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Corvus Janitorial Systems Climbs to #78 in Entrepreneur Magazines’s Franchise 500® Ranking

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CORVUS JANITORIAL SYSTEMS CLIMBS TO #78 IN ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE’S FRANCHISE 500® RANKING

Westlake, OH (January 29, 2025) – Corvus Janitorial Systems, a leader in commercial cleaning and janitorial services franchising, proudly announces its significant rise to the 78th spot in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® rankings. This milestone reflects the company’s sustained growth, innovative strategies, and steadfast commitment to franchisee success. For 46 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and is recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees.

“The Franchise 500 is more than a list. It’s really a collection of life-changing opportunities, featuring strong and resilient brands that future franchisees will be proud to be a part of,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “This year’s honorees represent the bold ideas, operational excellence, and adaptability that make franchising a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.”

With 294 new franchise units added in the past year, Corvus now operates 2,253 units nationwide. This impressive growth demonstrates the strength of its franchise model, designed to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for entrepreneurs in a thriving industry.

“This recognition is a direct result of the incredible work done by our Franchise Partners and the dedication of our internal team,” said Justin Douglas, co-CEO of Corvus Janitorial Systems. “We’ve invested heavily in marketing, technology, and training to ensure our franchisees have the tools to succeed, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts reflected in such a prestigious ranking.”

Corvus’s rise in the rankings is also attributed to its long-standing culture of leadership and stability, rooted in nearly 21 years as an owner-operated business. The company’s focus on innovation has enabled it to stay ahead in a competitive market while delivering exceptional value to franchisees and clients alike.

“Our success is built on a foundation of partnership and collaboration,” said Brennen Randquist, co-CEO of Corvus Janitorial Systems. “We’re not just growing in numbers but in the quality of support and opportunities we provide to our franchisees. This achievement reflects a shared commitment to excellence across the entire Corvus network.”

“There’s never been a better time to join Corvus,” added Douglas. “With the industry’s growth and our proven model, we’re confident that our franchisees are well-equipped for long-term success.”

To view Corvus in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2025 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 14th. For more information about Corvus Janitorial Systems and franchise opportunities, visit corvusjanitorial.com/franchise.

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The Fourth of July & How it Relates to Entrepreneurship

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Patriotic parades, colorful fireworks, and mouth-watering barbecues – you know what that means! The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is just around the corner. Every year since 1776, Americans from the north, south, east and west have honored the birth of our great nation. And while America’s birthday is as good an excuse as any for friends and family to come together and celebrate, it’s worthwhile to pause and reflect on the significance of this holiday.

The Significance of the Fourth of July

At its core, the Fourth of July represents freedom – the personal freedom to express ourselves, pursue happiness, and shape the course of our own lives. It’s a reminder that we live in a land where dreams can become a reality, where opportunities abound for those who dare to dream and work hard. Without freedom, there would be no chance for independence and security.

Entrepreneurship: A Reflection of American Values

Freedom, independence, security – in many ways, entrepreneurship embodies these very fundamental values. At Corvus, we pride ourselves on allowing Franchise Owners to “be their own boss.” Being able to control their work schedule and determine their income directly represents the American Dream – the idea that anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work.

The Role of Entrepreneurs in Shaping Independence and Security

Though it is often accompanied by significant risk, entrepreneurship has the potential to offer a level of financial stability and autonomy only sometimes available in traditional jobs. Though success is never guaranteed, in the 20-plus years Corvus has been operating, we have witnessed countless entrepreneurs meet their financial goals and achieve security. Successful entrepreneurs will often scale their businesses to create jobs and hire more employees. These businesses provide not just personal and financial stability, but also create opportunities for others.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable role of entrepreneurs in shaping our great nation. Through their pursuit of independence, entrepreneurs break free from barriers and constraints, embracing the freedom to build their own path. They embody the spirit of self-reliance and the belief in personal agency that, after all, is at the core of our nation’s independence.

Reflecting on Juneteenth

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Introduction: Juneteenth National Independence Day

Now officially recognized by the United States federal government as a national holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrates the day when the last enslaved black Americans in Texas learned of their emancipation more than three years after President Lincoln issued the famous proclamation.

The Delayed Emancipation: Enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas

Following President Lincoln’s issuance of Proclamation 95 – the Emancipation Proclamation (issued September 22, 1862, effective January 1, 1863) – over 3.5 million enslaved people had their status under federal law changed from “enslaved” to “free” in the rebelling Confederate states. However, enforcement of the Proclamation was largely dependent on the advance of Union troops into Confederate territory.

