Cleaning Business Life

Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco
  • 4.8 (24)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Welcome to Cleaning Business Life, the real-talk podcast for cleaning business owners, solo cleaners, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, sustainable cleaning companies.  Hosted by Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco, this show dives deep into cleaning industry trends, marketing strategies, client management, hiring and training, systems and automation, and the real stories behind running a cleaning business. Whether you’re in residential cleaning, commercial janitorial, Airbnb turnovers, or move-out cleanings, you’ll find actionable advice, insider tips, and inspiring interviews from cleaning pros who’ve done the work. Each week, we talk about what really happens behind the mop — from growing your client list, to raising prices, handling burnout, and creating freedom through your cleaning business. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and take your cleaning business to the next level — hit play and join the Cleaning Business Life community today. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

  1. 14H AGO

    CBL EP #155-Holiday Boundaries: How to Say No Without Losing Clients

    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. Here you go — short, clean, Buzzsprout-ready: Holiday Boundaries: How to Say No Without Losing Clients The holidays can turn small client requests into big schedule problems fast. In this episode, Shannon and Jamie break down how to set clear holiday boundaries, protect your schedule, and support your cleaning team — without sounding rude or losing good clients. We talk about common boundary triggers, why “being nice” costs you money, and simple scripts that make saying no easier. If you’re ready to stop letting clients run your business during the busiest season of the year, this episode is for you. Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    26 min

  2. 4D AGO

    CBL EP #154-Why Waiting to Raise Prices Is Slowly Killing Your Profit (and What to Do Instead)

    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. In this episode, we break down why waiting to raise your prices quietly kills your profit — even when you’re fully booked. If you’ve been putting off price increases because of the economy, the holidays, or fear of client pushback, this conversation is for you. We talk through how often price increases should happen, what percentage is normal, and why raising everyone at once is one of the fastest ways to lose clients. We also explain why December is one of the best times to raise rates, how pricing connects directly to payroll and rising operating costs, and how to roll out increases without panic or mass cancellations. A special thank you to our sponsor, Erica Paynter of MyVBK.com, for supporting this episode. Price increases aren’t greedy — they’re necessary if you want to protect your profit and build a sustainable cleaning business. Show notes are on my website, kleanfreaksuniversity.com Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    28 min

  3. DEC 17

    CBL EP #153 Stop Saving Clients for close to Free: Why Emergency Cleanings Should Be 2–3X Your Normal Rate

    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 show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    24 min

  4. DEC 13

    CBL EP 152-Staff Appreciation That Doesn’t Break the Bank

    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. December is the busiest, most demanding month for cleaning teams—long days, high client expectations, and burnout everywhere. In this episode, Shannon and Jamie break down why staff appreciation is a year-round business strategy, not just a holiday gesture. Learn low-cost ways to help your cleaners feel seen, valued, and motivated without breaking your budget. We cover burnout, the “glitter policy,” simple recognition ideas, holiday bonus pitfalls, and how to build a structured appreciation plan for 2026. Whether you have W-2s, 1099s, or both, this episode gives you practical, budget-friendly tools to improve retention, reduce drama, and strengthen your company culture. What You’ll Learn: Why appreciation increases retention and qualityDecember burnout + emotional load on cleanersThe famous “glitter policy”Easy, low-cost appreciation ideas ($5 cards, notes, shout-outs, voice memos)Public vs private recognitionSimple bonus structure ideasAppreciation pitfalls to avoid (favoritism, one-off big bonuses)Building a year-round appreciation calendar for 2026How structure creates a stronger company cultureQuick Takeaways: Appreciation is a strategy, not a seasonKeep it simple, consistent, and fairLow-budget ideas still make a big impactClear expectations prevent resentment and confusionIf you love this episode, please leave a 5-star review—it helps Cleaning Business Life reach more owners. Interested in sponsoring the show? Email CleaningBusinessLife@gmail.com Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    31 min

  5. DEC 10

    CBL EP 151 Maria Perez PT 2 Wrong Address, Right To Come Home

    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 n This Episode, We Cover: The Maria Perez case recapWhat happened the day of the shootingWhy this hits so close to home for cleaning business ownersNew updates: charges filed, bond amount, fines, and legal direction so farWorker classification & liability (W-2 vs 1099)How your employment structure impacts safety requirementsWhy 1099 cleaners should carry their own insuranceHow liability, general liability, workers’ comp, and bonding come into playWhy “it’s just my husband and I” or “we’re a small team” is not protectionSafety protocols every cleaning business needs NOWStandardized arrival protocols: knock, announce, ring, then unlockUsing photos of the property (from walkthroughs or Zillow/online listings)Address verification: house number, street name, cross streets, and landmarksMandatory check-in systems (Slack, text, Life360, Jobber, etc.)Locking the door after entry for both residential and commercial cleansTechnology & tools for safer operationsHow CRMs like Jobber help with mapping, address validation, and notesUsing photos, notes, and face recognition tools to help homeowners identify who’s arrivingWhy documentation isn’t just “nice to have” – it’s part of your risk managementViolence in the workplace & legal obligationsJamie’s California requirements: violence in the workplace safety meetings & logsWhy safety meetings, sign-offs, and written protocols matterHow to build a simple but effective safety log your team actually usesReal-life stories from the fieldWrong address scares and how they were resolvedWalking in on guests or homeowners unexpectedlyThe emotional toll of these close calls and why they must be taken seriouslyIndustry-wide implicationsWhy this Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    21 min

