“Your marriage always comes first. You always have to put your other person as a priority”. - Debbie Emms

“You gotta take one rung of the ladder at a time, but you have to keep moving forward. You have to take action”. - Eric Emms

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Eric and Debbie Emms, who share what it’s really like to build, run, and grow a cleaning business together. From navigating role clarity to balancing marriage and work, Eric and Debbie reveal how they turned partnership into their greatest business advantage.

They open up about the realities of running a company with your spouse — the challenges, communication hurdles, and unexpected benefits — and how aligning strengths transformed both their relationship and business. Their story shows that when two people share a vision, a mission, and a marriage, the business can grow stronger than ever.

⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Working With Your Spouse Is a Strength — If You Build It Intentionally

Eric and Debbie explain how clear expectations and defined roles reduce conflict and increase productivity.

2. Communication Is the Foundation

They share how open, honest communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps both marriage and business healthy.

3. Play to Each Other’s Strengths

Success comes from dividing responsibilities based on natural skills, not preference or convenience.

4. Personal Growth Fuels Business Growth

The Emms highlight how working together forced them to grow individually, which strengthened their leadership.

5. Your Marriage Can Become a Business Superpower

Trust, shared vision, and loyalty create a strong foundation — allowing the business to weather challenges more smoothly.

6. Boundaries Matter

They reveal how setting limits between “work time” and “life time” protects their relationship while keeping the business efficient.

Guest’s Information:

• Join The Couples Blueprint at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Vnq1s_u4TiOieet6vjlU-Q#/registration
• Learn more about Rise and Shine Cleaning Service at https://shine-this.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.emms.976376
•          https://www.facebook.com/debbie.emms.2025
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

Keywords: House Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Owners, Residential Cleaning, Cleaning Industry, Scaling a Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Growth, Leadership, Mentorship, AI Marketing, SEO for Cleaners, Team Building, Podcast, True Grime Stories Podcast

“Every successful business has a grime story — it’s how you rise from it that counts.” - Jeannie Henderson

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

After interviewing 52 cleaning business owners from across the country, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned from their incredible journeys. From shifting my mindset and letting go of control to building strong systems, pricing correctly, and trusting my team — I discovered the common threads that transform everyday cleaning businesses into thriving, scalable enterprises.

In this special episode, I share the most powerful takeaways that every cleaning entrepreneur can relate to — whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level. Tune in to hear how these lessons can help you clean up your business, reclaim your freedom, and fall back in love with your purpose.

🧩 Key Topics & Takeaways

• Mindset Matters: Success starts with what you believe about yourself.
• Letting Go to Grow: Why releasing control opens the door to expansion.
• Systems = Sanity: How clear processes turn chaos into calm.
• Your Team Is Your Superpower: Investing in people builds long-term success.
• Know Your Numbers: Financial clarity creates freedom and profit.
• Price for Profit: Charging what you’re worth changes everything.
• Delegation Is Your Lifeline: Stop doing it all — start leading.
• Coaching & Community: Why you can’t grow alone.
• Your Grime Story Matters: Struggles are what shape real success.
• No One-Size-Fits-All: Build a business that works for you.

Guest’s Information:

• Learn more about Jeannie Henderson Consulting at https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting
• Learn more about Jeannie Cleaning at https://jeanniecleaning.com/
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“One of my flaws, I compare myself to others… When can I be there? Why, why am I not there yet?”- Leanna Whyte

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with Leanna Whyte, owner of Sparkling Green Cleaning Services , who shares her journey of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and comparison to build the thriving business she has today. Leanna opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her stop letting fear hold her back—from stepping into leadership with confidence to learning that growth starts when you take brave action despite uncertainty.

Through her story, listeners will discover how faith, courage, and personal growth can transform not just a business, but the person behind it. Leanna’s message is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from avoiding fear—it comes from moving forward through it.

