If you’ve ever searched for a cleaner near me or wondered what it takes to run a successful commercial cleaning business, you’re not alone. The demand for reliable, high-quality cleaning services — especially in the office clean sector — is stronger than ever. But what separates a cleaner from a business owner? The answer lies in one powerful principle: leverage.
At the 2024 ACTIONcoach conference, Brad Sugars, founder of the global business coaching brand, delivered a standout talk on leverage. His message was simple but powerful: “Do the work once, get paid forever.” For Urban Clean franchisees, this isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s the foundation of how we build scalable, sustainable businesses in the commercial cleaning industry.
Why Leverage Matters in Commercial Cleaning
Let’s start with what leverage actually means. In traditional employment, you do the work once and get paid once. That’s the employee mindset — trading time for money, day after day. It’s honest work, but it has a ceiling. You’re constantly starting from zero, and your income resets every Monday.
But Urban Clean was built to help you escape that cycle. As a franchise owner, you’re not just cleaning — you’re building a business. And that business is powered by leverage.
In the Urban Clean model, leverage starts with client loyalty. Commercial cleaning isn’t a one-off service — it’s a recurring need. Offices don’t stop needing to be cleaned. Once you secure a client, they’re likely to stay with you for years. That means you do the work once — sign the contract, onboard the client — and get paid again and again as you deliver consistent service. The effect is cumulative. Every new client adds to your monthly revenue, and you’re not starting from scratch each week.
This is the genius of Urban Clean’s franchise system. You’re not just cleaning — you’re building a portfolio of loyal clients who generate ongoing income. That’s leverage.
The Three Levels of Work: From Cleaner to Owner
Brad Sugars outlined three levels of work in a business: employee, manager, and owner. Urban Clean’s systems are designed to help you move through these levels quickly and effectively.
- Employee Work: This is where most people start — doing the cleaning themselves. You do the job, you get paid. But it’s limited. You’re trading time for money, and there’s only so much time in a day. If you’re searching for a cleaner near me, you’re likely hiring someone at this level.
- Manager Work: This level involves overseeing operations — recruiting staff, managing schedules, handling client communication. It’s a step up, but it still requires your daily involvement. The beauty of Urban Clean is that much of this is already systemised. Our recruitment tools, training programs, and operational support mean you don’t have to build these systems from scratch. You can step into a manager role with confidence and support.
- Owner Work: This is where the magic happens. Owner work means building a business that runs without you. You focus on growth, strategy, and client relationships. You do the work once — like setting up a new client or hiring a great team — and the systems keep it running. Urban Clean’s model is designed to help you reach this level faster. With our proven systems and support, you can work on your business, not in it.
Why Urban Clean Is Built for Leverage
Urban Clean isn’t just a cleaning company — it’s a business growth platform. We’ve spent years refining systems that allow franchisees to scale efficiently. From automated quoting tools to client onboarding templates, everything is designed to help you maximise leverage.
And the market is built for this. Offices need cleaning — forever. It’s not a trend or seasonal. It’s essential. That means your business has built-in demand. You get a customer once, and if you deliver quality service, they’ll keep coming back week after week, year after year.
This is especially true in the office clean sector, where consistency and professionalism are key. Businesses rely on their cleaning providers to maintain a healthy, productive environment. Urban Clean franchisees are trained to deliver that standard — and our systems make it easy to do so at scale.
From “Cleaner Near Me” to Franchise Owner
When someone searches for a cleaner near me, they’re looking for reliability, professionalism, and results. Urban Clean franchisees are positioned to deliver all three — not just as cleaners, but as business owners. Our brand is trusted across Australia, and our franchise model empowers everyday people to build something bigger than themselves.
It’s more than just cleaning offices. You’re building a business that pays you long after the mop is put away. Plus, you’re creating jobs, building client relationships, and growing a brand that stands for excellence in commercial cleaning.
Final Thought: Step Into the Owner Mindset
If you’re still thinking like an employee — doing the work, getting paid once — it’s time to level up. Urban Clean gives you the tools, the systems, and the support to become a true business owner. You’re not just cleaning offices. You’re building a business that pays you long after the mop is put away.
It’s time to step into the owner mindset. Use the leverage. Build the team. Grow the client base. And create a business that works for you — not the other way around.
