Articles

Four Tips to Help Keep Childcare Centers Sanitary

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One of the issues amplified by the pandemic is that keeping children safe from contagious diseases must always be a priority. However, accomplishing that goal takes work. Anytime larger groups of children gather there’s a meaningful chance of spreading infectious diseases. That’s why initiating a regular cleaning schedule and routine is crucial. Review the four tips for keeping a childcare facility clean for more information.

1. Focus on Sanitizing Surfaces

While constantly cleaning high-touch surfaces isn’t always easy, doing so will go a long way toward minimizing the spread of germs in childcare settings. Infectious diseases spread easily when multiple children share the same spaces all day. Colds, the flu, Covid, and other illnesses can be reduced when proper cleaning precautions are taken. In most cases, even when child care staff members handle routine cleaning during the day, consider using professional childcare cleaning services to deep clean the facility regularly to protect staff members, the children, and the children’s families.

2. Clean All Spills Immediately

Food and drinks stain surfaces quickly when they’re not cleaned promptly. However, those spills also increase the odds of harmful bacteria and mold. Since young children are curious, they may be tempted to taste spills, which will spread germs quickly. Staff members are encouraged to keep cleaning supplies within easy reach so all spills can be dealt with immediately. If a stain doesn’t come out using standard cleaning techniques, professional janitorial experts, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, can generally resolve the problem during a scheduled visit.

3. Separate Dirty Objects for Cleaning 

During the day, staff members and children are encouraged to place dirty items in receptacles for cleaning. Children should be encouraged to place dirty items in the containers, and staff members should congratulate them for doing so. The central idea is to prevent the spreading of any dirt and contamination. Staff members can clean and sanitize items at the end of the day. 

4. Prepare for Emergencies

Every childcare facility will face cleaning issues. That’s expected when large groups of children are present all day. However, facilities are always encouraged to prepare for emergencies. That may mean keeping personal protective gear for everyone on hand and knowing when suspending operations might be required to keep everyone safe. Deep cleaning is often required when significant issues develop. Those might include an outbreak of a childhood disease, the threat of Covid, or the suspicion another contagious disease is present. Keep the contact information of childcare cleaning professionals, like Corvus, on hand to handle those situations. 

Those four tips are vitally important for all childcare centers, but there are other strategies facility owners and staff members can implement to reduce the likelihood of serious issues developing. Here are a few ways staff members can sanitize the areas throughout the day.

Don’t Spare the Soap and Water

Cleaning toys, dishes, and other commonly used items in a childcare center will always be an ongoing process. Staff members should always have the correct cleaning products to tackle routine cleaning chores. Remember that cleaning products designed to remove dirty floors will be different than those used for washing dishes. A professional cleaning service can perform these duties for you. 

Experts recommend carefully washing any dirty items using the recommended cleaning products. Once an item is thoroughly washed, rinse it completely to remove any remaining contaminants and soap residue.

Always Disinfect Items Used in Childcare Centers 

Although using plenty of soap and water will always be important, that step isn’t enough. Soap and water remove dirt but washing alone will not sanitize items. To minimize the spread of germs, sanitize everything. Discuss a center’s needs with cleaning professionals who are skilled in disinfection services if you’re unsure how to sanitize items used throughout the day.

While a bleach and water solution is recommended for quick cleanups, there are other options available to keep childcare centers clean and sanitary. Use the water and bleach mixture for quick wipe-downs of counters, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces.

Dishwashers and clothes washers provide the level of cleaning needed to sanitize bedding, dishes, and hard toys in a childcare setting. The detergents and high heat are sufficient to kill most germs. Again, if you’re unsure how to clean specific items, take the time now to discuss the issue and get cleaning recommendations from a commercial cleaning service like Corvus.

Follow Your State and Local Guidelines

States and municipalities generally have regulations for cleaning and disinfecting a childcare center. Those regulations provide guidance when it comes to cleanliness and offer advice on how and when to clean specific areas within a facility.

At the same time, those regulations may not be sufficient to protect caregivers, children, and the children’s families in some situations. Rather than taking any unnecessary risks, discuss your center’s needs with a cleaning or janitorial service. Being proactive pays off when the incidence of diseases is reduced in a childcare environment.

Use Caution When Selecting Cleaning Products

Many cleaning products contain ingredients that could prove harmful to staff members and children alike. Even many products used in hospital settings are dangerous to children, which means staff members must read all labels carefully to ensure a specific product is safe to use around young children. Rather than taking unnecessary chances, stick to bleach and water solutions or use cleaning products recommended by local authorities or childcare center experts.

Stay on Top of Evolving Conditions

Because conditions change all the time, paying close attention to evolving care guidelines is strongly recommended. Covid precipitated a significant number of changes for all types of institutions, and childcare facilities didn’t escape untouched by those changes. Staff members must be provided with training materials as conditions evolve to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible.

Contact a Commercial Cleaning Service for Help

The easiest way to protect children and staff members is to have a commercial cleaning service, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, schedule regular cleaning services for childcare facilities. The first step is to contact cleaning experts to discuss a facility’s needs and request a quote for the needed services. At Corvus, all it takes is a quick phone call or online request for a quote.

Franchisee Spotlight – Marcus Breedlove, Corvus of Nashville

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November’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Nashville Franchise Owner Mr. Marcus Breedlove. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

Corvus is excited to spotlight Mr. Marcus Breedlove, Corvus of Nashville’s first Franchise Owner. This October was Mr. Breedlove’s second business anniversary and he has much to celebrate.

As with starting any new business, Mr. Breedlove faced a few challenges, including difficult accounts and hiring reliable employees, but he remained committed to supporting his family with his franchise. Marcus has since grown his business to 11 accounts and is now running his franchise full time with several employees and is ready to hire more.

Marcus has worked to build a relationship with Mr. Jonathan Frias, Regional Director, even inviting him to family functions to meet his wife and kids. Through this partnership, Marcus has remained open to coaching and learning, a common attribute of a successful business owner. Following Jonathan’s advice of taking one step at a time, Mr. Breedlove has stayed focused, worked hard, and continues to grow. Corvus is proud to have Marcus as a business partner and to watch as he continues to expand his franchise!

How Often Should You Clean Your Office’s Carpets?

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Immediately upon entering a business, a customer forms an opinion of the company and its offerings. To present the right image, the interior must be orderly. Many people overlook the carpet when considering the cleanliness of the interior but doing so is a mistake.

Every business should have its carpet cleaned regularly. Not only will this help to attract customers, but it will also keep the employees healthy. How often should a business owner clean their office carpets?

The Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Professional office carpet cleaning, performed by a professional cleaning company like Corvus Janitorial Systems, ensures the business presents the right image to visitors and increases the likelihood of them becoming paying customers. They see the clean carpets as a sign the business pays attention to details and takes pride in what it does.

Dirty carpets negatively affect indoor air quality. They harbor dust, dirt, germs, allergens, and more, which can lead to sick employees. Finally, dirty carpets allow for more noise in the office.

Having the carpets cleaned removes these concerns. Many business owners attempt to clean the carpets on their own but don’t remove all contaminants. Professional carpet cleaners like Corvus bring the tools needed to clean the carpets thoroughly and provide these benefits.

How Often are Professional Carpet Cleanings Needed?

Business owners wish to know how often they should have their carpets professionally cleaned. The answers vary based on many factors. 

Consider the carpet type when determining how often they need cleaning. High-pile carpets and dense carpets need more frequent cleanings because they collect dirt and debris easily.

Small carpets require fewer cleanings. Take this into account when setting up a schedule for professional cleanings. Large carpets trap more contaminants, so they need cleaning multiple times a year. However, small carpets placed in the center of a room need daily cleanings because of the amount of traffic they receive.

Carpets that receive significant amounts of traffic need to be cleaned more often. As employees and visitors move around the office, debris from their shoes makes its way into the carpets. The cleanings remove this debris.

Business owners find they may choose from several carpet cleaning options. The type selected plays a role in how often the carpets need cleaning. A thorough cleaning comes with a higher price tag but won’t need repeating as often as a light cleaning.

Color plays a role in how often carpets need to be cleaned. Lighter-colored carpets show dirt easily, and any dirt present on the carpets can leave visitors with the wrong impression of the business. Consider having these carpets cleaned multiple times each year.

Dark-colored carpets hide dirt and stains better. However, this doesn’t mean a business owner should put off regular carpet cleanings. The fibers may hold odors and give visitors a negative opinion of the business.

People also need to factor in seasonal changes when determining how often to clean their carpets. Rain, snow, and mud all make their way into carpets during rainy or snowy seasons. In addition, the winter months come with salt and sand treatments, and these materials may make their way into carpets where they can do damage.

Dry seasons, in contrast, often come accompanied by dirt and dust. This dust and dirt make their way into carpets, as well. Consider having the carpets cleaned regularly, so these pollutants don’t harm the fibers and appearance of the carpets.

Additional Steps Needed to Keep Carpets Clean

Business owners need to vacuum their carpets weekly to remove any dirt and debris that has become trapped in the fibers. In addition, they need to vacuum the carpets correctly. Many people don’t realize there is a right and wrong way to do so.

Vacuum with the carpet’s grain to avoid premature wear and damage. Begin in the farthest corner of the room and work backward. This ensures no spots are missed, and the vacuum collects all dirt and debris from the fibers. After each cleaning, empty the vacuum canister or check the bag to see if the vacuum needs a new one. 

However, heavily trafficked areas need to be vacuumed more often. In fact, vacuum daily in those areas that receive constant use. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from making their way into the carpet fibers.

Furthermore, spot clean any stains immediately. Don’t allow the stain to sit on the carpet. Doing so makes it harder to remove the spot when a full cleaning is done. However, never assume spot cleaning is enough to keep carpets looking their best. Full carpet cleanings remain essential to keep floors looking their best.

Invest in mats at entryways. The mats reduce the number of pollutants that reach the carpets. This helps to keep the carpets clean while extending their lifespan.

Preventative cleanings are wise. A business owner should never wait until the carpet is filthy before having it cleaned. Consider having heavily trafficked areas cleaned monthly. For areas that receive moderate traffic, quarterly cleanings usually suffice. Areas that receive little traffic only need to be cleaned twice a year.

Why Use a Professional?

Professional carpet cleaners like Corvus bring tools and equipment to each job that the average person doesn’t have access to. For example, they bring commercial stain removers to address set-in stains.

The professional cleaner may use the hot-water extraction method to clean the carpets. Doing so helps to remove the set-in stains. The cleaner injects hot water and detergent into the carpets. They then use a special device to remove the dirt and extract the water.

Dry cleaning serves as another option to clean carpets. The cleaner applies a dry-cleaning agent to the carpets. They follow up by using a tool, such as a brush, to loosen any dirt in the carpet fibers. They then vacuum the loosened dirt up. 

Countless businesses invest in carpets today, thanks to their elegance and aesthetic appeal. In addition, with flooring materials, carpeting is one of the easiest to install. With proper care, carpets will last for years to come.

Regular cleanings serve as one way to care for carpets, so schedule an appointment today with Corvus Janitorial Systems for a professional carpet cleaning. Doing so provides the above mentioned benefits and more for your office.

How Important is Your Credit Score if You Want to Buy a Franchise?

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Aspiring entrepreneurs have numerous opportunities at their disposal these days. At this point, almost any dream can be transformed into a reality. No matter which products or services a person wants to provide to the public, there’s bound to be a market for it. On top of that, today’s entrepreneurs have found that there’s a variety of routes to success.

Taking the Franchise Route

Owning a business doesn’t necessarily mean having to start from scratch. Buying a franchise allows ambitious individuals to benefit from the success of an already-established company. It’s often an easier, less intimidating solution than the traditional route, especially when becoming part of a company that offers in-demand solutions like a janitorial services franchise, such as that offered by Corvus Janitorial Systems. Purchasing a franchise can be more affordable than building a business from the ground up as well. 

