Starting a commercial cleaning franchise can be one of the fastest and most reliable paths to building a six-figure income. Unlike many businesses that take years to become profitable, a well-run cleaning franchise can generate substantial revenue within the first year.
In this article, I’ll break down how it’s possible to hit a six-figure income in under 12 months using real earnings data from my own franchise. If you’ve ever considered starting a commercial cleaning business, this guide will show you exactly how it’s done.
*This post was written by our CEO, Matt Pencarinha
Why Commercial Cleaning?
Commercial cleaning is what I call a Gateway Business—a business that’s easy to start, has a high probability of success, and provides a clear path to financial freedom. The demand for cleaning services is recession-resistant because businesses always need clean and sanitary environments. With relatively low startup costs and high-profit margins, it’s an ideal business model for new entrepreneurs.
Let’s take a closer look at how this business can generate six figures in its first year.
The 12-Month Earnings Breakdown
The following table represents the actual revenue and gross profit from my cleaning franchise’s first year month by month starting in January of 2019:
| Month | Revenue |
| 1 | $ 1,065.84 |
| 2 | $ 1,598.67 |
| 3 | $ 1,598.67 |
| 4 | $ 4,369.22 |
| 5 | $ 5,917.67 |
| 6 | $ 6,777.67 |
| 7 | $ 9,674.67 |
| 8 | $ 9,862.74 |
| 9 | $ 12,053.62 |
| 10 | $ 20,591.09 |
| 11 | $ 32,627.67 |
| 12 | $ 46,468.37* |
*By month 12, monthly recurring revenue meant yearly revenue was over 557,000/year
Key Takeaways:
- Rapid Growth: The business started small, but revenue increased consistently, surpassing over $46,000 in the 12th month.
- Scaling Potential: Revenue growth wasn’t linear—it accelerated due to strategic expansion and reinvestment.
Now, let’s dive into the key steps that made this rapid growth possible.
Step 1: Get Started with the Right Mindset
Many people hesitate to start their own business because they’re afraid of failing. But success in the commercial cleaning industry comes down to one thing: execution. If you follow the right steps and remain consistent, the chances of failure are extremely low.
The biggest shift you need to make is treating your cleaning business like a real business, not a side hustle. From day one, commit to using a system that allows for growth and scalability.
Step 2: Delight Your First Clients
Your first few clients will set the foundation for your entire business. Instead of relying on cold calling, we use specific marketing strategies to target ideal facilities that want better service.
Here’s what worked:
- Win Your First Clients: use targeted marketing & sales strategies to win smaller facilities first who are more likely to give your newly launched location a chance.
- Provide Excellent Service: set your service apart from the competition by ensuring your initial clients love the experience of working with your company.
- Get Reviews and References: ask them for reviews and references so that you can now pursue larger facilities with your proven credibility.
- Target Bigger Clients: Market to larger facilities that that will now listen to you because you have references and reviews.
- Stay Persistent: Larger facilities can take more time to win. The large income jumps in months 10 through 12 happened from marketing to larger facilities in months 4-6.
Step 3: Reinvest and Scale
Once your business starts making money, don’t make the mistake of pocketing all the profits. The key to scaling fast is reinvesting into marketing, hiring, and better equipment.
How I Scaled in 12 Months:
- Hired My First Employees (Month 3): This allowed me to take on more clients without working 24/7.
- Upgraded My Equipment (Month 4): Better equipment meant faster jobs and higher-paying contracts.
- Increased Marketing Spend (Month 4): More Google ads, SEO, and local sponsorships helped boost brand visibility.
By reinvesting in the business, I was able to take revenue from $1,000 in Month 1 to over $46,000 in Month 12.
Step 4: Focus on Retaining Clients
One of the biggest advantages of commercial cleaning is recurring revenue. Once you land a contract, you get paid month after month. But keeping clients happy requires a systematic approach.
Client Retention Strategies:
- Deliver Exceptional Service: Always exceed client expectations.
- Check-In Regularly: Monthly follow-ups ensure clients stay satisfied.
- Upsell Additional Services: Offer deep cleaning, floor care, and sanitization as add-ons.
- Request Testimonials & Referrals: Happy clients will bring in more business.
These retention strategies ensure your clients stay with you long-term, allowing revenue to snowball over time.
Step 5: Automate and Step Back
By the 5th month, my business was running efficiently without requiring me to clean every night. The key to achieving financial freedom through a commercial cleaning franchise is automation.
Here’s how you can automate your business:
- Hire a Manager: To oversee daily operations and client relationships.
- Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): So employees could perform tasks without my constant supervision.
- Implemente Scheduling & Payroll Software: Tools like Clean Smarts and QuickBooks made everything run smoothly.
- Built a Passive Lead Generation System: Google Ads, SEO, and referral programs kept new clients coming in.
With these systems in place, I was able to transition from working in the business to working on the business.
Final Thoughts: Is This Possible for You?
Absolutely.
If you follow the steps outlined in this post, and put in the work, there’s no reason you can’t build a six-figure cleaning business in under a year. The key is starting now, staying consistent, and scaling smartly.
If you want access to professional tools to help launch your cleaning business, learn more about becoming an Assett Franchisee
Building a successful cleaning business is easier than you think—it just takes the right strategy and execution.
The Assett Commercial Cleaning Franchise Opportunity
If you’re ready to take the first step, submit your interest form today and start exploring your future as a franchise owner! We will review your commercial cleaning franchise startup costs, marketing strategies, earnings potential, and more. We have a great franchise team and we’re eager to welcome you into the Assett brand!
