Smart Business Moves

Hosted by Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter

Business ManagementInterviews guests

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Episodes

147

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Smart Business Moves is a Podcast hosted by Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter. Each week, Tom and Liz interview a professional in the cleaning industry.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 20261 hr 32 min

Protecting Profit in a Shifting Market Part 2

Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter are coming together for a timely conversation about what cleaning businesses should be doing now to prepare for what’s ahead.Designed for residential and commercial cleaning business owners, this event will focus on navigating rising costs, changing consumer behavior, and growing operational pressure before market conditions worsen. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to strengthen profitability, improve operational resilience, and position their businesses for long-term success in an increasingly challenging market.If you were with us through COVID, you know what Smart Business Moves was. Five years. 497 episodes. A lifeline when nobody knew what was coming next. It’s back for one day!

June 4, 20262 hr 14 min

Protecting Profit in a Shifting Market Part 1

March 27, 202556 min

The Final Episode: Reflecting on the Journey & The Future of House Cleaning

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter for one last episode of Smart Business Moves as they look back on the best moments, biggest lessons, and lasting impact of the show. They’ll reflect on how the house cleaning industry has evolved, where it stands today, and what the future holds for business owners, leaders, and innovators. This episode is a chance to celebrate the journey, thank those who made it possible, and share some final words of wisdom. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for a heartfelt farewell and a look at what’s next for the industry.

March 27, 202559 min

ISSA Residential Spring Mastermind: Membership and Upcoming Events

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Libby DeLucien, founder of WootRecruit and a featured speaker at the ISSA Residential Members-Only Mastermind. This episode will explore the key themes of the upcoming event, with a focus on hiring, recruitment, and workforce development in the residential cleaning industry. Libby will share exclusive insights on building a strong team, improving retention, and streamlining the hiring process—critical topics for any business looking to scale successfully. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET to get a preview of what’s in store at the ISSA Mastermind and learn how to take your recruitment strategy to the next level!

March 6, 202559 min

Cleaning for Health: The Science Behind a Safer Clean

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome back RJ Patel for a deep dive into Cleaning for Health—not just appearance. RJ will share insights on how professional cleaning goes beyond aesthetics to improve indoor air quality, reduce infections, and create healthier environments. He’ll also discuss his work with the Infection Prevention Institute and efforts to teach advanced cleaning practices in Fiji and India. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for a thought-provoking conversation on the true impact of cleaning and how it can elevate both your business and your community.

February 27, 202559 min

Winning Recognition: Leveraging Business Awards for Growth

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome a powerhouse panel featuring Joe Walsh of Green Clean Maine, Matt Ricketts of Better Life Maids, and Chris Willatt of Alpine Maids. They’ll dive into the value of business awards—like the Inc. 5000—and how they can be leveraged to elevate your brand, build credibility, and drive growth. Learn how top-performing companies in the residential cleaning industry use awards as a strategic marketing tool to attract clients, retain employees, and position themselves as industry leaders. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for expert insights on making awards work for your business!

February 20, 202559 min

Beyond Cleaning: Turning Business Revenue into New Opportunities

Join Tom Stewart and Ajia Holiday on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Paul Fried, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a strong background in operations, marketing, and growth strategy. With years of experience in both the cleaning industry and business expansion, Paul will share his insights on how cleaning business owners can leverage their revenue to explore new ventures and create additional streams of income. Whether you're looking to scale beyond residential cleaning or diversify your business portfolio, this episode aims to provide practical strategies for making the most of your hard-earned revenue.

February 10, 20251 hr 0 min

Improving Your Hiring Odds: Best Practices for Reducing Risk

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Joe Gelderman, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition and business development. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge in creating effective hiring strategies and reducing risk through innovative assessment tools. Together, they’ll explore how to refine your hiring practices, assess candidates effectively, and build a high-performing team. If you’re looking to take your hiring process to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.

January 30, 202559 min

Unlocking the Mystical Characters: The Manager

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Trent Lowenstein to explore the often overlooked yet crucial role of managers in any business. They’ll discuss who managers are, why they are essential, how to manage them effectively, and what KPIs should be in place to measure their success. Discover why managers are the most valuable players in your business and how to empower them to drive exceptional results. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves!

January 27, 202559 min

Optimize Your Hiring Process: Trends and Tools for 2025

Join Tom Stewart on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as he welcomes Dan Fleisher, hiring expert and leader at HireBus. Dan will dive into the latest hiring trends, highlighting the importance of behavioral fit, the need for speed in the hiring process, and the value of creating candidate-centric hiring practices. If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategy and attract top talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.