Texas, the most westward slave state, saw an expansion of slavery during the Civil War. During the war, many slaveholders migrated to the state, oftentimes bringing enslaved people with them. By the end of the war, the enslaved population in Texas had grown to an estimated 250,000.

Juneteenth Emerges: Union Troops and General Order No. 3

After the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to the Union Army on April 9, 1865, some Confederate generals refused to lay down their arms. General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi, continued to hold out and keep fighting in Texas. On June 2, 1865, Smith officially surrendered in Galveston.

In the early hours of June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with orders to take command of the more than 2,000 newly arrived federal troops sent to the state to enforce the emancipation of enslaved persons and oversee a peaceful transition of power. On the day of his arrival, Granger issued General Order No. 3 which informed the people of Texas of the Emancipation Proclamation and the freedom of the formerly enslaved. Granger’s men marched the streets of Galveston reading the order, finishing their march at the Negro Church on Broadway (later renamed the Reedy Chapel-AME Church).

Challenges and Revival: The Impact of Jim Crow and the Texas State Fair

Juneteenth, or Jubilee Day, was first organized and celebrated by freedmen in Texas one year after General Order No. 3. Considered to be America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth is the longest-running African American holiday. Early celebrations were often held at Churches or other private venues, as many African Americans were still prohibited from using public accommodations for their celebrations. These early celebrations were primarily used as political rallies where newly freed slaves were given instructions on voting.

The Jim Crow Era in the former Confederate states (including Texas) disenfranchised black Americans and led to a decline in Juneteenth celebrations. The Great Depression pushed many black Americans from rural farm towns to urban cities to find work and they difficulty taking the day off to celebrate.

The revival of Juneteenth celebrations was kicked off in 1936 when the Texas State Fair began serving as a destination to celebrate the holiday. That year, an estimated 200,000 people celebrated together in Dallas. The Texas State Fair hosted Juneteenth celebrations until 1951. Over the years, celebrations have grown and evolved, but the importance of the day to black Americans, and the country, has remained as potent as it was in 1865. Today, Juneteenth celebrations involve congregations, cookouts, parades, musical services, and other public events.

Juneteenth: From State Holiday to Federal Recognition

In 1979, a bill passed through the Texas Legislature declaring Juneteenth an official state holiday. Texas officially declared Juneteenth a state holiday on January 1, 1980, becoming the first state in the Union to do so. On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth Independence Day Act. The next day, the bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill, officially making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday in the United States.

Juneteenth, also known as “Jubilee Day”, “Freedom Day”, “Liberation Day”, or “Emancipation Day”, is not only a celebration; it is also a day for remembrance, reflection, and awareness. Though the Emancipation Proclamation legally ended chattel slavery in the Confederacy and Granger’s General Order No. 3 enforced Lincoln’s order in the last bastions of slavery in the south, the practice was still legal under the U.S. Constitution. It wasn’t until the passage and incorporation of the Thirteenth Amendment in December 1865 that slavery and involuntary servitude were abolished.

The day commemorates the hardships endured by the victims of enslavement, as well as their ancestors who have continued the fight for equity, racial justice, and freedom and justice for all. As we continue to confront the history of the nation and the ongoing struggle for equity, Juneteenth serves as an example of how communities can come together to empower each other and promote change from within.

Good Shepherd School President & CEO Tommy Moran Reviews 6+ Years as a Corvus Cleaning Partner

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At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we firmly believe that strong partnerships are the bedrock of success. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our six-plus year partnership with The Good Shepherd School in New Orleans. This remarkable journey has been characterized by trust, mutual support, and shared values. As we reflect upon our partnership, we are filled with gratitude and admiration for the incredible work that The Good Shepherd School does in shaping the lives of underprivileged youth in our community.

The Good Shepherd School’s Mission Statement:

The Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School, Inc., seeks to help low-income, urban youth in order to realize their fullest potential as productive members of society by providing them with an extended-day, year-round, quality education, integrated with personal, moral and spiritual development, and continued guidance during the students’ further education.

The Judeo-Christian values which have inspired the Nativity model include a respect for the dignity and potential of each person, a responsibility to assist the poor and those in need, a strong sense of community within the one family of God, and the obligation to promote a society characterized by social justice. In this Nativity model, students are enrolled without regard to race, color, religion, or ethnicity.

A Testimonial from Good Shepherd School President and CEO Tommy Moran:

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.

Corvus Celebrates Women’s History Month

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March is Women’s History Month, and in celebration Corvus spotlights women from all facets of American life. Read on to learn more about these four extraordinary women and their contributions to United States history.

Sybil Ludington 4/5/1761 – 2/26/1839

Sybil Ludington statue

Our first Women’s History Month spotlight features Sybil Ludington- a heroine of the American Revolutionary War.

Many of us may be familiar with Paul Revere’s story, but the story of this brave, 16-year-old is seldom told. Sybil Ludington was the daughter of Colonel Henry Ludington, a New York militia officer. On April 26, 1777, a messenger arrived at the Ludington household to warn Colonel Ludington that the British were planning an attack in Danbury, Connecticut- the location where all the weapons and munitions for the Continental Army were stored. As her father began organizing the local militia, the 16-year-old girl got on her horse and rode through the night.

Ludington completed her journey at around sunrise- covering 40 miles (over twice the distance that Paul Revere had ridden) and warning nearly 400 men. It is even known that Ludington fought off a highwayman with her father’s musket! The British still raided Danbury, however, the Patriots successfully drove them back to New York thanks to Ludington’s fearlessness. Colonel Ludington later wrote in his memoir: “there is no extravagance in comparing her ride with that of Paul Revere and its midnight message…by daybreak, thanks to her daring, nearly the whole regiment was mustered before her father’s house at Fredericksburgh.”

Grace Hopper 12/9/1906 – 1/1/1992

Grace Hopper United States Navy

Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was a pioneer in both computer science and the U.S. Navy. She is best known for developing one of the first computers.

After graduating from Vassar College with degrees in mathematics and physics in 1928, Hopper received her master’s degree in mathematics from Yale in 1930, where she went on to complete her Ph.D. in mathematics and mathematical physics. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hopper set out to join the war effort. She was originally rejected due to her age and small stature, but with much persistence, Hopper joined the U.S. Naval Reserve (Women’s Reserve) in 1943 at 37-years-old. There, she was assigned to the Bureau of Ships Computation Project at Harvard University, working alongside two other men to develop the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, more commonly known as the Mark I. Hopper was responsible for programming the Mark I and wrote the 561-page user manual as well. While the Mark I made Hopper a household name, many consider her creation of the compiler- a program that translates programming code to machine language- to be the most impactful contribution to computer science. When she retired from the U.S. Navy in 1986, at age 79, Hopper was a rear admiral as well as the oldest serving officer in the service.

Now admiringly regarded as “The Queen of Code”, Hopper’s trailblazing contributions in computer science and the U.S. Navy, both male-dominated industries nonetheless, changed the world. She later said that her greatest joy came from teaching, which she passionately pursued until her death in 1992.

Gertrude Ederle 10/23/1905 – 11/30/2003

Gertrude Ederle swimming in ocean

Gertrude Ederle was a competitive swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder. In 1926, Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

Growing up swimming at her family’s beach house in New Jersey, Ederle’s love for the sport came at an early age. She left school at 16-years-old to join the Women’s Swimming Association and train as a competitive swimmer. Ederle competed in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, where she won three medals- one gold and two bronze. By the age of twenty, Ederle had set twenty-nine world records.

After the Olympics, the champion swimmer had her sight set on the English channel- the ultimate test of endurance. Ederle was determined to be the first woman to complete the twenty-one-mile swim between England and the European mainland. Her first attempt in 1925 ended in disqualification when her coach, following behind in a tug boat, touched her shoulder to warn her of a big wave approaching. Ederle was frustrated but certainly not defeated. The following year Ederle swam from France to England in 14 hours and 39 minutes- over two hours faster than the five men before her.

Ederle was forced to retire at the young age of twenty-five after becoming deaf. In her fifties, she opened a swimming school for deaf children in New York City, where she taught for the majority of her remaining years.

Sally Ride 5/26/1951 – 7/23/2012

Sally Ride in NASA uniform

Sally Ride was an American astronaut and physicist. In 1983, she became the first and youngest American woman in space.

A California native, Ride received a BS in physics and a BA in English from Stanford University in 1973, where she later went on to earn her Master of Science and doctorate degrees in physics. In 1977, Ride answered a newspaper advertisement placed by NASA looking for young “mission specialists” to serve on future space flights. At this time, NASA was recruiting women and minorities to join the class of ‘78. Ride’s background in science, alongside her athletic ability (she was a nationally ranked tennis player growing up), made her the ideal candidate for the mission.

On July 18th, 1983, Ride was amongst one of five crew members aboard the space shuttle Challenger STS-7. The press challenged her accomplishment, asking her questions like “how do you think your female organs will respond to the space environment?”, to which she replied “it’s too bad this is such a big deal. It’s too bad our society isn’t further along.”

