We recently connected with Deborah Crowley and have shared our conversation below.

Deborah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey that led me to leave the corporate world and establish Exclusive Cleaning Services. The catalyst for this pivotal decision came during a reflective walk around the office, where I found myself surrounded by the individuals I had personally onboarded to the company. As I observed their experiences and interactions, a realization dawned upon me – the desire to break free from the confines of Corporate America and pursue a more fulfilling path. Fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship and a vision for providing exceptional cleaning services, I took the leap into the world of small business ownership. Exclusive Cleaning Services has since flourished, driven by a commitment to excellence and a personalized approach to meeting the unique needs of our clients. This bold choice to chart my own course has not only defined my professional journey but has also allowed me to create a successful venture that resonates with my values and aspirations. I continue to be an Ambassador for Ladies of Justice supporting women to have access to an attorney for their journey of life at an affordable price.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Deborah Crowley is on a mission to help protect individuals and entrepreneurs with access to the justice system with legal services and Identity Theft protection. She is an Ambassador for Ladies of Justice. Through her journey she has opened three companies such as Crowley and Associates helping entrepreneurs build their business, Exclusive Elderly Resource Center (Non-Profit organization supporting the elderly with resources to live a fulfilling life). and Exclusive Cleaning Services providing residential and commercial cleaning. As the founder of Exclusive Cleaning Services, she has employed over 50 employees, and building a company from scratch which scaled to a million dollars in revenue. Her way of supporting the community by providing jobs. Her company also provides free cleanings for individuals diagnosed with cancer. For over 10 years her tenure has been a noteworthy leader in the cleaning industry.

Deborah has worked for fortune five companies such as McDonald’s Corporation, Xerox supporting GM Litigation, Easter Seals, and more. Her tenure with corporate America has provided her the knowledge and skills to pursue her own companies. Deborah has been honored with recognition for supporting several charities and raising over $100,000 in contributions for companies. She is also the chair of “Sister’s in Conversation” for the “All Michigan Chapter of Oneness and Wisdom”, and member of AWN (Amazing Women Network), Angel of Life Development Board VP, Nations Women’s Association, Forbes, G100 City Chair for Livonia, Michigan, Livonia Chamber of Commerce.

Deborah would like to open a teenage pregnancy home to support and empower young women to pursue their dreams. As well as provide education about leading a healthy and prosperous life by providing tools and resources for them to succeed. As a single Mom she has experienced the ups and downs of surviving the struggle of parenthood, and also conquering domestic violence through her journey.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

In the early days of my business, payroll challenges became a recurring obstacle that tested my resilience and determination. Despite facing the daunting prospect of missed payrolls, I refused to let adversity define the trajectory of my venture. To keep the business afloat, I delved into resourcefulness, taking on additional jobs and leveraging every available opportunity to secure funds for payroll. At one point, I made the bold decision to dip into my 401(k), recognizing the potential long-term gains of investing in the success of my own enterprise.

The business landscape took an unprecedented turn during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting even greater challenges. Undeterred, I navigated the uncertainties by actively seeking financial support. I applied for every grant available, seizing every lifeline to ensure the survival of my business and the livelihoods of my dedicated team. This relentless pursuit of resources, coupled with a strategic approach to financial management, not only enabled us to weather the storm but also positioned the business for future growth.

Through the highs and lows, the journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to turning challenges into opportunities. It was not easy, and I still feel the same way today. Today, my business stands as a resilient entity that has not only overcome payroll hurdles but has also emerged stronger and more adaptive in the face of adversity. The hardest aspect of being an entrepreneur is sacrificing yourself for your employees, and I know this so well during times of customer payments not processing fast enough to meet payroll deadlines. I wondered who came up with 30 net for payment even after services rendered. I asked an attorney and he stated that it was legal, and it is what you agree upon with your customers. After hearing this statement I begin to ask for payment either the time of service, and or agreement of providing an incentive to receive payment faster for services.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Honestly, it is no longer about you it is about the well being of your business and employees. Successfully managing a team and maintaining high company morale requires a delicate balance of leadership skills and a genuine understanding of your team members. I had to pivot and learn how to become a leader. Working in corporate I was always working for a CEO and or Supervisor, and never had to delegate. I was always learning and growing in my position, and I mastered everything that I was instructed to do. First and foremost, I had to foster open communication. We create an environment where our team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. This not only builds trust but also encourages a collaborative atmosphere. When speaking to my team I always ask for their opinion and or how would they handle that particular situation.

We continue to recognize and appreciate our team’s efforts regularly. Acknowledge individual and collective achievements, reinforcing a sense of value and accomplishment. We celebrate milestones, whether big or small, to boost morale and create a positive work culture.

We set clear expectations and provide the necessary resources for our team to succeed. We continuously have meetings and huddles to clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure everyone has the tools and support needed to fulfill their duties effectively. We convey that a well-equipped and informed team is more likely to stay motivated and engaged.

We invest in professional development opportunities. We empower our team with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. This not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the company. My staff is always on alert when I begin to talk about personal growth as this is something I truly believe in. Sometimes I have to take a step back and let them understand that life is about making a decision; however, I can’t expect them to understand this as it took a minute for me to grasp this concept as well.

We promote work-life balance by providing incentives for our team to grow. We recognize that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for sustained productivity and morale. We encourage reasonable working hours and provide flexibility when possible for mothers for doctor appointments and live issues. We all know that a balanced lifestyle contributes to a happier, more motivated team.

Lastly, we try to lead by example. Always demonstrating a positive attitude with our morning huddles, My resilience is the face of challenges, and the commitment to our company’s values. My companies leadership sets the tone for the entire team, influencing their motivation and dedication.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dcrowley39.ladiesofjustice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahcrowley39/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crowleydeborah/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-crowley-a313b4b
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcrowley39
• Other: iamdeborahcrowley.mystrikingly.com
• https://exclusivecleaningservices.co