Lessons from Tom Potter, Eagle Boys Founder, at the Urban Clean 2025 Growth Summit
At the Urban Clean 2025 Growth Summit, franchisees didn’t just hear a business talk — they experienced a story that cut straight to the heart of what it means to build something from nothing. Tom Potter, the founder of Eagle Boys Pizza, stood on stage not as a polished success story, but as someone who had been knocked down, humbled, and forced to rebuild. His honesty was refreshing. And his message was exactly what every business owner needs to hear.
Tom didn’t come to talk about the glory days. He came to talk about the collapse — the moment everything he built crumbled beneath him. It’s the part of entrepreneurship most people hide, but it’s the part that teaches the most. When his business failed, he found himself staring at a future he didn’t recognise. But instead of walking away, he made a decision that would define the rest of his career: he chose to pivot.
That pivot didn’t happen overnight. It came from deep reflection, uncomfortable truths, and a willingness to question everything he thought he knew. He had to understand who his customer really was. He had to rethink how he positioned his product. He had to rebuild from the inside out. And in doing so, he discovered something far more valuable than success — he discovered clarity.
The Power of the Pivot
Tom’s story reminds us that business is not a straight line. It’s a winding road filled with unexpected turns, sudden drops, and moments where the path ahead seems to disappear entirely. But the entrepreneurs who thrive are the ones who learn to pivot with purpose. They don’t cling to the past. They don’t freeze in uncertainty. They adapt, adjust, and move forward with intention.
For Urban Clean franchisees, this message is more than relevant — it’s essential. Every franchise owner will face moments where things don’t go as planned. A contract ends. A client’s needs shift. A competitor tries to undercut you. These moments aren’t failures. They’re signals. They’re opportunities to reassess, refine, and rise stronger.
Tom’s journey shows that a pivot isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. It’s the moment you stop reacting and start steering.
Positioning: The Quiet Advantage That Changes Everything
One of the most powerful lessons Tom shared was the importance of positioning. He realised that success isn’t just about having a good product — it’s about making sure the right people understand why it matters. When he repositioned his offering, everything changed. Customers didn’t just buy from him; they connected with him.
Urban Clean franchisees can take this lesson to heart. You’re not simply offering cleaning. You’re offering reliability in a world where businesses are tired of chasing cleaners. You’re offering consistency in an industry where inconsistency is the norm. You’re offering professionalism, communication, and peace of mind.
When you position yourself as the partner who removes stress from a business owner’s life, you stop being “another cleaner” and start being the solution they’ve been searching for. That shift in perception can transform your entire business.
Knowing Your Customer Is Knowing Your Power
Tom’s turning point came when he stopped assuming what customers wanted and started listening. Truly listening. When he understood their frustrations, their priorities, and their expectations, he could finally deliver something that resonated.
Urban Clean franchisees who take the same approach unlock a different level of success. Business owners want cleaners who show up. They want communication they can trust. They want quality they don’t have to chase. They want someone who makes their life easier, not harder.
When you understand their world, you become more than a service provider — you become the person they rely on. And once you become that person, your business becomes unstoppable.
Failure Isn’t the End — It’s the Beginning of Something Bigger
Tom’s message wasn’t about avoiding failure. It was about embracing it. Every challenge you face as a franchisee — every tough month, every lost client, every moment of doubt — is shaping you into a stronger business owner. The people who succeed aren’t the ones who never fall. They’re the ones who rise with more clarity, more purpose, and more determination than before.
Urban Clean was built on that spirit. Your cleaning franchise grows on that spirit. Your future depends on that spirit.
Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of the journey toward it. It’s the moment that forces you to grow, to rethink, to evolve. And often, it’s the moment that leads to your greatest breakthrough.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Tom Potter’s story is a reminder that the most powerful transformations often begin in the darkest moments. If you’re an Urban Clean franchisee, you’re already on a path built for growth — with systems, support, and a community behind you. But the mindset? That’s yours to build.
You have the tools. You have the model. You have the opportunity. What you need now is the belief that you can pivot when needed, position yourself with confidence, and understand your customer better than anyone else.
Never let a setback convince you that your story is over. Because like Tom, your greatest chapter may begin the moment everything feels like it’s falling apart.
And when you rise — you rise stronger, smarter, and more unstoppable than ever.
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.