While Ride is remembered for her contributions to space, many will say her legacy was the work she did in education. She was particularly passionate about inspiring young women taking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She published five educational science books and co-founded a non-profit organization, Sally Ride Science, to advance science education.

More Than a Month

Innovative, intelligent, and strong-willed- it is trailblazers like Ludington, Hopper, Ederle, and Ride who pave the way for generations to come. Let March serve as a reminder to celebrate the integral role women continue to play in US history every day, week, and month of the year.

Corvus Celebrates Black Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs

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In honor of Black History Month, Corvus Janitorial celebrates entrepreneurs and business leaders of color who have left their mark on the business world. Read on to learn more about Madam C.J. Walker, O.W. Gurley, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Wally Amos:

Madam C.J. Walker

12/23/1867 – 5/25/1919

Madam CJ Walker

After experiencing hair loss, she began experimenting with homemade treatments and retail hair products. This led to the creation of the “Walker System” of hair care- a line of hair products designed specifically for African American women. She and her husband traveled all across the South promoting her products and demonstrating the Walker System. As profits grew, she opened a factory and beauty school known as the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. In addition to manufacturing hair products, the company trained beauticians to become sales representatives, known as “Walker Agents.”

With a knack for advertising and an entrepreneurial spirit, the self-made millionaire built a business empire that revolutionized the beauty industry. Madam C.J. Walker donated the majority of her fortune to numerous charities and educational efforts supporting the African American community.

O.W. Gurley

12/25/1868 – 1935

Founder of Black Wall Street, O.W. Gurley

Entrepreneur O.W. Gurley was an African-American landowner and a founder of Black Wall Street.

In 1906, after a brief career as an educator and USPS mailman, Gurley and his wife took part in the Great Oklahoma Land Rush and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in pursuit of a better life. Here, he purchased over 40-acres of land in the Greenwood District, soon to be known as “Black Wall Street”. After acquiring this property, Gurley opened a rooming house where African Americans escaping the Jim Crow south could seek refuge. At the time, black land ownership was unheard of. Gurley believed that in order for the Greenwood District to truly flourish, the community must come together and support each other’s businesses.

Gurley continued purchasing and subdividing real estate that he sold exclusively to other African Americans. Many followed Gurley’s example and opened hotels, theatres, beauty parlors, pharmacies, and a variety of other black-owned businesses. This was the foundation of Black Wall Street.

Sadly, the Greenwood District burnt to the ground during the 1921 race war. While these early, black-owned businesses no longer physically exist, O.W. Gurley’s legacy of entrepreneurship and investing prevails.

Janice Bryant Howroyd

9/1/1952 – present

Janice Bryant Howroyd

“I didn’t have a lot of what people typically have to start a business but I did have a lot of intelligence Sometimes when you don’t have anything, you can be bolder than someone who has something and is afraid to lose it.”

Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of ActOne- a global, personnel company that “provides employment, workforce management, and procurement solutions to a wide range of industries.” Founded in 1978, ActOne is the largest privately-held, woman and minority-owned personnel company in the United States. Howroyd is renowned for being the first African American to found and own a billion-dollar company.

The North Carolina native moved to Los Angeles in 1976, where she worked as a temporary secretary at Billboard Magazine. Two years later, she launched ActOne with $1,500 and a $900 loan. Now, ActOne has over 2,800 employees in 19 countries and serves more than 17,000 clients.

The self-made businesswoman is a champion for woman empowerment and minorities. Howroyd donates a large portion of her wealth to STEM education and is a board member of several organizations- including Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Utilities Diversity Council, Harvard Women’s Leadership Board (just to name a few). In May 2016, she was appointed by President Obama to serve as an Ambassador of Energy.

Corvus Janitorial Systems recommends that you check out her book, “The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You” to learn more about this inspirational entrepreneur and her impressive work.

Wally Amos

7/1/1936 – Present

Wally Amos

Wally Amos is the renowned founder of the Famous Amos chocolate chip cookie.

After dropping out of high school, Amos’s career began at the William Morris Agency (WMA). In 1962, he became the first Black talent agent in WMA history. The talent-agent-turned-entrepreneur is highly regarded for discovering and signing folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. More than that, Amos repped musical legends like Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys.

