Cleaning Business Life

Hosted by Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco

Business Entrepreneurship EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

229

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

🎙 Cleaning Business Life Cleaning Business Life is a podcast for cleaning business owners who want more than tactics — they want clarity. Hosted by industry leaders Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, this show explores the real decisions behind building a sustainable, profitable cleaning company: pricing, leadership, systems, boundaries, and growth without burnout. This isn’t a beginner podcast. It’s for owners and operators who are already in the business and ready to think differently about how they run it. If you’re tired of noise, hustle culture, and surface-level advice — and you want grounded conversations rooted in real industry experience — you’re in the right place. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

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August 19, 2026Episode 22326 min

Cleaning Business Damages — Who Pays When Something Gets Broken? Ep.223

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. If you own a cleaning company long enough, eventually something is going to get broken, scratched, chipped, or damaged. The question is: What happens next? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon breaks down what cleaning business owners need to know about handling damage claims without panicking, immediately admitting fault, or automatically agreeing to buy a client a brand-new replacement. Because a 20-year-old appliance getting damaged doesn't necessarily mean your cleaning company owes the homeowner a brand-new $4,500 appliance. Shannon shares real damage situations she's dealt with over the years and explains why every cleaning company needs a clear process before an accident ever happens. We talk about: • Documenting existing damage with before photos • What cleaning technicians should say when something happens • Why technicians should never promise payment or admit fault on the spot • Creating a damage reporting protocol for your team • Investigating what actually happened • Repair vs. replacement • Determining the value of older items • Protecting your client, your technician, and your company • Why dishonesty after an accident can be a much bigger problem than the accident itself • Building a written damage policy before you need one Accidents happen. Your cleaning company isn't defined by never having a damage — it's defined by how professionally you handle it when one occurs. The best time to write your damage policy is on a calm day, not while you're staring at a $4,500 replacement request. If you are looking for the next part of the conversation, then I suggest Episode 222 — Company Culture with Donny Minchillo . ::: Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

August 15, 2026Episode 22250 min

Ep. 222 | Company Culture That Keeps Great Employees: Leadership, Retention & Growth with Donny Minchillo

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. What does company culture actually look like inside a growing cleaning business—and can it really help you keep great employees? In Episode 222 of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon sits down with Donny Minchillo, owner of Joy of Cleaning, to talk about what he has learned while growing from himself and one cleaner to a team of nearly 30 employees. Donny shares how his approach to company culture has evolved as his business has grown, including why communication and showing up on time matter during the hiring process, how his six-day training process works, and why the first three to six months of employment are so important for retention. They also dig into: • Creating connection when your cleaning technicians work solo • Using regular one-on-one meetings to improve employee retention • Rewarding and recognizing team members • Balancing empathy with accountability • How one “bad apple” can damage an otherwise strong culture • Knowing when it’s time to let an employee go • Maintaining company culture as your business gets bigger • Using technology and data to make better management decisions • Building a business that can eventually operate without the owner Donny also shares his experience buying books of recurring cleaning clients, what cleaning business owners should consider before an acquisition, and how influencer marketing has generated significant revenue for Joy of Cleaning. Company culture isn’t free lunches and team parties. It’s how your people communicate, how leadership responds when something goes wrong, what your company stands for, and whether your employees feel like they’re part of something bigger than the house they’re cleaning that day. If you’re struggling with employee turnover—or preparing to grow your cleaning company beyond yourself—this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Here is the link for Automate Joy https://automatejoy.ai/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTn-c1wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVNNZ2h1UGNDZlhXM2pXbHZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0oXD78wDe0W9jmD_uXluXxDvG11DV5vdDFefmamcnqqwhYdX7McQo3Y_4po_aem__y08euian5OgFGXY_odKgA Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

August 8, 2026Episode 22115 min

Why People Really Book Deep Cleans Ep. 221

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. When most people book a deep cleaning, they're not really paying for spotless baseboards or perfectly folded towels. They're paying for relief. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life , Shannon Miller explores the emotional and psychological side of premium deep cleaning services and why clients often reach out during some of the biggest transitions of their lives. From welcoming a new baby to caring for aging parents, recovering from an illness, downsizing, divorce, or simply feeling overwhelmed, deep cleans are often about much more than cleaning—they're about regaining control, creating peace, and getting a fresh start. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why people really book deep cleans • The difference between maintenance cleaning and premium deep cleaning • Common life events that trigger deep-clean requests • How emotions influence purchasing decisions • Why premium services deserve premium pricing • The importance of boundaries, deposits, and clear expectations • When a one-time client can become a recurring client People rarely book a premium deep clean because they want cleaner baseboards. More often, they're overwhelmed, exhausted, celebrating, grieving, moving, healing, or simply trying to regain control of their homes and lives. Recommended episode: EP 212, Your Customers Don't Pay You for Hard Work. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/19461218-your-customers-don-t-pay-for-you-for-hard-work-ep-212.mp3?download=true If you enjoyed today's conversation, Episode 212 explores one of the biggest mindset shifts every cleaning business owner must make: clients aren't paying for your exhaustion—they're paying for the transformation, peace of mind, and problems you solve. The Contract and Clarity Bundle-Deep Cleanings! https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/the-contract-client-clarity-bundle Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

