If you’re exploring franchise ownership in the cleaning sector, Steri-Clean Franchise might be on your radar. Steri-Clean offers a chance to help people in critical situations through specialized cleaning and decontamination services. But how does this biohazard cleanup franchise stack up against a cleaning business franchise like Assett Franchise in terms of stability, scalability, and profitability? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into Steri-Clean’s franchise opportunity – the company background, what you get as a franchisee, and the costs – then compare its industry with the commercial cleaning industry. Finally, we’ll see how Assett Franchise’s model measures up, especially for entrepreneurs seeking long-term recurring revenue and a simpler path to business ownership.
What Is the Steri-Clean Franchise Opportunity?
Company Overview and Industry
Founded in 1995 by Cory Chalmers, Steri-Clean, Inc. is a pioneer in the biohazard remediation and hoarding cleanup industry according to bizquest.com. Chalmers, well-known for his appearances on the A&E TV series “Hoarders,” built Steri-Clean to help families and businesses clean up after trauma, crime, or extreme clutter. The company began franchising in 2014 to expand its reach across the United States. As of 2024, Steri-Clean has grown to 59 franchise units nationwide (with one company-owned location), reflecting an 118.5% expansion over the past three years. This rapid growth earned Steri-Clean a spot on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list in 2025, where it ranked #325 and was named the #1 franchise in the “Biohazard Cleaning” category – a notable milestone for the brand.
Steri-Clean operates in a specialized cleaning sector focused on biohazard and trauma scene cleanup, which is a distinct niche within the broader cleaning and restoration industry. This niche is substantial and growing: the overall specialty cleaning and restoration market is projected to exceed $215 billion with ~6% annual growth. Steri-Clean’s services address challenging situations that go beyond routine janitorial work. The company has become a leader in this arena, often referred to for crime scene cleanups, hoarding remediation, and infection control needs. In fact, Steri-Clean is widely recognized as “the” crime scene cleanup company to call in any biohazard situation. By blending compassion with professional expertise, Steri-Clean has built a trusted brand that stands out in an emotionally charged industry.
What Franchisees Get
As a Steri-Clean franchisee, you’re not just cleaning houses – you’re providing critical specialty services that many others can’t. The franchise’s core offerings include: crime scene and trauma cleanup, suicide and unattended death cleaning, blood and biohazard removal, hoarding and extreme clutter cleanup, infectious disease disinfection, odor removal, and even meth lab or fentanyl lab decontamination. Steri-Clean also tackles niche problems like rodent or animal waste cleanup, homeless encampment clearing, fingerprint dust removal after investigations, and more. In essence, franchisees are equipped to restore safe, habitable conditions in the aftermath of disturbing or dangerous events. It’s challenging work, but it fulfills an essential need for both residential clients (families, homeowners) and commercial/institutional clients such as hotels, hospitals, government agencies, police and fire departments, schools, and property managers.
When you invest in a Steri-Clean franchise, you receive a robust support system and toolkit to launch and grow this specialized business. Training is a major component – new owners go through a focused two-week training program covering all aspects of the job: proper biohazard remediation procedures, hoarding cleanup techniques, safety and compliance, office management, billing and insurance processes, and marketing strategies. The franchisor’s experienced team provides hands-on and classroom instruction (over 90 hours total) to ensure franchisees and their initial staff are fully prepared. Beyond initial training, Steri-Clean offers ongoing support and a suite of proprietary tools.
** Steri-Clean franchisees utilize specialized vehicles and equipment for biohazard and hoarding cleanups. The franchise provides extensive training so owners can safely manage trauma scenes and extreme cleaning situations.
Notably, Steri-Clean franchisees benefit from a 24/7 call center that fields customer inquiries and emergency calls nationwide. This means when a local customer dials Steri-Clean (or the memorable 1-800-HOARDERS hotline), a trained representative handles the call and routes the job to the franchisee in that territory at any hour. Such a system is invaluable in an emergency-driven business – you won’t miss revenue opportunities due to a missed call at 3 AM. Franchise owners also get access to customized software built for this business, which helps with job management, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Another unique asset is the use of two nationally recognized brand names: franchises operate under both Steri-Clean, Inc. and the consumer-friendly “Hoarders.com / 1-800-HOARDERS” brand in their territory. This dual branding taps into public awareness (thanks to the TV show and website) and can effectively double your marketing exposure. In fact, the franchisor provides each territory with an exclusive local webpage on Hoarders.com to generate leads, and it funnels referral leads/appointments from that highly trafficked site to franchisees.
