Tell us about yourself.
I am an environmentally considerate person. My company uses Green Seal products whenever possible.

I am also the carpet care mentor to the Global Cleaning Association.

I believe in community service, and am a two-term trustee for the village of Kekoskee, WI.

I am also a two-gallon blood donor. My company rewards those who give of themselves to their community. I offer military veteran’s and blood donor’s discount to my customers.

My company vehicle is a 2000 Chevrolet Metro. And yes, I run the carpet cleaning business out of it.

I have created a seminar on basic carpet care for the average homeowner. All too often, I get the phone call after the homeowner has done everything wrong and then asks: “Help me, Spot Doctor!”

Why did you choose this industry?
I got started in the industry on April 17, 1999. At that time, I was working for an auto parts delivery service, and it wasn’t paying the bills.

I read an ad in the newspaper for a janitorial position, and I applied. The company told me that those jobs were filled, but they had an opening on what they called the “Specialty Services Crew,” but that it had some pretty strange hours.

The positive aspect was that it started at $10 per hour, so I took it. I found out that I had a real knack for carpet cleaning, and the rest is history.

I am now officially carpet obsessed.

What advice do you have for other cleaners?
Learn your trade!

Obtain proper training, and stay current on the industry.

Maintain a professional attitude and you will receive professional income.

Don’t cheat the customer, follow the steps you are supposed to when you are cleaning, including pre-vacuuming.

You never know when you might be cleaning for someone that knows the trade.

Cleaners should also be very proud. I would like to see higher self-esteem among the people in the profession. You are not “just a carpet cleaner.” You are, or should be, a highly trained, scientifically educated, textile restoration professional.