Kenefsky particularly liked that the franchise is fairly inexpensive to get up and running and doesn't require a large office or major investment in inventory. Today she has 70 employees working at her four locations — three in the Seattle area and one in Beaverton, Oregon. The vast majority of her approximately 1,100 clients are residential; word-of-mouth referrals from these customers are her biggest business generator.
Having support from the franchisor — which now has 150 locations across the United States — is a huge help, she said. The company provides her with a business coach that has years of experience in the residential and commercial cleaning business that can help her figure out the best ways to schedule jobs, keep employee turnover low and grow her business.
As with other service businesses, Kenefsky said one of her biggest challenges is finding and keeping good workers. "I try to create a good, friendly work atmosphere," she said. During the morning dispatch, when workers are being sent out on jobs for the day, she likes to keep the mood light and as stress-free as possible, she added.
As for the best advice she could give other would-be franchisees, Kenefsky advised not to try to reinvent the wheel. "Follow the franchise model," she said. "You're buying a proven system, so use it."