That’s not to say becoming a franchisee doesn’t come with a few challenges of its own, though. With so many options available, choosing the right franchise may be difficult. Securing financing may be a hurdle as well.

To make matters a bit more tedious, credit scores tend to factor into the equation when applying for business loans. These figures carry quite a bit of weight in the lending world even when purchasing a franchise. Though credit scores may not be the sole deciding factor when determining eligibility for a business loan or financing, they can simplify or complicate the situation.

Taking a Closer Look at Credit Scores

Chances are virtually anyone who has considered applying for any type of loan or financing has heard of a credit score. Without at least adequate credit, it’s exceedingly difficult to qualify for a mortgage, auto loan, credit card, or even a small store credit account. Having less-than-acceptable credit scores can render people ineligible to rent a home. Many employers even factor credit scores into job candidates’ qualifications.

What Are Credit Scores?

In short, credit scores are numbers assigned to people based on their purchasing and repayment histories among other factors, which we’ll delve deeper into shortly. In the United States, credit scores come from three main credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Creditors report debtors’ activities to those agencies, and those activities are used to calculate debtors’ scores.

Since not all creditors report to all three agencies, people’s credit scores can easily vary from one to the next. Some lenders choose a single agency to follow when checking prospects’ credit histories. Others consider information from two of the three or all of them.

When factoring in credit scores from more than one reporting agency, lenders may base their eligibility determinations on an applicant’s average score. On the other hand, they may look at different determining factors from each agency before making their final decisions. As such, a potential borrower may appear to have a decent credit score from one reporting agency but still be denied a loan because of his or her status with another.

How Are Credit Scores Calculated?

As alluded to earlier, credit scores are made up of various components. All those aspects come together to give lenders a good idea of how well an applicant manages his or her finances and how likely that applicant is to repay a loan. Take a look at the five components of all credit scores. 

New Credit Accounts

One of the elements that makes up a credit score is the number of new credit accounts a person has. Having recently opened several new credit accounts can hamper a person’s borrowing power. Numerous recent credit inquiries can have the same effect. Lenders may view either of these factors as an added risk. Recent credit activity makes up 10 percent of a person’s credit score.

Credit Diversity

Lenders likewise consider the diversity of applicants’ credit. This also accounts for 10 percent of a person’s total score. Those who have a nice blend of account types are often viewed as a bit more creditworthy than those with only a single type of credit.

Say, for example, two applicants have the same credit score. One currently has an open installment loan, a mortgage, and a credit card on his or her credit report. The other has three credit cards. Despite having the same score, the former may be considered a more suitable borrower because of his or her borrowing diversity.

Length of Borrowing History

Next on the list is the length of a person’s borrowing history. After all, longer stories tend to include more details. Because of that, those with longer, more established credit histories may be more attractive to lenders than those who have only recently begun to borrow. This aspect comprises 15 percent of a person’s credit score. 

Amount of Money Owed

Credit scores also factor in the amount of money people currently owe on various accounts. This aspect encompasses the types of open credit accounts consumers currently have, their remaining balances, and the total amount of money owed on those debts. It also factors in the remaining amount of available credit a person may have. The amount of money owed to creditors accounts for 30 percent of a person’s credit score.

Payment History

Payment history is the most significant deciding factor when it comes to determining loan eligibility. This, alone, makes up 35 percent of a credit score. It revolves around a person’s track record of making payments on time and paying off loans in a timely manner. Late payments, delinquent accounts, and other negatives factor in here.

If a person has a habit of making payments late or allowing accounts to get so far behind they can’t be resolved, his or her credit score will drop. Bankruptcy and other financial issues have negative impacts on credit scores as well. If those problems appear on applicants’ credit reports, lenders may view them as unnecessarily risky and deem them ineligible for a loan.

How Do Credit Scores Affect Purchasing a Franchise?

Having said all that, it’s time to discuss how credit scores can affect a person’s ability to purchase a franchise. As far as many lenders are concerned, anything less than a good credit score may render an applicant ineligible for a loan. In terms of Experian, a credit score of 700 or more is good. With Equifax, the “good” range spans from 670 to 739. 

Those who are looking to purchase a franchise may not have to go through conventional lenders to acquire a business loan. In some cases, franchisors extend financing options to potential franchisees. They may also have their own networks of lenders to facilitate the purchasing process for applicants. Still, they pay close attention to prospects’ credit scores. Some place more emphasis on them than others, but they inevitably come into play. Corvus Janitorial Systems takes pride in offering robust financial assistance to potential franchisees and aims to make the process as easy as possible. We look at many factors in addition to your credit score.

Possible Complications Caused by Low Credit Scores

Having a low credit score doesn’t always mean all hope is lost. Some franchisors are willing to work with applicants and give them opportunities to succeed even if they don’t have strong borrowing histories. That’s also true of lenders. In fact, some lenders specialize in providing loans for people with bad credit. People whose credit has suffered in the past may face a few extra hurdles when applying for business loans or franchisor financing, though.

Needing a Business Plan

Lenders that dole out business loans typically require applicants to present well-thought-out business plans. Having a presentable plan shows lenders where their money will go. It also gives them a bit of reassurance that their borrowers have a clear sense of direction. 

From the franchisor’s perspective, a business plan that shows an applicant has already secured at least partial funding may serve as proof that the prospect deserves due consideration. In either case, a concrete plan could provide the extra incentive a lender needs to allow an applicant to proceed with purchasing a franchise. Once again, at Corvus, we have developed a system to offer easy financing and make the franchise purchase process as accessible as possible,

Paying Higher Interest Rates

Additionally, having a low credit score could subject a franchisee to higher-than-average interest rates on a business loan. Higher interest rates lead to higher monthly payments. They also leave borrowers paying far more in the long run. That could lead to financial hardships, especially in the beginning. It’ll most certainly eat into a business owner’s profits moving forward.

Resolving a Low Credit Score

Having a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean a hopeful entrepreneur won’t be able to purchase a franchise. It could bring about a few problems and make the situation more difficult than it needs to be, though. With that in mind, those who want to purchase a franchise but are suffering from less-than-stellar credit may want to take a few extra measures before applying for a loan or franchisor financing.

Start off by requesting a credit report so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises after applying for funding. Be sure to address any errors on the credit report by contacting the reporting agency. Take care to make monthly payments on existing debts on time and avoid opening any new lines of credit. Consider paying down some larger debts before applying for financing for a more suitable debt-to-income ratio.

All Things Considered

In most cases, having a good credit score is the key to acquiring a business loan for purchasing a franchise. Even franchisors that offer financing take applicants’ credit scores into account. Having a credit score that doesn’t measure up to the usual standards doesn’t necessarily disqualify a candidate from becoming a franchisee, though. Some franchises, like Corvus Janitorial, make accessibility and financial assistance easy for potential franchisees.

Applicants who have lower credit scores may still be able to acquire funding. Doing so may require taking extra measures to raise those credit scores. Creating a detailed business plan may facilitate the process as well. Even then, lofty interest rates could be an issue. While credit scores aren’t the be-all and end-all when purchasing a franchise, they certainly factor into the equation.

For more information about starting a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, contact us today.

Women and Franchising: How a Janitorial Franchise Could Be Your Ticket to Independence

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Before the pandemic, the number of female business owners was growing at an unprecedented rate, with a 45% increase from 2007 to 2016 compared to a 9% increase among all businesses. That’s an impressive five times the national average, although it’s worth noting that as of 2022, only 31% of small businesses and franchises are owned and run by women.

The coronavirus pandemic undeniably created some setbacks for women in the business world. Women were statistically more likely to have been furloughed or had to change careers as a result of the pandemic’s economic fallout, and at that time, around a quarter of all women were considering downshifting their careers. Thankfully, though, life has begun to return to normal, and women are returning to the workforce in droves. 

The problem is that despite the ongoing shift in many industries towards female workforces, women still don’t have an equal chance when it comes to corporate leadership. The glass ceiling is still firmly in place in most companies, and the gender pay gap persists across all management levels.

If you’re sick of working long hours for less pay with fewer opportunities for advancement, you’ve come to the right place. Owning a janitorial services franchise, such as a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, offers a way out for women who are tired of dealing constantly with corporate America’s ongoing gender inequality problem. You can find out how below.

The Future of Franchising Is Female

Let’s start at the beginning. A franchise is a type of business license. It grants you, the franchisee, access to another business, the franchisor’s knowledge, processes, and trademarks so that you can provide services or sell products under a known and trusted business name. To acquire a franchise, all you need to do is pay for licensing and give the franchisor an initial start-up fee. 

According to the International Franchise Association, women owned just 8.5% of all franchises in 1995. Now, that number has grown to 31%, and there is no indication that it will plateau. There are currently more women looking for information about how to purchase a franchise than men, especially among the younger generations.

Why Women Make Fantastic Franchise Owners

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of unpaid labor you provide in the home? From cooking and cleaning to childcare, the chances are good that it’s a lot. On average, women spend almost four and a half hours on unpaid labor, which is more than many people spend each week at part-time jobs.

There are few bright sides to the extremity of the gender gap in unpaid caregiving and home maintenance, especially if you’re still working a full-time, 9-5 job for 17% less pay than your male counterparts. Thankfully, though, women tend to be more adaptable than men and better at both multi-tasking and quick thinking. After all, you have to be able to handle everything on the average American woman’s plate. 

In many families, women keep their homes organized. They keep track of all kinds of details, from grocery lists to home finances and personal schedules, and communicate all of that information effectively to the entire family so that everyone is on the same page. If there’s one thing all of these varied skills have in common, it’s that they are fantastic qualities in a business owner.

These observations may sound anecdotal, but they’re backed up by research. In 2012, researchers evaluated 7,200 surveys tracing the judgment of different leaders’ peers, bosses, and reports. Participants rated leaders’ overall effectiveness and strength over 16 competencies. Women were rated higher in 12 of those 16 core business competencies, including in traits that have historically been considered male strengths, such as taking initiative and pushing to get results.

The Unique Benefits of the Franchise Business Model

If you finished reading through those last few paragraphs and feel empowered, that’s good. You should. Now, it’s time to talk about why you should take all the skills you’ve developed both at home and in the corporate world and put them to a different kind of use. It’s time to discuss the unique benefits of the franchise business model for modern women.

Create Your Own Opportunities

When women start working at corporate offices, they’re almost always told that there will be plenty of opportunities for advancement. While that may be true for lower- to middle-management positions, CEOs and other higher-ups are still overwhelmingly male, and women are rarely offered the level of mentorship and help with advancement extended to their male colleagues.

As a result of these and other factors, men outnumber women at the CEO level by around 17:1. While it’s perfectly understandable to be upset about these statistics and laudable to put in the work to change them, it’s also undeniable that women with an entrepreneurial spirit will have a better chance of success creating their own opportunities by opening franchises.

Greater Freedom and Flexibility

Office jobs don’t tend to offer much flexibility. Even companies that have made the switch to offering remote work to some of their employees some of the time still place exacting demands on workers and expect them to build their lives around their jobs. This applies to men as well as women, but because women take on the bulk of unpaid household labor, they suffer more as a result.

Purchasing a franchise offers women an opportunity to take control of their careers and levels of work-life balance. Instead of building their lives around their jobs, franchise owners build their businesses around their lives. This level of flexibility will allow you to prioritize not just family but also yourself. In a world where women are taught from childhood to prioritize the needs of others, that change can be incredibly empowering.

Fewer Financial Barriers to Entry

Men aren’t just paid better, on average, than their female counterparts in the corporate world. They’re also 20% more likely to be able to secure small business loans as entrepreneurs. This statistic might help to explain why male entrepreneurs continue to make twice as much money, on average, as their female counterparts.

Thankfully, franchises offer a lower barrier to entry. Most have either in-house financing options or established relationships with outside financial institutions that can be leveraged by potential franchisees to fund their ventures. Corvus Janitorial Systems, in particular, strives to provide strong financial support and guidance throughout the franchise purchase and onboarding process. This creates new opportunities for women who are unable to secure traditional small business loans.

Help Other Women Succeed

Finally, owning a franchise offers an opportunity to help other women succeed in the business world. It’s not just that as the owner of the franchise location, you’ll have the ultimate say over who gets hired and will be able to ensure gender parity in the hiring process. Once you’ve gotten on your feet, it will also offer an opportunity to act as a mentor and serve as a positive role model for girls and younger women. At Corvus, we make the hiring and vetting process easy and straightforward for our franchise owners and will provide strong support along the way. 

It can be incredibly frustrating to continue working towards a gender-equal economy only to find additional barriers every step of the way, and some women leaving the business world feel like they’re giving up the fight. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women who choose to redefine their roles in what is still a male-dominated business world and step into positions of leadership are doing their part to create a more inclusive society.

Why the Janitorial Industry?

Hopefully, by now, you’re suitably excited about the possibility of franchise ownership. The question remains, though, of why the janitorial industry offers such a great opportunity for gaining true independence. There are a few answers to that question, so each new franchisee will have a different set of reasons for starting a local janitorial business, such as a Corvus Janitorial franchise. Some of the most common include:

Meeting the Needs of the Market

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the market for all sorts of cleaning services has exploded, and that includes commercial cleaning. There are plenty of residential cleaning services out there, but few janitorial businesses that can meet the increased needs of local schools, hospitals, gyms, offices, and other large or specialized spaces. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we have the infrastructure and support in place to provide cleaning services to all industries.

Easy Transition From Residential Cleaning

While the janitorial industry has historically been male-dominated, the majority of residential cleaning businesses are run by women. Making the transition over to owning a janitorial franchise will be much easier than learning the ins and outs of an entirely new and unrelated industry. Corvus is there with our franchise owners every step of the way to guide them on building a successful janitorial franchise business.

Support From Established Franchisors

While it’s true that women-owned businesses, in general, and franchises, in particular, are becoming more common every day, not every industry is keeping up with the changing times. In the janitorial industry, female entrepreneurs can find the support and acceptance they need from Corvus Janitorial. In fact, business owner guidance and mentorship is a core tenant of the Corvus franchise program and one reason our franchisees have enjoyed strong success and opportunities.

Contact Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you’re a female entrepreneur ready to embrace everything that janitorial franchises have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can fill out our quick and easy contact form online, or call us today, to schedule a meeting with a Corvus representative who can tell you everything you need to know about starting a woman-owned janitorial business with the help of the established Corvus Janitorial Systems brand.

The Biggest Germ Gathering Spots In Your Office

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Surfaces and items that get touched often in an office space will risk having bacteria and germs on them. From desktops to keyboards, coffee pots to door handles, numerous areas around an office space could have germs growing on them. When someone touches these surfaces, the germs attach to their hand and get carried to their next stop. Human contact is the highest risk factor for germ transmission in an office or workspace. The more people that use an elevator button, the higher the number of germs growing on it.

We like to think that we keep our hands clean when moving from place to place. Even using hand sanitizer between touching high-contact surface areas isn’t always enough to kill all germs. It’s easy for companies to keep their office spaces clean and germ-free by hiring professional cleaning and sanitizing services regularly. These cleaning companies, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, have experience in keeping high-contact surfaces germ-free.

Why Hire a Janitorial Service?

Companies that offer office cleaning services are excellent assets for high customer volume business locations. Restaurants, office buildings, stores, schools, hospitals, and clinics are all high-volume locations that see numerous customers daily. Add to that the number of employees at the business location, and the number rises significantly. The more people that visit a business location and touch surfaces, the higher the risk of germs and bacteria. A professional cleaning and janitorial service can reduce this risk significantly.

