Introduction & Background
When Mike Thompson lost his job as a hotel janitor in 2019, he found himself at a crossroads. With a family to support and bills piling up, he decided to take a leap of faith—starting his own home cleaning business,
Thompson’s Sparkle Clean.
“I always took pride in making places spotless, and I knew there were people out there who needed reliable, high-quality home cleaning. So, I thought—why not me?” Mike recalls.
Business Journey & Growth
Mike started small, using his old car, a mop, and a handful of cleaning supplies. His first clients were friends and neighbors who appreciated his attention to detail.
“The hardest part was getting the word out. I didn’t have money for ads, so I relied on word-of-mouth. I asked every happy client to recommend me to someone else.”
Slowly but surely, Thompson’s Sparkle Clean grew. He set up a simple website, listed his business on Google, and started an Instagram page showcasing his deep-clean transformations.
Within two years, he had a small team and a full schedule of bookings.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Like many small business owners, Mike faced his fair share of obstacles.
“One of the biggest challenges was trust. People are letting you into their homes, so they need to feel safe. I made sure to run background checks on my employees and built strong relationships with clients.”
Another major hurdle? Burnout.
“In the beginning, I said yes to everything. I was cleaning from sunrise to midnight some days. It took me a while to learn that saying ‘no’ sometimes is just as important as saying ‘yes.’”
Community & Impact
Mike’s business isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about helping people.
“I had an elderly client who lived alone. She told me my weekly visits weren’t just about cleaning but also about having someone to talk to. That really stuck with me.”
To give back, Mike started offering free cleanings once a month for single parents and elderly residents who needed help.
“Small businesses aren’t just about making money. We’re part of the community. If we thrive, the whole community benefits.”
Future & Advice
Looking ahead, Mike has big dreams for Thompson’s Sparkle Clean.
“I want to expand to offer eco-friendly cleaning and maybe even franchise in other cities. But no matter how big we get, I want to keep that personal touch.”
His advice to aspiring business owners?
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist. Start with what you have, be reliable, and treat people right. The rest will follow.”