Interview with the InsideOut Cleaning

1. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.

Welcome to InsideOut Cleaning, where we have a genuine passion for serving people and ensuring they receive the best house cleaning services possible. Our business is dedicated to creating clean, healthy, and comfortable living spaces for homeowners and businesses.
InsideOut Cleaning is based in the beautiful Seattle area. However, over the years we have expanded our reach and now serve multiple locations across the United States. In addition to Kirkland, WA , we have offices in Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, and Tampa, FL, enabling us to extend our exceptional cleaning services to a wider clientele.

2. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or
   entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).

Certainly! My name is Andre Carmo, originally from Brazil. I started my entrepreneurial journey at 17 with a cellphone repair store. Despite enrolling in college for Computer Science, my passion for entrepreneurship remained strong. Six months before graduation, I dropped out to fully pursue building my own businesses. It has been a rewarding journey, and I’m committed to making a positive impact on customers and communities through my ventures. No regrets!

3. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?

I believe in the concept that just as God can change us from the inside out, a home can also undergo a transformative change from the inside out. InsideOut Cleaning not only ensures a spotless and clean living space but also strives to create a positive environment that impacts the well-being and comfort of our customers.
In addition to our focus on creating a positive environment, InsideOut Cleaning also aims to save our customers valuable time so they can spend it with their family and loved ones. We understand that a clean and organized home contributes to a happy and stress-free life, but maintaining it can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
By entrusting their cleaning needs to InsideOut Cleaning, our customers can enjoy the benefits of a spotless and refreshing home without sacrificing precious moments with their family and loved ones.

4. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Be Passionate: Pursue a business idea that genuinely excites and motivates you. Entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of challenges, and passion will be the driving force that keeps you going during difficult times.
Embrace Learning and Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and successful entrepreneurs must be willing to learn and adapt to new trends and challenges. Stay curious, seek knowledge, and be open to new ideas.
Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and like-minded individuals who can provide guidance and support. A strong network can offer valuable insights, help you navigate obstacles, and provide encouragement during tough times.

5. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Resilience: Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs, and the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks is crucial. Resilient entrepreneurs stay focused on their goals, learn from their mistakes, and use challenges as opportunities for growth.
Adaptability: The business is constantly changing, and successful entrepreneurs must be adaptable to new trends, technologies, and market demands. Being flexible allows entrepreneurs to pivot their strategies when needed and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.
Vision and Innovation: Successful entrepreneurs have a clear vision for their business and the ability to think creatively and innovatively.

6. How many hours do you work a day on average?

LOL! My work hours can vary depending on the demands of the business and the tasks at hand. On average, I dedicate 4 hours day to ensure the smooth operation and growth of the company as I strive to strike a balance between my personal life and professional commitments. But, hey, when we’re in the zone and rocking it, you’ll find me pumped up and putting in those extra hours, around 10 to 15 daily!

7. To what do you most attribute your success?

I attribute my success to putting God and family first. Their support and guidance have been the foundation of my journey. Short and simple, but incredibly powerful! Passion, customers, innovation, team, resilience and work ethic all play a big role.

8. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of
   marketing?

Regarding the most successful form of marketing, we have found that word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews have been particularly impactful. When satisfied customers share their positive experiences with others, it generates trust and credibility for our business. Additionally, positive online reviews on platforms like Google and social media have significantly contributed to attracting new customers and establishing a positive reputation for InsideOut Cleaning.

9. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it?

As a self-funded company, we have full control over our decisions and business strategies. This independence has allowed us to stay true to our core values and prioritize our commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence.

10. How did you obtain investors for your venture?

By staying committed to providing exceptional services, fostering strong customer relationships, and employing innovative marketing strategies, InsideOut Cleaning has achieved success without external funding. The dedication and hard work of the team have been the driving forces behind the company’s growth and positive reputation in the industry.

11. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?

Continuous Learning and Development: Never stop learning and seeking ways to improve. Stay updated with industry trends, invest in employee training, and seek advice from mentors or industry experts. Ethics and Integrity: Uphold strong ethical values and integrity in all aspects of your business. Building trust and maintaining a positive reputation will contribute to long-term success and loyalty from customers.

12. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?

More Locations! I see InsideOut Cleaning exploring new business opportunities, such as landscape maintenance services. Expanding our offerings to include landscaping will allow us to provide a comprehensive range of services to our customers, meeting their various property care needs.

13. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

I have an appreciation for the home services sector, as it reflects the significance of these businesses in our daily lives and communities. Whether it’s cleaning, landscaping, maintenance, or other home-related services, their contributions make a positive impact on homeowners and their surroundings.