Franchisees also gain the advantage of national contracts and partnerships that Steri-Clean has secured. For example, Steri-Clean may have arrangements with insurance companies, national property management firms, or government agencies, which can send jobs your way. Additionally, the home office assists with marketing initiatives: there’s a National Marketing Fund (more on fees below) that promotes the brand, and franchisees are provided marketing materials and guidance for local outreach. In summary, what you “get” with a Steri-Clean franchise is a turnkey system to deliver very specialized cleaning services – including training, back-office support, lead generation, and a trusted brand that conveys expertise and empathy in dire situations.
Startup Costs and Ongoing Fees
Launching a Steri-Clean franchise requires a relatively low cost of entry compared to many businesses with six-figure income potential. According to Steri-Clean’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the initial investment to open a franchise ranges from about $86,000 up to $263,000. This total includes everything needed to start operations: the franchise fee, equipment and supplies, vehicles, insurance, initial marketing, training expenses, and even three months of working capital. The biggest variables are often the vehicle and equipment costs and whether you lease a small office/warehouse. For example, a franchise may need to purchase a suitably equipped van or truck (which could cost anywhere from ~$7,000 for a used vehicle up to $65,000 for a new, fully outfitted one). Specialized biohazard gear and cleaning equipment can run several thousand dollars as well. On the lower end of the investment range, an owner might start with a modest setup in a smaller territory; on the higher end, costs could include multiple vehicles or a larger territory. (In fact, Steri-Clean sometimes cites a narrower typical range of ~$80,000–$115,000 for a single-territory startup, but prudently budgeting up to $250K covers all contingencies if a franchisee opts for more assets or a bigger market.)
The initial franchise fee for Steri-Clean is $40,000 (this is the base fee for a standard territory). In some cases, franchisees may purchase additional territory or a larger population zone, which can increase the fee up to $60,000 or $80,000 for those expanded rights. Steri-Clean does offer a $5,000 discount for military veterans off the franchise fee as part of their incentives. The franchise agreement has a 5-year term, renewable for additional terms, which is a relatively short initial term in franchising – but presumably, renewal is routine if the franchisee remains in good standing.
Like most franchises, Steri-Clean charges ongoing royalty and marketing fees. The royalty is a percentage of gross revenue on a sliding scale: 8% on weekly gross sales up to $8,000; 7% on the portion of weekly sales from $8,001–$12,000; and 6% on any weekly sales above $12,000. This tiered royalty structure rewards franchisees as they grow – effectively capping the royalty at 6% once your volume is high. However, there are minimum weekly royalty fees to ensure the franchisor is paid even during slow periods: in the first year, the minimum is $300/week; in the second year $450/week; and from year three onward $600/week. For context, once a franchise is consistently doing ~$7,500 in sales per week (about $30K/month), the percentage royalty would exceed the minimum. The national marketing fund fee is 3% of gross revenue, which goes toward Steri-Clean’s branding, online marketing, and initiatives like the call center and Hoarders.com that benefit all franchisees. In addition, franchise owners must spend at least 2% of gross on local advertising in their territory – this could be for local SEO, networking with first responders, community outreach, etc., as guided by Steri-Clean. All told, a franchisee should expect about 8–11% of revenues to go toward royalties and advertising combined, which is fairly typical for a service franchise.
Other ongoing costs include general business expenses (fuel, disposal of biohazard waste, restocking supplies, insurance, etc.). The franchisor requires franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and at least $65,000 in liquid capital available. These financial criteria ensure the owner can comfortably fund the startup and sustain operations until the business turns profitable. Importantly, Steri-Clean has third-party financing relationships to help new owners finance the franchise fee, equipment, or even initial payroll if needed according to entrepreneur.com.