August 5, 202635 min

From Chaos to Profit | Inside the Structure, Scale & Profit Cleaning Business Academy Ep. 220

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. What does it really take to build a cleaning business that creates freedom, stability, and profit? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life , Shannon Miller takes you behind the scenes of the Structure, Scale & Profit Cleaning Business Academy and shares the philosophy that has helped more than 600 cleaning business owners rethink the way they build their companies. This isn't a conversation about overnight success or weekend hacks. It's an honest look at the systems, leadership, boundaries, and financial principles that help cleaning business owners create businesses that support the lives they actually want to live. In this episode, we discuss: 🧹 Why the academy was expanded to a 180-day program 🧹 The difference between implementation and memorization 🧹 Why structure creates freedom 🧹 Hiring, training, and leadership lessons from sixteen years in the industry 🧹 The hidden costs that prevent cleaning businesses from becoming profitable 🧹 Common mistakes business owners make before they scale 🧹 What more than 600 cleaning business owners have taught us 🧹 Why success looks different for everyone 🧹 The philosophy behind the annual Structure, Scale & Profit scholarship Whether your goal is to hire your first employee, create better systems, increase profitability, or simply build a business that doesn't run your life, this episode is for you. The goal isn't to build the biggest cleaning company possible. The goal is to build a company that creates freedom, stability, profit, and a life worth participating in. https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/scale-up-your-cleaning-business-with-sspcba-academy 🎙️ New episodes of Cleaning Business Life are released every Tuesday and Friday. #CleaningBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HouseCleaningBusiness #BusinessSystems #Leadership #Profit #WomenInBusiness #CleaningBusinessLife Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

August 1, 2026Episode 21923 min

Pepsi vs. Coke — What the Cola Wars Can Teach Your Cleaning Business Ep. 219

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Did Pepsi really win the Cola Wars? If so, why did Coca-Cola remain one of the most recognizable brands in the world? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life , Shannon Miller takes a nostalgic look back at the Pepsi Challenge, the rise and fall of New Coke, and the marketing battle that shaped generations of consumers. From childhood memories of blind taste tests at county fairs to a visit to the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Shannon explores why customers don't always choose products based on price or even taste. Instead, they choose brands based on trust, memories, habit, and emotion. In this episode, we discuss: • The history of Pepsi versus Coke • Why Pepsi often won blind taste tests • What led to the failure of New Coke • The psychology behind customer loyalty • How great brands create emotional connections • Why customers choose one cleaning company over another • The difference between winning the estimate and winning the long-term relationship • What small business owners can learn from one of the greatest marketing battles in American history Whether you own a cleaning company, run a small business, or simply remember the Cola Wars, this episode is a reminder that customers aren't just buying a product—they're buying an experience. Because at the end of the day, your business doesn't have to win every estimate. It needs to become the company people think of first. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another cleaning business owner and leave us a review. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

July 29, 2026Episode 21831 min

When Trust Is Broken: What Every Cleaning Business Can Learn from the Arizona Hospital Housekeeper Case Ep. 218 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. I would lean into your philosophy rather than the crime itself. Here's a Buzzsprout description that sounds like Cleaning Business Life : When a patient enters a hospital, trust is assumed. Patients trust doctors, nurses, technicians—and yes, even the people responsible for keeping their rooms clean and sanitary. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life , Shannon discusses the Arizona hospital housekeeper case that made headlines after an employee was accused of stealing and using a patient's debit card while the patient was receiving medical care. But this isn't an episode about crime. It's about trust. We'll explore why professional cleaners are given access to some of the most private moments in people's lives, the difference between technical training and personal integrity, and why one person's actions can impact the reputation of an entire profession. Whether you own a cleaning company, manage employees, or invite service professionals into your home, this conversation is a reminder that professionalism is built on more than cleaning skills—it's built on character, accountability, and systems that protect everyone involved. In this episode, we discuss: The Arizona hospital housekeeper case Hospital housekeeping vs. residential cleaning Training versus certification Why integrity matters more than technical skill How one bad decision affects an entire industry Building a cleaning company your clients can trust If you're committed to raising the standards of the cleaning industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