Amos was making headlines in the entertainment industry, but he never could forget about his Aunt Della’s homemade cookies from his childhood. As a way to cope with his stress, Amos began baking them himself. Soon, he became known for those treats from his childhood. Like a true entrepreneur, Amos took a good idea and ran with it. He put his high-profile network and promotional skills to use and in 1975, the Famous Amos was open for business. The Los Angeles storefront turned into an international chain and brand that could be found in grocery stores everywhere.

In addition to the Famous Amos chocolate chip cookie, Amos founded the Cookie Kahuna, Aunt Della’s Cookies, and host of the adult reading program “Learn to Read.” There is no doubt that the now 85-year-old will be celebrated for the mark he made on American Culture for many, many years to come.

More Than a Month

While February is devoted to celebrating the achievements of trailblazers like Walker, Gurley, Howroyd, and Amos- the central role of African Americans in US history should be recognized beyond just one month. Black History is American History. Celebrate it today, tomorrow, and every day of the year.

Corvus Awarded North American Customer of the Year by SugarCRM

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Corvus Janitorial Systems is honored to have been named North American Customer of the Year in SugarCRM’s 2021 Customer Breakthrough Awards.

Chris Pennington, Chief Customer Officer at SugarCRM, says, “Congratulations to our SugarCRM Customer Breakthrough Award winners for showcasing how Sugar solutions and services make the hard things easier for sales, marketing, and service. Even in the throes of a global pandemic, these customers were able to overcome disruption by leveraging technology to drive innovation and success in the most challenging of business circumstances…We’re pleased to recognize these Sugar customers around the globe that are letting the platform do the work for next-level customer experience and business performance.”

Corvus would like to extend a special thanks to our partners at Technology Advisors Inc. (TAI) for their years of extensive support in creating a robust, integrated, customized, and effective CRM platform. We look forward to many more years of partnership and growth with the Sugar and TAI teams – thank you for being great partners!

About SugarCRM

SugarCRM is how marketing, sales, and service teams finally get a clear picture of each customer to help businesses reach new levels of performance and predictability. Sugar is the CRM platform that makes the hard things easier. Thousands of companies in over 120 countries rely on Sugar to achieve high-definition CX by letting the platform do the work. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Sugar is backed by Accel-KKR. For more information about SugarCRM, visit: www.sugarcrm.com.

About Technology Advisors Inc.

Technology Advisors, Inc. (TAI) is a software consultancy out of Chicago focused on digital transformation initiatives and CRM optimization. The goal of TAI is to help customers drive more revenue by successfully utilizing their software mix for automation, departmental alignment, and streamlined services. The firm has supported customers across the country with CRM adoption, training, customization, integration, and support for more than 30 years. To learn more about Technology Advisors, Inc. please visit https://www.techadv.com.

Corvus Thanks Our Veterans

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As we observe Veterans Day this year, Corvus would like to express our wholehearted gratitude and deepest respects to all our Nation’s veterans and their families. The courage, heroism, selflessness, and love of country of those who have served allows all of us to sleep peacefully at night and to wake up every day in a free society.

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th in the United States, is a day for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Veterans Day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day on November 11th, 1919, to mark the end of World War I on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month”, established by the Treaty of Versailles, in 1918. Initially declared by President Woodrow Wilson, the purpose of Armistice Day up until 1945 was to honor the fallen warriors of WWI. Armistice Day was officially made a federal holiday on May 13th, 1938.

In 1945, Raymond Weeks, a veteran of World War II, led a delegation to General Dwight D. Eisenhower proposing expanding Armistice Day to recognize and celebrate all American veterans. He organized the first ever Veterans Day celebration in 1945 and continued to do so until his passing in 1985. Weeks is considered the “Father of Veterans Day” and he was awarded the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 by President Reagan.

Armistice Day officially became Veteran’s Day on May 26, 1954, when now President Eisenhower signed a bill presented by U.S. Representative Ed Rees of Kansas amending the 1938 act by replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans”. 1954 also saw the creation of the National Veterans Award, and the first recipient was Congressman Rees for his efforts to make Veterans Day a federal holiday.

Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon and honor the contributions – past, present, and future – of American Veterans. Their service to our country does not stop when they leave the armed forces. There are approximately 19.5 million veterans in the United States; they are community leaders, business owners, coaches, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. They bring their sense of honor, duty, and loyalty to the common good with them to civilian society, and we are a better nation because of the veterans in our midst.

A special thanks to:

Ryan Patrick, U.S. Army Cavalry Scout
Regional Director – Corvus of Louisville

Marshall Dickerson Jr, U.S. Marine Corps
Franchise Owner – Corvus of Baton Rouge

Djuanyel Lewis, U.S. Navy
Franchise Owner – Corvus of Chicago

Tommy Lee, U.S. Army Combat Engineer; VA Hospital
Franchise Owner, Corvus of St. Louis

Dan Luna, United States Navy SEAL
Executive Partner, Founder – Team 3LX Consulting

In addition to the above, Corvus extends our humble appreciation today to all our veteran partners, teammates, stakeholders, and their families; it is the highest honor and a great privilege to work alongside you – you personify Corvus’ mission to Make Lives Better.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the International Franchise Association and the IFA Foundation for their support of veterans through their VetFran initiative, which aims to “facilitate the transition of veterans into franchising by encouraging franchisors to offer discounts and incentives to veterans…and to assemble resources, tools and a database of franchising opportunities for veterans”. Corvus is proud to be a VetFran member organization and to offer a 20% discount to all our veterans.

Please take the opportunity today to thank the veterans in your life for their service – they risked their lives for our fundamental freedoms with honor, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to their country. Check out the resources below to learn how you can help support our former service members this Veterans Day.

Resources to Support Our Veterans:

• VetFran – International Franchise Association (IFA)
• Wounded Warrior Project
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Veterans Foundation
• Global Special Operations Foundation
• SEAL Future Foundation
• Navy Seal Foundation
• Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)

Corvus Janitorial Systems Commercial Cleaning Customer Reviews

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Reviews from Corvus Janitorial Customers:

Corvus of Charlotte:

“We started working with Corvus in July 2015 and to date, have had a great experience with them. They had some local management changes a couple of years ago and that went well with no change in service (which can happen!). When we ask for something, the response is quick and efficient. We had a COVID-19 potential exposure in our office and they were able to come out the next day and do a thorough sanitizing of our office suite. All of their folks have been great but Jodean climbs to the top of the list – she is there for us! We thank you, Corvus!”

Corvus of Chicago:

“Corvus has been servicing our Elk Grove facility for over a year and we are pleased with the quality of service and their communication. Regular visits from a local Manager are a welcome addition and provide a platform for us to submit specific feedback regarding the scheduled service, special requests and explore additional services that we may require.”

Corvus of Cincinnati:

“Very detail oriented. I requested specific things. The first time the crew came they missed something. I made a phone call to Christine one time and they went above and beyond my expectations. Fantastic crew!!!”

Corvus of Columbus:

“It takes the hard work out of finding good help. Great communication, excellent value and good people to work with.”

Corvus of Denver:

“This company has been great to work with. They went above and beyond when we needed them the most during COVID. Michael and his team are very responsive and accommodating. I highly recommend them for your cleaning and sanitizing needs.”

Corvus of Indianapolis:

“Corvus has been a phenomenal resource for my business! The team is responsive, timely and professional. Their team of professionals check in consistently to make sure that the work performed is up to standard. Highly recommended!”

Corvus of Jacksonville:

“I have worked in child care for years, never satisfied with any of our janitorial companies until now. Charles is amazing at what he does and very responsive. They provide a log book for daily communication and quarterly evaluations, asking us what they can improve on. Spencer, the supervisor, is very easy to speak with and always checking in. Not only do they provide great cleaning services, they are now offering electrostatic disinfecting – which we did today in our classrooms. I am very satisfied with Corvus services and would recommend them to anyone!”

Corvus of Lexington:

“The company I work for has used Corvus for a number of years and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the team on the ground to management, we were taken care of on every aspect. If there was ever a question or an extra request, the team was always accommodating.”

Corvus of Little Rock:

“Top notch service. Shayna and Jennifer are great. You can count on them to always follow up to ensure that you are pleased with the service. Had a couple of “emergency” cleans come up over the last couple of years and they have always gone out of their way to cover my poor planning and made me come out looking like a star when visitors arrived.. Would recommend to anyone. A+++”

Corvus of Louisville:

“So glad to know David Villafana and Corvus! They use green products, well trained employees, and methodical cleaning.”

Corvus of Nashville:

“Switched over to Corvus at our site several months ago. Their service and attention to detail has been great. 10/10 would recommend.”

Corvus of New Orleans:

“Corvus has provided us excellent services in day to day general cleaning and floor care for nearly 10 years. Any issues are addressed immediately and handled with urgency and customer satisfaction in mind.”

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas:

“Corvus Janitorial provides excellent service! It is hard to find a cleaning company that is honest, professional, AND does a good job! I would highly recommend Corvus Janitorial for anyone needing a top notch cleaning company for their business, small or large.”

Corvus of Orlando:

“Corvus does a great job! John and Vivian are super professional and provide outstanding service! Our office is always in great condition, they are very easy to communicate with and to get in touch with when needed. We highly recommend using Corvus to any business!”

Corvus of Raleigh-Durham:

“I’ve had my franchise for almost 3 years now and I really can’t complain about anything that has happened within. Everything and everyone is straightforward and willing to help. Plenty of opportunity to grow your franchise. The main thing I like is how easy it is to contact the partners at the office or corporate and how knowledgeable they are when it comes to different types of problems that may occur! Thank You!!!”

Corvus of St. Louis:

“Zion Lutheran School has been with Corvus since 2000. I love the communication we have with Corvus. They are so responsive to our cleaning needs at school. It is nice to have cleaning issues taken care of, and not have to deal with that during a busy school year. Corvus has been a great partner in our school growth.”

5 Ways Owning A Commercial Cleaning Company Helps Your Community

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In challenging and isolating times, discovering opportunities to connect with others is especially meaningful. Owning your own commercial cleaning company allows you to positively impact your community, and Corvus Janitorial’s dedicated Franchise Owners have found several ways to do just that. Here is how:

1. Deliver an Essential Service

Recent times have proven just how important and valuable commercial cleaning companies are. Just like grocery store employees, nurses, doctors, and first responders, these Franchise Owners are essential workers doing their jobs to keep our communities safe. The services they provide allow individuals to live freely, without the need to worry about their space being unclean or unsanitary. They truly care for the workplaces, businesses, schools, and members of the community that they serve.

2. Provide Expertise

Now more than ever, cleaning matters. There are many factors to consider when cleaning and disinfecting that are oftentimes overlooked. Do you think about dwell time when cleaning? Or if the products you use are even effective? Corvus Franchise Owners are experts in their field, and with that comes a much deeper understanding of what should be done to best protect their customers.

3. Contribute to the Economy

Commercial cleaning companies are a major, contributing factor to the wellbeing of local economies. Unemployment rates are higher than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but clean and safe facilities help make it possible for people to go back to work. Without Franchise Owners’ hard work and dedication to public safety, local businesses would struggle to reopen and operate under clean and safe conditions.

4. Job Creation

Many Corvus Janitorial Franchise Owners have taken on several customer accounts and turned their Franchise into a scalable, full-time business. When this is the case, he or she may hire additional employees to fulfill their scope of responsibilities. In a time where so many people are burdened by unemployment, creating jobs for others has an immensely positive impact on the community.

5. Build Relationships in the Community

Commercial cleaning Franchise Owners serve a large variety of industries where they communicate, educate, inform, and assist their clients along the way. In doing so, they build trust within their community and create meaningful and valuable connections. By doing their jobs to meet the cleaning needs of others, a true partnership is created between Franchise Owners and customers.

Corvus Gives Thanks

Corvus Janitorial Systems wants to thank all the essential workers who are bravely serving our communities every day. We are proud to service essential businesses and the employees who keep them running.

If you’re ready to serve your community and take control of your career, owning a commercial cleaning company might be right for you. Contact us today to learn about business ownership with Corvus Janitorial Systems.

Corvus Janitorial Systems Franchise Owner Reviews

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Reviews from Corvus Janitorial Franchisees:

Corvus of Charlotte:

“I would highly recommend Corvus of Charlotte; if you are looking to start your own janitorial business this is the right place they explain everything to you from the start not to mention Jodean, she is amazing she explains everything. She answers all of your questions and doubts and they really make you feel very comfortable and confident in yourself. I really do recommend this awesome place!”

Corvus of Chicago:

“I love being a Corvus Chicago Janitorial franchise owner. Dave and the Chicago team are great to work with and always respond to any questions I have. If there is an issue they are more than willing to work through it with me and provide necessary training and guidance.”

Corvus of Cincinnati:

“They have been some of the most helpful and motivated people I’ve met in a while. They give people the drive and hope to reach for their dreams. Corvus is the BEST. Christine and Josh helped me every step of the way.”

Corvus of Columbus:

“Corvus is one of the best franchise janitorial companies and I couldn’t have chosen a better company. They are very professional and will check on you to see how everything is going.”

Corvus of Denver:

“My partnership with Corvus has spanned over a decade, and it continues to grow in value and strength. The opportunity provided by the system, their people and their commitment has helped me grow my franchise multiple times over and I’m not done. I went with Corvus due to their reputation of quality, honesty and service, and have not been disappointed whatsoever. I’m proud to be on the Corvus team.”

