Cleaning Business Life

Shannon Miller & Jamie Runco
  • 4.7 (28)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 4d ago

    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

  3. Jul 15

    Training Day One: What Should It Look Like? Ep. 214

    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. Welcome back to Cleaning Business Life! Hiring someone is only the first step. What happens on their very first day can have a lasting impact on whether they become a confident, long-term employee—or start looking for another job before the week is over. In this episode, Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco discuss what a successful first day of training should actually look like. From setting expectations before your new hire ever walks through the door to building confidence, teaching company culture, and recognizing the green flags of a great employee, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. In this episode, we discuss: • What should happen before your employee's first day  • Why company culture should come before cleaning techniques  • Whether new hires should observe or jump right in  • The biggest training mistakes business owners make  • The most common mistakes new employees make  • The green flags and red flags to watch for  • How to end Day One so your employee is excited to come back tomorrow Remember, your goal isn't to create the perfect cleaner on Day One. Your goal is to create someone who feels confident enough to come back on Day Two. Recommended Episodes • Episode 210 – Culture Starts at the Top with Paul Germo • Episode 205 – Stop Being Needed: The Growth Trap That Keeps Cleaning Business Owners Stuck • Episode 207 – Are You Running Your Cleaning Techs... or Are They Running You? If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another cleaning business owner. It helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are working to build profitable businesses, stronger teams, and assets that buy back their time. You can also join the conversation on the Cleaning Business Life Facebook page, where we share additional tips, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights between episodes. You can also learn how to do your own working interviews here:  https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/nm0owatg 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. Jul 11

    Interview Red Flags: How to Hire Better Employees | Ep 213

    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. Hiring the wrong employee can cost you far more than a few days of training. It can cost you customers, morale, time, and confidence. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco discuss the interview red flags they've learned to recognize after years of hiring, training, and leading teams in the residential cleaning industry. From candidates who arrive late and blame every former employer to those subtle warning signs that are easy to overlook when you're desperate to fill a position, this conversation is full of practical lessons that can help you make better hiring decisions. But it's not all about what to avoid. We also discuss the green flags—the qualities that often lead to dependable, coachable, long-term employees who become valuable members of your team. Whether you're hiring your very first employee or adding to an established company, this episode will help you slow down, ask better questions, and trust what people are showing you during the interview process. If you enjoyed this episode, we also recommend:  Episode 214: Training Day One – What Should It Look Like?  Episode 210: Culture Comes From the Top  Episode 206: Scaling Pains – The Problems Nobody Warns You About  Episode 212: Your Customers Don't Pay You for Hard Work Together, these episodes will help you hire better, train better, and build a business that doesn't depend on luck—it depends on systems, leadership, and intentional decisions. If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another cleaning business owner. Every share helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are building businesses that create freedom instead of burnout. You can also connect with us on the Cleaning Business Life Facebook page, where the conversation continues between episodes. Thanks for listening to Cleaning Business Life. Until next time, keep building assets that buy back your time. Get the working interview course. https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/nm0owatg 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 8

    Your Customers Don't Pay for YOU for HARD WORK | EP 212

    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. Your Customers Don't Pay You for Hard Work Working hard is something to be proud of. But here's the truth many business owners need to hear... Your customers don't pay you for how hard you worked. They pay you for the problem you solved. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon explores the difference between effort and value, and why understanding that distinction can completely change the way you price your services, lead your team, and grow your business. Using real-world cleaning business examples, customer psychology, and even lessons inspired by Disney, you'll discover why customers remember the experience you create—not the hours you put in behind the scenes. If you've ever felt like your hard work goes unnoticed, this episode will help you shift your thinking from proving your effort to delivering exceptional value. You'll learn why: • Hard work is the cost of entry—not your competitive advantage. • Customers buy peace of mind, convenience, and trust. • Pricing should reflect value, not exhaustion. • Consistency creates customer loyalty. • Great businesses focus on solving problems, not explaining how hard they worked. Whether you're a solo cleaner or leading a growing team, this episode will challenge the way you think about service, pricing, leadership, and the customer experience. Learn more at: https://www.kleanfreaksuniversity.com Follow the Cleaning Business Life Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CleaningBusinessLife Listen to more episodes: https://cleaningbusinesslife.buzzsprout.com Because at the end of the day... People don't pay for your struggle. They pay for your solution. 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 4

    What a Trash Can Can Teach You About Business | Ep. 211

    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 1

    Culture Starts at the Top with Paul Germo | Ep. 210

    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. Company culture isn't built by accident—it starts with leadership. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon sits down with Paul Germo for an honest conversation about what really creates a strong company culture. They explore the connection between leadership, accountability, communication, and the everyday decisions that shape how a team performs. If you've ever found yourself wondering why employees don't seem engaged, why turnover keeps happening, or why your team isn't taking ownership, this episode will challenge you to look at culture from a different perspective. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why culture starts at the top • The owner's role in shaping company culture • How accountability and trust work together • Common leadership mistakes that weaken a team • What great leaders do differently • Why systems and culture go hand in hand • How to build a workplace where people want to stay Whether you're a solo cleaner preparing to hire your first employee or leading a growing team, this conversation is full of practical leadership insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Paul Germo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DwrzUXr8o/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgermo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pgermo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulsgermo YouTube: https://youtube.com/@psgermo If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another cleaning business owner. Every share helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are building businesses—and lives—they 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. Jun 27

    The Company Needs Protection From You | Ep. 209

    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. As business owners, we spend a lot of time worrying about competitors, the economy, staffing, pricing, and finding new customers. But what if the biggest threat to your business is sitting in the owner's chair? In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon explores a powerful lesson inspired by a recent industry presentation: sometimes the company needs protection from the owner. From emotional decision-making and inconsistent policies to excessive discounting and constantly changing the rules, many of the challenges we face in business are self-inflicted. The good news? Once we recognize them, we can fix them. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why chaos is expensive ✔ How emotional decisions impact profitability ✔ The difference between revenue and control ✔ Why visibility matters more than hope ✔ How rules protect profit and create freedom ✔ Why what got you here won't get you there ✔ How growing businesses require new systems, new thinking, and new leadership This isn't about beating yourself up as a business owner. It's about recognizing where we may be creating unnecessary challenges and building systems that allow our companies to grow without depending on our emotions, habits, or impulses. Because sometimes the most important leadership lesson is realizing that the business needs protection from you. 🎙️ Cleaning Business Life Helping cleaning business owners charge more, earn more, and stress less. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another cleaning business owner who needs to hear it. 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
28 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
    223
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cleaning Business Life
  • Show Website
    Cleaning Business Life

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