💡 Key Topics

• Overcoming fear and self-doubt as a business owner
• Turning challenges into opportunities for personal growth
• The importance of faith and mindset in business success
• How comparison can stall growth—and how to rise above it
• Building confidence and courage through daily actions
• Shifting from fear-based decisions to empowered leadership
• Finding peace and purpose in your entrepreneurial journey

Guest’s Information:

• Learn more about Sparkling Green Cleaning Services at www.sparklinggreen.ca
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

House Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Owners, Residential Cleaning, Cleaning Industry, Scaling a Cleaning Business, Cleaning Business Growth, Leadership, Mentorship, AI Marketing, SEO for Cleaners, Team Building, Podcast, True Grime Stories Podcast

“Adjust your mindset, be more positive every day.” - Matt Bohner

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of True Grime Stories, host Jeannie Henderson sits down with Matt Bohner, owner of Magic Matt’s Cleaning in Ames, Iowa. From Air Force veteran to successful cleaning business owner, Matt opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned from chasing two coaches, and how choosing the right mentorship and staying positive transformed his business.

Matt shares how focusing on one system, tracking the right numbers, and cultivating a winning mindset doubled his company’s growth in just a year. His story is a reminder that success often comes from clarity, consistency, and community—and that positivity can turn any setback into momentum.

💡 Key Topics

• Finding your entrepreneurial path after burnout and uncertainty
• Choosing the right coach and avoiding the “two rabbits” trap
• How numbers and systems drive real business growth
• The impact of CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) on scaling successfully
• Staying positive and leading with purpose through challenges
• The power of community and peer accountability in business growth
• Giving back through Cleaning for a Reason and building meaning into your brand
• Developing leadership habits that inspire team loyalty and client trust

Guest’s Information:

• Learn more about Magic Matt's Cleaning at magicmattscleaning.com
• Learn more about pet waste removal services at iowapoofighters.com
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“Getting the right people in the right seats was really important, and that starts with your mission and your vision.” - Ashley Bender

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of True Grime Stories, Jeannie talks with Ashley Bender about one of the biggest game-changers in the cleaning industry — pricing for profit. Ashley shares her journey from undercharging out of fear to confidently setting prices that reflect the true value of her service and drive sustainable growth.

She explains the mindset shifts required to go from “just getting by” to running a healthier, more profitable business. Listeners will learn how the right pricing strategy can improve revenue, attract better clients, strengthen teams, and create a better work–life balance.

🔑 Key Topics

• Overcoming fear and guilt around charging your worth
• Why pricing for profit is crucial for sustainable growth
• The difference between being busy and being profitable
• How to confidently communicate value to clients
• Shifting mindset from discounting to deserving fair pay
• Building a client base that respects and values your service
• How fair pricing reduces burnout and creates freedom
• Practical steps to review and adjust rates

Guest’s Information:

• Learn more about AMK Cleaning at AMKcleaningServices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amkcleaningservices/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/amkcleaningservices
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amkcleaningservices
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“If your goal is to grow and to continue on, have something that can operate without you.” - Dana Sladowski

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of True Grime Stories, host Jeannie Henderson chats with Dana Sladowski, owner of Dee’s Green Cleaning, about her journey from being hands-on in her business to achieving real freedom and growth. Dana shares how she made the bold decision to “put down the mop” and embrace her role as a true leader — focusing on building systems, empowering her team, and creating a sustainable business model.

Her story is a powerful reminder that stepping away from daily cleaning tasks isn’t giving up control — it’s gaining the space to lead, grow, and build the business of your dreams.

💡 Key Topics:

• How Dana transitioned from cleaner to CEO
• What it really means to “go mop-free” and lead with vision
• The importance of building strong systems and processes
• Empowering your team to take ownership and accountability
• Overcoming guilt and fear when stepping back from the work
• Why trusting your team is key to freedom and business growth
• Redefining success: doing less hands-on work to achieve more impact

Guest’s Information: 

• Learn more about Dee's Green Cleaning at www.deesgreenclean.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/deesgreenclean/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/deesgreencleaning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-sladowski-5304ab358/
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“The more professional you act, the more professional you're going to be treated.” - Paul Fried

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of True Grime Stories, we sit down with Paul Fried, owner of Maid in Hoboken, and Laura Aquino, his right hand in business, to explore how adaptability and openness to new ideas can transform a company’s growth. From unexpected challenges to embracing change, Paul and Laura share how flexibility, creativity, and the willingness to pivot have shaped their success. Their story highlights the power of being open to new systems, fresh perspectives, and the right team support to build a thriving cleaning business.

