Cleaning and Cocktails

Cleaning and Cocktails
  • 5.0 (17)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to Cleaning & Cocktails! I’m your host, Ricky Regalado CVO of Rozalado Services, Founder & CEO of Route. In this show, we highlight the cleaning industry by sharing valuable stories, practical tips, and expert insights from cleaning business owners and professionals. Our mission is to elevate the cleaning sector and act as a guiding light for everyone involved. So go ahead and grab your favorite Cocktail or Mocktail and enjoy the show as we dive into discussions that talk about the challenges and successes we all face. Our goal is to unite the community under a shared mission: “We are building a **StrongerTogether Community**.”

  1. My Second Act: The Story of John Ezzo

    MAR 26

    My Second Act: The Story of John Ezzo

    🎙️✨ In this powerful episode of Cleaning & Cocktails, we sit down with industry veteran, global entrepreneur — John Ezzo! 🚀 After decades of building and scaling facility service companies across the U.S., Middle East, and Latin America, John is back in the game. Coming out of retirement, he’s launching a bold second chapter—bringing together world-class expertise, strategy, and execution to reshape commercial real estate management. 💼 As the Founder of Global Facility Advisors and Co-Founder of Rewold & Ezzo Property Management, John is on a mission to make commercial real estate great again—by helping owners increase asset value through smarter operations, integrated delivery, and high-level strategic oversight. 💪 From founding and growing New Image Building Services over 30+ years, to managing iconic properties like Hamad International Airport and Etihad Towers, John has seen every side of the business—and now he’s leveraging that experience to build something even bigger. 🔥 In this episode, John breaks down why he came out of retirement, what he sees broken in today’s property management model, and how his “design-build-manage” approach is changing the game.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why John chose a “second act” instead of staying retired• The future of commercial real estate and property management• How fractional facility leadership is unlocking growth• The power of integrating construction, operations, and long-term management• Lessons from building global companies across multiple decades 🎯 Whether you're a real estate owner, operator, or entrepreneur looking to scale, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and forward-thinking strategies. 🌎 With operations spanning Detroit, Tampa, and globally, John continues to prove that experience—when paired with vision—can redefine an entire industry.Connect with John:🔗 LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/johnezzo-0243687🌐 Website – www.globalfacilityadvisors.com 🚀 Stay tuned for more stories of leadership, resilience, and growth from the frontlines of the commercial cleaning and facility services world. ✅ Don’t miss out on more industry insights and leadership stories – Subscribe now and never miss an episode! 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by:🌐 Route – A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com

    51 min
  2. Rick Schott My Comeback Story

    MAR 5

    Rick Schott My Comeback Story

    🎙️✨ In this powerful episode of Cleaning & Cocktails, we sit down with founder, turnaround CEO, and small business champion Rick Schott! 🚀 With over 35 years of experience in small business, Rick has built, scaled, sold, and—most recently—rescued a 30-year legacy company from near liquidation. As the CEO of Factory Cleaning Equipment, LLC (FCE), Rick led a remarkable comeback in 2025—reacquiring the company’s assets, restoring vendor relationships, and positioning the business for rapid profitability after a sudden ownership shakeup. 💪 When FCE faced dissolution following Jon-Don’s asset sale to Aramsco, Rick didn’t hesitate. Alongside key team members and investors, he stepped in to save the company he originally built—preserving jobs, partnerships, and a brand trusted for decades in the industrial cleaning space. 🔥 Rick also shares how FCE’s Bulldog Scrubber became the official scrubber of the CrossFit Games, showcasing the brand’s resilience and reliability on a national stage. 💡 From startup grit to executive leadership, Rick’s story is a masterclass in controlling your destiny, creating sustainable profitability, and building a company that serves your family—not just shareholders. 🎯 Whether you're a founder navigating growth, a business owner facing adversity, or an operator looking to sharpen your financial focus, this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who’s lived every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. 🌎 Based in Mooresville, NC, Rick continues to lead FCE’s expansion across Aurora, IL and the Charlotte Metro area—proving that resilience, relationships, and relentless focus on profitability win every time. Connect with Rick: 🔗 LinkedIn – Rick Schott 🚀 Stay tuned for more stories of leadership, innovation, and growth from the frontlines of the commercial cleaning and facility services world. ✅ Don’t miss out on more industry insights and leadership stories – Subscribe now and never miss an episode! 🚨 Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr 📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by: 🌐 Route – A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry! Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com

    51 min
  3. Restoration Empire + Tech Startup: My Crazy Journey

    12/23/2025

    Restoration Empire + Tech Startup: My Crazy Journey

    🎙️✨ Get ready for a high-impact episode with a founder building massive value in some of the most overlooked corners of the economy: Alex Duta! 🌟 🚀 In this episode, we sit down with Alex Duta, Founder & CEO of Albiware, a technology company transforming how fire and water restoration businesses operate and scale. With a background that blends construction, restoration, software development, and business strategy, Alex is on a mission to build a billion-dollar company by modernizing industries most people ignore—but that power critical infrastructure. 🏗️ Based in Downers Grove, Illinois, Alex brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience. Before launching Albiware in 2020, he founded and led Romexterra Construction, a fire and water restoration company, giving him deep, real-world insight into the operational pain points contractors face every day. That experience now fuels his tech-first approach to solving industry-wide challenges. 💡 In this conversation, Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey—from freelance web developer to restoration operator to SaaS founder—along with lessons on scaling niche industries, leveraging technology, and building systems that actually work in the field. We also dive into leadership, execution, and why the “boring” industries often hold the biggest opportunities. 🧠 With expertise spanning social media, online advertising, JavaScript, and operations, plus certifications including IICRC AMRT, Xactimate Certified Trainer, and Water Restoration Specialist, Alex sits at the intersection of tech and trades—bridging the gap between software and real-world execution. 🎉 Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on entrepreneurship, vertical SaaS, and how to win big by going where others aren’t looking. 🔗 Connect with our incredible guest:📍 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsalexduta🌐 Linktree – https://linktr.ee/itsalexduta ✅ Don’t miss out on more industry insights and founder stories — Subscribe now and never miss an episode! 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by:🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com

    1h 4m
  4. The Future Of Building Maintenance, Sky Pro®️

    11/07/2025

    The Future Of Building Maintenance, Sky Pro®️

    🎙️✨ In this high-flying episode of Cleaning & Cocktails, we sit down with visionary entrepreneur and industry innovator Mick Lange, the Founder and CEO of SkyPro! 🌟 🚀 For over 18 years, Mick has led SkyPro — a St. Paul–based company revolutionizing automated window and exterior cleaning systems. From designing game-changing technology to transforming safety and efficiency standards in building maintenance, Mick has turned a bold idea into a nationally recognized brand that’s helping companies work smarter, cleaner, and safer. 🧠 With nearly two decades at the helm, Mick shares how to:→ Build and scale a business in a highly specialized niche→ Leverage technology to create long-term operational excellence→ Stay innovative in a traditional industry→ Lead a company through growth, change, and evolution with vision and purpose 💡 In this episode, Mick breaks down his entrepreneurial journey — from the early days of SkyPro to becoming a trusted name in automated cleaning solutions. Whether you’re a business owner, facility professional, or entrepreneur looking to innovate within your industry, this conversation is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration. 🎯 Perfect for founders and operations leaders ready to rethink how they work, embrace technology, and scale sustainably — this episode is your inside look at how to build something that truly lasts. 🌍 Tune in as we explore innovation, leadership, and longevity with one of Minnesota’s most forward-thinking business builders. Connect with Mick:🔗 LinkedIn – Mick Lange🌐 Website – www.skypro.com 🚀 Stay tuned for more stories of innovation and leadership from the frontlines of the commercial cleaning and facility services world. ✅ Don’t miss out on more real talk, real stories, and real strategies from leaders in the cleaning and facilities space – Subscribe now and stay plugged in! 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by:🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com

    49 min
  5. Lead With Heart, Serve With Purpose. A Frantz Building Services Story.

    10/03/2025

    Lead With Heart, Serve With Purpose. A Frantz Building Services Story.

