True Grime Stories

Jeannie Henderson

Welcome to "True Grime Stories", hosted by residential cleaning business coach and entrepreneur, Jeannie Henderson. Each episode, we'll unravel a new tale of transformation, from grimey mess to great success, as we meet cleaning business owners who have scrubbed their way to the top. Join us as we uncover the secrets of success and inspire others.

  1. 3D AGO

    9: How Veranice Scharb Tripled Her Cleaning Business Through Smart Marketing

    “You need to face the fear.” -  Veranice Scharb Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with Veranice Scharb to talk about how marketing became the turning point that helped her triple her cleaning business. Veranice shares her journey from feeling stuck and uncertain about marketing to finally understanding how consistent, intentional marketing could drive real growth. We talk about the mindset shifts she had to make, the fears she had to overcome, and the specific changes that allowed her business to scale. Veranice opens up about why waiting for referrals alone wasn’t enough and how learning to show up confidently in her marketing changed the way customers saw her business. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident. With the right strategy, clarity, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone, marketing can become one of the strongest tools in building a sustainable and profitable cleaning business. ⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS Marketing is not optional if you want to grow — it is a growth driverConsistency in marketing builds trust and visibility over timeOvercoming fear around marketing is often the first real breakthroughReferrals alone can limit growth without a clear marketing strategyConfidence in your message directly impacts how customers perceive your valueLearning and adjusting your marketing approach leads to scalable resultsThe right marketing efforts can unlock faster, more intentional business growth Guest’s Information: Learn more about Nice Maids cleaning Services LLC at http://nicemaidscleaning.comCBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

    35 min
  2. JAN 28

    8: The Best of TGS: Freedom in Business with Theresa Kolbus

    This episode is part of our Best of True Grime Stories series, where we’re re-sharing some of the most loved and impactful conversations from the podcast. "My goal wasn't just a million-dollar business. My goal was freedom." – Theresa Kolbus Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this exciting episode of True Grime Stories, we dive deep into the journey of Theresa Kolbus, the inspiring owner of Dust Devils, a cleaning business based in Indianapolis. Theresa shares how she went from juggling two jobs as a bartender and cleaning business owner to transforming her business into a thriving, remote-operated company. She now lives a nomadic lifestyle, managing her business from the road in her RV. Join us as Theresa reveals the pivotal changes she made, particularly in mastering her business numbers and implementing systems that allowed her to achieve true freedom, both financially and personally. Key Takeaways: In 2018, Theresa joined Cleaning Business Fundamentals (CBF), which gave her the systems and confidence she needed to grow her business and hire staff.By 2021, Theresa was successfully running her cleaning business remotely while living a nomadic life, traveling the country in her RV.Theresa emphasizes the importance of tracking key business metrics, or as she calls it, the "snapshot" system, which helps her stay on top of daily operations even while on the road.Creating systems for everything in her business, particularly for managing staff and tracking financial numbers, has allowed her to achieve freedom from day-to-day operations. Guest’s Information: Learn more about The Dust Devils at http://indydustdevils.comCBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

    35 min
  3. JAN 13

    7: Jeannie Henderson Finding Fortunes in your Feedback

    “I want you to look at every single piece of feedback as a gift.” - Jeannie Henderson Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this special solo episode of True Grime Stories, I share a powerful talk I originally delivered at a Cleaning Business Fundamentals retreat—one that has continued to resonate with cleaning business owners for years. I dive deep into how customer feedback, especially complaints, can become one of the most valuable growth tools in your business. Drawing from my background in franchising and over a decade of experience growing Jeannie Cleaning, I explain why feedback isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. I challenge the belief that “no news is good news” and reframe complaints as gifts that reveal what your customers truly want. I also introduce my simple three-step Feedback Gift Formula—Respond, Recover, Repair—to help you turn negative experiences into stronger customer relationships, higher retention, and real financial growth. This episode is about shifting your mindset: moving from frustration to curiosity, and from avoidance to intentional listening. When you truly hear your customers, you unlock loyalty, referrals, stronger teams, better marketing, and long-term success. ✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS Feedback is a gift, not a failure—it shows you exactly how to improve.Only a small percentage of unhappy customers complain, but many more feel the same way.Asking for feedback consistently leads to higher satisfaction and loyalty.The Respond, Recover, Repair method turns complaints into trust-building moments.Listening to feedback can significantly increase retention, referrals, and revenue.Positive feedback is a powerful marketing and team-building tool.Businesses that actively seek feedback grow faster and stronger over time. Guest’s Information: Learn more about Jeannie Cleaning at https://jeanniecleaning.com/CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson House Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Owners, Residential Cleaning, Cleaning Industry, Scaling a Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Growth, Leadership, Mentorship, Cleaning Business Fundamentals, Cleaning For A Reason, True Grime Stories Podcast

    31 min
  4. 2025-12-30

    6: The Best of TGS Debbie Sardone

    This episode is part of our Best of True Grime Stories series, where we’re re-sharing some of the most loved and impactful conversations from the podcast. "We assume nobody really understands our unique challenges. And we're incorrect. Thankfully, there's so many ways that you can find help and you should." - Debbie Sardone Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with the inspirational Debbie Sardone to discuss the power of confidence and community in growing a successful cleaning business. Debbie shares how being "three feet from gold" applied to her cleaning business in the early days and to cleaning business owners who may feel stuck or on the verge of giving up. She talks about her personal journey, the importance of building a supportive community, and how taking action, even when it's uncomfortable, can lead to explosive business growth. Learn how to harness the confidence to push through challenges and embrace the support of others who understand your unique struggles as a cleaning business owner. Key Topics: Finding the confidence to grow your cleaning businessThe power of community in business successStrategies for getting unstuck and moving forwardOvercoming obstacles with the right mindsetWhy persistence is key in the cleaning industry Guest’s Information: Cleaning Business Fundamentals (CBF): A program that has helped countless cleaning business owners scale and succeed. Strategies for improving business systems and team management.Learn more at https://debbiesardone.com Take Action: Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Visit https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie to get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Follow Us: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

    55 min
  5. 2025-12-16

    5: Karen Marquardt on Losing—and Finding—Her WHY to Save Her Business

    “When your heart isn't in it, then bad things start to happen” - Karen Marquardt Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this episode of True Grime Stories, I had the privilege of talking with Karen Marquardt, owner of Simply Tidy Cleaning in Minnesota. Our conversation was powerful, emotional, and deeply inspiring. Karen shared the real story behind her journey — raising children with special needs, supporting her husband through multiple surgeries, and building her cleaning business from the ground up. For years, she pushed forward with dedication, but eventually she realized something had changed: she had lost her passion and her “WHY.” As she opened up about this season of disconnect, I could feel how heavy that experience had been. But what moved me most was how she found her way back — through reflection, prayer, honesty with herself, and a willingness to rebuild from the inside out. When Karen reconnected with her original mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, everything shifted. Her team became stronger. Accountability improved. Joy came back. And with renewed purpose, her company experienced incredible growth — nearly 50% in just six months. Karen’s story is a beautiful reminder that when we lead with heart and stay rooted in our WHY, both our business and our lives transform. I left this interview inspired, and I know our audience will feel the same. ✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS Reconnecting with your WHY can change everything. Hearing Karen rediscover the heart behind her business reminded me how powerful purpose is in shaping our daily decisions and long-term growth. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Karen’s years of pushing through without pause showed how burnout can quietly steal joy — and how important it is to stop, breathe, and realign. Honesty with yourself creates space for new growth. Karen’s willingness to admit she had lost her passion became the starting point for her comeback. Accountability brings confidence back into your team. Once she reconnected with her mission, Karen began holding stronger boundaries, improving communication, and setting clear expectations — and her team rose with her. Leading with heart builds a business people want to be part of. Her renewed passion not only strengthened her culture but also contributed to nearly 50% growth in six months. Your story — even the difficult chapters — can fuel someone else’s hope. Karen’s openness reminded me that vulnerability is a gift to every business owner who feels lost or unsure. Guest’s Information: Learn more about Simply Tidy Cleaning at https://www.simplytidyclean.com/CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

    26 min
  6. 2025-12-02

    4: Eric & Debbie Emms Reveal How Couples Can Thrive in Love and Business

    “Your marriage always comes first. You always have to put your other person as a priority”. - Debbie Emms “You gotta take one rung of the ladder at a time, but you have to keep moving forward. You have to take action”. - Eric Emms Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Eric and Debbie Emms, who share what it’s really like to build, run, and grow a cleaning business together. From navigating role clarity to balancing marriage and work, Eric and Debbie reveal how they turned partnership into their greatest business advantage. They open up about the realities of running a company with your spouse — the challenges, communication hurdles, and unexpected benefits — and how aligning strengths transformed both their relationship and business. Their story shows that when two people share a vision, a mission, and a marriage, the business can grow stronger than ever. ⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Working With Your Spouse Is a Strength — If You Build It Intentionally Eric and Debbie explain how clear expectations and defined roles reduce conflict and increase productivity. 2. Communication Is the Foundation They share how open, honest communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps both marriage and business healthy. 3. Play to Each Other’s Strengths Success comes from dividing responsibilities based on natural skills, not preference or convenience. 4. Personal Growth Fuels Business Growth The Emms highlight how working together forced them to grow individually, which strengthened their leadership. 5. Your Marriage Can Become a Business Superpower Trust, shared vision, and loyalty create a strong foundation — allowing the business to weather challenges more smoothly. 6. Boundaries Matter They reveal how setting limits between “work time” and “life time” protects their relationship while keeping the business efficient. Guest’s Information: Join The Couples Blueprint at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Vnq1s_u4TiOieet6vjlU-Q#/registrationLearn more about Rise and Shine Cleaning Service at https://shine-this.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.emms.976376         https://www.facebook.com/debbie.emms.2025CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson Keywords: House Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Owners, Residential Cleaning, Cleaning Industry, Scaling a Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Growth, Leadership, Mentorship, AI Marketing, SEO for Cleaners, Team Building, Podcast, True Grime Stories Podcast

    46 min
  7. 2025-11-18

    3: My Top 10 Takeaways from Interviewing 52 Cleaning Business Owners

    “Every successful business has a grime story — it’s how you rise from it that counts.” - Jeannie Henderson Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: After interviewing 52 cleaning business owners from across the country, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned from their incredible journeys. From shifting my mindset and letting go of control to building strong systems, pricing correctly, and trusting my team — I discovered the common threads that transform everyday cleaning businesses into thriving, scalable enterprises. In this special episode, I share the most powerful takeaways that every cleaning entrepreneur can relate to — whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level. Tune in to hear how these lessons can help you clean up your business, reclaim your freedom, and fall back in love with your purpose. 🧩 Key Topics & Takeaways Mindset Matters: Success starts with what you believe about yourself.Letting Go to Grow: Why releasing control opens the door to expansion.Systems = Sanity: How clear processes turn chaos into calm.Your Team Is Your Superpower: Investing in people builds long-term success.Know Your Numbers: Financial clarity creates freedom and profit.Price for Profit: Charging what you’re worth changes everything.Delegation Is Your Lifeline: Stop doing it all — start leading.Coaching & Community: Why you can’t grow alone.Your Grime Story Matters: Struggles are what shape real success.No One-Size-Fits-All: Build a business that works for you. Guest’s Information: Learn more about Jeannie Henderson Consulting at https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsultingLearn more about Jeannie Cleaning at https://jeanniecleaning.com/CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

    29 min
  8. 2025-11-04

    2: Leanna Whyte: Flipping the Switch on Fear and Finding Growth Strategies

    “One of my flaws, I compare myself to others… When can I be there? Why, why am I not there yet?”- Leanna Whyte Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business. Episode Summary: In this episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with Leanna Whyte, owner of Sparkling Green Cleaning Services , who shares her journey of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and comparison to build the thriving business she has today. Leanna opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her stop letting fear hold her back—from stepping into leadership with confidence to learning that growth starts when you take brave action despite uncertainty. Through her story, listeners will discover how faith, courage, and personal growth can transform not just a business, but the person behind it. Leanna’s message is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from avoiding fear—it comes from moving forward through it. 💡 Key Topics Overcoming fear and self-doubt as a business ownerTurning challenges into opportunities for personal growthThe importance of faith and mindset in business successHow comparison can stall growth—and how to rise above itBuilding confidence and courage through daily actionsShifting from fear-based decisions to empowered leadershipFinding peace and purpose in your entrepreneurial journey Guest’s Information: Learn more about Sparkling Green Cleaning Services at www.sparklinggreen.caCBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work. Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights Connect with Jeannie: Website: jeanniehenderson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehendersonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson House Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Owners, Residential Cleaning, Cleaning Industry, Scaling a Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Growth, Leadership, Mentorship, AI Marketing, SEO for Cleaners, Team Building, Podcast, True Grime Stories Podcast

    53 min

About

Welcome to "True Grime Stories", hosted by residential cleaning business coach and entrepreneur, Jeannie Henderson. Each episode, we'll unravel a new tale of transformation, from grimey mess to great success, as we meet cleaning business owners who have scrubbed their way to the top. Join us as we uncover the secrets of success and inspire others.