What about earnings potential? Steri-Clean’s Item 19 (Financial Performance Representation) in their FDD provides insight into franchisee revenues. While exact figures are disclosed only to candidates, the franchise is known to have strong unit economics. Industry sources note that franchise units in this biohazard cleaning space often achieve over $1 million in annual revenue on average. In fact, Steri-Clean’s franchise offering has been described as “a very lucrative franchise” with “very strong Item 19 earnings” reported. High-performing Steri-Clean franchisees who operate multiple territories have been cited (in franchise marketing materials) achieving even around $1.3 million in gross sales annually, once established. Keep in mind that revenue can vary widely by region and owner effort – a metropolitan territory might handle many more crime scenes or hoarding jobs per month than a rural area. Still, the business model has proven demand. Tragedies and hoarding scenarios occur everywhere, and someone has to clean them up professionally. For a franchise owner, that means the opportunity to earn strong profits if you can build the right local relationships and respond quickly when calls come in. Steri-Clean’s growth and the success of its franchisees to date indicate that new owners stepping into this system have a roadmap to a potentially high-income, mission-driven business.
How the Industry Itself Compares
When considering Steri-Clean, you’re also considering the biohazard clean-up industry – a niche segment of the cleaning world that is quite different from standard commercial janitorial services. It’s important to compare the merits and challenges of this indirect competitor’s industry (specialty trauma cleaning) with those of the commercial cleaning industry that Assett Franchise operates in. Both industries involve cleaning and both can be lucrative, but they differ dramatically in day-to-day operations, revenue patterns, and market dynamics. Below we break down the comparison, being honest about each side. (Spoiler: While Steri-Clean’s field has some unique advantages, the commercial cleaning industry offers more stability and scalability for long-term success, especially for first-time business owners.)
Steri-Clean’s Industry Advantages
The biohazard remediation and hoarding cleanup industry offers compelling advantages for the right type of entrepreneur. First and foremost is the specialized, high-value nature of the services. These aren’t commodity cleaning jobs – they are urgent, sensitive projects that command premium pricing. Steri-Clean franchisees regularly handle situations that most people simply can’t or won’t address, from disinfecting a trauma scene to clearing a house filled floor-to-ceiling with hoarded belongings. Because of this specialization, profit margins per job tend to be high. Franchisees can charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a single cleanup, often paid by insurance policies or government funds in cases of crime, death, or public health hazards. The Steri-Clean FDD highlights “additional specialty and high-margin cleanup services” that franchisees offer beyond hoarding and crime scenes – meaning many revenue streams (like meth lab cleanup or industrial accidents) come with significant markup due to the expertise required.
Another advantage is the relative lack of direct competition in many local markets. Unlike standard cleaning where dozens of companies might vie for office cleaning contracts, there are typically only a handful of qualified biohazard cleanup providers in any region. Steri-Clean’s franchise model, coupled with its strong branding (backed by the Hoarders TV show fame and a memorable 1-800-HOARDERS number), gives franchisees a serious marketing edge. When a traumatic incident occurs, Steri-Clean is a name many police departments, hospitals, or families recognize, increasing the likelihood that franchisees get the call. The franchisor’s emphasis on compassion and professionalism also differentiates it – they’re not just cleaning, they’re helping people through emotional situations. For an owner, this can translate into positive word-of-mouth and repeat referral business (for example, a satisfied family might refer Steri-Clean to a victim’s services organization, or a property manager that used Steri-Clean once will keep them on speed dial).
Demand for these services is also fundamentally driven by unfortunate certainties of life – accidents, crimes, and hoarding issues occur in all economies. One could argue this niche is recession-resistant in its own way: regardless of economic climate, there will be tragic events and people in desperate need of cleanup help. Hoarding, for instance, is now understood as affecting roughly 5% of the population, which means in any sizable community there are hundreds of potential hoarding cases at any given time. The growth potential here is significant; some estimates place the broader cleaning and restoration market (including biohazard cleanup) at over $200B globally, indicating plenty of room for franchise operators to expand. Steri-Clean franchisees often find that no two days are the same, which can be exciting – one day you might be disinfecting a police vehicle, the next day helping an elderly couple clean a home so they can safely live in it. This variety keeps the work interesting and deeply meaningful for those who thrive on helping others. Many Steri-Clean owners take pride in knowing their work “restores homes and lives,” providing a sense of mission beyond just financial returns.
Finally, the revenue model per job in this industry can be attractive. Payments are often covered by insurance or government programs, especially for crime scene or biohazard remediation. This means when a Steri-Clean franchise completes a job, there’s a good chance the bill is paid by a third party (homeowner’s insurance, property insurance, local government funds for public hazards, etc.) rather than directly out of a client’s pocket in full. As long as you follow proper billing protocols, getting paid is usually reliable. Also, because Steri-Clean has standardized practices and billing procedures nationwide, franchisees benefit from the credibility of an established system when dealing with insurers or agencies – they know Steri-Clean’s costs are justified.
In summary, Steri-Clean’s industry offers high-reward projects, less competition, strong branding, and meaningful work. For entrepreneurs who have a strong stomach, an empathetic approach, and don’t mind being on-call for emergencies, it can be a fulfilling way to build a business while genuinely helping people through tough times.
Compared to Commercial Cleaning Industry
Now, let’s contrast that with the commercial cleaning industry (i.e. janitorial and facility cleaning services for businesses) which Assett Franchise is part of. The commercial cleaning industry is enormous – in the U.S. alone it’s valued at roughly $100 billion per year, and globally it’s even larger. This market dwarfs the biohazard niche in size, and importantly, it consists of recurring, essential services. Almost every commercial building (offices, schools, healthcare facilities, retail stores, warehouses, etc.) needs regular cleaning, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Cleaning is a universal need in all economies and seasons, making it one of the most recession-resistant segments out there. Even during downturns or crises like the 2020 pandemic, commercial cleaning proved indispensable – in fact, sanitization services saw increased demand according to bizbuysell.com. A commercial cleaning business isn’t dependent on one-off events; it thrives on routine contracts that provide steady, predictable income.
One of the biggest advantages of commercial cleaning is the recurring revenue model. Whereas a Steri-Clean franchise might get large sums from single jobs, an Assett commercial cleaning franchise builds a portfolio of client contracts that bill every month. These are typically long-term B2B contracts, often lasting 1–3 years with high renewal rates if service quality is good. That means as an owner you can accumulate revenue streams over time – each new contract adds to your baseline income and can continue indefinitely. This compounding effect is how commercial cleaning franchisees reach $1M+ in annual revenue in a sustainable way. For example, adding one $5,000/month office cleaning account yields $60,000 per year in recurring sales, which likely renews the next year; add enough accounts and you have a seven-figure business that doesn’t “reset to zero” each month. By contrast, Steri-Clean’s jobs are typically one-time (a house is cleaned out and the job is done) or occasional (a client might use the service again but not on a set schedule), which means each month you largely start from scratch looking for the next project.
The operational simplicity and scalability of commercial cleaning also stands out. To grow a janitorial business, you mainly need more cleaning staff and supplies – which are relatively low-cost and easy to procure. You usually do not need expensive equipment or facilities. Assett Franchise owners, for instance, can often start from a home office or a small rented office, since cleaning is performed at the client’s location (and cleaning supplies can be stored in a garage or a closet). There’s no requirement for specialized vehicles; a sedan or basic van to transport supplies is enough, with costs nowhere near the outfitted biohazard rigs Steri-Clean crews might use. Also, no specialized certifications or hazmat disposal processes are required for general commercial cleaning, reducing regulatory complexity. In fact, some commercial cleaning franchises allow you to be home-based and even part-time initially (absentee ownership is common), whereas Steri-Clean explicitly requires a full-time commitment and an office/warehouse facility. Assett’s model is built so that owners can run the business semi-absentee, devoting as little as 5–10 hours per week to high-level management, especially once a team is in place – a flexibility that Steri-Clean’s emergency on-call nature might not permit.
The income potential relative to investment also tips in commercial cleaning’s favor for many. The startup costs for a cleaning business franchise can be quite low (often under $100k), yet the business can scale to over $1M in revenue with healthy profit margins due to low overhead. Assett highlights that it’s a low-cost start with high income potential, in a market where cleaning contracts are stable budget line-items for clients. In contrast, Steri-Clean’s upper-end initial investment (over $200k) is higher, and while its top-line revenue per franchise can be high, the jobs are labor- and expertise-intensive, and may involve higher costs per dollar earned (specialty chemicals, protective gear, medical waste disposal fees, etc.). Commercial cleaning is often a volume game with predictable costs: pay your cleaners, buy standard supplies, and the rest (typically 20-30% of each contract) is gross profit. There’s also no seasonality to worry about – offices need cleaning year-round, with nightly office cleaning or weekly floor care happening like clockwork. By contrast, some specialty service franchises face seasonal fluctuations (e.g. a mosquito control franchise booms in summer and dips in winter, a tax prep business is busy in spring). Steri-Clean’s demand is not strictly seasonal, but it can be unpredictable and sporadic. You might have a flood of jobs one month and fewer the next, making cash flow less even than a contract-based enterprise.
