This podcast is powered by Klean Freaks University.com — where real cleaners build real empires. From mop buckets to million-dollar systems, we teach you how to clean smarter, lead stronger, and scale faster.

Ron Papke’s journey from addiction and homelessness to building a thriving cleaning restoration business is nothing short of inspiring. With just $2,500 and a few lawn mowers, he laid the foundation for what would grow into a million-dollar company specializing in water restoration, mold remediation, air duct cleaning, and more.

What makes Ron’s success stand out is his mastery of organic marketing—achieving massive growth without relying on hefty advertising budgets. 

His company’s leap from $500,000 to its first million in revenue came largely from a simple yet powerful strategy: customer yard signs. By placing signs at every job site and leaving them up until a client objected (which almost never happened), he created an unstoppable local presence. 

The proof? His business boasts over 700 Google reviews, while his nearest competitor has just 40.

Beyond marketing, Ron’s business approach is full of game-changing strategies. His innovative “scheduling close” technique shifts the focus from price to value by first asking if customers qualify for special discounts (like first responders, teachers, and veterans) before offering time-sensitive pricing incentives. He also requires a $50 deposit on every job, which not only reduces last-minute cancellations but reinforces his company’s professionalism.

Ron is a firm believer that strong communication skills are key to success—so much so that he recommends every business owner join

Here is the link to apply for the scholarship

https://forms.gle/c122YU6oNRG7Tic19

Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.

 [email protected] 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life, the show where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a thriving cleaning business without burning out.

Every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies you can put to work right away—because you deserve a business that works for you, not the other way around.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new release. And if you got value from this conversation, share it with another cleaning business owner who could use the encouragement and practical advice.

Let’s stay connected! You can find me online at:
📌 Facebook: facebook.com/themaidsnetwork
📌 Instagram: instagram.com/kleanfreaksuniversity
📌 YouTube: youtube.com/@kleanfreakstv
📌 Website: kleanfreaksuniversity.com

Want to go deeper? Join the Maid to Prosper membership inside Klean Freaks University and get access to my library of 55+ courses, live coaching, and the support you need to build your dream business. Visit kleanfreaksuniversity.com to learn more.

Until next time—keep showing up, keep sh...