    🎙️✨ Welcome back to Cleaning & Cocktails — and buckle up for an insight-packed episode featuring three powerhouse leaders who’ve spent decades transforming the janitorial and building services industry from the inside out! Whether you’re scaling your cleaning company, trying to boost profitability, or simply hungry for leadership gold, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. 🚀 👔 Jordan Tong, Owner of Elite BSC and CEO of Frantz Building Services, brings a dual perspective: coaching contractors nationwide through Elite Business Coaching while also leading a high-performance janitorial company. With a background in civil engineering and a deep understanding of what it takes to scale operations profitably, Jordan shares proven strategies that help BSCs gain freedom, financial control, and focus. 🏢 Brian Lewis, President of Frantz Building Services, is a Six Sigma Green Belt and CBSE with over 25 years of operational leadership under his belt. Known for his customer-first mindset and systems-driven approach, Brian dives into how he builds lasting relationships and fosters a culture of servant leadership across a rapidly growing organization. 💼 Jeff Carmon, Business Consultant at Elite BSC and former VP of Customer Experience at Frantz, is a seasoned executive who’s spent the last decade helping BSCs improve client retention, build high-performing teams, and win big contracts. With a passion for real-world solutions and a 36-year business career that spans finance, healthcare, and cleaning, Jeff delivers powerful takeaways for leaders at every stage. 🎬 In this episode, we break down:* How to scale your janitorial business with coaching, systems, and clarity* Lessons learned from leading multi-state cleaning operations* Creating customer experiences that actually stick* Real-world strategies to boost profitability and grow smarter 📈 Whether you’re a founder, operator, or team leader, you’ll walk away from this one ready to take action. There’s no fluff here — just raw insight, proven playbooks, and a heavy dose of leadership inspiration. 🏆 🔗 Connect with today’s featured guests:* Jordan Tong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-tong-43a22715 | https://www.elitebsc.com* Brian Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lewis-541bb1117* Jeff Carmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-carmon-8b586041 ✅ Don’t miss out on more real talk, real stories, and real strategies from leaders in the cleaning and facilities space – Subscribe now and stay plugged in! 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by:🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com

    1h 30m
  6. If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Won’t Change You. A CEO Journey

    07/31/2025

    If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Won’t Change You. A CEO Journey

    🎙️✨ Get ready for an eye-opening episode with one of the sharpest minds transforming the commercial cleaning industry: Caden Hutchens! 🌟 🚀 In this episode, we sit down with Caden Hutchens, CEO of Otuvy (formerly Clean Intelligent), a company on a mission to help building service contractors (BSCs) thrive through data-driven operational intelligence. With more than a decade of experience, Caden has climbed the ranks from Executive Assistant to CEO—proving that grit, growth, and great systems are the formula for industry leadership. 🏢 Based in Provo, Utah, Caden leads Otuvy in redefining what it means to be operationally excellent. With 7 ISSA Innovation Awards under his belt and a reputation for pushing boundaries, he’s empowering contractors to scale efficiently, retain clients, and boost profitability—all while setting new benchmarks for trust and transparency. 💡 In this conversation, Caden shares his personal journey, his leadership philosophy ("If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you"), and how technology is revolutionizing cleaning services. From smart inspections to client relationship management, discover how Otuvy is helping BSCs stay competitive and client-focused in a rapidly evolving industry. 🏒 Outside the boardroom, you’ll find Caden on the ice—either playing hockey or cheering for the Utah Mammoth, the NHL’s newest team. His competitive spirit and love for the game mirror his approach to business: relentless, strategic, and full of heart. 🎉 Don’t miss this powerful episode filled with actionable insights on leadership, technology integration, and raising the bar in commercial cleaning. 🔗 Connect with our incredible guest: 📍 LinkedIn – Caden Hutchens 🌐 Otuvy – www.otuvy.com ✅ Don’t miss out on more industry insights and leadership stories – Subscribe now and never miss an episode! 🚨 Follow us for more: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr 📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by: 🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry! Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com #CleaningAndCocktails #FacilitiesManagement #JanitorialIndustry #ProcurementStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #BuildingServiceContractors #CommercialCleaning #VendorManagement #Entrepreneurship #CleaningProfessionals #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #FacilityInnovation #BSCNetwork #CleaningIndustry