Common Locations for Germs

Germs live on almost every surface around an office. There are, however, certain areas where constant human contact creates a breeding ground for germs to survive for long periods. Surface areas such as elevator buttons, light switches, doorknobs, door locks, toilet handles, faucets, vending machines, and other high-contact surfaces will retain germs longer the more they get touched. Keeping these surfaces cleaned and sanitized is the only defense an office space has against germs.

The following is a detailed list of surface areas that germs will find easier to breed in due to high contact:

Elevator Buttons

Elevator controls see a lot of attention throughout the day. Both the controls in hallways and the control inside the cab of an elevator see constant contact from visitors riding the elevators through an office building. It’s always a good idea to clean doors and rails inside the elevator cab due to contact from riders.

Door handles, knobs, and locks

Doors will see the most use in an office space throughout the day. Everyone in the office will use a door multiple times during their work shift, making them a high-contact surface area to sanitize when fighting germs in an office space. Always clean the door’s surface around the handles also, due to people pressing on the door to help open it at times. Locks and latches will also need sanitizing when cleaning doors.

Desktop

Workspaces often carry the most germs due to being high-contact surfaces. These workspaces can include cubicles, countertops, tabletops, desktops, and other flat surfaces where someone spends time constantly. Germs travel by contact with people’s hands, spreading about as far as a person can reach from any given point.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackball

Electronics that get constant use, such as input devices for computers like keyboards and mice, will see the most germs in a workspace. People constantly eat at their computers while working, leaving crumbs, oil, grime, and other tidbits that contribute to germs. If co-workers share a workspace, the amount of germs rises significantly.

Telephones, Fax Machines, Printers, and Other Shared Devices/Appliances

There are many appliances and devices in an office space that co-workers share amongst themselves. Coffee makers, printers, fax machines, copiers, shredders, vending machines, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, and many other devices or appliances get constant use in an office space. Co-workers using the same copier repeatedly will have shared their germs and others that have used the machine. Watercoolers are also a high-contact area for germs to breed.

Sinks, Dishes, Sponges, and Soaps

Having a nice breakroom is excellent until the kitchenette doesn’t get cleaned properly. Sinks and dishes are the most common breeding grounds for coli and salmonella. Most new sponges will have these bacteria on their surfaces within three weeks. Using these germ-ridden sponges throughout the day will spread the germs to other surface areas. Two minutes in a microwave can kill most germs on dishes, but we recommend replacing the sponge every two weeks to prevent these bacteria.

Restrooms

Coli bacteria thrive in bathrooms. Every surface in a bathroom is likely to have some stage of E. coli bacteria growing on it. Faucets, sinks, countertops, trashcans, handles, rails, and everything in between is at risk of bacteria in a restroom. Keeping these areas cleaned regularly can help reduce the risk the bacteria poses.

Environment

The most overlooked hotspot in any building for germ distribution is the air around us. You cannot sanitize the air itself. The recent Covid pandemic has taught us that contaminants can linger in the area for a while. Good ventilation helps keep the air cleaner to breathe. Adding fresh air into the mix will help, especially with a fan running. Replacing air filters in HVAC systems and keeping them well maintained also helps.

Depending on the type of business, hiring professional cleaning services like Corvus can often be the best solution for a workspace to remain a germ and bacteria-free environment. Some companies will have other high-contact areas that pose a risk of bacteria or germs growing on them. Restaurants, for instance, will have surface areas like tables, chairs, booths, menus, and other items or surfaces that customers come into contact with daily.

Staying Germ-Free

Keeping an office space germ-free is easy with the help of a professional cleaning service and some patience. Regularly cleaning a workspace and its high-contact surface areas will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that put visitors and employees at risk. Hiring a professional cleaning service is quick and easy. All it takes is making a quick call or scheduling an appointment to get an estimate. Keep your office space, employees, and visitors safe from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella with professional janitorial help.