Another advantage of commercial cleaning is that it’s generally an easier business for first-time entrepreneurs to understand and manage. The model is straightforward: find clients who need cleaning, hire and train reliable cleaners, perform quality work, and keep the contracts. There is competition, yes, but also a massive pie to share – virtually every town has more dirty offices and stores than the existing cleaners can perfectly service. Marketing in commercial cleaning is about networking and B2B sales (often during regular business hours), which many corporate professionals find comfortable. In Steri-Clean’s realm, marketing means forging relationships with police departments, funeral homes, social workers, and running sensitive advertising to reach hoarders or their families – a more niche and challenging approach. Also, the customer relationships differ: commercial cleaning clients are businesses making rational budget decisions (often unemotional, based on cost and reliability), whereas Steri-Clean’s customers are often individuals in emotional distress or shock. Managing those interactions can be rewarding but also emotionally draining; plus, residential customers can be less predictable in decision-making (a hoarder might call for a quote but back out of the cleanup last minute due to anxiety, for example).
In summary, the commercial cleaning industry provides a scalable, stable, and systematized opportunity. Its advantages include a gigantic and growing market (> $100B in the U.S.), essential service demand that’s recession-proof (every business needs cleaning regardless of the economy), recurring revenue contracts that stack up to build long-term wealth, lower startup and operating costs, and the ability to run it in an executive or semi-absentee fashion. While the work may not seem as dramatic as crime scene cleaning, it’s a dependable path to business ownership – one that often appeals to first-time franchisees looking for a sensible investment. Commercial cleaning doesn’t have the “shock factor” or adrenaline rush of emergency cleanup, but it does offer predictability, lower risk, and a clear route to a seven-figure business for those who follow a proven system.
How the Assett Franchise Compares
So where does Assett Franchise fit into this picture? Assett is a commercial cleaning franchise brand (founded by Matt Pencarinha in 2019) that has engineered its model specifically for executive owners seeking flexibility, profitability, and growth. Having looked at Steri-Clean’s offering and industry, we can now compare Assett’s approach to highlight key differences. In many ways, Assett Franchise combines the advantages of the commercial cleaning industry with its own innovations to address common challenges. Here’s how Assett stands out:
Simpler Systems, Bigger Potential
Assett Franchise is already operating in the stable commercial cleaning sector, which, as discussed, provides a huge market of businesses that need cleaning services and are willing to sign long-term contracts. This means Assett owners start with the wind at their backs, leveraging a $100+ billion recession-resilient industry where cleaning is an essential, non-discretionary expense for clients. However, Assett takes it a step further by simplifying the franchisee’s role. The model was built for owners who want to work on the business, not in it day-to-day. Unlike some traditional cleaning franchises (often called “unit franchises”) that essentially sell you a job as a cleaner, Assett is structured as an executive franchise: owners focus on strategy, client relationships, and building their team, while their employees handle the cleaning labor. In fact, Assett explicitly states that franchisees are “not supposed to be the one doing the cleaning” – instead, you act as the CEO of your cleaning company, scaling it by adding contracts and staff.
The systems Assett provides are designed to make running a $1M+ revenue business straightforward even for those with no prior industry experience. New franchisees receive a full business playbook and coaching that covers everything from how to price contracts, how to hire and manage cleaners, to how to market services in your territory. And the results speak for themselves: Assett’s franchise model has a proven $1M+ recurring revenue potential – in fact, the average Assett franchise unit generated over $1.5 million in revenue in 2024. That’s a remarkable figure, showcasing that the system isn’t just theory; it’s yielding real success in practice. Achieving seven-figure sales in under a couple of years is possible because Assett’s approach emphasizes fast growth (signing many client accounts) with efficient operations. The founder, Matt, demonstrated this in his own business by scaling from $0 to over $550,000 in annual recurring revenue in the first 12 months of launching, and then beyond $1M not long after. That playbook is now in every Assett Franchisee’s hands.
Furthermore, Assett’s low cost of entry combined with high revenue potential means franchisees can see strong returns on investment. The initial franchise fee and startup costs are in line with other cleaning franchises (Assett’s Item 7 shows initial investment often well under $100k), but because owners retain control and pay only a modest royalty (Assett’s royalty is a flat 7% maximum, notably lower than Steri-Clean’s effective rate), they keep more of what they earn. Assett owners also enjoy the freedom to market aggressively in their territories (no restrictive practices that some janitorial franchises impose), enabling them to scale up income quickly. In short, Assett provides a simpler operational framework – it’s cleaning, not hazmat – paired with big upside thanks to recurring contracts and a refined growth strategy.
Automated Hiring = Time and Money Saved
One of the most innovative and impactful ways Assett Franchise differentiates itself is through its automated hiring system. In any service business, hiring and retaining good employees is often the single biggest headache and growth limiter. This is especially true in commercial cleaning, which is notorious for high employee turnover across the industry. Assett tackled this challenge head-on by developing a proprietary hiring system that leverages automation and smart processes to continuously recruit, filter, and onboard cleaning staff. The result? Assett franchise owners get what no one else has – the best hiring system in the entire commercial cleaning industry.
Why is this such a game-changer? Because it removes the primary bottleneck to growth. With traditional methods, an owner-operator might spend hours each week posting job ads, interviewing candidates, and dealing with no-shows – all just to keep a crew staffed for existing accounts, let alone new ones. Assett’s system, however, streamlines and automates much of that work. According to the founder, the Automated Hiring System saves owners 20–30 hours per week of management time, reducing the hiring process to just 2–5 hours of oversight per week. That’s like getting back the equivalent of a part-time employee (or your own sanity) every single week. Instead of constantly putting out fires filling shifts, Assett owners can trust a pipeline that keeps quality cleaners coming in as needed.
In practical terms, this system uses a combination of online advertising, screening questionnaires, automated follow-ups, and a refined interview/training workflow to keep a steady bench of qualified cleaning staff ready to step in. Franchisees are able to scale their business faster without hitting the wall that others do when they can’t find enough reliable workers. It also means owners don’t have to pay a full-time recruiter or HR manager as they grow – a significant cost saving that falls straight to the bottom line. Assett’s corporate team continues to enhance this hiring system, so franchisees benefit from improvements over time without having to reinvent the wheel locally. The outcome is that Assett operators can confidently bid on more contracts knowing they can quickly staff them, and they experience less turnover because the system filters for the best candidates and supports them so they feel valued.
For an owner who wants a semi-absentee business, this is crucial. Assett’s model enables you to run a sizable enterprise with perhaps 5-10 hours a week of your attention, largely because the automated systems (hiring, billing, etc.) handle the heavy lifting. You’re not stuck hiring every night or cleaning buildings yourself. In contrast, consider a Steri-Clean franchisee: while they can hire technicians, those techs require very specialized training and not everyone is cut out for biohazard work. Finding employees willing to scrub bloodstains or declutter severe hoards can be much harder than finding people to vacuum offices. Assett’s labor pool (general cleaners) is vastly larger, and its hiring system exploits that fact to make staffing almost plug-and-play. This unique advantage means Assett franchise owners can achieve rapid growth and maintain their quality of life, focusing on business development while the team and tech take care of operations.
Personalized and Founder-Led
Assett Franchise prides itself on being a family-owned, founder-led organization, which contrasts with many franchisors that are conglomerates or private-equity held companies. The brand’s founder, Matt, remains directly involved in day-to-day leadership and franchisee support. For franchisees, this means when you join Assett, you’re more than just a number on a sales report – you become part of a close-knit community where you have direct access to leadership and guidance. Matt’s original vision was to create a franchise system that would “be a blessing” to its owners and all the people it serves. That ethos comes through in the personalized attention franchisees receive. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching calls, regional meet-ups, or even quick text messages to troubleshoot an issue, Assett’s leadership is there for their owners. This level of support can make a huge difference, especially for first-time business owners navigating challenges. You’re getting mentorship from the person who already built a million-dollar cleaning business from scratch (and helped others do the same), not just a corporate trainer following a script.
Being founder-led also means Assett can adapt and innovate quickly based on franchisee feedback. There’s a culture of continuous improvement and partnership – in fact, one of Assett’s core values is “Partnership in Everything” where they believe helping franchisees succeed will in turn help the brand succeed. Compare this to larger franchise systems where franchisees sometimes feel their voices aren’t heard by corporate owners or where changes are dictated top-down by investors. Assett’s approach is refreshingly collaborative and mission-driven. The company is not backed by private equity, so the focus is not on aggressive short-term expansion at the cost of franchisee experience, but rather sustainable growth with the right owners.
Additionally, Assett’s model is community-focused with a clear mission. Commercial cleaning might seem straightforward, but Assett frames it as an opportunity to serve people and create jobs in your local community while providing a necessary service. Many Assett franchisees share the company’s values (faith-based and ethical principles) and appreciate that the business is about more than money – it’s about building something that supports families (their own and their employees’) and maintains high standards of integrity. This personal touch and values-driven leadership resonate with those who want a franchise where they feel like part of a family, not just a business venture.
From a practical standpoint, the franchisee support systems under Assett reflect this personal approach as well. Training is often founder-led or involves experienced franchise owners mentoring new ones. The franchise network stays close-knit so owners can share best practices with each other freely. Contrast that with Steri-Clean: while it was also founder-led by Cory Chalmers, the rapid expansion to nearly 60 units means it may be transitioning into a larger corporate structure. And given the nature of the biohazard business, franchisees there might operate more independently in their niche. Assett, being newer and tightly managed by its original leadership, ensures new franchisees get hand-held support to hit the ground running and ongoing coaching directly from those who have accomplished what they aspire to do.
In essence, Assett Franchise offers a more personalized, supportive franchising experience – one where franchisees are on a first-name basis with the founder, and where the entire system is aligned to help each owner reach that $1M+ success mark in a balanced way. It combines the scale advantages of the commercial cleaning industry with a modern, owner-centric model that removes common pain points (like hiring) and emphasizes quality of life and community values.
Final Thoughts
Both Steri-Clean and Assett Franchise present compelling opportunities – but for very different types of entrepreneurs. Steri-Clean’s strengths lie in its unique niche: it’s ideal for a buyer who is drawn to the idea of being a “hero” in people’s worst moments, who doesn’t mind irregular hours or getting their hands dirty (literally), and who values the higher short-term revenue per job that specialized services can bring. For someone passionate about biohazard remediation or hoarding intervention, Steri-Clean franchise ownership can be rewarding and profitable, especially if they build a strong referral network. The brand offers proven systems in a one-of-a-kind field – and for the right person (perhaps a former first responder or a compassionate soul who thrives on human service), it could indeed be “right for you.”
That said, when we step back and look at the bigger picture – long-term business stability, ease of operation, and scalability – Assett Franchise offers more advantages for most entrepreneurs seeking an executive-style venture. The commercial cleaning industry provides a scalable, stable business model where demand is constant and not limited to crises. Assett’s franchise system then amplifies that with low operational complexity (simple services that are easy to deliver consistently), predictable recurring revenue from contracts, and smart automation to reduce the owner’s workload. The result is a business with minimal risk and faster ROI: you’re not betting on rare events, you’re serving everyday needs. Assett is built as a modern business model for executive ownership, meaning you can keep your day job longer or manage multiple investments because the franchise doesn’t require your full-time presence to succeed.
In comparing the two, it becomes clear that while Steri-Clean is excellent in its specialized domain, Assett Franchise is crafted for those who want a cleaner alternative – a franchise that can deliver long-term income, flexibility, and control without the unpredictability and intense hands-on demands of emergency cleanup work. Assett’s simpler systems and personal support lower the barrier for first-timers to become successful entrepreneurs, and its focus on recurring B2B contracts means you’re building an asset that can grow in value over time (and even be sold for a multiplier, as many commercial cleaning businesses are).
If you’re exploring franchise opportunities and want a model that can deliver long-term income, flexibility, and control — we’d love to show you how Assett Franchise can help you build a business that works for your life. Visit https://assettfranchise.com to connect with our team and learn more.
