The OctoClean Podcast

Hosted by Matthew Stowe and Greg Stowe

Business

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Episodes

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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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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48 recent

November 2, 2026Episode 5033 min

What It Takes to Build a Successful Cleaning Company: The Legacy of Chuck Stowe | Episode 50

Watch The OctoClean Story Here: https://youtu.be/4En2IVW-g40 More than 30 years ago, OctoClean was founded by a man who refused to take no for an answer. From restaurants and catering services to commercial cleaning, Charles "Chuck" Stowe was determined to build something of his own. Through hard work, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to finding a way forward, he laid the foundation for what would become OctoClean. Today, that foundation has grown into a successful commercial cleaning company and franchisor, creating opportunities for hundreds, if not thousands, of people over the years. Through its franchises and OctoClean Media, the company continues Chuck's vision by equipping commercial cleaners with the knowledge, training, and resources to operate at the highest standard. Now, Matt and Greg are at the helm, carrying forward the company they helped build alongside their beloved father. In this special 50th episode of the OctoClean Podcast, we look back on the life, determination, and legacy of the man who started it all: Charles "Chuck" Stowe. 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

October 5, 2026Episode 4933 min

Turn Cleaners Into Leaders: Building a Training Pipeline

Register for CLEAN FORWARD - https://octoclean.mn.co/plans/2000897 Use code EARLYBIRD26 to save! Why do good cleaning employees leave, and what can you do to keep them? In this episode, Greg and Matt discuss how proper employee training can improve quality, build confidence, reduce turnover, and develop future leaders within your cleaning company. They share lessons from OctoClean’s 30 plus years in the industry and explain why training employees for their future, not just their current position, can create a stronger and more successful team. Join our private community FREE: https://octoclean.mn.co/plans/1994968 Support the show Connect with us: Instagram Facebook YouTube

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