  6. DEC 6

    CBL EP 150 The Holiday Gift Card Playbook for Cleaning Business Owners

    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.  Holiday Gift Cards & Cleaning Packages That Actually Sell!  In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller and co-host Jamie Runco break down how to turn seasonal gift cards and cleaning packages into real fourth-quarter profit without burning out your team or blowing up your schedule. From low-tech Canva vouchers to plastic gift cards and “Mommy Reset” premium packages, they walk you through how to sell more, protect your margins, and avoid the most common mistakes cleaning business owners make during the holidays. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why house cleaning is one of the most appreciated (and underused) holiday giftsHow to add an extra $5K–$40K to your Q4 bottom line with gift card salesSmart ways to redeem gift cards in phases so you don’t overload your scheduleThe difference between charity/fundraiser gift baskets and paid gift cardsHow to use paper vouchers, Canva designs, or third-party plastic cardsWhy you should number, sign, and track every gift card to prevent fraudHow blackout dates protect your calendar around Christmas, Mother’s Day, and other peak timesIdeas for profitable packages, including:Mommy Reset PackagesMini top-to-bottom deluxe cleansLaundry-only or dishes-only packages“Make Your Bed” recurring service bundlesHow to price high-ticket packages so they actually move the needle in your businessTurning one-time gift card redemptions into recurring weekly, biweekly, or monthly clients Resources Mentioned: Klean Freaks University – Training, tools, and resources for cleaning business owners: KleanFreaksUniversity.comMaid-Broker Cleaning Services & Packages: Maid-Broker.comBlack Friday Bonanza & Mommy Reset Package (for strategy, pricing, and done-for-you structure) – available through Klean Freaks University. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    22 min

  7. DEC 3

    CBL EP 149 Heaven >Hell...Holiday Booking Without Burnout

    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. Get the TTT-Mini Course here:  https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/mini-train-the-trainer-system December can make a thriving cleaning business feel like a pressure cooker. We open the calendar, pull back the curtain, and show exactly how we protect quality, energy, and revenue when demand spikes and expectations soar. If you’ve ever said yes to an “easy” emergency cleaning that became a late‑night headache, this conversation gives you the words, workflows, and boundaries to keep your season sane. We start by confirming client travel plans and preferred holiday adjustments well before the rush, then show how to turn released slots into wait‑list wins. You’ll hear why scope creep starts with “just one quick thing,” and how to coach techs to redirect add‑ons without damaging rapport. We break down realistic capacity—think 12 to 17 recurring homes per tech depending on size and drive time—and explain why training new hires in December rarely pays off. Instead, we share the hiring and onboarding cadence that sets teams up to succeed before the lights go up. Flow control is the heart of the strategy. Like a great restaurant host, we stagger heavy jobs, protect route density, and prevent the end‑of‑day quality cliff that comes from stacking five homes per team. We also dive into team care: checking in on mental load, centralizing time‑off requests with HR tools, and deciding your Christmas Eve and New Year’s operating hours early so the whole org sings from the same sheet. Along the way, we capture the small lessons that vanish by fall—voice notes, quick logs, and a living “Holiday Playbook” that turns chaos into a repeatable plan. If you want fewer fires, happier clients, and a team that still smiles in January, this one’s for you. Hit follow, share this with a fello Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    32 min

  8. NOV 29

    CBL EP 148 Breaking the Maid Myth: The Truth Behind the Cleaning Industry-Sterotypes

    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. Get the Hire Smarter ™️ The Working Interview System  https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/nm0owatg In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller and co-host Jamie Runco dig into the stereotypes that have followed cleaners and domestic workers for decades — and how today’s cleaning business owners are rewriting the story. From movies like Maid in Manhattan and The Help to sitcom punchlines and mystery novels where “the maid finds the body,” the media has quietly trained the world to see cleaners as less-than. Shannon and Jamie trace how that narrative formed, how the Fair Labor Standards Act finally recognized domestic workers, and why COVID-era “essential worker” status still hasn’t translated into the respect cleaners deserve. They also share practical ways to reclaim your professional identity: Why problem clients and non-payers are the exception, not the standardHow pricing, premium rates, and boundaries protect your businessThe power of systems, booking platforms, uniforms, and online presenceRed flags in “high-control” clients and underpaying jobsWhy mentorship, education, and collaboration over competition are game-changersShannon also shares details about the annual Structure Scale & Profit Cleaning Academy scholarship, a $4,500 value including one-on-one coaching, created to give one cleaning business owner a serious leg up in the industry. If you’re ready to stop accepting “just the cleaner” vibes and start showing up as the 23rd trade professional you really are, hit play, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review so more cleaners can find this conversation. Here is the link to apply for the scholarship https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19 Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out. Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around. If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice. Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at: 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv 📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more. Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...

    31 min
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

🎙 Cleaning Business Life  Welcome to Cleaning Business Life, the real-talk podcast for cleaning business owners, solo cleaners, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, sustainable cleaning companies.  Hosted by Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco, this show dives deep into cleaning industry trends, marketing strategies, client management, hiring and training, systems and automation, and the real stories behind running a cleaning business. Whether you’re in residential cleaning, commercial janitorial, Airbnb turnovers, or move-out cleanings, you’ll find actionable advice, insider tips, and inspiring interviews from cleaning pros who’ve done the work. Each week, we talk about what really happens behind the mop — from growing your client list, to raising prices, handling burnout, and creating freedom through your cleaning business. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and take your cleaning business to the next level — hit play and join the Cleaning Business Life community today. Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Cleaning Business Life
  • Show Website
    Cleaning Business Life

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