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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!

Spring Cleaning 2023: Tips and Checklists

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Spring is in the air, and while most of us are familiar with the concept of spring cleaning in our homes, the practice is just as, if not more, important in office spaces, schools, daycares, and other commercial facilities. Spring cleaning in 2023 presents some unique challenges; many businesses that have been working from home or hybrid-working for three-plus years are returning to the office in full-force. But don’t fret! Corvus is here to help your business kick-start its spring-cleaning regimen with our updated Spring 2023 Cleaning Tips and Checklist!

The Importance of Commercial Spring Cleaning in 2023

Commercial spaces are arguably germier and require more frequent cleaning and disinfecting than our living rooms. So, why is commercial spring cleaning talked about and prepared for so much less? Surely, it’s just as important, if not more so.

There are plenty of reasons to add spring cleaning to your office or school’s to-do list, and some of them might surprise you. Sure, it’s no surprise that cleaning improves the air quality in your commercial space. This improvement will likely freshen up the space, making you, your employees, students, customers, patients, and other visitors feel better.

But did you know that spring cleaning is also shown to increase productivity? It’s no gimmick, they’ve done studies. Getting rid of things that you no longer need and reorganizing the things you do need makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, naturally enhancing productivity.

Dusting things off and cleaning up shared spaces not only improves air quality and reduces the spread of germs, but also helps improve efficiency. With fewer items cluttering up your space, there will be fewer distractions and less time spent searching.

Other Benefits of Commercial Spring Cleaning

We all know that a freshened-up space looks better and feels better. It improves the air quality, increases productivity and efficiency, and provides an opportunity to declutter after a season of things staying mostly the same.

Here are a few additional benefits to consider:

• Spring cleaning removes allergens from the air when they’re at their worst; left to linger, these allergens can trigger asthma and other breathing problems.
• On top of boosting productivity, spring cleaning can make you happier; studies show that clean rooms and spaces elevate your endorphins, those feel-good chemicals we could all use some more of these days.
• Spring cleaning reduces stress; who can focus long enough to be productive in a space that looks and feels like it’s crawling with germs and allergens?
• Spring cleaning increases concentration.

Spring Cleaning Tips 2023: Where to Begin

Spring cleaning at the office and spring cleaning at home might be similar in some ways, but there are also plenty of differences. Knowing what to do in one space won’t necessarily translate into knowing what to do in the other.

If you’re not sure where to start, we have some suggestions:

• Dust, vacuum, or wipe down any blinds, curtains, or other window covers
• Clean the windows from the inside and outside
• Dust the corners of the ceiling, tops of doors, and light fixtures
• Clean and sanitize all high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, faucets, equipment, handles, desks, conference room tables, shelves, phones, etc.)
• Deep-clean any carpets or floor mats
• Sweep and mop hardwood floors
• Rearrange filing cabinets, desks, and other large pieces of furniture so that any hiding dust bunnies can be scooped up or wiped away
• Vacuum the baseboards
• Inspect areas where the paint looks chipped or cracked to determine if it needs to be touched up
• Deep-clean the upholstery of your chairs, couches, desk chairs, and other sitting areas

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Bathrooms

Now that you’ve cleaned, swept, aired out, and sanitized all of the primary spaces, it’s time to move into everyone’s least favorite room to clean: bathrooms. Here are some suggestions:

• Scrub the grout between the tiles
• Clean surfaces with soap and water
• Use products containing bleach to sanitize all surfaces and the inside of toilet bowls
• Wash the floor, giving special attention to the areas around the toilets and urinals
• Wash and dry trashcans
• Refill toiletries, including soap, paper towels, and toilet paper
• Post hand-washing protocols signs by the sinks to ensure that everyone knows the best practices
• Search for and eliminate any signs of spreading mold or mildew

Spring Cleaning Tip: Don’t Forget the Exterior – Power Washing and Spring Pollen Build Up

One of the (few) drawbacks of spring is the arrival of pollen season. Pollen season, which generally lasts from mid-March into early September, can throw a wrench into cleaning plans. Because the pollen season lasts into the fall, one deep clean of exterior windows is not going to cut it. If you wait all season for pollen to build up, it can be a tricky task to remove. At Corvus, we recommend working in exterior cleaning and/or power washing into your monthly cleaning regimen. Addressing pollen build up consistently throughout pollen season will make your end-of-season deep clean much less painful.

Getting Started with Spring Cleaning in 2023

As you can tell from our handy commercial cleaning checklists, commercial spring cleaning calls for greater organization and an in-depth cleaning process. Whether you’re cleaning alone or with help, you should send out a notice to any employees so that they know what to expect, especially if the cleaning is taking place during regular business hours.

In your office, school, or other commercial setting, enlisting the help of a team for a spring cleaning day can provide you with a whole host of benefits. But keeping your commercial space clean and disinfected doesn’t start and end with spring cleaning.

What Comes Next

Keeping spaces tidy, reducing the spread of germs, and maximizing efficiency and productivity in your workspace is an ongoing effort. And it’s one that we can help with. Corvus Janitorial offers a wide and flexible range of cleaning and disinfecting services for your commercial space.

Whether that space is an office, daycare, school, medical office, or warehouse, our teams have it covered. We offer after-hours cleaning in the evenings and on weekends to give you and everyone who visits your building true peace-of-mind.

Spring Cleaning with Corvus Janitorial

Cleaning and disinfecting have never been more important than they are now. Each Corvus Janitorial team works hard to create a healthier, safer environment for the many different clients that have enlisted our help across the country.

Some of our most sought-after services include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Sanitization and trash removal
• High and low dusting
• Electrostatic spraying (the most effective method of disinfection as both a preventative and reactive measure)
• Floor and carpet care
• Outdoor/exterior and restroom maintenance

From reducing the spread of contagions to boosting happiness and productivity, there are plenty of benefits to commercial spring cleaning. This spring, give your team, students, customers, patients, or other visitors the gift of a positive and clean environment. You’ll be glad you did. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment.

Franchisee Spotlight – Eric Glenn & Taquita Green, Corvus of Knoxville

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In February’s special Black History Month edition of our Franchisee Spotlight Series, we feature Corvus of Knoxville Franchise Owners Mr. Eric Glenn and Mrs. Taquita Green. Read on to learn more about these standout black business owners who go 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

In honor of Black History Month, February’s Franchisee Spotlight features the first two Franchise Owners in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, Mr. Eric Glenn, and Mrs. Taquita Green. As Corvus continues to grow into new territories, we embrace diversity as a strength. We believe that, as our workforce becomes more diverse, our Franchisees’ unique experiences and perspectives will drive growth, increase competition, and solve industry-wide problems.

Corvus of Knoxville opened in late 2022, and they were eager to enlist the first Franchise Owners in the market. Mr. Eric Glenn has the distinct honor of being the first Franchise Owner in Knoxville, joining the team just a month after Corvus opened in the area. Mr. Glenn started his Franchise in October of 2022 and picked up his first account at the beginning of 2023. “He patiently waited for a pipeline of customers to be built over the holidays,” says Mr. Jason Bishop, Regional Director for Corvus of Knoxville. “He takes pride in his work and, to quote Michael LeBouef, he knows ‘a satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all’.”

“I’ve been with Corvus for a few months and already have my business going,” says Mr. Glenn. “It’s that simple.” He has more than ten years of janitorial experience.

Mrs. Taquita Green moved from Florida to Knoxville in 2010, and she says it is the best decision she’s ever made. This mother of three, with two daughters (21 & 14) and one son (17), has a varied work history, having worked in childcare for five years, and most recently working two jobs: one as a security officer and the other as a certified nursing assistant.

Jason is happy to have Mrs. Green as the second Franchise Owner in his market. “She is a very ambitious and caring mother who is looking to create possibilities for her family’s future. She has a great attitude about life and this business.”

As a self-described “Jill of All Trades,” she is eager to grow. “In 2021, I started an online cosmetic business. I am very ambitious, resourceful, and I love to learn new skills. I like to write and I have books that I plan to publish in the near future.”

Mrs. Green was introduced to Corvus by a friend, and she saw it as an opportunity to quit working several jobs and go into business for herself.

“At first, I was kind of skeptical about it, so a few months passed by and I asked myself, ‘What am I doing working two jobs?’ I wasn’t getting many sales with my online store and I knew there was something better out there for me, so I decided to learn more about Corvus.”

“Jason made me feel very welcomed and comfortable. He’s a great guy. Overall, the reason why I want to franchise with Corvus is because they make you feel like family, and I want to be able to give my family an opportunity, so they won’t have to struggle like I have.”

“She has a vision for what she wants to accomplish, and I am confident that she will succeed,” said Mr. Bishop. “Corvus of Knoxville is proud to have her as a Franchisee.”

Corvus would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Mr. Glenn and Mrs. Green for their dedication, hard work, and determination to making lives better. We are proud to partner with business owners like you that make Corvus such a special place, and we are excited to grow our businesses together!

The Importance of a Clean Workspace for Your Staff and Clients

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Having a clean workspace affects more than just the aesthetics of your office. Using the services of a professional janitorial company can improve your business’s overall work environment in several ways. Everyone enjoys a tidy office, but workplace cleanliness can affect productivity, morale, and, in some ways, even your bottom line.

Why is it important to have a clean workspace?

Your team’s physical health can be influenced by the cleanliness of your office; cleaning high-traffic, high-germ areas regularly and thoroughly can help quell the spread of illnesses between co-workers. Studies have shown that improving the quality and frequency of cleaning results in higher employee productivity and decreases annual sick days by 12.5%.

Unsurprisingly, other important aspects of your business’s operations can be impacted by the cleanliness of your office.

A cluttered workspace creates a cluttered mind

Decluttering the space around us can often help us declutter our minds. If the trash hasn’t been taken out for days, or there are dirty floors throughout the office, it can be a distraction from the task at hand. The smallest things can divert workers from their duties, and having a dingy or disorderly workspace can be just the thing to derail their concentration.

These overwhelming stimuli can cause stress and lead to lost productivity, detracting from your workforce’s day-to-day assignments. Coming into a vibrant and clean workspace increases employees’ feelings of security, and clarity, and can lead to more focused and efficient outcomes.

A clean workplace is good for business

People spend a substantial amount of time at work. The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Staff feel better about investing their time with an employer who is concerned about their well-being and health. Using a trusted janitorial service that provides regular, effective cleaning helps maintain high morale, good attitudes, and worker satisfaction. Office hygiene held at a high standard can help retain employees and keep them happy.

Satisfied employees are good for business. Not only are they more productive and creative, but they can also help recruit quality candidates in addition to clients.

Word of mouth is a powerful tool; no one knows a business better than the people who work there. A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) indicates that 72% of employees are reluctant to recommend a business with poor office hygiene to job seekers. Quality recruitment can often come from current employees, but if the work environment is deemed unacceptable, those prospects may never materialize. When employees feel pride in their employer, they are more likely to recommend them to job seeking friends and family.

In the same vein, happy staffers are more likely to recommend clients. The first impression of a prospective client is everything. Every business wants to appear professional and polished. Utilizing the expertise of a professional cleaner can ensure you achieve that goal. No one wants to come into a stuffy office lined with overflowing trashbins, dust on window sills, and grimy floors.

An orderly, immaculate storefront conveys your business’s professionalism and pride to the client. If clients see your storefront as orderly and welcoming, they project those feelings onto your workers and the services they expect to receive. In turn, they are more likely to refer your services to others.

How to keep your workspace clean in 2023

The easiest way to maintain a bright and healthy workspace and satisfied staff members is to have a commercial cleaning service, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, provide regularly scheduled office cleanings. At Corvus, all it takes is a quick phone call or an online request for a quote…contact us today!

Franchisee Spotlight – Jaime Barboza, Corvus of Northwest Arkansas

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January’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of Northwest Arkansas Franchise Owner Mr. Jaime Barboza. 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

Mr. Jaime Barboza started his Corvus franchise in 2018, since then it has become a family affair with his wife and two children working with him. Mr. Barboza and his wife, Maria, initially started their business to make extra money to support their family, but in the four years since establishing their franchise, the team has become one of the top grossing Franchises in the Corvus of Northwest Arkansas market.

“Jaime has intentionally grown his business slowly and sustainably while executing on every level. From maintaining strong customer relationships to providing a high level of service, Jaime focuses on doing good business,” said Mr. Aaron Cambou, Regional Director of Corvus of Northwest Arkansas.

Jaime started off with smaller accounts but has increased his capacity and now specializes in servicing large accounts like car dealerships. Issues rarely arise, but if they do, they are addressed quickly and Jaime follows through to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Mr. Cambou describes Mr. Barboza as tenacious, well-coordinated, and a wonderful communicator – all necessary qualities of a strong business owner.

The Corvus team is happy to often see the whole family stop in on Revenue Days, though at times Mr. Barboza can’t make it because he is still maintaining a full-time day job. Mr. Barboza and his family are hardworking and dedicated Franchise Owners who Corvus is proud to partner with. Thank you, Barboza family!