July 25, 202625 min

The $1.95 Cookie – A Lesson in Leadership, Verification & Trust | EP 217

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

July 22, 2026Episode 21621 min

Every Business Has a Comforter Problem (And It's Not About Bedding) Ep. 216

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. At first glance, this episode is about comforters, duvets, quilts, and Airbnb bedding. But it quickly becomes something much bigger. After reading more than 70 comments in a Facebook discussion among short-term rental owners, Shannon realized the conversation wasn't really about bedding at all—it was about systems. Every business owner faces small operational decisions that quietly impact labor, training, inventory, customer experience, and profitability. Whether you're running a cleaning company, managing vacation rentals, or leading any small business, the question isn't which bedding system is best. The question is whether your systems are helping your business grow or holding it back. In this episode, Shannon shares practical insights on operational efficiency, scalability, training, and why successful business owners stop asking, "What do I like?" and start asking, "What scales?" If you've ever felt like your business is working harder than it should, this episode will challenge you to identify your own "comforter problem" and begin building systems that buy back your time. Related Episodes: • Episode 214 – Training Day One: What Should It Look Like? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/17006680 • Episode 210 – Culture Starts at the Top (with Paul Germo) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/16855068 • Episode 213 – Interview Red Flagshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/17005765 If this episode brought you value, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another business owner. Those three simple actions help us reach more entrepreneurs who are working to build businesses—and lives—they actually want to participate in. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

July 18, 202657 min

Why We Created CleanCon: The Story Behind the Movement | Ep. 215

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Have you ever wondered how CleanCon came to life? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life , Jamie Runco and Shannon Miller sit down with the four co-founders of CleanCon—Holly Moore, Molly Moran, Drew Larison, and Erin Larison—to share the story behind one of the most exciting movements happening in the residential cleaning industry today. This isn't simply a conversation about a conference. It's a conversation about leadership, collaboration over competition, and building a community where cleaning business owners can learn, grow, and succeed together. In this episode, we discuss: The story behind CleanCon Why collaboration beats competition Lessons learned from launching a sold-out event Building community instead of cliques Leadership, vision, and growing one step at a time Why investing in yourself changes everything Where the residential cleaning industry is headed One of the highlights of this conversation is discussing what may be the next evolution of the cleaning industry. For years, many business owners had to figure everything out on their own. Today, there are more opportunities than ever to learn from experienced professionals, build meaningful relationships, and create businesses that provide freedom, profitability, and long-term legacy. Whether you're launching your first cleaning company or leading a multi-million-dollar operation, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of community and the importance of investing in yourself as a business owner. Interested in attending CleanCon? Learn more at: https://www.mycleancon.com/ Use discount code CLEANINGBUSINESSLIFE to save 10% on your registration. About Cleaning Business Life Cleaning Business Life is the podcast for residential cleaning business owners who want honest conversations about pricing, hiring, leadership, systems, marketing, profitability, and building a business that creates freedom—not burnout. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode is designed to help you build a profitable company, create assets that buy back your time, and build a life you actually want to participate in. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

July 15, 202626 min

Training Day One: What Should It Look Like? Ep. 214

This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Welcome back to Cleaning Business Life! Hiring someone is only the first step. What happens on their very first day can have a lasting impact on whether they become a confident, long-term employee—or start looking for another job before the week is over. In this episode, Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco discuss what a successful first day of training should actually look like. From setting expectations before your new hire ever walks through the door to building confidence, teaching company culture, and recognizing the green flags of a great employee, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. In this episode, we discuss: • What should happen before your employee's first day • Why company culture should come before cleaning techniques • Whether new hires should observe or jump right in • The biggest training mistakes business owners make • The most common mistakes new employees make • The green flags and red flags to watch for • How to end Day One so your employee is excited to come back tomorrow Remember, your goal isn't to create the perfect cleaner on Day One. Your goal is to create someone who feels confident enough to come back on Day Two. Recommended Episodes • Episode 210 – Culture Starts at the Top with Paul Germo • Episode 205 – Stop Being Needed: The Growth Trap That Keeps Cleaning Business Owners Stuck • Episode 207 – Are You Running Your Cleaning Techs... or Are They Running You? If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another cleaning business owner. It helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are working to build profitable businesses, stronger teams, and assets that buy back their time. You can also join the conversation on the Cleaning Business Life Facebook page , where we share additional tips, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights between episodes. You can also learn how to do your own working interviews here: https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/nm0owatg Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out . Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly 📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie