Cleaning Processes with Jerry

Hosted by Jerry Bauer

Business Management Education

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Hospitality Cleaning 101 Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to chemical and cleaning solutions in the hospitality industry. I'm your host, Jerry Bauer, a 35-year veteran in the field, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and experience with you. In each episode, we'll explore innovative solutions and processes that can help you save time, effort, and money in your cleaning operations. From the latest trends to time-tested techniques, we'll cover it all. So tune in every other week and join me as we dive into the world of cleaning. And if you love the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, like, and share. Your support means the world to us. Let's get started!

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46 recent

May 18, 202629 min

You've Got a Great Product to Sell... Now What-Jay Skinner, Integrity Commercial Products

Jay Skinner came to Cleaning Processes with Jerry through a referral from Brad Anderson at Royce Rolls — if you haven't heard Brad's episode yet, go back two and check it out.Jay is the Marketing & Sales Manager at Integrity Commercial Products, the proprietary product arm of Integrity Rotational Molding. Owner Terry Stemple — 25 years in custom rotational molding — brought Jay in last June to launch a line of heavy-duty waste receptacles, tilt trucks, and dunnage racks built to NSF, USDA, and FDA standards. Jay spent 30 years in plastic pallets before this, including a startup called Stratus Plastic Pallets that owned the URL pallets.com back in 1993, before most people knew what a URL was.What we covered:Why Jay scrapped the direct-sales playbook and went all-in on manufacturer's repsThe 85 booth swipes at ISSA Vegas that completely rewired his go-to-market planThe structure: manufacturer → rep → distributor → end user, and who pays whoHow he built the rep network region by region — Buzzeo and Associates in the Midwest, Lifespace Innovation Group on the East Coast, Genesis Supply in Florida and the Caribbean, Durable Safety Products in the Southwest, RPM Co. across Texas and the Plains, and Clint Close in IowaWhy regional relationships and "the language" of a territory matter more than most manufacturers thinkBuilding a website where reps and customers can grab brochures without playing "go fish" with their suppliersTerry Stemple's working definition of integrity: "What you do when nobody's watching."Quick note from Jerry: I had to wrap this one a little faster than I wanted — I was in a rented studio, and the next session was knocking at the door. Jay was a good sport about it, and he'll be back on the show down the road for the longer version of this conversation.Connect with Jay: Jay Skinner, Marketing & Sales Manager Integrity Commercial Products, Plainfield, IN Cell: 317.922.7526 | Work: 317.837.1960 ext. 210 JSkinner@ICP-Sales.com IntegrityCommercialProducts.comGot a story worth telling in cleaning? I'd love to have you on. Drop me a line — the door is always open.Head over to HospitalityCleaning101.com and check out the new resources page while you're there.Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

April 13, 202628 min

Who Squeezed My Lemons? Turning Grit, Risk, and Real-Life Lessons Into a Book with Eric Montes

Episode TitleWho Squeezed My Lemons? Turning Grit, Risk, and Real-Life Lessons Into a Book with Eric Montes📄 Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Cleaning Processes with Jerry, Jerry reconnects with longtime industry colleague Eric Montes—chemical‑industry veteran and now author of Who Squeezed My Lemons: 100 Unfiltered Truths About Grit, Risk, and Turning Sour Into Sweet in Business and Life.Eric shares the story behind writing his first book, why he kept the project secret until the final days, and how a single viral LinkedIn post sparked the idea to turn years of personal notes into a published work. He talks openly about vulnerability, authenticity, and why short‑form, straight‑to‑the‑point content resonates in 2026.Jerry and Eric also dig into:How Who Moved My Cheese inspired the structure of the bookThe power of capturing ideas in your phone’s Notes appWhy perfection is the enemy of shipping meaningful workThe emotional side of creating public contentHow Eric’s company, Magnus, built a razor–blade recurring‑revenue model in a commoditized chemical marketThe importance of trust, storytelling, and staying connected with good peopleFollow Eric on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmmontes/🍋 Special Listener GiveawayWant a chance to win a free copy of Who Squeezed My Lemons?Email Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com with the subject line LEMON and you’ll be entered into a drawing to have a copy of the book sent directly to you.Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

March 11, 202634 min

How A Rolling Mop Bucket Sparked A 100-Year Company

We trace the stainless path from a rolling mop bucket to a century-long presence in healthcare and education, guided by end-user feedback and an engineer’s eye for design. Brad Anderson shares how modular carts, autoclavable builds, and a reseller-first approach keep a legacy brand future-ready.• mission to connect the cleaning ecosystem• origin of the rolling ringer mop and down-press design• why 304 stainless steel and how to spot grades• VA partnership history and scope• modular carts, autoclavable options, and retrofits• bestsellers like the TP2 dispenser and F36 cart• direct plus distribution strategy and partner support• culture of long tenure, humility, and shop-floor learning• trade shows as a feedback engine and growth lever• legacy, succession, and a modern 100-year-old startupPlease subscribe, like, and shareIf you have a question that you would like answered on the show, then just please make that request in advanceIf you have any questions, ideas, or comments, or would like to become a guest, please send an email to Jerry at hospitalitycleaning101.comWant to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

January 12, 2026Episode 126 min

Restaurant Cleaning with HD Restaurant Cleaning and Daniel Mejia

Hey everyone, Jerry Bauer here! I'm really excited to share this conversation with Daniel Meija from HD Restaurant Cleaning in Atlanta. Daniel and I dive deep into a topic that's near and dear to my heart - commercial restaurant cleaning that actually makes a difference.I started as a dishwasher in the 1970s, and I've seen firsthand what happens when restaurants cut corners on deep cleaning. Daniel's built something special - a company that goes beyond surface cleaning to tackle what most people miss: behind the equipment, inside the fryers, underneath the hot line, and all those areas that are "out of sight, out of mind."In this episode, we talk about:The difference between janitorial services and true deep cleaningWhy steam cleaning beats pressure washing for commercial kitchen equipmentHow Daniel uses video documentation to show clients results (this is brilliant!)The psychology of clean workspaces and how they impact food qualityBuilding a team that takes pride in overnight cleaning workSmart scheduling strategies for restaurant cleaning programsFront of house cleaning, bar areas, and those sticky-sweet messesHealth inspection preparedness and raising cleanliness standardsDaniel shares his journey from doing one-off jobs to incorporating HD Restaurant Cleaning and growing his team. We also talk about the real cost versus price of cleaning - something every restaurant owner needs to understand.Whether you're a restaurant owner, kitchen manager, or someone in the cleaning industry, this conversation offers practical insights and solutions to help you save time, effort, and money in your operations.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, like, and share. Your support means the world to us and helps us reach more people in the hospitality industry who can benefit from these conversations.Connect with Daniel: HD Restaurant Cleaning Website: hdrestaurantcleaning.com Phone: 404-947-7317 Email: info@hdrestaurantcleaning.comInstagram @hdrestaurantcleaningConnect with Jerry: www.hospitalitycleaning101.com Hospitality Cleaning 101 Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.comThanks for listening!Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

September 30, 20257 min

Beware of Too High Of Percentage Of Solids In Floor Treatment

The meeting focused on the topic of the percentage of solids in floor care products, particularly waxes used on vinyl floors. Jerry Bauer, a senior sales consultant at Chem Station of Boston, addressed common misconceptions about the percentage of solids and provided insights based on his expertise in the chemical and cleaning industry.Key Points DiscussedImportance of Percentage of SolidsThe percentage of solids refers to the proportion of solid material in a liquid or semi-liquid product.This measurement is commonly used across industries, including wastewater treatment, coatings, cosmetics, and floor care.Misconceptions Regarding High Percentage SolidsA common misconception is that a higher solids percentage in floor wax equates to better quality or better performance.Floor care wax percentages typically range from as low as 10-12% up to the high 20s.Contrary to common sales pitches, higher solids content waxes are thicker and more complex to apply evenly.Application and Performance ConsiderationsTo achieve proper coverage (e.g., a total of 100% solids), multiple coats of wax must be applied.Example: A 20% solids wax requires 5 coats for full coverage.A lower percentage wax (e.g., 16-18%) requires more coats (6-10 coats) but may be easier to handle.Higher solid waxes take longer to dry, negating time savings from fewer coats.Using lower-solids wax and applying multiple, thinner coats leads to better leveling and handling.Maintenance BenefitsProper floor maintenance involves stripping and recoating rather than full stripping and re-waxing.Floors can be scrubbed and recoated several times (2-3 cycles) to maintain the finish without full stripping.Thinner coats and more frequent maintenance are more economical and less labor-intensive long term.RecommendationsPrefer waxes in the 16-18% solids range for ease of application and better leveling.Apply multiple thin coats rather than fewer thick coats.Focus on proper maintenance with periodic scrub and recoat cycles, rather than relying on high-solids wax to reduce coats or time.Avoid believing sales claims that higher solids always mean better or faster results.Contact Information and Further EngagementJerry Bauer invited listeners to reach out with questions for future podcasts.Encouraged subscribing, sharing, and engaging with his Hospitality Cleaning blog and online community.Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

August 25, 202531 min

Revolutionizing Laundry: How DEMA’s Aurora Plus Is Changing Chemical Dispensing Forever

In this episode of Cleaning Processes with Jerry, we dive into the future of laundry operations with a groundbreaking innovation: the Aurora Plus from DEMA Engineering. Joining Jerry is Jeff Hamm, Global Electronics Product Manager at DEMA, who brings over 20 years of experience in the chemical service industry. Together, they explore how Aurora Plus is redefining chemical dispensing for large-scale laundry operations in hospitals, hotels, healthcare facilities, and industrial laundries. Jeff shares the story behind DEMA’s evolution, the critical challenges they solved with peristaltic pump technology, and why features like automatic squeeze tube wear compensation, continuous measurement flow meters, and event reporting are set to transform efficiency, reliability, and cost control for operators worldwide. Listeners will also hear fascinating insights into the history of peristaltic pumps—used in life-saving medical devices since the 1950s—and how that same proven technology is now being perfected for modern laundry systems. From reduced calibration hassles to intelligent reporting and remote alerts, Aurora Plus is designed to save time, cut costs, and improve results. If you’re in the cleaning, sanitation, or laundry services industry, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, industry history, and a sneak peek into the future of dispensing technology. Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

June 16, 202523 min

Food Safety With Marcus Washington

SummaryIn this episode of Cleaning Processes, Jerry Bauer interviews Marcus Washington, who shares his journey in the food sanitation and safety industry. They discuss Marcus's educational background, his transition into the chemical sales industry, and the importance of training and customer relationships in the cleaning sector. The conversation also highlights the emphasis on chemical safety and the various roles Marcus has taken on throughout his career, including consulting and managing personal life with farm animals.TakeawaysMarcus Washington has a diverse background in food safety and sanitation.He transitioned from diagnostics to sales of chemicals in the cleaning industry.Training customers on the proper use of chemicals is crucial for success.Chemical safety and proper usage are increasingly emphasized in the industry.Marcus has to wear multiple hats in his current role, as he combines sales and service.Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for achieving long-term business success.The COVID-19 pandemic impacted education and job opportunities in unique ways.Marcus's experience in various roles gives him a holistic view of the industry.He emphasizes the importance of understanding production schedules when recommending cleaning processes.Personal experiences, such as managing farm animals, offer valuable insights into achieving a work-life balance.Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

February 3, 202527 min

Laundry Advice with Kevin Carlson of RJ Kool

Podcast Episode Summary: Cleaning Processes with JerryHost: JerryGuest: Kevin Carlson, Regional Sales Consultant for RJ Cool Commercial LaundryIn this "Cleaning Processes with Jerry" episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Carlson from RJ Cool Commercial Laundry. Kevin shared his journey in the commercial laundry industry, starting from his beginnings in Anchorage, Alaska, to his current role in Nebraska. We discussed the diverse range of industries that require commercial laundry services, from hospitality and healthcare to more unexpected sectors like food processing and fire departments.Kevin provided insights into the longevity of commercial laundry equipment, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance. He noted that a well-maintained commercial washer should last 15-20 years, while dryers can last 25-30 years. We also touched on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the growing demand for laundry services in athletic facilities and private sports academies.Additionally, Kevin highlighted the role of RJ Cool's website in attracting leads and the importance of building relationships in the industry. He also mentioned their upcoming vendor show in Minneapolis, which promises to be an exciting event for industry professionals to see and experience the latest equipment.For those interested in learning more or connecting with Kevin, he encouraged reaching out via email, phone, or LinkedIn. I appreciate our listeners' support and encourage you to subscribe, rate, review, and share the podcast.Key Takeaways:Kevin Carlson's career path and current role at RJ Cool Commercial Laundry.There is a wide range of industries that require commercial laundry services.The expected lifespan of commercial laundry equipment with proper maintenance.The importance of RJ Cool's website and relationship-building in generating leads.Upcoming vendor show in Minneapolis for industry professionals.To connect with Kevin, you can email his @ kcarlson@rjkool.comHis phone number is 402-512-2748www.rjkool.comFor more information, visit Hospitality Cleaning 101. Thank you for tuning in, and stay safe!Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

November 15, 202411 min

Soft Water Equals Hard Savings In Cleaning

In this episode of "Clean Processes," I, Jerry, delve into the topic of water softeners and their significant impact on the cleaning industry, particularly in food service and hospitality. As we observe Veterans Day, I take a moment to honor my father, a World War II veteran, and all those who have served.The discussion is sparked by a recent LinkedIn post showcasing the effectiveness of a descaling product on a commercial dishwashing machine. While I commend the results shown in the before-and-after photos, I emphasize the importance of focusing on the end results rather than just the appearance of the equipment. It's crucial to understand that when purchasing cleaning chemicals, we are ultimately paying for the results they deliver.I share my experiences from my time in the Midwest, where I encountered numerous challenges related to hard water. I explain how collaborating with a local water softening company not only improved the cleaning results for my customers but also fostered a stronger relationship with them. By addressing the root cause of the issues—hard water buildup—we were able to achieve better outcomes, ultimately saving customers money and enhancing their satisfaction.Throughout the episode, I encourage listeners to shift their perspective from merely selling chemicals to providing comprehensive solutions that prioritize results. I invite anyone interested in discussing water softening or related topics to reach out and join me on the podcast.Thank you for tuning in, and a heartfelt Happy Veterans Day to all who have served!Want to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com

August 26, 202424 min

Laundry Consultant Bob Natale Interview About Test Kits

Bob Natale, a veteran in the laundry industry since 1980, leverages his chemistry background to advance chemical analysis techniques. His journey from the textile industry to various critical roles in laundry management has cemented his reputation as a meticulous and trusted advisor. Natale emphasizes the critical role of laundry test kits and thorough water analysis, using tools like the Taylor laundry chemical test kit to ensure accurate chemical dosing and optimal wash processes. His expertise not only aids in precise decision-making but also enhances client trust, particularly in the competitive New York metropolitan area, where accurate chemical analysis can make or break a business.(00:02:22) "Optimizing Laundry Processes with Chemical Test Kits"(00:07:29) Optimizing Laundry Processes Through Chemical Analysis(00:11:59) Optimal pH Levels in Healthcare Linen(00:20:06) Enhancing Proposals with Detailed Titration Analyses(00:23:42) Chemical Industry Mentorship: Bob and JerryTo contact Bob concerning questions, comments, or consulting work please reach him at natalebob@outlook.comTo work with Jerry, please reach out to Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.comWant to level up your operation?Visit HospitalityCleaning101.com — home to 120+ practical, no‑nonsense articles on cleaning, sanitation, and chemical management built specifically for hospitality and food service pros.If you’re looking to break into the hospitality market, check out the consulting page to see how Jerry partners with manufacturers and distributors to build real traction and real revenue.Jerry BauerHospitality Cleaning 101Jerry@hospitalitycleaning101.com