‘I will not stop here, and I will always work on myself and my companies, making a positive impact on the lives of others’: Danielle Vest, CEO of Preferred Cleaning Service Inc

Making sure that an office is adequately cleaned is one of the most difficult but necessary tasks. Given that dozens of people may be working in a single room for the majority of the day, eating, drinking, and disposing of garbage, it is understandable that the workplace might soon become cluttered, worn, and dirty. While you may be able to get your team to clean, you are unlikely to have the necessary equipment or skills to clean thoroughly or efficiently. In short, it’s a massive waste of time and company resources to try and tackle cleaning yourself. That’s where commercial cleaning services come in. They provide expert services, have all the tools, and will handle the management of the cleaning entirely.

Once considered a male-dominated space, the commercial cleaning sector has been trending upward as more female entrepreneurs are coming to the scene. The desire to do business in the cleaning sector necessitates a 24/7 commitment and working under erratic timelines—a difficult decision for women seeking a career in this field. Female facility management professionals, on the other hand, are breaking down barriers and shaping and impacting the commercial cleaning industry with their unwavering determination and resilience.

Preferred Cleaning Service Inc is one such woman-owned, licensed, bonded, and insured cleaning contractor in Washington State and the Houston Metro region that you can trust. The company consists of team of experts who can clean a variety of commercial areas such as offices, shopping malls, and auto dealerships. The staff can help you with not only routine cleaning but also construction cleaning, medical cleaning, and other ad hoc tasks.

Danielle Vest, CEO of Preferred Cleaning Service Inc, spoke exclusively to CIO Bulletin about how she and her team of experts are providing top-notch commercial cleaning services that one can always rely on.

Interview Highlights

Q. What was the motivation behind starting Preferred Cleaning Service Inc?

The motivation behind starting Preferred Cleaning Service Inc stemmed from a desire to help others and create something of my own, despite having limited resources. As a woman deeply committed to making a positive impact on people's lives, I recognized the pivotal role that cleanliness and hygiene play in fostering healthy and productive environments, especially within offices, schools, and commercial spaces. However, I faced the challenge of starting a business with limited resources.

I identified an opportunity in the cleaning industry to offer high-quality cleaning services to businesses that placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness but often faced challenges in securing a commitment from their current service providers. With an unwavering belief in my ability to turn this vision into reality, I embarked on comprehensive research into cleaning techniques, eco-friendly products, and industry best practices. I relied on my skills and determination to establish a successful cleaning service entirely from scratch.

Q. How would you define true entrepreneurship? And how is entrepreneurship and working women important for the economy as a whole?

As mentioned above, from a woman's perspective, the motivation behind starting a commercial cleaning service stemmed from a desire to help others and create something of my own despite limited resources.

Beyond merely creating a business, my motivation extended to making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients, my staff, and the larger community. I wholeheartedly comprehended the positive impact that clean and well-maintained workspaces can have on employee well-being and productivity. Thus, my aim transcended profit; it was to create environments where people could truly thrive.

With a dedicated team by my side, we maintained an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service. This dedication quickly gained recognition, resulting in the remarkable growth and success of our commercial cleaning business. We take immense pride in not only establishing a thriving company but also in making a tangible and enduring impact on the businesses we serve, all while embodying the spirit of true entrepreneurs.

As we expand our team, we have discovered that some of our staff members express an interest in becoming business owners, as well as individuals we encounter along our journey. I have always believed that our power lies in knowledge and an exceptional team, so I am passionate about sharing my expertise and mentoring those who genuinely aspire.

Q. Can you explain about your services in brief?

Preferred Cleaning Service offers a wide range of cleaning services for commercial spaces, including offices, schools, retail centers, banks, and more. Our projects support charitable causes like World Vision and Cleaning for a Reason, aid cancer patients, and sponsor children out of poverty. Our services cover various spaces, including factories, industrial areas, medical facilities, and small businesses, reflecting our dedication to cleanliness and compassion.

Q. What makes your products and services trustworthy? What makes your clients come back to you again and again?

What makes our products and services trustworthy is our commitment to quality, transparency, customer-centricity, and consistency. We prioritize meeting customer expectations through high standards and reliable services, building trust. We are open and transparent about our offerings, fostering trust through clear communication. We value ongoing dialogue with our customers, actively listening to their needs and feedback, and tailoring our services to ensure satisfaction and success. We emphasize consistency in all interactions and touchpoints, whether it's product quality, support, or communication, to establish reliability for both clients and our employees.

Q. As a business leader, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

As a business leader, I highly recommend continuous learning and personal development. To help others grow, we must first grow ourselves and strive for excellence. I embrace a growth mindset, set high standards, lead by example, and support the development of others. It's essential that we all grow, but even more importantly, that we grow together.

Q. What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

One failure I had as an entrepreneur was the challenge of trusting others. To overcome this setback, I reflect on failure, enhance hiring practices, cultivate open communication, implement checks and balances, and build a support network. These strategies help navigate the challenges of trust and failure in entrepreneurship while fostering continuous growth and improvement.

Q. What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day involves effective time management, delegation, nurturing relationships, personal growth, and self-care. I value purposeful actions, maintaining a positive mindset, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. While each day varies, I stay focused and complete tasks, starting with addressing emails and important calls before hitting the gym. Physical activity and self-care help me maintain focus and work longer hours, ensuring tasks are completed by day's end.

Q. Keeping in mind the social and cultural bondages that generally trim down the freedom, confidence, and boldness of women, what steps/programs/policies you like to suggest for women who want to be successful like you?

To empower women and help them overcome social and cultural barriers, I suggest networking, mentorship programs, skill development, gender diversity policies, work-life integration, and encouraging philanthropy. By implementing these strategies, women can empower themselves to overcome societal constraints, gain confidence, and pursue their goals with determination, ultimately leading to success.

Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out as an entrepreneur, what would it be?

My best advice for women starting out as entrepreneurs in the service industry is to build a strong support network and seek mentorship. Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs and find mentors with industry expertise who can provide tailored guidance. Remember, entrepreneurship is a continuous journey of learning and growth, and a support network and mentorship will provide the resources and knowledge needed to succeed in the service industry.

Danielle Vest | In her own words

As the CEO and founder of Preferred Cleaning Service Inc, I do what I do because I love people and enjoy being creative. I strive to be the best at what I do, always believing in myself and putting my best foot forward each day. I am committed to personal and professional growth, empowering those around me, and inspiring them to grow every day. I will not stop here, and I will always work on myself and my companies, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

“I embrace a growth mindset, set high standards, lead by example, and support the development of others. It's essential that we all grow, but even more importantly, that we grow together.”

“My best advice for women starting out as entrepreneurs in the service industry is to build a strong support network and seek mentorship. A support network and mentorship will provide the resources and knowledge needed to succeed in the service industry.”

“What makes our products and services trustworthy is our commitment to quality, transparency, customer-centricity, and consistency. We prioritize meeting customer expectations through high standards and reliable services, building trust.”