We were lucky to catch up with Cennita France recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cennita, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
One of the key aspects that sets us apart from the industry standard in the commercial janitorial sector is our commitment to innovation, specifically through the integration of AI technology and robotics into our operations. As a veteran-owned business, we understand the importance of adapting to changing landscapes, and the janitorial industry has long been characterized by narrow profit margins and traditional methods.
Recognizing the need to differentiate ourselves, we have strategically partnered with a leading robotics company to begin incorporating AI-driven cleaning robots into our workflows. This integration is not about replacing our workforce; rather, it’s about enhancing our operational capacity. By automating routine tasks, our human employees can focus on larger, more complex projects that yield higher profit margins. This dual approach not only improves efficiency but also allows us to offer a more comprehensive service to our clients.
Our initiative doesn’t stop at implementation; we are also investing in upgrading our software to include advanced AI technology that enhances communication and coordination with our cleaning equipment. This upgrade will enable our team to oversee operations more effectively while devoting more time to quality control and specialized cleaning tasks.
Over the next three years, we are passionate about partnering with schools and universities to foster education and training around AI technology within the janitorial field. We believe that by embracing AI, we can empower our community and workforce, particularly in a market that has traditionally been male-dominated. Our goal is to not only stay competitive but to lead the way in demonstrating how the janitorial industry can evolve and benefit from technology-driven solutions.
In a challenging market, we believe that being ahead of the curve with AI integration not only differentiates us but also positions us as innovators in the industry, paving the way for future growth and collaboration.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I am the proud owner of a commercial janitorial and facility maintenance company, and my journey here has been both rewarding and transformative.
Before venturing into this industry, I proudly served in the military for 25 years. Towards the end of my service, I began to reflect on what my next chapter would be. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, honed by running various businesses in the past, I knew I wanted to own another venture—but this time, it had to be meaningful and impactful.
During my time in the military, I couldn’t help but notice the subpar maintenance and cleaning standards in the facilities I encountered. My competitive spirit and dedication to high-quality service sparked a desire within me: I knew that if given the opportunity, I could deliver better results. In March of 2022, I established my LLC just as I retired, and with the guidance of a mentor, I took my first steps into the world of government contracting.
I was thrilled when I won my first contract for $42,000—an exciting validation of my vision! Since then, we have expanded our portfolio to include not only commercial janitorial services but also a comprehensive range of facility maintenance services. Our mission is to ensure that every space we service is not only clean but also well-maintained, providing an environment where clients can thrive.
What sets my company apart is our relentless commitment to excellence and continuous learning. Over the last three years, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experiences in this industry. I am passionate about sharing that knowledge with others, and I believe there is enough business for everyone. Mentorship is crucial, and I take pride in helping others grow and succeed. Watching my team members evolve and flourish is one of my greatest joys.
Above all, I want potential clients and followers to know that my dedication to service goes beyond business—it’s a reflection of the values I upheld during my military service: integrity, respect, and a commitment to mission accomplishment. I stand by the belief that a clean and well-maintained facility positively impacts productivity and morale.
I am proud to be part of a community that values quality service and personal growth. Each project I take on not only serves our clients but also paves the way for a brighter future for my employees and the communities we serve.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started with $1,500 that I saved from my paycheck. I calculated the costs involved in creating my own website landing page, purchasing business cards, and buying a laptop. The rest just fell into place. I realized I needed to find a contract that would generate enough income to keep my business running. It wasn’t meticulously planned, but it ultimately paid off. Now, three years later, I’m in the process of revamping my website, just had my first branding photoshoot completed, and ordered new business cards, plus company logo shirts for my team. It’s been an incredible journey!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Navigating the Transition: A Military Veteran’s Journey into Federal Contracting
In 2022, I found myself at a significant crossroads. After many years of dedicated service, I was retiring from the military, while simultaneously adjusting to new family dynamics—my eldest daughter had just embarked on her college journey, and my youngest was preparing to finish high school. This dual transition posed a unique and challenging experience for me: shifting from the structure and familiarity of military life to the uncertainties of the civilian world.
As I pondered my future beyond parenting and military service, I spent around eight months at home, staying active through volunteering and other small projects. However, I knew I needed to dive into something meaningful before my official retirement. That’s when I took my first steps into the realm of federal contracting. Establishing a formal business and opening a dedicated account marked the beginning of this new chapter in my life.
Recognizing my lack of past performance in this unfamiliar arena, I sought out a mentor and registered with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program. Together, we formed a joint venture, providing me with much-needed guidance and support as I navigated the complexities of contracting. Leading up to my retirement, I immersed myself in learning the ins and outs of this new field. Yet, even after crossing the threshold into retirement, I still grappled with feelings of unpreparedness.
The initial eight months of contracting were a whirlwind of certifications, deep dives into the processes, and an endless stream of paperwork. I was grateful for my mentor, as entering this new industry was far from straightforward. Determined to find my niche, I studied tirelessly to determine my path within the contracting world.
Finally, after eight months of hard work, I submitted my first contract proposal and, to my amazement, won. This victory fueled my motivation and made the pursuit feel attainable. Much to my surprise, I didn’t even need the joint venture to secure this particular contract; it was entirely my accomplishment. Despite the small scale of the contract, the exhilaration was immense—it was proof that I could forge my own way.
Many had warned me that the world of contracting was fraught with challenges, often taking two years or more to secure a contract. They spoke of endless hurdles, stringent requirements for documentation, and the perplexities of navigating insurance, websites, and capability statements. It often felt overwhelming—everything seemed so foreign. But I was determined not to fail. My military training had instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and an unwavering commitment to succeed.
Moreover, I found comfort in the idea of working alongside installations that felt familiar and safe—places that were a part of my life for so long. I was supporting my family while remaining rooted in a world I knew. My background gave me confidence, enabling me to navigate military installations with an adeptness that others might lack.
As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to my perseverance and adaptability. The transition from military life to federal contracting has been a rollercoaster ride of challenges and triumphs, but I refuse to back down. After all, as veterans, we are not just trained to overcome obstacles—we thrive in the face of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cmlcontractor.com
- Instagram: cmlcontractors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cennita-france-0878a2229/
Image Credits
Terica Bower
Terica B. Photography