I’m 44 years old and co-own Crescent Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc. in the Chicago area with my wife of 19 years, Rita.

We have three boys, Michael 14, Kyle 12, and Kevin 11.

I was right-sized out of my job (19 years) in the printing industry. We chose the carpet cleaning business based on our own bad experiences and our friend’s bad experiences with carpet cleaning.

We thought that if these companies can succeed doing a poor job, we should really be able to succeed by giving quality service and doing a great job.

The immediate gratification we feel from our clients.

They are extremely grateful that we delivered what we promised and appreciate the care we take protecting their home while we do the work.

Several clients have told us they feel safe with us in their home. In what other business can you provide your service, and your clients tell you they appreciate “how wonderful you are”?

We differ from most other companies because we offer our services in a very professional manner.

We cheerfully answer the phone, addressing all questions we possibly can (even to people in other states who got us from the Internet).

We show up on time in clean uniforms with a clean and professionally-lettered truck. We take the time to listen to clients concerns and fears both spoken and non-spoken.

We explain what can and can’t be done and why (not trying to raise their expectations too high.) We then write up a written quotation (giving them a copy) and schedule a cleaning time.

We begin by vacuuming, always. We use drop cloths on hard surfaces before laying hoses, place corner guards to protect walls, and install a “door buddy” if necessary to keep out inclement weather.

Our husband and wife team moves and works efficiently, whether it is securing hoses along the stair rails with rubber coated hooks or switching off on the actual cleaning so someone is always “fresh”.

It’s all about human relations: Treat the client as you would like to be treated.