Dirty Truths in a High Turnover Industry

Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Judith Virag

In this Suits & Sneakers conversation with Judith Virag, CEO of Clean Club Calgary, and a 2024 AB Business Award of Distinction winner, we talk about hiring newcomers, enforcing clear company policies and the big/little things that show she cares. She has a great BHAG (Big, Hairy Audacious Goal) too!

Judith shares her journey from being a refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur and her approach to training with hands-on, experiential creativity. Her honesty is humbling. As a hard worker herself, she documented the standards of excellence and her expectations, so language translation isn’t a barrier for her staff.

Judith takes customer service very seriously and I think you’ll find the clear lines of communication she has set for customers and team members an interesting example. She explains the importance of company culture, employee engagement, and the considerations of leading a diverse team of newcomers. Judith is a leader willing to get “dirty”, but not in the way you think!

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• "Know your team members and know some of their dreams."
• "[Making their dream happen is] an investment because you're getting them engaged and then you're showing them the company cares, beyond the work"
• "The biggest trust factor is when a customer hands you their keys to their home… We take that very seriously."

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Judith's journey from refugee to entrepreneur highlights resilience.
• Company culture is crucial for business success and employee satisfaction.
• Involving team members in core values development fosters ownership.
• Hiring newcomers requires understanding their unique challenges.
• Creating a supportive work environment enhances employee engagement.
• Training and development are essential in high-turnover industries.
• Team-building activities can significantly improve morale and cohesion.
• Authenticity in leadership leads to better communication and trust.
• Difficult conversations are beneficial for team growth.
• Investing in employees' personal goals strengthens company loyalty.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Judith Virag on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-virag-72b4775/

Clean Club Calgary website: https://www.cleanclubcalgary.com/

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/cleanclubcalgary

On Instagram: www.instagram.com/cleanclubcalgary

Book: Culture Revolution - for purchase in CA: https://buff.ly/3KB0r0w or in USA: https://buff.ly/4cunK8j

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