Today we’d like to introduce you to Branden-Lee Butler

Hi Branden-Lee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

They say that a goal without a plan is just a dream. Well, if I told you that having a goal was all I needed, I would be lying. Sometimes in life, you have to go downhill before you can go back up. Often, I feel like I’m making progress, only to face setbacks again. But if you take two balls and place them on a slope—one on a bumpy path and the other on a straight incline—the one on the hilly path will reach the bottom first. Because of this, I prefer to have a bumpy road throughout my life; I believe it will be more rewarding in the end.

I started my journey by watching YouTube videos of someone cleaning carpets. At 21 years old, I looked down at my own carpet and saw burn holes from a hookah and stains from previous parties. I decided to find a carpet cleaner in my area, so I conducted my research—as I always do, knowing that research is crucial as a consumer. I discovered that most carpet cleaning businesses in my area were either run by older individuals with outdated websites or simply never returned calls. Additionally, the prices seemed quite high for my 21-year-old budget.

At that point, I began looking on Craigslist for used commercial carpet cleaning machines. I went all in and purchased my first machine for $300, along with some cleaning chemicals from a local floor care warehouse. I cleaned my own carpet at home, and to my surprise, I found it was quite easy. However, I was still working full-time, and I had not yet registered a business.

Things became rocky with my full-time job, as I was continually getting fired for reasons that seemed trivial at the time. Looking back now as a business owner, I understand that those incidents were not so trivial; they were simply a result of being young, reckless, and free. When I first purchased that carpet cleaner, I had one child, and a second was on the way. I knew I had to get my act together, so I began to take life more seriously. I found myself working as a commercial truck driver, which meant long hours and not much time at home. But my second child was here, and they didn’t ask to be born, so it was time to step up.

Despite my truck driving job, I continued cleaning carpets on the side and started to do quite well at it. I managed to juggle both the driving and carpet cleaning for about two to three years. During that time, I also decided to make my business legitimate, as something in the back of my mind told me to do so from the start. I had aspirations to grow my company into a national brand, even if that meant upsetting others along the way.

Then the pandemic hit, and that’s when my business really took off. How did that happen? I was just a carpet cleaner, but I began receiving calls asking if I provided sanitation and commercial cleaning services. Instead of saying no, I responded with a “yes” and rode the wave of demand that came with COVID-19, leading me to where I am today.

While many may view me as successful, I often feel otherwise. It scares me to think that I might never feel satisfied or consider myself successful, which pushes me to keep going like the Energizer Bunny. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing, or if I’m just afraid of failure. However, I always tell those who ask about my story that this is just the beginning, and I’m only getting started.

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?

Of course, nothing is ever a smooth road. As I mentioned before, it’s always been a hilly path, but I prefer it that way—it makes life a little more interesting. Throughout that time, in the same year, my car got repossessed, and I became homeless. I slept on a close friend’s couch for a few months, saved up some money, bought a $500 car, and moved into a one-bedroom apartment that I fondly call my “lifeguard shack.” You can actually fart in the kitchen and smell it in the bedroom!

I am really grateful to the private landlord who allowed me to live there, especially since I had two kids at the time, and legally, that wasn’t allowed. But hey, you have to start somewhere. I like to think that lady was just a nice guardian angel. The rent was fairly cheap, which allowed me to save more money to eventually get a better house and fix my bad credit.

Some people seem to take advantage of opportunities that come their way, and when I say “take advantage,” I don’t mean it in a good way. They often use up their chances until the sand runs out in the hourglass, and then, in that last hour, they find themselves stuck in the same position. But I’ve seen that hourglass running out; I saved as much as I could and worked on repairing my credit so I could purchase my first home.

They often say one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, so I made sure to steer clear of the bad apples in my life. I cut off friendships that held me back and let go of bad habits like drinking and being a consumer in the nightlife. Now, as a business owner, when I go out for drinks, it’s only for business. I constantly look around and count the people in the room, knowing I paid anywhere from $10 to $20 for my drink. I think to myself, instead of paying someone to make my drink, I’d rather have someone paying me since I own the bar.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about B Clean Professionals?

Growing up, I always admired high-quality items that I couldn’t afford, like John Lobb shoes and U-Boat watches. Now, rather than simply appreciating nice things, I focus on quality. This principle is foundational to my business. We offer cleaning services that are not only affordable but also uphold a high level of professionalism and quality.

I take pride in our specialization in floor care, resurfacing, and janitorial services. We have recently developed our own floor cleaning solution, which is available for purchase on our website. It took me three years to create a solution suitable for a variety of flooring types.

What sets us apart from other cleaning services is our commitment to prompt communication. We prioritize getting back to our customers quickly, as good communication is crucial. We are transparent in our dealings, setting realistic expectations before we finish a job to ensure we meet our customers’ needs without giving them false hope.

If we encounter a floor or situation that we cannot clean or address satisfactorily, we will be honest with our customers rather than providing misleading information just to make a sale. We will recommend the best alternative options available. As the owner, Branden-Lee, I have built a network of relationships with other cleaners, flooring installers, and business professionals in my local area. This allows us to be versatile in meeting your needs.

I often remind fellow business owners that there are over 1,000 residential homes and more than 300 businesses in just my ZIP code. It’s clear that no single business can handle all of this demand independently. Everyone should have the opportunity to choose which business they want to support.

In addition to our cleaning services, we also offer consumables like paper towels and dispensers for businesses and homes. I will only sell cleaning solutions and consumables, such as toilet paper, that I use in my own home. I want my employees to live long, healthy lives, which is why we do not use bleach or harsh cleaning products. This approach benefits both our employees and our customers, allowing everyone to enjoy a healthier living environment.

We cut costs by eliminating the middleman. As a former CDL driver, you may even see me delivering your consumables directly to your home or business. While I run my company, I am also committed to working for my employees and customers.

If you’d like to support our business, please visit our website at bcleanprofessionals.com and click the “shop” button to purchase some of our products. Thank you!

What do you like and dislike about the city?

Although I haven’t visited California yet—having only made it as far as Texas—I am definitely planning to go next year. Since I am now homeschooling my children, we have more flexibility, which will allow us to open a branch on the West Coast. I believe this expansion would be profitable and beneficial, not only for my company but also for our customers on the West Coast. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sit at the beach and catch a nice tan from time to time? I’ve also heard that the food trucks and tacos there are amazing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bcleanprofessionals.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bcleanpros/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bcleanprofessionals6795?si=CUWqmXXd4Sb7Ti8B