Smart Business Moves

Hosted by Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter

Business ManagementInterviews guests

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Episodes

152

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 7, 202633 min

Special ISSA Preview Episode - guest Debbie Sardone - AI Agents for Cleaning Businesses

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter and special guest Debbie Sardone for a preview of Debbie's session coming up at the ISSA Residential convention - The "Paranoid" Advantage: Disrupting the Cleaning Industry with AI Agents. Debbie will show why she treats AI less like a chatbot and more like a 24/7 digital employee, using tools like Manus and ChatGPT to automate hiring memos, win back dead leads, and spy on local competitors. Tune in to see how cleaning business owners can reclaim hours of admin work and gain an unfair advantage in their market.

September 23, 202626 min

Special Episode with Paul Auguste - an ISSA Preview PLUS His New Book

Most cleaning business owners don't have a revenue problem — they have a systems problem. Paul Auguste, founder of a multi-million dollar residential cleaning company, joins us to break down the frameworks that turn hands-on operators into true owners. If you're stuck in the day-to-day, this conversation is your roadmap to scaling without the chaos.

September 15, 202637 min

Special ISSA Preview Episode - Building a Brand that Books Itself - guest Allie Williamson

Pricing and services won't make your business memorable — your brand will. Allie Williamson joins co-hosts Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on Smart Business Moves to show cleaning business owners at the ISSA Show how to build a brand that stands out, earns trust, and drives referrals. From personal vs. company branding to content that converts, this conversation is packed with strategies you can use today.

August 12, 202633 min

Special Episode with Martha Woodward - ISSA Preview - Keep Your People

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter and special guest Martha Woodward for a preview of Martha's session coming up at the ISSA Residential convention - Keep Your People, But With Better Results. And hear them reminisce on the 20+ year history of ISSA Residential, which started as ARCSI, and the evolution of the residential cleaning convention event.

July 28, 20261 hr 5 min

Special Episode featuring Angela Ricketts of Sight Stones and the launch of Never Lose Sight

Join hosts Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter for a special episode of Smart Business Moves featuring Angela Ricketts, who with her husband Matt founded Better Life Home, one of the nation's leading residential cleaning companies, and who also founded the nonprofit Sight Stones. Angela is launching her new book Never Lose Sight in July 2026. Angela shares how profit from a cleaning business can empower community impact, funding vital research for rare eye diseases and reminding business owners that success can be a force for good.

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.