George Tibil, an entrepreneur who rejuvenated a struggling janitorial business, and Keith Fields, his business partner, share their transformative journey. They discuss their initial dissatisfaction with corporate life and how hands-on management turned revenues around by 60%. Topics include the challenges of managing a diverse workforce and building a strong company culture. They highlight the importance of good partnerships and authentic employee engagement for revitalizing a blue-collar business that's been in decline.
George and Keith's hands-on approach to management included working overnight with employees, providing them deep operational insights that informed their strategies.
They leveraged the support and resources from their ServiceMaster Clean franchise to implement effective operational changes, significantly boosting revenues.
Understanding and addressing the cultural backgrounds of their immigrant workforce improved communication, job satisfaction, and overall service quality.
Deep dives
Hands-On Transition Experience
The founders of a commercial cleaning business underwent an intense hands-on transition after acquiring their company. They spent several months working overnight alongside their crews to clean offices, fully immersing themselves in the operations of the business. This direct involvement provided them with firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by their employees, enabling them to understand processes that were critical for the business's success. Despite the difficulty of this transition, the founders treasure the experience, believing it enhanced their operational strategies and employee relations.
Reviving a Struggling Franchise
The business they acquired was initially thriving, generating revenue of approximately $1.5 million but had recently seen a decline, dropping to $1.1 million. Under the previous ownership, operational management had faltered, leading to a significant loss of key customers and employee turnover. However, despite these challenges, the founders acted quickly to implement changes, leveraging their insights from working directly with staff to revamp operations and restore morale. By fostering strong relationships with their primarily immigrant workforce and focusing on quality service, they successfully revitalized the business, raising revenue to around $1.8 million within nine months.
Value of Franchise Support
The founders emphasized the strategic advantages of purchasing a franchise, particularly one owned by a private equity group. They found the support from the franchisor to be invaluable, providing both operational guidance and networking opportunities within a community of franchise owners. This backing enabled them to align their growth strategies effectively and access resources that would have otherwise been challenging for independent businesses. Their proactive engagement with the franchise network fostered mentorship and collaboration, aiding their success in the competitive market.
Understanding Workforce Diversity
The team highlighted the importance of understanding the diverse cultural backgrounds of their workforce, many of whom are immigrants. They made efforts to bridge communication gaps by translating essential documentation and utilizing apps to facilitate conversations. Acknowledging the unique motivations and challenges faced by their employees allowed them to build a supportive work environment, which ultimately enhanced job satisfaction and retention rates. This cultural sensitivity not only improved team dynamics but also contributed positively to the overall service quality delivered to clients.
Adapting Leadership Approaches
Through their transition, the founders learned essential lessons about leadership and the importance of a strong company culture. Initially aiming for radical transparency, they realized this approach caused unnecessary anxiety among employees who feared the repercussions of growth. By establishing a positive and engaging culture, leveraging team-building events and open communication, they successfully built trust within the workforce. This evolution emphasized the need for leaders to be adaptable, tailoring their approach based on the specific needs and sentiments of their employees.
Embracing the Journey of Entrepreneurship
Throughout their endeavors, the founders expressed a deep commitment to their entrepreneurial journey, viewing it as a period of personal and professional growth. They maintained a relentless focus on operational improvements while simultaneously laying the groundwork for future acquisitions. Facing challenges together fostered a strong partnership that enhanced their ability to tackle the rigors of business ownership. Their experiences underscored the satisfaction and fulfillment derived from building something meaningful, reinforcing their intentions to expand their entrepreneurial footprint.