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10 Questions with an Industry Professional
 Meet
Lois Menzel 1. When did you get started in our industry
and how/why?
I started cleaning part time in 1997 - in addition to a full time job -
to pay for my daughter’s college education. I cleaned a local women’s
spa a few hours a day, six days a week.
After leaving there, I worked for, and supervised for two local cleaning
services.
When the position at my full time job was eliminated, I gradually made
the transition to working for myself.
2. What do you find to be your biggest challenge on a daily basis?
My biggest challenge on a daily basis is the workload.
I have a couple part time employees. However, I still clean an average
of 30 hours a week myself.
Then I have to do the paperwork, launder rags and mop heads, get
supplies, etc., etc.
3. If you could personally change one thing about our industry, what
would it be and how would you change it?
The profit margin. It’s a complex problem that doesn’t have a simple
solution.
4. If there was one daily or weekly task that you wish you could
assign to someone else, what would that task be and why?
I would have someone else deliver clean rags, mop heads and supplies to
the accounts. It would give me more time.
5. If you had a crystal ball, where will our industry be in 20 years?
I think there will be more green cleaning.
6. How do you manage the balance between having a business and having
a life?
I don’t know as I manage a balance. Most days, things are done on a
priority basis and sometimes that doesn’t leave much time for a life.
7. Give us 3 essential core values that govern your business ethics
and that you use as the basis for operating your company.
Trustworthy
Conscientious
Hard working
8. If you had the financial opportunity to expand tomorrow, what
would you do? Add on new services? Acquire a competitor? Expand your
territory? Other?
I would buy the equipment necessary to add on floor care.
I would hire a supervisor to help me.
9. How do you feel about the push for Green Cleaning?
I think it is healthier for we who are cleaning, and for our customers.
10. Tell us something about you not related to cleaning.
I love spending time with my children and grandchildren, and gardening.
And on a rare occasion when time permits, I love going to a movie.
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ABOUT
THIS CLEANING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL