After 18–20 years working as a chef, Matthew Schwarze decided he needed a change. Within about three or four weeks of starting with Jim’s Cleaning, he says he was matching his previous income, and 10 years later his business has around 140–150 regular clients.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
What Did Matthew Do Before Jim’s Cleaning?
Matthew Schwarze was a chef for about 18-20 years before moving into Jim’s Cleaning. After nearly two decades in kitchens, he reached the point where he needed a change.
The idea came while he was cleaning a kitchen and had what he called “a bit of an epiphany”. He looked into Jim’s Cleaning online, submitted an enquiry, and received a phone call back at eight o’clock the next morning. He has now been with Jim’s Cleaning for 10 years.
Why Did Matthew Leave Cheffing for Jim’s Cleaning?
Matthew decided to change careers because he wanted something different after 18-20 years as a chef. Cleaning felt like a practical opportunity, so he looked into Jim’s and made contact online.
The response came the next morning, and he moved forward from there. Anyone comparing franchise options can also explore owning a franchise with Jim’s Group.
What Was Jim’s Cleaning Franchise Training Like?
Matthew says the training was good, personal, and much smaller than it is today. Jim’s has grown significantly since those early days, but he remembers the experience as something that got the ball rolling.
He also received his first customer lead while he was at training. As soon as he returned, he quoted the job, and that client is still on his books 10 years later. Prospective franchisees can review the current Jim’s Group franchisee training program.
How Quickly Did Matthew Match His Previous Income?
Matthew says he was meeting the same income he had earned as a chef after about three or four weeks in cleaning. He had spent about 18-20 years as a chef, so reaching a comparable income that quickly stood out to him.
His experience does not guarantee the same result for every franchisee. It does show that, in Matthew’s case, the income started building quickly. Today, he describes the income as good and says the business did not take long to take off.
How Did Matthew Build Up 140–150 Regular Cleaning Clients?
Matthew says he has about 140-150 regular clients on the books, plus more customers who book sporadic or on-call cleans. The business is now heavily booked.
That creates a different challenge from the early days. Matthew now has to find the right time and space for customers who want work done. Several long-term clients have stayed with him since his early years.
How Does Matthew Build Long-Term Relationships With Cleaning Clients?
Matthew says the key is to let clients get to know you. He believes franchisees should show some personality, spend time talking with customers, and make it clear that they have the customer’s best interests at heart.
That relationship also makes feedback easier. Matthew says he has got to know pretty much all of his clients, and several original customers are still with him today.
How Does Matthew Manage Six Staff Across Two Cleaning Teams?
Matthew normally has six staff working across two vans, with two teams of three. His approach is to look after employees, treat them well, and empower them to look after customers properly.
He cannot be at every job, so he relies on training, continual conversations, positive reinforcement and addressing issues when they arise. He also wants staff to support each other when he is not there.
How Does Matthew Handle Customer Complaints or Cleaning Problems?
Matthew says he responds quickly and makes sure clients know he will be there if something goes wrong. If there is a problem, he says he is straight over to fix it.
He also tries to be flexible at short notice. If a customer gets a surprise visit from the in-laws, for example, his team will try to make things happen so the house can be cleaned in time.
What Types of Cleaning Services Does Matthew’s Business Offer?
Matthew says the business is predominantly regular domestic cleaning, with some holiday houses and a fair share of commercial work. He likes having that balance.
The business also handles ovens and windows, along with other work Matthew is trained and comfortable doing. Customers can explore the broader range of services available through Jim’s Group.
Why Does Matthew Think Customers Choose Jim’s Cleaning?
Matthew believes brand recognition and reliability are major reasons customers choose Jim’s Cleaning. People recognise the name, know it is a national business, and expect the business to still be there when they need it.
He also points to a common frustration with other providers: cancellations and last-minute changes. His focus is on customers knowing the team is coming and being able to rely on the booking.
What Support Has Matthew Received From Jim’s Cleaning?
Matthew says support has been there whenever he needed it. He needed more help when he was starting, which meant having plenty of conversations.
As he became more experienced, he needed less day-to-day help, but the support remained available. He also says the network has become more social over time. Prospective owners can read more about how Jim’s Group helps franchisees.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Growing a Cleaning Business?
Matthew says the challenges keep changing as the business grows. One early turning point was hiring his first staff member.
He explains that an owner can be extremely busy working alone, hire someone to help, then suddenly feel as though only half as much work is available as the business needs. After that comes managing people. His approach is to identify a weakness, work on it, then address the next challenge.
What Cleaning Products Does Matthew Use in His Business?
Matthew says he has mostly used his own preferred cleaning products rather than Jim’s products. Over the years, he has tried different options and settled on a few basics.
One product he mentions is Halo, which he uses as a spray-and-wipe product. He says the team prefers products they are comfortable using, avoids anything corrosive or unpleasant, and tries to use as little product as possible.
Can Jim’s Cleaning Franchisees Offer Oven and Window Cleaning?
Matthew says he can offer extra services such as oven and window cleaning when he is trained and comfortable doing the work. He does not see the Jim’s system as preventing him from expanding the services he offers.
Oven cleaning is useful because it gives him time in a customer’s home to talk and build a relationship. While he is there, he may also quote window cleaning or another cleaning service.
What Does Matthew’s Work Week Look Like After 10 Years in Business?
Matthew says there is “no comparison” between his current lifestyle and his old working life. He is now on the tools about once a week, with more time spent setting up teams, doing administration and helping staff.
The business predominantly operates Monday to Friday, nine to five. Some staff do evening work, while Matthew backs them up when needed. He also tries not to work weekends after spending years doing that as a chef.
What Advice Does Matthew Have for New Jim’s Cleaning Franchisees?
Matthew’s advice is to give it a go, but go in expecting to work hard. His point is that the business belongs to the owner, and the result depends on what the owner puts into it.
He also says new franchisees should get to know their clients and let clients get to know them. Strong relationships make feedback easier and help improve the service. Anyone still researching the opportunity can review the Jim’s Group franchise FAQ before making a decision.
Want to explore whether a Jim’s franchise suits you? Review the official franchise information, compare the support and training available, and make an enquiry when you are ready.