    50 min
  7. From Hustler to CEO: Unlocking the Think Bigger Mindset EP #110

    07/17/2025

    From Hustler to CEO: Unlocking the Think Bigger Mindset EP #110

    🎙️✨ In this empowering episode of Cleaning & Cocktails, we sit down with entrepreneur, systems strategist, and community-driven leader Dominique Williams! 🌟 🚀 Dominique is a master at helping business owners scale smarter, systemize operations, and reclaim their time without sacrificing growth. As the President of C&C Cleaning Services, Lexi’s Drink Barn, and Demure Lounge, Dominique leads thriving ventures while mentoring other entrepreneurs on how to step out of daily operations—and into freedom. 🧠 With a no-fluff, all-systems approach, Dominique shares how to:→ Build businesses that run and grow without your constant involvement→ Implement systems that create clarity, consistency, and scalability→ Assemble strong teams with accountability and ownership→ Prepare your company for absentee ownership or acquisition 💡 In this episode, Dominique breaks down how to go from being stuck in the weeds to operating like a true CEO. Whether you're in the cleaning industry, hospitality, or any service-based business, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you regain your time and unlock exponential growth. 🎯 Perfect for founders doing $1M–$10M+ in revenue who feel overworked, trapped in the day-to-day, or ready to scale with purpose—this episode is your blueprint for operational freedom and long-term success. 🌍 Tune in as we explore leadership, leverage, and legacy with one of Indiana’s most intuitive and impactful business builders.Connect with Dominique:🔗 LinkedIn – Dominique Williams 🚀 Stay tuned for more stories of innovation and leadership from the frontlines of the commercial cleaning and facility services world. ✅ Don’t miss out on more industry insights and leadership stories – Subscribe now and never miss an episode! 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all C&C powered by:🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com #CleaningAndCocktails #FacilitiesManagement #JanitorialIndustry #ProcurementStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #BuildingServiceContractors #CommercialCleaning #VendorManagement #Entrepreneurship #CleaningProfessionals #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #FacilityInnovation #BSCNetwork #CleaningIndustry

    43 min
  8. Raise The Bar! Feat Ricardo Regalado Ep #109

    07/10/2025

    Raise The Bar! Feat Ricardo Regalado Ep #109

    🎙️ On this week’s Cleaning & Cocktails episode, we flip the script and let Drew Larison from Five Door Media take the reins and interview me. We sit down and talk about what this year’s Cleaning and Cocktails event in Nashville, TN will be⚡🎸 on how we are bringing operators and innovators to spark real conversations 🔥, build powerful connections 🤝, and share proven strategies to scale your business 🚀. Learn directly from industry experts 🎓, uncover growth opportunities 🌱, and enjoy cocktails with purpose 🥂. This year, we’re diving deep into:- Sales & Growth Strategies- Scaling into New Markets- Reinventing subcontracting  🔥 And introducing something NEW: The Deal Bar - where we are doing Live Match Making interviews between Primes + Subs 8+ Prime Contractors will host exclusive roundtable interviews with pre-vetted subcontractors for live contract opportunities.  Real deals. Real connections. We’re having the Subcontractors/Partners prequalify and answer questions and submit required items in order to have a seat at the table.  We’ll also cover:- RFP tear-downs powered by AI- Your Market analysis by vertical/account/contract size- High-impact networking and community 🎟️ Tickets available now at www.cleaningandcocktails.com 🚨 Follow us for more:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaningandcocktails/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaningandcocktails/?_rdr📊 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleaning-cocktails/posts/?feedView=all Thank you Drew for taking the time to help us and spread the word.. You can find more about him and his serviceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drewlarison/https://www.linkedin.com/company/fivedoormedia/  C&C powered by:🌐 Route - A platform of business management tools for Sales, Operations, Subcontracting, Community & Education. We are improving the business of cleaning by connecting the entire industry!Join Route Nation! www.getroute.com #CleanEnergyCocktails #ScaleSustainably #ConnectAndGrow #NashvilleTN #GaylordOpryland #August19-20 #EnergyLeadership

    47 min
See All (125)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to Cleaning & Cocktails! I’m your host, Ricky Regalado CVO of Rozalado Services, Founder & CEO of Route. In this show, we highlight the cleaning industry by sharing valuable stories, practical tips, and expert insights from cleaning business owners and professionals. Our mission is to elevate the cleaning sector and act as a guiding light for everyone involved. So go ahead and grab your favorite Cocktail or Mocktail and enjoy the show as we dive into discussions that talk about the challenges and successes we all face. Our goal is to unite the community under a shared mission: “We are building a **StrongerTogether Community**.”

Information

  • Creator
    Cleaning and Cocktails
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Cleaning and Cocktails

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