The OctoClean Podcast

Hosted by Matthew Stowe and Greg Stowe

Business

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

With over 30 years experience in the janitorial industry, the Stowe Brothers, Matt and Greg, know what it takes to operate a successful cleaning business. Follow along as they share tips every business owner needs to build a profitable commercial cleaning company.

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46 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 4832 min

When to Hire a Salesperson in Commercial Cleaning

Are you thinking about hiring a salesperson because you need more revenue, but you don’t have a predictable sales pipeline yet? In this episode of the OctoClean Podcast, we break down one of the most important growth decisions for commercial cleaning companies: When are you actually ready to hire a salesperson? We discuss what needs to be in place before making your first sales hire and how to build a system that supports sustainable growth. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and set your salesperson up for success. Join our private community FREE: https://octoclean.mn.co/plans/1994968 Want more? Become an annual member today: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

August 3, 2026Episode 4736 min

How Successful Cleaning Companies Keep Clients Year After Year

LIMITED TIME OFFER (JULY + AUGUST ONLY): Save 20% on your annual OctoClean Media membership using code SUMMER26 at checkout. https://octoclean.mn.co/plans/1503089 In this episode of the OctoClean Podcast, Matt and Greg discuss how successful commercial cleaning companies keep clients year after year by building stronger relationships, improving communication, and creating systems that reduce client turnover. They cover contract renewal strategies, quality control, handling complaints, navigating price increases, and the operational habits that turn satisfied customers into long-term clients. Whether you're trying to reduce cancellations, improve client retention, or build a more stable commercial cleaning business, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 6, 2026Episode 4630 min

From Janitors to Essential Workers: The Rise of Commercial Cleaning In The Pandemic Era

Save 20% using code: SUMMER26 Visit https://octoclean.mn.co/plans/1503089 The commercial cleaning industry changed forever during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, **Matt and Greg Stowe** share how their commercial cleaning business adapted to unprecedented demand, implemented outbreak cleaning protocols, trained teams for high-risk environments, and navigated the challenges that came with one of the most disruptive periods in modern business. Whether you're a commercial cleaning business owner, janitorial contractor, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the strategies that helped cleaning companies survive—and grow—during the pandemic era. Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

June 1, 2026Episode 4529 min

The Secret to Consistent Commercial Cleaning Results (Quality Assurance)

In this episode of the OctoClean Podcast, Matt and Greg unpack the crucial role of quality control in commercial cleaning and why it’s often worth paying a premium for. If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your bid because you fear losing the job, this episode will help you see why a structured QC system is your best long-term investment. They also break down how a well-defined quality control system not only ensures consistent cleaning, but also protects your reputation, reduces rework, and keeps clients happy. We also discuss how a structured QC system creates a clear roadmap for training, so when issues arise, you know exactly what needs to be addressed. Try OrangeQC Today: https://www.orangeqc.com/octoclean/ Join our membership club to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtagA0ufcgj52jdyLa6T-FQ/join Join our private community: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Get our Training Cards: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/cleaning-training-cards Get group coaching and one-on-one consulting with our team: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Connect with Us: Website: https://octocleanmedia.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/octoclean Facebook: https://facebook.com/octoclean Twitter: https://twitter.com/octoclean Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

May 4, 2026Episode 4432 min

Scale Your Cleaning Business Without Burning Out (3 Important Points)

Try Connecteam Today! https://partners.connecteam.com/octoclean-media In this episode, Matt and Greg break down three core talking points to help you scale your commercial cleaning business without getting overwhelmed. They cover scalable pricing, building systems for consistent quality, and stepping into leadership so your business can grow beyond you. You’ll also learn how understanding your numbers and fixing bottlenecks one at a time can unlock sustainable growth. If you’re ready to stop working in your business and start scaling it, this episode gives you the roadmap to do it. Join our membership club to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtagA0ufcgj52jdyLa6T-FQ/join Join our private community: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Get our Training Cards: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/cleaning-training-cards Get group coaching and one-on-one consulting with our team: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Connect with Us: Website: https://octocleanmedia.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/octoclean Facebook: https://facebook.com/octoclean Twitter: https://twitter.com/octoclean Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

April 27, 2026Episode 4333 min

Does Subcontracting Work in the Cleaning Industry? Transitioning from Staffing to Leadership

In this episode, Matt and Greg are happy to have special guest Ricky Regalado of "Clean and Cocktails," Route, The Janitorial Store, and more to share his expertise on the commercial cleaning industry. The discussion explores how subcontracting can be a misunderstood strategy that either accelerates growth or damages a reputation if approached as a staffing solution rather than a leadership decision. Ricky provides a look behind the curtain at his vetting process, emphasizing the importance of treating subcontractors as professional "service partners" who have established business entities and clear leadership. Learn more about Ricky by visiting: https://rickyregalado.com/ Join our membership club to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtagA0ufcgj52jdyLa6T-FQ/join Join our private community: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Get our Training Cards: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/cleaning-training-cards Get group coaching and one-on-one consulting with our team: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Connect with Us: Website: https://octocleanmedia.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/octoclean Facebook: https://facebook.com/octoclean Twitter: https://twitter.com/octoclean Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

April 6, 2026Episode 4234 min

Commercial Cleaning Bidding: Why Pricing by Square Foot Costs You Money!

https://connecteam.com/employee-app-360-funnel/?ref=homepage-hero Are you still pricing commercial cleaning contracts based on square footage alone? In today’s episode, we break down why that approach is outdated and why many cleaning companies are unknowingly leaving money on the table. As expectations from clients continue to evolve, bids are no longer just about a number—they’re about transparency, professionalism, and understanding the real drivers behind cleaning costs. We discuss the biggest misconceptions around bidding commercial cleaning contracts and explain what professional cleaners are doing differently today to protect their margins and win higher-quality clients. Join our membership club to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtagA0ufcgj52jdyLa6T-FQ/join Join our private community: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Get our Training Cards: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/cleaning-training-cards Get group coaching and one-on-one consulting with our team: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Connect with Us: Website: https://octocleanmedia.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/octoclean Facebook: https://facebook.com/octoclean Twitter: https://twitter.com/octoclean Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

March 2, 2026Episode 4124 min

How to Increase Commercial Cleaning Profits (Easy Add Ons!)

Are you looking for ways to increase your commercial cleaning profits without having to find dozens of new accounts? In this episode of the OctoClean Podcast, Matt and Greg dive into the world of specialty cleaning services and show you how easy add-ons can transform your revenue. Many cleaning business owners overlook the goldmine they already have: their current client list. We discuss high-margin services like window cleaning, carpet care, and floor scrubbing (LVT and concrete) that require minimal investment but offer massive returns. Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

February 16, 2026Episode 4028 min

The System Play: Why Franchising Wins in Commercial Cleaning

Investing in a franchise system significantly increases the likelihood of success in commercial cleaning. Why? Because it eliminates the guesswork and replaces it with proven processes. In this episode, Matt and Greg sit down with Matt from @CommercialCleaningCEO to discuss how established systems help franchisees secure accounts, manage overhead, and operate within clear standards designed for long term profitability. The conversation also highlights the key factor behind franchise success: adherence to the system. Franchise systems deliver results when owners follow the processes, uphold brand standards, and meet their contractual obligations. For anyone exploring commercial cleaning franchising, this episode offers a candid look at why alignment with a proven system is often the difference between struggle and sustainable growth. Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

February 11, 2026Episode 3926 min

The Psychology of Pricing Why Clients Say Yes or No

Pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about psychology. In this episode, we break down why clients say yes (or no) to your pricing and how perception, framing, and behavioral triggers influence buying decisions. You’ll learn the difference between cost and value, how anchoring and framing make your quotes feel more reasonable, and how to use urgency, scarcity, or social proof without sounding salesy. Whether you run a cleaning business or sell services of any kind, this conversation will help you present pricing with confidence, increase quote acceptance, and stop competing on price alone. Drop your pricing challenges in the comments, subscribe for more business psychology insights, and check out OctoClean Media for tools and education to help your business grow. Join our private community: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Get our Training Cards: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/cleaning-training-cards Get group coaching and one-on-one consulting with our team: https://www.octocleanmedia.com/memberships Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube