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The Five Step Franchise Sales Process Infographic & Guide

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Starting a new business can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it by yourself. At Corvus, we’ve helped hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs start their own successful cleaning businesses through our office cleaning franchise program. To help you get a sense of what’s involved in becoming a Corvus Franchisee (or a franchise owner in general), we’ve put together this quick five step franchise sales process infographic and guide.

Franchise Sales Process Infographic from Corvus. Step 1. Inquire Step 2. Set a disclosure meeting Step 3. Attend disclosure meeting Step 4. 14 day waiting period Step 5. Purchase your franchise

Step 1: Inquire

The first step in the franchise sales process is also the easiest. Let the franchisor know that you are interested in becoming a franchisee! For Corvus, it is as simple as filling out our contact form with your name, phone number, email, and closest metro area. After we receive your info, we’ll give you a call to set up an initial discovery meeting at one of our regional offices.

Steps 2 & 3: Set Up and Attend a Disclosure Meeting

During your initial discovery meeting you’ll meet the regional team and start learning more about the business, including things like fees, schedules, and expectations. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you have during this initial meeting. Don’t worry – you don’t need to bring anything with you (except for a pen and paper to take notes). During this meeting we’ll also ask you to fill out a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and background check form.

Step 4. 14 Day Waiting Period

After your first meeting, there will be a 14 day waiting period during which we will run your background check. This 14 day waiting period gives you the opportunity to review Corvus’ (the franchisor’s) FDD in detail. During this waiting period, if you have any questions or concerns, you’re free to reach out to your local Corvus team for more information.

Step 5: Franchise Sale

After you’ve passed your background check and the 14-day waiting period is over, we’ll have you come back into the regional office to complete your franchise sale paperwork and schedule your training session – which usually happens a week after signing.

Initial Offering Period

Now that you’re an official Corvus Franchisee, it’s our job to start getting you clients. Typically, you’ll start off with 1-2 cleans per week, as we try to prioritize new Franchisees whenever we sign a new service contract.

The Future is Yours

What comes next? That’s up to you! We’ll continue to support you with financing, technical support, and customer acquisitions, while you’ll support the Corvus brand by providing professional, best-in-class commercial cleaning services to our wonderful customers. Because together, we can Make Lives Better.

Ready to get started with your Corvus Franchise? Contact our franchise team to start today!

The Importance of K-12 School Cleaning

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Schools are an essential part of our society, providing education to students of all ages. K-12 schools serve as the foundation of a student’s academic journey. With thousands of students, teachers, and staff members coming in and out of school buildings every day, it is crucial to maintain a clean and safe learning environment. In this article, we discuss the importance of K-12 school cleaning and best practices for achieving a healthy and safe environment.

Importance of K-12 School Cleaning

The primary reason for maintaining a clean and healthy school environment is to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff members. Schools can be breeding grounds for germs, viruses, and bacteria. In a densely populated environment such as a school, these microorganisms can spread rapidly and cause illnesses that can lead to absenteeism and disruption of the learning process. Regular and thorough cleaning can help prevent the spread of illnesses and promote a healthy and safe learning environment.

Additionally, a clean school environment can positively impact the mental and emotional health of students, teachers, and staff members. Studies have shown that a clean and organized environment can improve mental clarity, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity. A well-maintained learning environment can also promote a sense of pride and responsibility in students, which can lead to better academic performance.

Best Practices for K-12 School Cleaning

1. Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan

A comprehensive cleaning plan is essential for maintaining a clean and safe learning environment. The plan should outline specific cleaning tasks, schedules, and responsibilities. It should also include guidelines for cleaning equipment and products to ensure they’re safe and effective use.

2. Train Cleaning Staff and Teachers

Proper training is crucial for cleaning staff and teachers who may be responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. Training should include information on cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and the proper use of cleaning equipment and products.

3. Use Appropriate Cleaning Products and Equipment

It is essential to use appropriate cleaning products and equipment to ensure effective cleaning and minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Green cleaning products are a popular option for schools as they are safer for both people and the environment. Additionally, the use of microfiber cleaning cloths and mops can help reduce waste and water usage.

4. Establish Cleaning Schedules

Establishing a regular cleaning schedule can help ensure that all areas of the school are cleaned regularly and thoroughly. High-traffic areas such as classrooms, restrooms, and common areas should be cleaned multiple times a day, while other areas may only require weekly or monthly cleaning.

5. Encourage Personal Responsibility

Encouraging personal responsibility among students, teachers, and staff members can help promote a clean and healthy learning environment. Students can be taught proper hygiene practices such as handwashing and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing. Teachers and staff members can be encouraged to clean up after themselves and their students and report any cleaning or maintenance issues promptly.

6. Partner with a Professional Cleaning Company

Partnering with a professional cleaning company like Corvus Janitorial Systems can provide schools with a cost-effective and efficient solution for maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment. At Corvus, we have the expertise and equipment necessary to provide thorough cleaning services while adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.

Keep Your School Clean with Corvus Janitorial Systems

Maintaining a clean and healthy learning environment is crucial for the success of K-12 schools. Implementing best practices such as developing a comprehensive cleaning plan, using appropriate cleaning products and equipment, establishing cleaning schedules, encouraging personal responsibility, and partnering with a professional cleaning company can help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

By prioritizing cleanliness and safety, K-12 schools can provide students, teachers, and staff members with the best possible learning environment. If your school is looking for a professional cleaning services provider, contact Corvus today to get a free quote.

University and College Cleaning Services – What You Should Know

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Universities and colleges are home to thousands of students, faculty members, and staff. With so many people constantly moving through these spaces, maintaining a clean and healthy environment can be a challenging task. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent the spread of germs, reduce the risk of infections, and create a comfortable learning and working environment for everyone. In this post, we discuss some of the key aspects of university and college cleaning, including why it’s important, what challenges cleaning staff face, and how to ensure effective cleaning in your higher education facility.

Why is university and college cleaning important?

Keeping university and college campuses clean is important for several reasons. First, a clean environment reduces the risk of infections and diseases, which can spread quickly in crowded spaces. With so many people living, studying, and working in close proximity, viruses and bacteria can easily spread from person to person, especially in communal areas such as libraries, classrooms, and dining halls. Regular cleaning and disinfection can help to prevent the spread of germs, protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone on campus.

Additionally, a clean and well-maintained environment is essential for creating a comfortable and conducive learning and working environment. A cluttered, dirty, or disorganized space can be distracting and uncomfortable, making it difficult for students and faculty members to focus and perform their best. By keeping campuses clean and tidy, universities and colleges can create a welcoming and positive environment that supports academic success.

Finally, a clean environment is essential for maintaining the physical infrastructure of the campus. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent wear and tear on buildings and equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements in the long run. This can save universities and colleges money, allowing them to invest more in academic programs and resources.

What challenges do cleaning staff face?

Cleaning university and college campuses can be a challenging task for several reasons. Firstly, these spaces are often very large, with multiple buildings, floors, and rooms to clean. This can make it difficult for cleaning staff to cover all areas thoroughly and efficiently, especially during peak periods when many people are using the facilities.

Secondly, university and college campuses are often very busy, with people moving in and out of buildings throughout the day. This can make it difficult for cleaning staff to work without disrupting the normal operations of the campus. For example, cleaning staff may need to work around lectures, meetings, and other events, which can limit the time available for cleaning and maintenance.

Thirdly, cleaning university and college campuses requires specialized skills and equipment. For example, cleaning staff may need to be trained in the use of specialized cleaning equipment, such as floor scrubbers and carpet cleaners, to ensure that these surfaces are cleaned effectively. Additionally, they may need to use cleaning products and disinfectants that are safe for use in educational environments while complying with relevant health and safety regulations.

How to ensure effective university and college cleaning?

To ensure that university and college campuses are kept clean and healthy, it’s important to develop a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance plan. This plan should cover all areas of the campus, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dining halls, and dormitories. It should also consider the specific needs and challenges of the campus, such as peak periods of usage and specific health and safety concerns.

In addition to a cleaning and maintenance plan, universities and colleges should invest in the right cleaning equipment and supplies. This may include floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, disinfectants, and specialized cleaning products that are safe and effective for use in educational environments. It’s also important to ensure that cleaning staff are properly trained in the use of all equipment and supplies to ensure that they are used effectively and safely.

Finally, regular monitoring and feedback are essential to ensure that cleaning and maintenance standards are being met. This includes conducting regular inspections where cleaning professionals collect feedback from students, faculty, and staff. As a leading commercial cleaning services provider, Corvus understands that universities and colleges have high standards and expectations of their cleaning professionals, and we strive to provide the most efficient and comprehensive cleaning programs to meet these expectations.

Contact Corvus to Clean Your College Campus

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is crucial for universities and colleges. It reduces the risk of infections, creates a comfortable and conducive learning and working environment, and helps maintain the physical infrastructure of the campus. However, cleaning and maintenance can be challenging due to the large size of these facilities, their busy schedules, and the need for specialized skills and equipment.

Developing a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance plan, investing in the right equipment and supplies, and providing proper training to cleaning staff can help ensure effective cleaning. At Corvus, we know the importance of effective university and college cleaning and we aim to provide the best customized cleaning programs to meet the high standards and expectations of these institutions. Contact us today to receive a free cleaning quote for your higher education facility.

Small Business Owners: Tax Benefits to Consider

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Tax season is upon us, and even if we’ve been filing this time each year for over a decade (or several), most of us still get a bit anxious when the time comes. If you’re a new small business owner, you might be feeling particularly worried about the unique challenges that tax filing in a new category might bring. Feeling more prepared can help ease these worries.

All small business owners want to ensure that they’re filing their taxes the right way, and save as much money as they can in the process. Luckily, there are several small business tax deductions that help you make the most of the filing process and save where you can. As the tax deadline creeps up on us, now is the best time to start getting organized. But if that sounds daunting, don’t worry, we’ve done a lot of the research for you already:

Changes to Credits and Deductions for 2022 Taxes

Some tax credits and deductions that will expire or decrease in 2022 are:

-Section 179, which allows businesses to deduct 100% of qualified expenses for certain fixed assets purchased in 2022. This figure will decrease to 80% in 2023.

-The Expanded Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which has decreased from an $8,000 maximum in 2021 to $2,100 in 2022. Income thresholds and percentage of child care expenses deductible have also decreased.

-Qualifying business meals, which were instituted during the pandemic to encourage support of restaurants and make it easier for employers to provide catered meals. This deduction may not be extended beyond the January 1, 2023 deadline.

-Mortgage insurance premiums will no longer be treated as deductible mortgage interest starting in 2023. This may affect businesses with property or brick-and-mortar locations.

List of Small Business Tax Deductions to Consider

With the numerous changes to tax rules over the last few years, there are many other small business tax deductions that you might not yet be aware of. These include:

-Vehicle expenses

-Dedicated home office space

-Capital equipment depreciation

-Professional services

-Salaries and wages paid to full and part-time employees, as well as bonuses, meals, lodging, and certain employer-paid taxes

-Work Opportunity Tax Credit (if you hired any military veterans or other long-term unemployed workers before the first of this year)

-Business supplies and office expenses

-Meals and entertainment for clients and employees

-Labor for independent contractors or freelancers

-Equipment and furniture

-Employee benefits (health plans, life insurance, education reimbursement, pensions, etc.)

-Relevant business software (POS and other computer systems)

-Rent for your business’s physical space

-Start-up costs and expenses (hiring costs, legal entity fees, etc.)

-Utilities (electricity, phones, Wi-Fi, etc.)

-Certain taxes

-Commission payments

-Rental equipment or machinery

-The interest paid on business lines of credit

-Bad business debts

-Mortgage interest

-Bank charges

-Disaster and theft losses

-Small business tax deductions that carried over from previous years

-Business insurance

-Renovations and insurance-related strictly to your home office space

-Business tools

-Unfulfilled invoices

-Education

-Marketing and advertising costs

-Charitable deductions

-Cleaning, janitorial, and PPE expenses

-Licenses, trademarks, and other intellectual property

Small Business Tax Deductions Explained

Some of these tax deductions are straightforward, like vehicle expenses, including gas, maintenance, parking, and tolls for business-related travel. But others may be a bit more ambiguous if you’re not familiar with their definitions or limitations. So, let’s talk about the ones whose meanings aren’t immediately obvious. Home office deductions are an area that tends to cause some confusion. You can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and other costs for the square footage of your home that is used as an office.

But the thing to remember here is that it has to be a strict home office space. It can’t be a spare room that you occasionally escape to with your laptop if your loved ones or roommates are being noisy in other areas. Your home office can’t be dual purpose, it must strictly be a home office space. Your tax software or a tax professional can help you decide between calculating the costs to write off or taking the standard deduction based on square footage.

Speaking of consulting a tax professional, professional services like this one are another potential deduction. You can also deduct fees for accountants, attorneys, or business consultants. The same goes for freelancers or independent contractors that you bring in to help with marketing or extra help during busy months. Client and employee entertainment is a deduction that often gets missed. If you take a potential client out for lunch, you can typically deduct up to 50% of the cost, as long as at least one employee is there and it isn’t a particularly lavish experience. You can deduct snacks and meals that you provide in the office, too.

Deducting taxes can get a bit tricky because the deduction you qualify for depends on the tax type. For example, you may be able to deduct license taxes, taxes on real estate your business owns, sales taxes on purchases made for your business, or a portion of your payroll taxes. For this one, the deductions can vary depending on several different factors, including state and business type, so it may be best to talk to a professional here, too.

Similar to the last one, some of your insurance premiums may be tax-deductible. These are strictly business-based premiums for coverage in different areas, like property, liability, casualty, employee theft, and business-owned vehicles. Lastly, let’s talk about bad business debts. These include money advanced for goods or services that were never fulfilled. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to deduct the costs. One example of this might be advancing money to an employee or vendor and then having them disappear without fulfilling their end of the bargain.

The Wrap Up

There are many benefits to being a small business owner. But like all things worthwhile in life, there are times when it’ll require more effort than we’re used to. Filing our taxes this year is one of those times. If you feel confident handling your tax filing on your own this year, several reputable tax services, including H&R Block, offer specialized online filing services for the self-employed and small business owners.

Because they require more work, you should expect to pay more to file. But the number of deductions that they’ll help you sift through will make it worth the extra upfront cost. If you want to be extra thorough to ensure that every possible tax benefit is explored or you simply have a lot of questions you’d like answered, hiring a tax professional you can meet with in person may be the better way to go this time.

If you haven’t been already, keeping detailed records of your expenses and other information related to your taxes and tax benefits can help you feel better prepared next time. Keep receipts, write down business-related items, training, or travel expenses, and store it all somewhere safe. If you haven’t already, investing in some small business software like QuickBooks’ accounting, bill-pay, record keeping, and payroll software might help you get more organized. And depending on the software and what you’re using it for, you might be able to deduct that cost, too.

Franchisee Spotlight – Rodjay Benford, Corvus of Louisville

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March’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Louisville Franchise Owner Mr. Rodjay Benford. 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 Janitorial is pleased to announce that this month’s Franchise Owner Spotlight is shining brightly on Mr. Rodjay Benford of Louisville. Mr. Benford opened his franchise just over two years ago, and he is already among the highest earning Franchisees in the Louisville market.

“Rodjay is one of the best franchise owners we have,” says Eric Coy, Director of Operations for Corvus of Louisville.

“We can always count him. He’s very attentive to customer needs. If Rodjay is cleaning your building, you’re in great hands. He understands what it means to be a business owner and doesn’t treat this as a job, but rather treats it as his career. He does whatever he needs to succeed. We can always count on Roday to give it his all no matter the task.”

Mr. Benford says of his experience partnering with Corvus, “I’ve been with Corvus for just over two years now. After working my whole life building someone else’s dream, I decided it was time for me to build and work towards my own. The decision to do so was scary at first because I was leaving all that I knew behind and diving headfirst into the unknown. However, Eric and Aaron (Aaron Shader, Corvus of Louisville Operations manager) guided me through this transition. The leap of faith Crystal and I took to becoming small business owners has been one of the greatest decisions we’ve made. I would encourage anyone who is faithful, committed and dedicated to wanting to build on their own dreams, to also take the leap. I promise you; you will not regret it!”

Mr. Benford and his family are prime examples of how hard work pays off and prove that the American Dream is possible. Thank you, Rodjay, for being such a fantastic partner; we are excited to continue helping you build on your dreams!

Improve Your Cleaning Process with a ProTeam Backpack Vacuum

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Everyone is familiar with standard upright vacuums. They can be clunky and hard to maneuver around a normal living room. Now, imagine using one of these in a large commercial space with lots of offices, furniture, and staircases. When you buy a vacuum, you want it to be the best vacuum for your cleaning needs – you need a backpack vacuum.

The creation of the ProTeam Backpack Vacuum in 1987 has drastically changed the function and performance of the vacuum machine. Popular opinion maintains that if you are working as a professional cleaner, a backpack vacuum is the ONLY way to go. The benefits of using a backpack vacuum are numerous and include a low cost of ownership and maintenance, an efficient and ergonomic design, and the health benefits provided by an advanced HEPA filtration system.

ProTeam Backpack Vacuum Benefits

Although most people learn to vacuum using a front to back motion, the Proteam Backpack Vacuum allows for a side to side motion while working. This may seem like a small thing, but using this method increases efficiency. According to a study done at Battelle Memorial Institute, using this movement cuts the time required to clean a room by 50%. This helps save time and money. Imagine reducing your work time at each location by half; this is a game changer when it comes to productivity and cost savings!

The average cost of a ProTeam Backpack Vacuum is $600, with a range of prices that vary based on the kit and accessories available to purchase with the machine itself. Customizations include telescoping wands for warehouses featuring high windows and fans or multi-surface attachments for different floor types throughout a large commercial space.

Different models of the machines offer tank capacity from six to ten quarts, and for those working in populated or day time environments, there is the QuietPro unit which offers a two-speed power and decibel control switch which lowers sound levels from 60 decibels to 51 decibels. This helps you or your employees be less intrusive to clients when cleaning during business hours. Having access to many different accessories and attachments, whether they’re bought in a package or individually, provides an advantage to anyone looking to buy a ProTeam Backpack Vacuum. When you buy the machine from a company like Corvus Janitorial to support your Franchise, there are often special discounts and offers available.

Maintaining Your ProTeam Backpack Vacuum

Regular maintenance of a ProTeam Backpack Vacuum is super easy and is one of the best ways to care for this expensive, but essential, piece of equipment. While the BackPack Vacuum is less expensive to maintain than an upright model, it is still necessary to follow all maintenance procedures and schedules. Using the calendar app on your phone is a great way to schedule reminders to yourself of important maintenance dates.

There are several things to monitor when it comes to using and maintaining your ProTeam Backpack Vacuum. The filtration system is vital to the performance of the vacuum, so checking the filters before and after every use is recommended. After two hours of consecutive use, the filters should be looked over. The dome filter should be removed and rinsed weekly and the HEPA filters should be checked every two weeks or so. The HEPA filters will need to be replaced occasionally, either after six months of use, or as soon as they become discolored. Wash the Micro Cloth filter once a month, but never put it in the dryer. Following this routine will help extend the life and performance of your backpack vacuum. As an added bonus, ProTeam offers a three year warranty on motor, labor and parts with a limited lifetime warranty on molded body parts.

HEPA Filters Improve Air Quality

The HEPA filtration system utilized in many of the ProTeam vacuums is another selling point for this system. ProTeam is a health partner of the American Lung Association, helping spread awareness of the importance of indoor air quality. HEPA filtration systems typically filter out microscopic particles, which is important for the improvement of indoor air quality and the people working in those environments. Poor indoor air is a contributing factor to suffering for those with asthma and allergies. While normal vacuums just stir up this mess, HEPA filters remove particles like smoke, pollen, dust and dander. This can improve conditions caused by indoor allergens like coughing, sneezing and even headaches. When you are using a ProTeam backpack vacuum, your clients will be able to not only see the difference, they will be able to feel and smell the improvement in air quality.

Backpack Vacuums Improve Efficiency and Safety

ProTeam BackPack Vacuums are highly efficient, allowing you to clean two-and-a-half times more floor space than a standard vacuum. The ergonomic design of these vacuums makes cleaning so much quicker and easier on the body. These backpacks are lightweight, weighing in between 8 and 13 pounds. When they are adjusted correctly, the bulk is evenly distributed, making it feel much lighter. Carrying this piece of equipment is much easier than lugging around a traditional upright model. Having the machine on your back leads to a more comfortable work day, resulting in less time spent bent over with the possibility of a strained back or tired arms. Walking through doors and down hallways is a breeze.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips, trips and falls account for 25% of injury claims each year, and also make up 17% of disabling occupational injuries. This leads not only to lost productivity and recovery time, but can result in expensive doctor or hospital visits and rehab as well as increased insurance costs. No one has the time or the money to be out of work due to an injury – not you nor your employees. Offering high-quality equipment like a ProTeam Backpack Vacuum can provide stability and safety to you and your staff.

Using a cordless backpack vacuum helps to avoid tripping hazards and lost work days or possible workman’s compensation claims. Having a clear and safe work space is important to keeping those injuries and near misses at bay. For those working in multi-level properties, going up and down stairs is easier and safer than when using a canister or typical upright unit. There is less chance of tripping over the cord, and a cordless unit makes things much faster when moving from room to room.

Get Your ProTeam Backpack Vacuum from Corvus

There are so many advantages that come with owning a ProTeam Backpack vacuum, not only for janitorial crews but for their clients as well. If you are interested in purchasing a Proteam BackPack Vacuum contact your local Corvus office for pricing details and learn why this product is a good investment for your business!