Corvus of Indianapolis:

“I have been a franchisee with Corvus Janitorial for over a decade. They have partnered with me in every step of the way, from helping me find my own business, to always being available to talk about growth and strategy. They are the perfect fit for me and that is why I have been with them for 12 plus years. They work hard for their franchisees and have the systems and practices to ensure you will be successful if you put in the work. I would recommend them to anyone who is interested in starting their own business and willing to put in the hard work and effort to grow a successful business.”

Corvus of Jacksonville:

“I have been working with Corvus of Jacksonville for almost a year. The same day we did our training, we got our first contract. If you want to make money and be your own boss this is the place. Amy and Spencer are the best. If you are not working with this company yet, then you should sign up and experience the freedom to be your own boss and work your own hours. So, what’s stopping you?! The opportunity is right here with Corvus Janitorial Systems…”

Corvus of Lexington:

“My partnership with Corvus Janitorial Systems as a Franchise Owner has been a Great Experience. The collaboration was just what I was looking for to start my business. The team in place has worked with me at every level for growth and expansion. I feel like it is a true partnership.”

Corvus of Little Rock:

“I have been a franchise owner for the last 3 years. If you are looking for the freedom to be your own boss and make some good money, this is worth looking into!”

Corvus of Louisville:

“Currently own a franchise with them and I’ve had a great experience! Very professional people!”

Corvus of Nashville:

“If you are looking for a career that has a family atmosphere then look no further. Corvus is the place for you!”

Corvus of New Orleans:

“I LOVE CORVUS!!!!! Being a franchise owner with the New Orleans Team was the best decision I’ve made. I have exceeded the goals that I set for myself and can’t wait to see what the future holds. I will tell anyone – go for it you will not regret it!”

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas:

“My first year has been an amazing experience! Great clients! Great team at Corvus office! And Very supportive of my business! I’m excited about my future with the company”

Corvus of Orlando:

“I love my clients! Hands down working with Corvus has been life changing. The clientele is nice, professional and easy going. This makes cleaning their businesses a pleasure! I am 28, have been in Corvus for two years and can now say I am self employed with the majority of my income being generated through Corvus. I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT I AM A CORVUS FRANCHISEE!!”

Corvus of Raleigh-Durham:

“Just became one year old owning my first franchise with Corvus. I couldn’t express how happy and thrilled to be part of this great business. Want to give some props for the help that has been given. THANK YOU!!!!”

Corvus of St. Louis:

“What a great investment! As a franchise not only has the business been a great source of income for me it has been a reliable source of income for 7 of my crew members. We enjoy what we do and customer satisfaction is our motto. There’s nothing like walking out of a building that you have serviced and being able to feel the value of your work. Never underestimate the value of the janitor who just may become the boss”

Corvus Endorses H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act

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As our country and communities continue to face the coronavirus head-on, it has never been more important that offices, schools, restaurants, food production facilities, and other businesses are thoroughly and effectively cleaned and disinfected. The reopening of the American economy and the return to workplaces by employees and patrons brings with it new health and safety concerns for employers. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of workers, families, and society at large is a top priority as we continue to reopen.

In order for the economy to continue opening up, it is critical that businesses have sufficient resources to invest in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their workers and customers. This will entail businesses significantly improving upon their cleaning and disinfection practices in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and to create peace of mind in workers and customers alike.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and industry groups have all issued guidance that calls for increased frequency and scope of cleaning and disinfecting applications. The “new normal” for commercial cleaning standards will increase costs to businesses at a time of unprecedented revenue declines and uncertainty.

Federal legislation is needed to address the rising costs to businesses associated with enhanced cleaning and disinfection programs. It is for this reason that Corvus would like to thank Representatives Darin LaHood and Stephanie Murphy for introducing H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act.

The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives in June, would create a $25,000 temporary tax credit per location (capped at $250,000 per business entity) for a business’ qualified cleaning expenses. H.R. 7079 allows business taxpayers a tax credit for 50% of their qualified cleaning expenses, such as amounts paid for cleaning services and products, tools, machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other sanitary equipment, as well as training and certification in cleaning.

The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act is a bipartisan bill that ensures businesses will be able to adequately protect employees and patrons and allow them to continue serving their communities. This commonsense legislation is critical in helping our nation’s businesses safeguard the health and safety of workers and customers and preventing further outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Corvus strongly urges members of the House, the Senate, and the White House to pass additional bipartisan stimulus that includes H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act. Additionally, we encourage our teammates, franchise partners, customers, and communities to contact their local congressperson to show support for H.R. 7079.

To see the bill in its entirety and for more information on the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act, click here.