Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast

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Straight Talk, an ISSA podcast, presents a curated playlist of the hottest topics facing the cleaning industry today—from health and safety to infection prevention to innovative products to business development and much more. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, brings together the top experts and decision makers give our listeners and members the most up-to-date information for their businesses. 

  1. 4D AGO

    The Discipline Behind Consistent Results

    Success isn’t built on big moments—it’s built on consistent habits. In this conversation, we explore how disciplined habits in preparation, communication, and follow-through can transform performance and build long-term credibility. From showing up prepared to closing the loop on every commitment, these small actions create a foundation for trust, reliability, and growth.

    15 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The ISSA Oceania & Asia-Pacific Inside Story: Building Community and Staying Agile

    Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast

    34 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Why Better Sales Training Won't Fix Your Sales Problem

    Most sales problems aren’t actually sales training problems—they’re structural. In this conversation, we introduce “The Navigator’s Chart,” a four-layer framework for building a successful sales organization.

    13 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Activate Your Ghost Protocol to Keep Candidates From Disappearing

    If you’ve hired in the past few years, you’ve probably experienced it: A promising candidate applies, interviews well, maybe even accepts the job … and then disappears.  No call. No email. Just silence. Here's how to avoid all of this.

    10 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Think Beyond the Contract: How Customer Lifetime Value Changes Everything

    Most cleaning business owners are focused on one thing: the next job. But what if the real opportunity for growth isn’t in constantly chasing new customers—but in maximizing the value of the ones you already have? In this conversation, we explore the customer lifetime value and why it’s one of the most important—and often overlooked—strategies in running a successful cleaning business. Instead of thinking transaction by transaction, this approach shifts the focus to long-term relationships, repeat work, and consistent service delivery.

    8 min

  6. MAR 26

    Spotless Spaces: How Tampa International and Flagship Deliver Award-Winning Clean

    What does it take to deliver award-winning cleanliness in one of the busiest environments imaginable—an airport serving millions of passengers each year? In this episode, ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross sits down with Derrick Deadwiler, Senior Vice President of Operations at Flagship Aviation Services, and Benjamin Robins, Vice President of Operations at Tampa International Airport, to discuss their collaborative success in earning ISSA’s Spotless Spaces Award. At Tampa International Airport, cleanliness isn’t just a task—it’s a key driver of the passenger experience. With more than 25 million travelers moving through the airport annually, maintaining a consistently clean, welcoming environment requires precision, planning, and a deeply engaged team. Deadwiler and Robins highlight what truly sets their operation apart: partnership. Rather than operating as separate entities, the airport and Flagship function as one unified team, working side by side to continuously improve performance and elevate standards. From leadership walking the floors together to frontline teams taking pride in their work, this alignment creates a culture of accountability and excellence. The conversation also explores how training, long-tenured staff, and smart use of data and technology help manage the scale and complexity of airport operations. Just as important, both leaders emphasize recognizing and rewarding employees—because when teams feel valued, they perform at their best. For facility managers and service providers alike, the takeaway is clear: Strong partnerships, consistent processes, and a shared commitment to the end-user experience are what turn good operations into award-winning ones. Learn more here: https://www.issa.com/spotless-spaces/tampa_international_airport/ #FacilityManagement #ISSA #SpotlessSpaces #AirportOperations #CleaningExcellence #CustodialLeadership #JanSan #OperationalExcellence #Teamwork

    7 min

  7. MAR 26

    Spotless Spaces: How the American Museum of Natural History Sets the Standard for Clean

    What does it take to maintain a world-class facility that welcomes millions of visitors each year—without missing a beat on cleanliness? In this conversation, ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross visits with Michael Freshour, the Facility Manager at the American Museum of Natural History in New York to discuss what it means to deliver excellence at scale. Freshour’s team was recognized with the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award, part of ISSA’s Spotless Spaces program, honoring organizations that set the standard for cleanliness, consistency, and operational performance. With daily traffic ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 visitors—and nearly 5 million annually—the stakes are high. Freshour shares how his team balances heavy foot traffic, after-hours events, and the preservation of a historic, iconic facility, all while ensuring a seamless experience for every guest who walks through the doors. At the core of their success is a commitment to continuous training. From an intensive onboarding program to ongoing development throughout an employee’s first year and beyond, Freshour explains how consistency, professionalism, and attention to detail are built into the culture—not left to chance. He also highlights the importance of pride and purpose. When teams understand the significance of the space they maintain—and the impact they have on each visitor’s experience—they elevate their work from routine to meaningful. For facility managers looking to raise their standards, this conversation offers a clear takeaway: Invest in your people, stay consistent in your processes, and never lose sight of the experience you’re delivering. Learn more here: https://www.issa.com/spotless-spaces/american_museum_of_natural_history/ #FacilityManagement #ISSA #SpotlessSpaces #Tork #CleaningExcellence #CustodialLeadership #Museums #JanSan #OperationalExcellence

    6 min

  8. MAR 26

    The Playbook for How ISSA Is Redefining Facility Management

    Facility managers are being asked to do more with less—tight budgets, rising expectations, staffing challenges, and increasing pressure around health, safety, and sustainability. It’s a tough balancing act, and the demands aren’t slowing down. In this conversation, Jeff Cross, ISSA Media Director, sits down with Brant Insero, Chief Engagement Officer at ISSA, to explore how the association is helping facility managers shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive leadership. Insero breaks down the tools, standards, and initiatives designed to help professionals defend their budgets, define what “clean” really means, and build consistency across their operations. From the Value of Clean framework and CIMS certification to workforce development through the Cleaning Management Institute, this discussion highlights practical ways to elevate performance and strengthen your impact. Insero also shares insight into key ISSA initiatives like Emerging Leaders, the VEO program, the Spotless Spaces Competition, and the Sustainability Committee—each designed to support growth, recognition, and long-term success across the industry. Whether you’re focused on professional development, team training, or simply looking for ways to stay ahead in a changing landscape, this conversation offers actionable takeaways and a clear path forward. Ready to take the next step? Visit https://www.issa.com to get connected, explore membership, and start engaging with the ISSA community. #FacilityManagement #ISSA #CleaningIndustry #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Sustainability #ValueOfClean #CIMS #WorkforceDevelopment #JanSan

    17 min
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About

Straight Talk, an ISSA podcast, presents a curated playlist of the hottest topics facing the cleaning industry today—from health and safety to infection prevention to innovative products to business development and much more. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, brings together the top experts and decision makers give our listeners and members the most up-to-date information for their businesses. 

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