Leaving the Corporate Grind Behind for a Healthier, More Fulfilling Future
For 22 years, Orlando had built a successful career in the finance industry, working his way up to the role of financial controller.
But despite his professional accomplishments, the stress and demands of corporate life had taken a significant toll on his mental health.
Battling recurrent episodes of depression and anxiety, Orlando knew he needed to make a change, not just for his own well-being, but for the chance to create a brighter, more rewarding future.
As Orlando explains in an interview with Joel Kleber, “The main reason for the cleaning change is mental health. I had experience of mental health problems like depression and anxiety about four episodes, and the last one has actually made me think, ‘I’m not going into another phase of depression.’ I’ll just quit my current job and do something different.”
With no trade skills to fall back on, Orlando found himself drawn to the cleaning industry, inspired by the success of a friend who had started a Jim’s Cleaning franchise several years prior.
“I didn’t look around,” Orlando shares.
“I just went through and tried to connect to a franchisor, and there we go. Everything from the start to the end of signing up a franchise was like different pieces just coming together. It was the easiest thing I’ve ever done and also the scariest.”
Embracing the Challenge of Franchising: Orlando’s Online Training Experience
With the decision made to start on his new cleaning franchise journey, Orlando opted to complete his initial training online – a choice that came with its own unique set of challenges.
As he explains, “The online experience was a little bit tougher than being in the center. It’s just that you have to sit down on your computer for three full days, and there’s no interaction except for like group exercises where you split into different groups and then work online.”
Despite the difficulties of the remote training format, Orlando remained determined to succeed.
“That didn’t stop me from learning and then growing my business,” he says.
“I had to chat with Haydar, and he mentioned that most of the franchisees who started using the online training, a success rate that wasn’t as great as we would expect if you were face-to-face with the actual trainer or with interaction from the other franchisee.”
Recognizing the value of in-person training and networking, Orlando decided to return to the Jim’s Cleaning Center to experience the program firsthand.
“Yesterday, when Haydar introduced me as coming back for an interview, and then like people started talking to me and approaching me, and then decided to get my story, it was just really good,” he reflects.
“I’m hoping to inspire people.”
Building a Thriving Jim’s Cleaning Business from the Ground Up
With his training complete, Orlando dove headfirst into launching his new cleaning franchise.
Despite the initial nerves, he found that securing that first job was a game-changer, boosting his confidence and momentum.
“The moment that you receive your first lead, it’s like I wanted to celebrate because it was like, ‘I have my first lead,’” he recalls.
“And then called the client and started doing your scheduling for a visitation to do a quote, and then winning your first quote, it was just like, ‘That’s it, I made it.’”
Of course, the quoting process wasn’t without its challenges.
As Orlando explains, “It’s a trial and error. You actually, at the very beginning, don’t know where you’re pricing yourself because you probably think it’s too high or it’s too low, but eventually, you learn how to do the quoting properly.”
But Orlando’s determination and dedication paid off, as he quickly began to build a loyal client base through exceptional service and a commitment to going the extra mile.
“Every time I drive in on her driveway, I can feel like a celebrity because she starts screaming that I’m coming, and then she opens the door,” he shares.
“And I feel like I’m just like a cleaner, but then like I feel like a celebrity at the same time.“
Scaling to 11 Employees in the First Year: Orlando’s Secrets to Success with Jim’s Cleaning
With his cleaning business gaining momentum, Orlando set his sights on rapid growth, aiming to build a team that could help him scale his operations.
In just 12 months, he had assembled a team of 11 employees – an impressive feat by any measure.
Orlando’s approach to hiring and managing his team was multifaceted.
First and foremost, he prioritized finding the right people, focusing on personal skills and a genuine eagerness to grow the business.
As he explains, “Finding the right employee is a little bit of a challenge. I think you need to have the right personal skills to do that and also the eagerness, like to grow your business and take on that risk to say, ‘I want to grow bigger.’”
- Utilize social media and community groups to source potential employees.
- Require a police check to ensure credibility and trustworthiness.
- Provide extensive on-the-job training, using Orlando’s own home as a practice space.
But hiring the right people was only half the battle.
Orlando also recognized the importance of keeping his team happy and engaged, going above and beyond to foster a positive, supportive work environment.
“Firstly, it’s like making sure that you understand your staff as well. You have that connection. It’s not like just you and me, like your boss and an employee. It’s actually trying to be like a friend as well, trying to understand what they’re going through, giving them the right wages, and then giving them some benefits.”
These efforts have paid off in spades, as Orlando has maintained an impressive 5-star rating for his cleaning services – no easy feat when managing a team of employees.
“Keeping that standard, especially when I do the quoting jobs, it’s only me with the client,” he explains.
“When I start sending staff to my client, I actually specify what things to be done and what the client expects, and I actually allow an extra time for my staff to do the cleaning and make sure that my client is happy before they leave.”
Embracing Jim’s Cleaning Products: Delivering a Superior Clean
As Orlando’s cleaning business has grown, he has become a passionate advocate for the Jim’s Cleaning product line, which he credits as a key factor in his ability to deliver consistently exceptional results for his clients.
“I actually use all the Jim’s Cleaning products,” Orlando shares.
“The one that I like using a lot is the bathroom product, and funny enough, the quality of the bathroom product is really good. There was a time when we had mold issues everywhere, and I questioned our franchisor, Haydar, asking if he was sure you would have done research on what the best product was to get rid of the mold and mildew problems. Haydar responded, ‘Use the bathroom product,’ and at first, I was like, ‘Nah, that couldn’t be right.’ And then he said, ‘Just try it.’ So I saw a spot in the house that was developing mold, used it, and until now, it hasn’t come back. That was really amazing.”
Beyond the bathroom product, Orlando has found the entire Jim’s Cleaning product line to be a game-changer, praising their natural, enzyme-based formulas and the way they leave surfaces sparkling clean without any harsh chemical odors.
- Natural, plant-based enzyme formulas that continue working even after application.
- Safe for carpets, fabrics, and the environment – no risk of staining or damage.
- Gentle, pleasant fragrances that don’t overwhelm sensitive clients, like those in aged care facilities.
- Versatile products that can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks.
For Orlando, the Jim’s Cleaning product line has been a game-changer, allowing him to deliver a level of cleanliness that sets his business apart from the competition.
“I swear, they’re really good because you don’t get the smell. It’s really nice and fragrant and fresh, and you don’t feel that you’re coming into like a hospital or something,” he says.
Customers can purchase the Jim’s Cleaning products directly from Orlando’s franchise or through the Jim’s Group website, making it easy for them to enjoy the same high-quality cleaning experience at home.
Expanding into Aged Care and NDIS: Orlando’s Vision for the Future
With his cleaning business thriving and his team of 11 employees firmly in place, Orlando is now setting his sights on new opportunities for growth and expansion.
One area he’s particularly excited about is the aged care sector, where he sees a significant need for the high-quality, environmentally-friendly cleaning services that his Jim’s Cleaning franchise can provide.
“Currently, there are a lot of options,” Orlando explains.
“As I continue to grow the business, especially with the session yesterday about talking about doing a split, it is an option, or just continuously grow the business and then get more people. Because especially in the aged care industry, they have a shortage of staff, and we, within that industry, can use our resources to provide cleaning to the aged care community.”
In addition to the aged care market, Orlando is also exploring opportunities in the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) space, which he sees as another promising revenue stream for his growing business.
As for his long-term goals, Orlando is focused on steady, sustainable growth, with a target of reaching around 20 employees in the near future.
“I think, now that I’ve reached about 11, 12, and then David is going to join me towards some part of this year, is to probably grow it maybe to 20,” he shares.
“And maybe after that, we’ll see how we go, but my area in the course is just getting bigger and bigger. I’ll probably be the biggest franchise on the Central Coast. It will be 20 people working.”
The Rewards of Entrepreneurship: Orlando’s Improved Mental Health and Fulfillment with Jim’s Cleaning
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Orlando’s journey is the profound impact it has had on his mental health and overall well-being.
After years of struggling with depression and anxiety in the corporate world, Orlando has found a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and personal fulfillment in running his own cleaning franchise.
“It has been really great since I left the corporate world,” he shares.
“My blood pressure has dropped to normal, all my cholesterol, everything, it is normal. So I’ve been the healthiest that I can be in the 15 months. I achieved my first goal of being healthy up to June last year, and now the focus is just growing the business.”
While the responsibilities of running a growing business come with their own challenges, Orlando has found that the satisfaction of providing employment and income for his team, as well as the joy of delivering exceptional service to his clients, far outweigh the demands of the job.
“Although it’s a big responsibility, I spend a little bit more time on admin work, I have the satisfaction of generating revenue for other performance staff,” he explains.
“I’m giving them income that they couldn’t get from other companies because I take the risk of employing them and training them. It’s an investment, whether they’re going to stay with me or not. At least I have helped somebody to learn more skills and then give them income.”
Advice for Those Considering a Jim’s Cleaning Franchise
For those who may be considering a similar career change, Orlando has some valuable advice to share.
“I would suggest taking an opportunity to do their research, contact Jim’s,” he says.
“Jim’s has a lot of franchises available, so if it’s cleaning that it’s not for them, there are a lot of divisions in Jim’s that they can actually join, and use their strength.”
Orlando also emphasizes the importance of tapping into the support and resources available within the Jim’s Cleaning community.
“Don’t be afraid to take on that next step,” he encourages.
“The Jim’s Community is like your family. If you struggle at the beginning of your career in Jim’s, there’s a lot of support there. You can call, there’s a Jim’s Mental Health number, you have your mentor, you have your franchisor, you have your franchisee, and also you have your own family to assist you in this big step.”
For those who may be hesitant about the cleaning industry itself, Orlando has a powerful message: “Cleaning is not like a horrible job like people would think, ‘Oh, you’re a cleaner.’ But it’s actually satisfying. It’s just like persevere and then, yeah, just do your research. The head office is also open to like, if your franchisor is not able to help you, there are people in the head office that are more than willing to give their advice and also the experience, or they can tap you to somebody else who’s got experience in the field and give you advice.”
With his inspiring story and the continued growth of his thriving cleaning franchise, Orlando is living proof that taking a leap of faith and embracing entrepreneurship can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling future.
By tapping into the support and resources of the Jim’s Cleaning community, he has not only transformed his own life but is now poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of his employees and clients alike.
To learn more about Jim’s Cleaning and explore franchise opportunities, visit the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546.
Be sure to check out the Jim’s Group YouTube channel for more inspiring stories and expert advice from franchisees like Orlando.