These franchises are sometimes less expensive to purchase and operate than other kinds of franchises, and many business owners feel comfortable with the work because it is relatively straightforward. But their lackluster appearance can be deceiving. Operating a franchised cleaning and maintenance business can be a highly profitable venture.

When you buy a cleaning and maintenance franchise, you are buying the recognition and trust that comes with the franchise’s brand name. But more than that, you are buying a business system that will give you the equipment, supplies, and training you need to make your business a success. While it is possible to start a cleaning and maintenance business without a franchise, a franchise offers your business an additional safety net in the support you will receive from your franchisor.

Jan-Pro is one of the nation’s most successful cleaning and maintenance franchises. Early on, Jan-Pro decided to focus on providing cleaning and janitorial services for commercial clients. Today, they are an emerging leader in the commercial cleaning industry, offering franchisees a low investment opportunity and a guaranteed client base.

Other cleaning and maintenance franchises specialize in providing services to residential customers. But whether you choose to pursue a commercial or residential cleaning franchise, do your research to make sure you know the facts before you make a commitment.

Points to Consider

• Unlike franchise owners in some other industries, the owners of cleaning and maintenance franchises typically do not do the cleaning themselves. Instead, they hire and supervise a staff of employees to work on the frontlines of their business. This means that much of the success of your franchise will depend on your ability to effectively manage personnel. If employee management is not your strong suit, you might want to look for other franchise opportunities.
• Transportation is an issue in this industry since cleaning and maintenance work is done on-site. For light cleaning, employees may be able to provide their own transportation and you can reimburse them for their mileage. However, if your business requires special equipment, you’re going to need to find a way to get the equipment and personnel to the work site. In some cases, this requires the purchase of one or more company vans – an added expense that needs to be factored into your business plan.

Franchise Opportunities

• Jani-King. Like many franchises, Jani-King was started by one person with a dream. In 1968, Jim Cavanaugh founded Jani-King and began franchising in 1974. Today the company has more than 10,000 domestic and international franchisees.
• Jan-Pro. Started in 1991, Jani-Pro has grown to become a recognized name in the cleaning franchise industry. In less than 15 years, the company has progressively expanded to its current size of more than 4,000 franchisees.
• Molly Maid. A Canadian company started in 1979, Molly Maid provides a full range of cleaning services for residential customers. Today the company’s franchises total more than 500 in the U.S. and abroad.
• ServiceMaster. ServiceMaster has carved a niche for itself in both the residential and commercial heavy cleaning markets. In addition to their cleaning service, they offer disaster recovery services for homes and businesses. In 2005, they had almost 4,000 domestic and international franchisees.

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