Cleaning Business Life

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

Cleaning Business Life is the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable company without sacrificing their entire life to do it. Hosted by industry leaders Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, the show brings real-world conversations about pricing, hiring, leadership, systems, boundaries, profitability, and sustainable growth. With more than 240 episodes rooted in actual cleaning-industry experience, you’ll hear the lessons, mistakes, hard decisions, and strategies that business owners rarely talk about publicly. Whether you’re starting your cleaning company, stuck inside the daily operations, or ready to grow into the CEO role, you’ll find honest guidance to help you charge more, earn more, and stress less. No hype. No surface-level advice. Just real cleaning-business conversations from women who have built the businesses themselves.  Want more help building a profitable cleaning business? Join Shannon’s email list for practical strategies, resources, and program updates:https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/f/welcome-to-klean-freaks-university-1 Want to get a hold of us? Please email us at cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

  1. 2d ago

    The Three-Minute Bid That Took Me Years to Build | Ep. 229

    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. A cleaning estimate recently took me less than three minutes to create and send—but the system behind it took years to build. I’ve used Jobber since 2015, and both the software and my cleaning business have changed immensely since then. As I prepare to expand Prescott Tidy Clean into another market, I’m cleaning up old files, updating services and pricing, strengthening our deposit requirements, and creating a process that doesn’t depend entirely on me. In this episode, I discuss phone and text-based estimates, signatures, deposits, scope creep, payment collection, tipping through invoices, and why pricing may be adjusted after we assess a home’s actual condition, lifestyle, and level of need. The estimate took three minutes—but it was built from years of experience and thousands of cleaning bids. Chaos is expensive, but every system we build gives us more time, consistency, and freedom. Here is my link to Jobber if you want to try it out.  https://share.getjobber.com/mzhfwVu 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. Sep 12

    You Cannot Change an Organization From the Bottom—with Barbara Atkinson | Ep. 228

    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. You cannot change an organization unless change starts at the top. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon sits down with Barbara Atkinson to discuss leadership, company culture, communication, accountability, and what it really takes to build a team that performs well. Barbara brings nearly 40 years of corporate experience in technology, data engineering, business process management, and team leadership. She explains why workplace culture exists whether you intentionally create it or not—and why the behavior modeled by leadership eventually appears throughout the entire organization. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why organizational change must begin at the top • How leadership behavior affects employee performance • Why leaders of struggling teams need to look in the mirror • The importance of clearly defined values and expectations • How better onboarding and written procedures reduce confusion • Why character and integrity can matter more than experience • How to recognize employees in ways that are meaningful to them • Why employees need to feel appreciated, supported, and valued • How company culture affects retention, morale, and the customer experience If your employees are struggling, communication keeps breaking down, or your company culture isn’t what you intended it to be, this conversation will challenge you to examine the leadership supporting the entire organization. Because you cannot change an organization from the bottom. Leadership has to be willing to change first. Powerpoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Q3Q9G1qjZ47IiZaGER9xZ9Ia6sF7UZWZ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110510830607544039277&rtpof=true&sd=true 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. Sep 9

    EP. 227 | The Customer Is Not Always Right: Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Professionalism

    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. The customer may be hiring your cleaning company, but they are not running it. In this episode, Shannon and Jamie discuss why excellent customer service does not mean giving clients everything they demand. From refund requests and bad-review threats to unrealistic expectations and customers who mistreat employees, cleaning business owners need policies and boundaries that protect the company. You’ll learn how to remain professional during difficult conversations, enforce your policies consistently, stand behind your cleaning technicians, and recognize when it may be time to end a client relationship. Being professional does not require being a pushover. Clear expectations create healthier client relationships—and a healthier cleaning business. 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. Sep 5

    MTM #2 | The Decisions Nobody Sees That Build a Successful Business

    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 Episode 2 of March to a Million, Shannon Miller and Jamie explore the reality that business growth isn't built on one big breakthrough—it's built on hundreds of small decisions made consistently over time. From morning routines and time blocking to documenting systems, hiring, planning, and staying consistent when results aren't immediate, this conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of what entrepreneurship really looks like. This isn't a polished success story. It's two business owners documenting the messy middle while they're living it. If you've ever wondered why some businesses continue to grow while others stall, this episode is a reminder that success is rarely about one massive decision. It's about showing up, making the next right choice, and trusting that those small decisions will eventually compound into something much bigger. Join us as we continue documenting the real journey toward building businesses, creating freedom, and making decisions that our future selves will thank us for. Thanks for listening to March to a Million. If you're enjoying the journey, be sure to follow the podcast and join us for the next chapter. 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. Sep 2

    How Misa Built a $2 Million Cleaning Business Working 2 Hours a Week | Ep. 226

    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 take to build a cleaning business that no longer depends on you every day? In this episode, Shannon and Jamie sit down with Misa, owner of a Tucson cleaning company projected to reach $2 million this year—while requiring only about two hours of his time each week. Misa shares how he built systems, created a membership-based cleaning model, transitioned to solo cleaning technicians, and developed a company that can operate without him. He also explains why implementation matters more than consuming endless information, how clear agreements reduce customer complaints, and why documenting every initial cleaning protects both the company and its cleaners. We also discuss coaching, company culture, recurring revenue, acquiring smaller cleaning businesses, and building a cleaning company with a profitable future exit in mind. If you want to stop creating another job for yourself and start building a business that can run without you, this episode is packed with practical insight. Misa's Cleaning Business https://time-maid.com/ 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. Aug 29

    Stop Hiring 1099s When What You Really Need Is an Employee | Ep. 225

    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. 1099 or W-2? The answer isn't simply about which option is easier or cheaper — it's about what kind of business you're actually trying to build. In this episode of Cleaning Business Life, Shannon and Jamie break down the real-world differences between using independent contractors and hiring employees in a cleaning company. Shannon still operates a 1099 model in Northern Arizona, while Jamie runs a W-2 company, giving them two very different perspectives on what works, what doesn't, and the give-and-take that comes with each model. They talk about why so many cleaning business owners gravitate toward 1099s, what happens when you start treating contractors like employees, how much control you really want over your cleaners, and why your labor model may need to change as your company grows. They also dig into the cost of W-2 employees, the hidden cost of chaos, quality control, leadership, building a sellable business, and the very real risks of worker misclassification. Neither model is automatically right or wrong. The bigger question is: How do you actually want this person to work inside your company? Because if you want to control the schedule, training, systems, procedures, customer experience, and how the work gets done, you may be trying to hire a 1099 when what you really need is an employee. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Shannon and Jamie are not attorneys, CPAs, or employment-law professionals. Worker classification requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Always verify federal and state requirements and seek professional guidance when needed. 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. Aug 26

    Remembering Jeff Campbell: The Man Who Changed How We Clean | Ep. 224

    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. Jeff Campbell, founder of The Clean Team and creator of the Speed Cleaning method, passed away on August 13, 2026. In this tribute episode, Shannon reflects on Jeff’s extraordinary influence on the residential cleaning industry and her own 16-year cleaning career. She also shares the story of meeting Jeff briefly at an industry event, where he graciously took the time to answer her questions about training and professional cleaning. Jeff didn’t simply teach people to clean faster. He taught cleaners to work systematically, use the right tools, eliminate wasted movement, reduce physical strain, and produce consistent results. Many of the methods cleaning companies use today—including cleaning from top to bottom and left to right, carrying supplies, following a consistent route, and training employees with repeatable systems—were influenced by Jeff’s groundbreaking work. This episode honors the man who helped establish professional cleaning as legitimate, skilled work worthy of systems, study, training, and respect. Speed Cleaning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeedCleaningLearn To learn more about Speed Cleaning: https://speedcleaning.com Connect with Shannon Miller and Cleaning Business Life: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576276453685 https://kleanfreaksuniversity.com/ 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. Aug 22

    March to a Million #1: The Messy Middle

    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. Everyone loves a success story. Almost nobody gets to experience one while it's still unfolding. Welcome to March to a Million—a new series documenting the real journey of building a business in real time. No polished hindsight. No pretending we have all the answers. Just honest conversations about the decisions, uncertainty, setbacks, wins, and lessons that happen in the messy middle of entrepreneurship. In this first episode, Shannon and Jamie discuss why they chose to document the journey now instead of waiting until they've "made it." They explore why so many entrepreneurs unintentionally rewrite history after they become successful, and why capturing the emotions, questions, and decision-making process today may become the most valuable part of the story tomorrow. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to build something from the ground up, this series is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why we're documenting the journey before we know the outcome.What "the messy middle" really means.Why hindsight changes our memories.The difference between teaching from experience and living through it.What listeners can expect from the March to a Million series.Whether you're building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply navigating your own next chapter, we invite you to walk alongside us. Because the million is the destination. The march is the story. 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 is the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable company without sacrificing their entire life to do it. Hosted by industry leaders Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, the show brings real-world conversations about pricing, hiring, leadership, systems, boundaries, profitability, and sustainable growth. With more than 240 episodes rooted in actual cleaning-industry experience, you’ll hear the lessons, mistakes, hard decisions, and strategies that business owners rarely talk about publicly. Whether you’re starting your cleaning company, stuck inside the daily operations, or ready to grow into the CEO role, you’ll find honest guidance to help you charge more, earn more, and stress less. No hype. No surface-level advice. Just real cleaning-business conversations from women who have built the businesses themselves.  Want more help building a profitable cleaning business? Join Shannon’s email list for practical strategies, resources, and program updates:https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/f/welcome-to-klean-freaks-university-1 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
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cleaning Business Life
  • Show Website
    Cleaning Business Life

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