The OctoClean Podcast
With over 30 years experience in the janitorial industry, the Stowe Brothers, Matt and Greg, know what it takes to operate a successful cleaning business. Follow along as they share tips every business owner needs to build a profitable commercial cleaning company.
Episodes
24 episodes
Janitorial Security: How to Handle Keys, Alarm Codes, and More!
Running a cleaning or janitorial business isn’t just about keeping spaces spotless, it’s about protecting your team, your clients, and your reputation. In this video, Matt and Greg dive into why every cleaning company needs solid security polic...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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39:13
Running A Cleaning Business Solo: How to Create Processes and Backup Plans
When you start out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself. You wear every hat, chase every lead, and try to hold it all together. But here’s the truth: asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategy.
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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35:24
Creating Proposals That Create Profits: The Art of Persuasion
Struggling to land high-paying cleaning contracts? In this episode, we dive into the art of writing winning proposals that help your cleaning business stand out, secure more deals, and boost profits. Greg and Matthew talk about common mistakes ...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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38:16
How To Run A Cleaning Business Without An Office: Expert Tips And Tricks! | Ep 21
Starting a cleaning business without a physical office or headquarters can feel overwhelming. Where do you store your supplies? How do you conduct interviews or meet with clients? In this episode, Greg and I will break down practical tips and s...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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27:02
What Makes A Great Cleaning Company in 2025? Services, Operations & Customer Satisfaction | Ep. 20
Success in the cleaning industry is determined by three key factors: customer satisfaction, overall profitability, and the efficiency of your operational systems. However, many professionals in the industry struggle to accurately gauge customer...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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38:36
Crisis Management for Cleaning Companies: Emergencies and Challenges | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 19
Emergencies can strike any business, but how you respond makes all the difference. From unexpected staffing shortages to supply chain issues, cleaning companies face unique challenges that require quick thinking and preparation. In this podcast...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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43:20
Cleaning Contracts: How to Spot Red Flags and Negotiate Favorable Terms | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 18
Contracts are the backbone of any cleaning business, but not all contracts are created equal. How can you spot potential red flags before signing, and what strategies can you use to negotiate terms that benefit both you and your clients? In ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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40:20
Construction Cleaning: Build Your Profits! | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 17
Areas with ongoing construction and development are filled with opportunities for your cleaning business. But how do you secure construction cleaning contracts and what do you need to get the job done well? In this podcast, Greg and I will disc...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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26:25
Improve Your Bidding Process To Make More Money | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 16
Bidding commercial cleaning jobs is essential to developing your cleaning business. We’ve covered this topic in the past, and today we want to focus on improving your system. We recommend going back and watching our bidding videos after this...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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48:23
Subcontracting Cleaning Contracts: Is It Worth It? | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 15
Subcontracting can help your cleaning business grow and increase profits. It can also tarnish your reputation and damage your company. In today’s episode, Greg and I will discuss OctoClean’s experience with subcontracting and help you decide if...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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36:36
Medical Cleaning: Next Level Contracts | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 14
Medical facilities have the highest standard of cleanliness, and for good reason. So how do you as a cleaner secure medical cleaning contracts? In this podcast, Greg and I will be sharing some important details that can help get you into medica...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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44:38
How To Succeed In A Struggling Economy: Profitable Cleaning Companies | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 13
Economic downturns can be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can not only survive but also grow your business. In today's episode, we're tackling a crucial topic: How to keep your commercial cleaning business thriving i...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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41:06
Secure More Cleaning Contracts: How to Speak to Potential Clients | OctoClean Podcast Ep. 12
Effective communication can make all the difference in convincing prospects to choose your services over the competition. In this episode of the OctoClean Podcast, we’re diving into the art of securing more cleaning contracts by mastering the w...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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52:34
Mistakes Your Cleaning Business Should Avoid
Everyone makes mistakes, and often, we don't realize we're making them until it's too late. In this episode of The OctoClean Podcast, we'll discuss the most common mistakes in our industry and how to avoid them. Drawing from our own experiences...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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33:15
How to Grow Your Team; Strategies for Commercial Cleaners
In this episode of The OctoClean Podcast, Matt and Greg share tactics for expanding your workforce, determining the right time and method for bringing on your first manager, and creating a company culture people want to be a part of. Be sure...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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50:30
How to Manage Payroll and Bill Customers
In this Episode, Matt and Greg teach you how to manage payroll and pay your employees what they are worth. They also share how to bill customers and what to do when your customers don't pay on time. Get Our Training Cards: https://...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:46
How to Make Your First Six Figures Cleaning
In this episode, Matt and Greg discuss practical tips for business owners eyeing the six figure mark. They speak about their own experience, the hurdles that plague most business owners, and the new challenges that making six figures will bring...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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51:21
How to Create a Service Schedule or Scope of Work for Commercial Cleaning
In Podcast 7, Matt and Greg discuss service schedules, the area in a proposal where the work to be performed is described. You'll learn how specific cleaning services should be, how to accomodate customer requests, and how to share service sche...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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39:45
Lessons from the Biggest Cleaning Show in North America Ft. Jeff Cross, ISSA Media Director
Episode 06 of The OctoClean Podcast takes place at The ISSA Show North America, where cleaning industry experts and vendors converge to discuss innovations and showcase their products. In this episode, hosts Matt and Greg are joined by Jeff Cro...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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23:34
How to Master a Commercial Cleaning Walkthrough: Questions to Ask and What You Need to Set a Price
How do you qualify a prospect? What questions should you ask at the initial walkthrough? And what do you need to set a profitable price? Matt and Greg answer these questions and more in The OctoClean Podcast, Episode 5.See Greg in his w...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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56:47
How to Start a Cleaning Business: Cost, Certifications, and Insurance
Starting a cleaning business can seem complex, but it is more manageable than you might think. In this podcast, Matt and Greg guide you through the crucial steps required to start a cleaning business and what must be accomplished beforehand.&nb...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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53:46
What to Do When a Customer Complains or Threatens to Cancel Services
No matter how experienced you are in this industry, customer complaints are inevitable. Watch as Matt and Greg reveal the systems they have developed to minimize complaints, swiftly resolve issues, and safeguard against cancellation requests.
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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42:24
How to Select Chemical and Equipment for Effective Commercial Cleaning
Years of trial and error have taught the Stowe Brothers that not every cleaning product will give you the quality and compliance required for commercial cleaning. In the second episode of The OctoClean Podcast, Matt and Greg share which brands ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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49:37
Mastering the Art of Bidding and Winning Commercial Cleaning Jobs
Whether you are an established cleaning business owner or just getting started, securing new customers and setting prices can be daunting. In this first episode of The OctoClean Podcast, the Stowe brothers dive deep into the world of cleaning b...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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1:10:52