How do you scale a commercial cleaning company past $100 million—and set your sights on $300 million?

In this episode of the Business of Cleaning Podcast, host Tim Clagg sits down with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems, to break down the strategies, leadership principles, and real-world decisions behind building one of the fastest-growing cleaning franchise systems in the industry.

From leaving IBM to cleaning daycares at night, Adam shares his journey to the CEO seat—and the mindset required to scale a service business in a competitive market.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Anago’s unique 3-tier franchise model drives growth and scalability
• The role of technology and proprietary systems in modern janitorial operations
• Key leadership lessons from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic
• The 5-prong strategy that helped Anago surpass $100M in just 19 months
• Why 2026 is shaping up to be the “Year of Experience” in business
• How AI is transforming the cleaning industry—and the human skills that will matter most
• Smart pricing strategies when clients push back on budgets
• Warning signs your cleaning services are underpriced
• The importance of integrity and long-term thinking in business decisions
• Adam’s approach to servant leadership and building a lasting legacy

Whether you own a commercial cleaning business, operate a franchise, or want to grow as a leader, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Subscribe for more episodes on commercial cleaning, business growth, and leadership.

What happens when a radio program director pivots into commercial cleaning just months before a global pandemic?

In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, we speak with Tom Riggs, Operations Manager at Interstate, about his unexpected transition from broadcasting to frontline operations leadership.

After being laid off in 2019, Tom entered the cleaning industry with no prior experience. Within months, COVID-19 reshaped workforce expectations and operational demands, accelerating his learning curve and leadership growth.

In this conversation, Tom shares insight on:

• Transitioning into cleaning from another industry
• Managing call-offs and workforce challenges
• Improving hiring and onboarding in today’s labor market
• Using AI to support hiring and leadership communication

Drawing on his background in broadcasting, Tom emphasizes the critical role of communication, adaptability, and accountability in operational success.

For cleaning company leaders navigating workforce challenges, this episode delivers practical strategies that can be applied immediately.

Karen Denton, CEO and Founder of Karen’s Second Chance Commercial Cleaning Services, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming major health challenges to building a thriving commercial cleaning business.In this episode of The Business of Cleaning, Karen discusses the importance of mentorship, setting up your cleaning business the right way, and learning from early mistakes. She breaks down how minority certification helped open new doors, and what it means for her company to be selected as the official cleaning provider for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.If you own or manage a commercial cleaning business, this episode delivers real-world advice on legal setup, financial best practices, bidding, operations, and sustainable growth. Karen’s story highlights how resilience, community support, and strategic planning can create long-term success in the cleaning industry.🎙 Topics covered in this episode:-Starting and scaling a commercial cleaning business-Overcoming challenges as a business owner-Minority certification for cleaning companies-Mentorship and coaching in business-Preparing for large contracts and national events-The 2026 NFL Draft and commercial cleaning opportunities