We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joyce R a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Joyce thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
When Clear Lake Maids started, it was just me, wearing all the hats—cleaning, scheduling, marketing, you name it! In the early days, I quickly realized that to grow and maintain quality service, I needed help. Recruiting the first few team members was a mix of excitement and nervousness. I found them through local job boards (indeed, Facebook) and referrals from friends.
The interview process was pretty straightforward but very personal. I wanted to ensure they shared the same commitment to excellence in the cleaning experience and trustworthiness that I did. Every cleaning tech I hire is background checked, has insurance, and completes a verified test clean to ensure they meet our specific cleaning standards. Looking back, I wouldn’t change much except maybe starting with a team sooner to balance the workload better. Each step taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and growth.
Joyce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi there! I’m the founder of Clear Lake Maids, and I’ve always had a passion for creating clean, organized spaces. I got into the cleaning industry because I genuinely enjoy the satisfaction that comes from transforming a home into a spotless, serene environment.
At Clear Lake Maids, we provide professional cleaning services, including regular home cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out services. We aim to solve the problem of busy families and professionals not having enough time to keep their homes as clean as they’d like. Our goal is to take that burden off their shoulders, giving them more time to focus on what matters most.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our commitment to customer satisfaction. We’re not just about cleaning; we’re about creating a space that feels like home. We take pride in tailoring our services to each client’s needs and ensuring that every client feels valued.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the trust they place in us. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’re making a positive difference in their daily lives. For potential clients, I want them to know that with Clear Lake Maids, they’re getting a team that truly cares about their home and their peace of mind. We’re dedicated to delivering the highest quality service with a personal touch.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Starting Clear Lake Maids was a leap of faith, and it all came together with less than $1,500. I invested in a booking software called Convert Labs, which streamlined scheduling and made it easier to manage clients. The rest of the budget went into essential items such as business setup, insurance, business phone and emails, and marketing to get the word out.
My husband’s support was crucial. He believed in my vision and encouraged me to just go for it and figure things out along the way. With that support, I took the plunge, knowing that we’d make it work no matter what. It was a mix of determination, resourcefulness, and a belief that we could build something great without a huge initial investment. And that’s exactly what we did!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One resource that’s significantly impacted my entrepreneurial thinking is the Andy Frisella Podcast, especially the 75 Hard program. The principles of mental toughness, discipline, and consistency that Andy emphasizes have deeply influenced how I approach managing Clear Lake Maids and growing the business.
The 75 Hard program, in particular, taught me the importance of setting high standards, staying committed to daily tasks, and pushing through challenges—qualities that are essential in entrepreneurship. It reinforced the idea that success is built on the foundation of consistent, hard work and a resilient mindset. This philosophy has helped me stay focused on long-term goals and navigate the ups and downs of running a business.
It’s a mindset that I try to instill in my team as well, encouraging them to take pride in their work and maintain a high level of excellence, day in and day out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clearlakemaids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlakemaids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494323718
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clear-lake-maids-houston