🔑 Key Topics

• Adaptability as a growth strategy: Why being open to change drives long-term success.
• Embracing new ideas: How innovation and flexibility shaped their company’s evolution.
• Team collaboration: Building strength and resilience by working together.
• Learning through challenges: Turning unexpected obstacles into opportunities.
• Staying future-ready: The importance of flexibility in a rapidly changing industry.

Guest’s Information: 

• Learn more about Maid in Hoboken at https://maidinhoboken.com/  
• Learn more about Maid in Jersey City at https://bestclean.com/
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“Keep learning and growing your business because that growth depends on your growing.” - Mario Alvarez

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary: In this episode of True Grime Stories, we sit down with Mario Alvarez, who shares how hiring for culture fit—not just experience—became the turning point in his business growth. Mario opens up about the challenges of managing teams, including dealing with a mutiny, and how those struggles reshaped his approach to leadership. By focusing on values, integrity, and the person behind the resume, Mario built a resilient team that thrives on trust and shared purpose. His story is a powerful reminder that the right people in the right seats can make all the difference in business success.

🔑 Key Topics

• Why hiring for culture fit matters more than just skills or experience
• Lessons from navigating a team mutiny and turning it into growth
• How the right people drive business stability and long-term success
• Strategies for identifying employees who align with your values
• Building a culture where teams feel trusted, respected, and empowered

Guest’s Information: 

• Learn more about It's Cleaning Time, LLC at itscleaningtime.com
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“Don't try to do everything by yourself. Having a mentor is essential.  Choose the ones that have proven results and then follow it.” - Jane Cesino

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary: In this episode of True Grime Stories, we sit down with Jane Cesino, a cleaning business owner who learned that true growth comes when you let go of control. Jane shares how she moved from trying to do everything herself—keeping all the details in her head and chasing perfection—to creating systems, documenting processes, and building a team where the right people are in the right seats. Her story is a powerful reminder that you can’t grow your business if you try to do it all alone.

Jane’s journey shows us that letting go isn’t failure—it’s the key to unlocking freedom, growth, and a thriving business.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• Why letting go of control is essential for growth
• Moving from “everything in your head” to documented systems
• How to find and place the right people in the right roles
• Shifting from perfectionism to progress in business
• Using tools like CRM to streamline and scale
• Building a team that creates freedom instead of overwhelm
• Lessons learned about leadership, delegation, and trust

Guest’s Information: 

• Learn more about Star Maids Cleaning Solutions  / Star Maids at: https://www.starmaidsus.com
• Deep Cleaning Specialist link in Portuguese - https://cleaningbusinessprofits.thinkific.com/bundles/dcs-2-0-program-portuguese
• Professional Cleaning Techniques, which is a comprehensive training tailored specifically for Brazilians in the U.S. cleaning industry. It’s designed to help cleaning business owners standardize their training systems with video-based modules available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Learn more at professionalcleaningtechniques.com
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson

“It is hard to apply the system, but it's harder when you don't apply it.” - Camila Skiendziel

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, profitable cleaning business.

Episode Summary:  In this episode of True Grime Stories, I sit down with Camila Skiendziel, who shares her powerful journey of breaking free from burnout and building a business that runs on systems—not stress. Camila opens up about the struggles of being overworked and “sick and tired” of doing it all, and how everything changed when she discovered the right cleaning business system. By following a proven path, she created freedom in her business and life, and today she inspires other cleaning business owners to stop surviving and start thriving.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Camila’s turning point: realizing she couldn’t keep doing it all alone
• How implementing the right system created freedom and growth in her business
• Why systems are essential for stopping burnout and building consistency
• The difference between working harder vs. working smarter with proven strategies
• Lessons learned on letting go of chaos and embracing structure
• How business owners can reclaim their time, energy, and freedom

Guest’s Information: 

• Learn more about Not Just Dust Cleaning Services at: www.notjustdustcleaning.com
• CBF (Cleaning Business Fundamentals) – A business coaching program that helped understand what was missing and how to build systems that actually work.

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with Jeannie:

• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson