What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From The Evolution Of Cleaning Franchises

In short

Rob Lancit uses the commercial cleaning industry’s experience of the pandemic as a case study in readiness. Early public health guidance held that the virus could live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, which he notes turned out not to be entirely accurate, and demand for cleaning and disinfecting surged at once from businesses, schools, hospitals and public facilities.

He describes what cleaning companies had to do quickly: follow stricter CDC and World Health Organization protocols, find products during supply chain disruptions and train staff to higher standards. Interest from prospective franchisees rose at his company and its competitors, drawn by high demand and a relatively low barrier to entry. Franchisors revised their models with services such as electrostatic disinfection, more eco-friendly products, expanded training and more digital technology.

The lesson he draws is candid: the industry adapted, and it could have been better prepared. He proposes three steps for any business. Form a committee whose job is to monitor change in the industry, whether a health event or the spread of AI and automation. Meet quarterly to run hypothetical scenarios, or dry runs. Keep reviewing go-to-market strategy for ways to add flexibility. He adds that the restaurant sector lost an estimated 100,000 establishments in the first six months, a National Restaurant Association figure, and is still remembered for curbside pickup and outdoor seating.

Summary by the editors of this site. The original is Rob’s own writing; read the original at the source.