership is what strengthens a cleaning franchise from the inside out.
From Mop in Hand to Managing a Real Business
As the business grew, Gary’s role naturally evolved. He found himself spending less time on the tools and more time managing the business itself. Instead of racing between sites, he was overseeing client feedback, ensuring compliance, and keeping communication channels open for his team. These are the responsibilities that turn a cleaning job into a cleaning franchise.
This shift didn’t happen overnight, but it marked a major milestone: the moment the business began to operate smoothly without his constant physical presence. Gary had built a system supported by people he trusted, and that allowed him to step into a true leadership role. It’s the kind of transition many Urban Clean franchisees aspire to—and the model is designed to make it achievable.
The Heart of His Success? Treating His Team Like Family
Gary often says that once you have good staff, you can build something meaningful. He treats his team like family, and that sense of belonging has become the backbone of his business. People stay when they feel valued, and they perform at their best when they know their work matters.
This people-first approach is exactly what makes the Urban Clean franchise model so powerful. It’s not just about cleaning buildings—it’s about building a team, building trust, and building a business that can thrive independently. Gary’s journey shows that with the right support and the right mindset, a cleaning franchise can become a long-term, self-sustaining success story.
If You’re Tired of Chasing Cleaners — We’re Here
If you’re a business owner who’s had enough of the stress, the follow-ups, and the uncertainty, we’re here to help. Urban Clean delivers reliable, consistent, high-quality cleaning — without the frustration. Let us take it off your plate so you can get back to running your business. Let us handle the cleaning and take it off your to-do list — just click here!
And if you’re someone who’s ready to take ownership of your future, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re looking for a flexible income or ready to build a business that scales, our cleaning franchise model gives you the tools, training, and support to succeed. Click here to connect with us.
