Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Schenk.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had cleaned for family and friends almost all of my adult life as side jobs and when my youngest was born I no longer wanted a career that I couldn’t control for my husband and kids appointments, ceremonies, field trips, etc. I decided since I loved cleaning and being able to help others get their homes back and relieve some stress from their lives I officially made a business for myself.
I started just doing residential homes and then after a few years of growing that direction I started cleaning for a property management company for Airbnbs. I have cleaned everything from Rvs/travel trailers to small business offices and post construction companies. I wouldn’t be here today without the trust of my very long time clients referring me to others and some great employees.
I had to learn, the hard way and slowly, how to be a “boss”, I had never been a manager and had never wanted to. But now I enjoy it and love seeing my team grow and accomplish big things for themselves.
I outgrew my home office and shed and just last May found myself a perfect little space to rent, no longer having team members cars in my yard/driveway or having to load and unload everything from a shed in my backyard with our brutal summers!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been super easy at times and other times I have wanted to throw in the towel. Having to learn how to be a better “boss” has been one of my biggest challenges, I listened to A LOT of podcasts and continue to listen to many and try to feel less responsible for my teams own life problems and be firmer about expectations. Lately it’s been more of a financial struggle with the rising costs of running the business while not being able to increase rates so fast for clients who have been with me from the get go and I wasn’t as confident and undercharged my services.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always been very detailed and think of the meaningful things that will make a client happy. I never rush my team to be in and out too quickly to be thorough or worry about breaking anything.
I am most proud of overcoming my anxiety, I would have an anxiety attack on the way to every estimate and especially trying to go to any networking events. I’m very introverted so I still don’t prefer the very large groups but I have gotten much more comfortable putting myself out there and knowing my team and I’s worth.
We are different because we use all natural and essential oil products keeping homes, families and pets safe from additional toxins. We also truly care about the clients and form close relationships with most and they truly care about us as well.
What does success mean to you?
I believe success is what makes you happy, no timelines or amount of money. The years I made the most I was the unhappiest. I love to set goals for myself and making those makes me feel the most successful. Also making it past 5 years and praying to go long past 10 years!
Pricing:
- Deep Cleans $0.20-0.30 per square foot
- Recurring Residential $0.10-0.15 per square foot
- Commercial $0.07-0.18 per square foot
- Move In/Out $0.15-0.30 per square foot
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colescourteouscleaning.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coles_courteous_cleaning_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColesCleaning1
