Cleaning Business Life

Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco
  • 4.7 (29)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Cleaning Business Life is a podcast for cleaning business owners who want more than tactics — they want clarity. Hosted by industry leaders Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, this show explores the real decisions behind building a sustainable, profitable cleaning company: pricing, leadership, systems, boundaries, and growth without burnout. This isn’t a beginner podcast.  It’s for owners and operators who are already in the business and ready to think differently about how they run it. If you’re tired of noise, hustle culture, and surface-level advice — and you want grounded conversations rooted in real industry experience — you’re in the right place. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 222 | Company Culture That Keeps Great Employees: Leadership, Retention & Growth with Donny Minchillo

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. What does company culture actually look like inside a growing cleaning business—and can it really help you keep great employees? In Episode 222 of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon sits down with Donny Minchillo, owner of Joy of Cleaning, to talk about what he has learned while growing from himself and one cleaner to a team of nearly 30 employees. Donny shares how his approach to company culture has evolved as his business has grown, including why communication and showing up on time matter during the hiring process, how his six-day training process works, and why the first three to six months of employment are so important for retention. They also dig into: • Creating connection when your cleaning technicians work solo • Using regular one-on-one meetings to improve employee retention • Rewarding and recognizing team members • Balancing empathy with accountability • How one “bad apple” can damage an otherwise strong culture • Knowing when it’s time to let an employee go • Maintaining company culture as your business gets bigger • Using technology and data to make better management decisions • Building a business that can eventually operate without the owner Donny also shares his experience buying books of recurring cleaning clients, what cleaning business owners should consider before an acquisition, and how influencer marketing has generated significant revenue for Joy of Cleaning. Company culture isn’t free lunches and team parties. It’s how your people communicate, how leadership responds when something goes wrong, what your company stands for, and whether your employees feel like they’re part of something bigger than the house they’re cleaning that day. If you’re struggling with employee turnover—or preparing to grow your cleaning company beyond yourself—this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Here is the link for Automate Joy https://automatejoy.ai/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTn-c1wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVNNZ2h1UGNDZlhXM2pXbHZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0oXD78wDe0W9jmD_uXluXxDvG11DV5vdDFefmamcnqqwhYdX7McQo3Y_4po_aem__y08euian5OgFGXY_odKgA Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  2. Aug 8

    Why People Really Book Deep Cleans Ep. 221

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. When most people book a deep cleaning, they're not really paying for spotless baseboards or perfectly folded towels. They're paying for relief. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller explores the emotional and psychological side of premium deep cleaning services and why clients often reach out during some of the biggest transitions of their lives. From welcoming a new baby to caring for aging parents, recovering from an illness, downsizing, divorce, or simply feeling overwhelmed, deep cleans are often about much more than cleaning—they're about regaining control, creating peace, and getting a fresh start. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why people really book deep cleans • The difference between maintenance cleaning and premium deep cleaning • Common life events that trigger deep-clean requests • How emotions influence purchasing decisions • Why premium services deserve premium pricing • The importance of boundaries, deposits, and clear expectations • When a one-time client can become a recurring client People rarely book a premium deep clean because they want cleaner baseboards. More often, they're overwhelmed, exhausted, celebrating, grieving, moving, healing, or simply trying to regain control of their homes and lives. Recommended episode: EP 212, Your Customers Don't Pay You for Hard Work. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/19461218-your-customers-don-t-pay-for-you-for-hard-work-ep-212.mp3?download=true If you enjoyed today's conversation, Episode 212 explores one of the biggest mindset shifts every cleaning business owner must make: clients aren't paying for your exhaustion—they're paying for the transformation, peace of mind, and problems you solve. The Contract and Clarity Bundle-Deep Cleanings! https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/the-contract-client-clarity-bundle Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  3. Aug 5

    From Chaos to Profit | Inside the Structure, Scale & Profit Cleaning Business Academy Ep. 220

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. What does it really take to build a cleaning business that creates freedom, stability, and profit? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller takes you behind the scenes of the Structure, Scale & Profit Cleaning Business Academy and shares the philosophy that has helped more than 600 cleaning business owners rethink the way they build their companies. This isn't a conversation about overnight success or weekend hacks. It's an honest look at the systems, leadership, boundaries, and financial principles that help cleaning business owners create businesses that support the lives they actually want to live. In this episode, we discuss: 🧹 Why the academy was expanded to a 180-day program 🧹 The difference between implementation and memorization 🧹 Why structure creates freedom 🧹 Hiring, training, and leadership lessons from sixteen years in the industry 🧹 The hidden costs that prevent cleaning businesses from becoming profitable 🧹 Common mistakes business owners make before they scale 🧹 What more than 600 cleaning business owners have taught us 🧹 Why success looks different for everyone 🧹 The philosophy behind the annual Structure, Scale & Profit scholarship Whether your goal is to hire your first employee, create better systems, increase profitability, or simply build a business that doesn't run your life, this episode is for you. The goal isn't to build the biggest cleaning company possible. The goal is to build a company that creates freedom, stability, profit, and a life worth participating in. https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/scale-up-your-cleaning-business-with-sspcba-academy 🎙️ New episodes of Cleaning Business Life are released every Tuesday and Friday. #CleaningBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HouseCleaningBusiness #BusinessSystems #Leadership #Profit #WomenInBusiness #CleaningBusinessLife Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  4. Aug 1

    Pepsi vs. Coke — What the Cola Wars Can Teach Your Cleaning Business Ep. 219

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Did Pepsi really win the Cola Wars? If so, why did Coca-Cola remain one of the most recognizable brands in the world? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller takes a nostalgic look back at the Pepsi Challenge, the rise and fall of New Coke, and the marketing battle that shaped generations of consumers. From childhood memories of blind taste tests at county fairs to a visit to the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Shannon explores why customers don't always choose products based on price or even taste. Instead, they choose brands based on trust, memories, habit, and emotion. In this episode, we discuss: • The history of Pepsi versus Coke • Why Pepsi often won blind taste tests • What led to the failure of New Coke • The psychology behind customer loyalty • How great brands create emotional connections • Why customers choose one cleaning company over another • The difference between winning the estimate and winning the long-term relationship • What small business owners can learn from one of the greatest marketing battles in American history Whether you own a cleaning company, run a small business, or simply remember the Cola Wars, this episode is a reminder that customers aren't just buying a product—they're buying an experience. Because at the end of the day, your business doesn't have to win every estimate. It needs to become the company people think of first. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another cleaning business owner and leave us a review. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  5. Jul 29

    When Trust Is Broken: What Every Cleaning Business Can Learn from the Arizona Hospital Housekeeper Case Ep. 218 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. I would lean into your philosophy rather than the crime itself. Here's a Buzzsprout description that sounds like Cleaning Business Life: When a patient enters a hospital, trust is assumed. Patients trust doctors, nurses, technicians—and yes, even the people responsible for keeping their rooms clean and sanitary. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon discusses the Arizona hospital housekeeper case that made headlines after an employee was accused of stealing and using a patient's debit card while the patient was receiving medical care. But this isn't an episode about crime. It's about trust. We'll explore why professional cleaners are given access to some of the most private moments in people's lives, the difference between technical training and personal integrity, and why one person's actions can impact the reputation of an entire profession. Whether you own a cleaning company, manage employees, or invite service professionals into your home, this conversation is a reminder that professionalism is built on more than cleaning skills—it's built on character, accountability, and systems that protect everyone involved. In this episode, we discuss: The Arizona hospital housekeeper caseHospital housekeeping vs. residential cleaningTraining versus certificationWhy integrity matters more than technical skillHow one bad decision affects an entire industryBuilding a cleaning company your clients can trustIf you're committed to raising the standards of the cleaning industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  6. Jul 25

    The $1.95 Cookie – A Lesson in Leadership, Verification & Trust | EP 217

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  7. Jul 22

    Every Business Has a Comforter Problem (And It's Not About Bedding) Ep. 216

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. At first glance, this episode is about comforters, duvets, quilts, and Airbnb bedding. But it quickly becomes something much bigger. After reading more than 70 comments in a Facebook discussion among short-term rental owners, Shannon realized the conversation wasn't really about bedding at all—it was about systems. Every business owner faces small operational decisions that quietly impact labor, training, inventory, customer experience, and profitability. Whether you're running a cleaning company, managing vacation rentals, or leading any small business, the question isn't which bedding system is best. The question is whether your systems are helping your business grow or holding it back. In this episode, Shannon shares practical insights on operational efficiency, scalability, training, and why successful business owners stop asking, "What do I like?" and start asking, "What scales?" If you've ever felt like your business is working harder than it should, this episode will challenge you to identify your own "comforter problem" and begin building systems that buy back your time. Related Episodes:  • Episode 214 – Training Day One: What Should It Look Like?https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/17006680   • Episode 210 – Culture Starts at the Top (with Paul Germo) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/16855068   • Episode 213 – Interview Red Flagshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/17005765 If this episode brought you value, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with another business owner. Those three simple actions help us reach more entrepreneurs who are working to build businesses—and lives—they actually want to participate in.  Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

  8. Jul 18

    Why We Created CleanCon: The Story Behind the Movement | Ep. 215

    This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster. Have you ever wondered how CleanCon came to life? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Jamie Runco and Shannon Miller sit down with the four co-founders of CleanCon—Holly Moore, Molly Moran, Drew Larison, and Erin Larison—to share the story behind one of the most exciting movements happening in the residential cleaning industry today. This isn't simply a conversation about a conference. It's a conversation about leadership, collaboration over competition, and building a community where cleaning business owners can learn, grow, and succeed together. In this episode, we discuss:  The story behind CleanCon  Why collaboration beats competition  Lessons learned from launching a sold-out event  Building community instead of cliques  Leadership, vision, and growing one step at a time  Why investing in yourself changes everything  Where the residential cleaning industry is headed One of the highlights of this conversation is discussing what may be the next evolution of the cleaning industry. For years, many business owners had to figure everything out on their own. Today, there are more opportunities than ever to learn from experienced professionals, build meaningful relationships, and create businesses that provide freedom, profitability, and long-term legacy. Whether you're launching your first cleaning company or leading a multi-million-dollar operation, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of community and the importance of investing in yourself as a business owner. Interested in attending CleanCon? Learn more at:  https://www.mycleancon.com/ Use discount code CLEANINGBUSINESSLIFE to save 10% on your registration. About Cleaning Business Life Cleaning Business Life is the podcast for residential cleaning business owners who want honest conversations about pricing, hiring, leadership, systems, marketing, profitability, and building a business that creates freedom—not burnout. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode is designed to help you build a profitable company, create assets that buy back your time, and build a life you actually want to participate in. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out. Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid. 🎧 New episodes 2x weekly  📚 Resources, show notes, and programs: https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning. — Shannon & Jamie

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4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Cleaning Business Life is a podcast for cleaning business owners who want more than tactics — they want clarity. Hosted by industry leaders Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, this show explores the real decisions behind building a sustainable, profitable cleaning company: pricing, leadership, systems, boundaries, and growth without burnout. This isn’t a beginner podcast.  It’s for owners and operators who are already in the business and ready to think differently about how they run it. If you’re tired of noise, hustle culture, and surface-level advice — and you want grounded conversations rooted in real industry experience — you’re in the right place. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cleaning Business Life
  • Show Website
    Cleaning Business Life

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