Episodes

  • Kosta Ebanoidze Embraces Stone’s True Nature and Transforms Facility Floor Care Culture BCWA S9:E6

    Kosta Ebanoidze Embraces Stone’s True Nature and Transforms Facility Floor Care Culture BCWA S9:E6
    Aug 14 2025
    Are you overwhelmed by conflicting advice about crystallization, diamond refinishing, or natural stone polishing? Trust me—there are plenty of facility managers and restoration pros feeling just as stuck! If you're feeling frustrated because no matter how many times you strip, wax, or buff your terrazzo or stone floors, they still end up looking dull, scratched, or just plain lifeless, then you are not alone! If you've invested in quick fixes like surface sealers or basic janitorial cleaning—only to watch your floors lose their shine within weeks, you’re not the only one in that boat. If you’ve tried patching up grout lines or covering up terrazzo with carpet or vinyl, only for underlying problems to keep coming back, you know how discouraging that cycle can be. Today, my special guest is Kosta Ebanoidze, someone who truly understands the ins and outs of stone floors, and his path into the industry is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Georgia (the country, not the state), Kosta first came to the U.S. chasing a baseball dream. That competitive drive stuck with him as he shifted into the world of stone restoration, tackling everything from marble countertops to complex terrazzo flooring projects. Now based in Chicago, he runs Pinnacle Stone Restoration, where he’s built a reputation for solving problems that stump most pros—think hidden cracks, faded finishes, and restoring natural shine. Kosta’s background in fabrication gave him a problem-solving mindset, and over the years, he’s become known for his willingness to experiment, learn, and share his knowledge. He’s got a knack for making technical topics easy to understand, and he’s passionate about raising the bar for stone care everywhere. Reach out to Kosta here: kosta@pinnaclestonecare.com You can see all that Pinnacle Stone Care has to offer: http://www.pinnaclestonecare.com/ Connect with Kosta on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosta-ebanoidze-47443117/ Special thanks to Mo Bashar with Unlimited Building Maintenance for putting us together for this podcast. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Changing Cleaning Culture and Introduction to Beyond Clean with Ace 00:02:21 - Kosta Ebanoidze’s Journey from Baseball to Stone Restoration 00:06:49 - Challenges in Stone Fabrication and Restoring Factory Finish 00:09:20 - Transitioning from Countertops to Polishing Large Stone Floors 00:12:45 - The Science Behind Marble Polishing Using 5X Powder 00:15:48 - Understanding Momentum and Evolution in Stone Restoration Techniques 00:17:10 - Advancements in Stone Restoration Machinery: From Single to Triple-Headed Machines 00:21:03 - Strategic Equipment Investments and Building a Versatile Restoration Arsenal 00:23:15 - Residential Stone Restoration: Honing, Polishing, and Innovative Grout Solutions 00:32:19 - Understanding Cementitious vs Epoxy Terrazzo Composition and Polishing Challenges 00:35:06 - Common Issues with Terrazzo Maintenance and Restoration 00:37:51 - The Impact of Wax and Sealers on Terrazzo Floors’ Appearance and Breathability 00:40:50 - Longevity and Cost-Effectiveness of Diamond Refinishing Over Traditional Maintenance 00:48:54 - Changing Stone Care Culture Through Right Practices 00:49:35 - Podcast Closing and Encouragement to Share Stone Care Wisdom 00:50:31 - The Impact of Culture on Stone Care Success 00:51:30 - Educating Janitorial Staff on Basic Stone Care 00:52:06 - Rejecting Quick Fixes for Sustainable Stone Care WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    52 mins
  • 7 Pro-Level Restroom Cleaning Techniques for Consistent Results with Austin Jones * BCWA S9:E5

    7 Pro-Level Restroom Cleaning Techniques for Consistent Results with Austin Jones * BCWA S9:E5
    Aug 7 2025
    Austin Jones leads Millennium Facility Services in Atlanta, where he’s built a reputation for tackling some of the toughest cleaning jobs around. From massive public arenas to the fast-paced world of film and TV sets, Austin has seen it all and isn’t afraid to get into the details of what keeps these spaces looking sharp. He’s not just about sticking to the basics. Instead, he’s constantly testing new methods, exploring the benefits of modern tools like microfiber, and figuring out how to solve real-world challenges that cleaning pros face every day. Down-to-earth and approachable, Austin brings both expertise and a fresh perspective to the conversation about what it takes to deliver consistently excellent results in commercial cleaning. You can contact Austin Jones via email here: austin.jones@millfac.com Check out the company website here: https://millfac.com/ Connect with Austin on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mr-austin-jones/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Clean with Ace Season 9 and Guest Austin Jones 00:04:00 - The Importance of Color-Coded Cleaning Rags in Restroom Hygiene 00:06:00 - Balancing Manual Cleaning and Technology in High-Traffic Facilities 00:09:00 - The Role of Disinfectants and Quick Kill Times in Daytime Cleaning 00:11:00 - Industry Preferences: Avoiding Yellow Mop Buckets and Maintaining Professional Standards 00:11:41 - Breaking Away from the Yellow Mop Bucket Mentality 00:14:06 - The Importance of Proper Mop Rinsing and Chemical Use 00:15:01 - Effective Training and Cleaning Processes for Restrooms 00:18:40 - Defining Cleaning: Beyond Odors and Chemicals 00:21:07 - The Role of Microfiber and Mechanical Wiping in Disinfection 00:23:00 - Enhancing Restroom Cleaning with Microfiber and Squeegee Techniques 00:27:00 - The Importance of Process and Purpose in Cleaning Protocols 00:28:00 - Using Advanced Equipment for Efficient Facility Cleaning 00:30:20 - Navigating Challenges in Diverse Facility Environments 00:32:50 - Specialized Cleaning Practices for Sensitive Surfaces and Autonomous Equipment Use 00:34:00 - Best Practices for Cleaning Acrylic and Using DI Water 00:35:00 - Increasing Productivity with Efficient Cleaning Tools 00:37:00 - Proper Floor Maintenance and Avoiding Surface Damage 00:41:00 - The Role of Process and Continuous Improvement in Cleaning 00:43:00 - Continuous Education and Lifelong Learning in the Cleaning Industry 00:45:18 - Exploring Austin Jones’s Personal Bucket List 00:45:48 - Austin Jones’s Self-Reflection on Personal Priorities 00:45:55 - Celebrating a Milestone Birthday with Family Adventures 00:46:35 - Experiencing the Grand Canyon in Different Seasons 00:47:00 - Embracing Life’s Journeys with Positivity and Safety WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    48 mins
  • Unlock Your Cleaning Business Growth: 5 Golden Nuggets for Defining Your ICP with Jerry Flug * BCWA S9:E4

    Unlock Your Cleaning Business Growth: 5 Golden Nuggets for Defining Your ICP with Jerry Flug * BCWA S9:E4
    Jul 24 2025
    Do you want to land those dream clients and finally break out of the “hamster wheel” in your cleaning business? Imagine being recognized for your expertise, leading a crew that operates smoothly, and securing the kind of contracts that make your competitors envious. I’m sharing exactly how you can dial in on the right customers, build genuine relationships with decision-makers, and specialize in services that keep your team busy (and your bank account happy). Let’s talk about what it takes to become the go-to cleaning company in your area—without burning out or trying to do it all. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how defining your ideal customer profile can transform your cleaning business by attracting clients who truly fit your strengths. Unlock the unexpected benefits of attending cleaning industry conferences that can fast-track your business growth and networking power. Discover how coaching tailored to cleaning businesses can help break through growth plateaus and sharpen your operational focus. Explore why specializing in specific floor care services can set your business apart and boost your profit margins. Master the art of building strong relationships with decision makers to secure long-term janitorial service contracts. Connect with Jerry here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/ https://hraconsultinggroup.com/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Defining Your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) for Cleaning Businesses 00:03:34 - Upcoming Cleaning Industry Conferences and Networking Benefits 00:05:16 - The True Value of Conferences Beyond Exhibits 00:08:32 - Evolving Cleaning Technology and Old-School Wisdom 00:11:19 - Overcoming Business Growth Challenges in Cleaning Services 00:14:06 - Specializing in Floor Care Types to Build Revenue Streams 00:15:38 - Focusing on Three Floor Care Services for Business Efficiency 00:19:29 - Understanding Concrete Floor Maintenance and Avoiding Common Mistakes 00:24:56 - Identifying Ideal Customer Profiles and Market Opportunities 00:27:42 - Managing Account Size and Cleaning Frequency for Sustainable Growth 00:28:40 - Intentional Growth Strategies for Janitorial Businesses 00:30:11 - The Critical Role of Floor Care in Customer Retention 00:31:18 - Building Ownership and Partnership Mindset with Clients 00:32:32 - Podcast Growth and Community Support in the Janitorial Industry 00:33:28 - Closing Remarks and Resources for Janitorial Professionals WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    34 mins
  • Build Before You Grow: Creating A Solid Foundation For Your Cleaning Company *BCWA S9:E3

    Build Before You Grow: Creating A Solid Foundation For Your Cleaning Company *BCWA S9:E3
    May 15 2025
    Jerry Flug is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, having started as the owner of a BSC with 12 employees and successfully growing the business to over 250 employees. Learn about BSCAI and what it has done for Jerry and continues to do. Discover the latest commercial cleaning industry trends to stay ahead of the competition. Learn the essential steps for building a successful cleaning business from the ground up. Gain insight from expert coaching explicitly tailored for cleaning business owners. Uncover effective pricing strategies that will maximize your cleaning services' profitability. Master the art of employee retention in the cleaning industry for a sustainable and prosperous team. Connect with Jerry here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Clean with Ace 00:01:03 - Networking and Learning in the Industry 00:03:40 - Jerry's Background and Coaching Business 00:10:07 - Networking and Industry Challenges 00:14:02 - Industry Statistics and Challenges 00:14:32 - Challenges in the Cleaning Industry 00:15:24 - Building a Strong Foundation 00:16:31 - Strategic Business Approach 00:19:56 - Professionalism in the Industry 00:25:28 - Employee Retention and Community 00:28:53 - Spreading Hope and Encouragement 00:29:26 - Defining Organizational Culture 00:30:42 - Winning the Pricing War 00:33:41 - Accounting for Equipment Replacement Cost 00:36:17 - Offering Support and Mentorship WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    37 mins
  • Build, Grow, Scale: A Commercial Cleaning Expert's Framework for Business Growth * BCWA S9:E2

    Build, Grow, Scale: A Commercial Cleaning Expert's Framework for Business Growth * BCWA S9:E2
    Apr 3 2025
    Discover the unexpected personal ambition driving a janitorial business coach. Find out why his personal bucket list goal for the year is more than just a vacation. It's a heartwarming story of resilience and hope. Stay tuned to learn more about the man behind the coaching expertise and the inspiring journey he's embarking on this year. In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering the Phases of Building a Business: Learn the essential steps to successfully grow and scale your janitorial business. Creating a Positive Company Culture: Discover how to foster a workplace environment that motivates and retains your janitorial staff. Strategies for Reducing Employee Turnover: Discover effective tactics for keeping your janitorial team engaged and committed to your business. Importance of Customer Service in Business Growth: Explore how exceptional customer service can propel your janitorial business to new heights. Coaching for Janitorial Business Owners: Gain valuable insights and mentorship to navigate the unique challenges of running a janitorial business. My special guest is Jerry Flug. Jerry Flug, a former commercial janitorial company owner of 20+ years, brings a wealth of experience and passion to janitorial business coaching. Following a successful merger and sale of his company, Jerry realized his passion for helping others grow and succeed in the industry. With a focus on employee retention and positive company culture, Jerry's hands-on experience and dedication to cultivating thriving businesses make him a valuable resource for janitorial business owners looking to build, grow, and scale their companies. His deep understanding of the industry's nuances and commitment to helping others succeed make him a welcome addition to the Beyond Clean with ACE podcast. Connect with Jerry here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-flug-a6328311/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Three Phases of Building a Business: Build, Grow, Scale 00:01:14 - Introduction and Background of Jerry Flug 00:06:01 - Employee Retention and Cultivating Culture 00:12:48 - Structuring Company Mission and Vision 00:13:47 - Building Trust through Core Values 00:14:25 - Importance of Trust in Business 00:15:11 - Increased Awareness in the Industry 00:17:03 - Bridging Generational Communication Gap 00:18:40 - Building and Scaling a Business 00:27:37 - Balancing Profit and Growth 00:27:58 - The Importance of Outstanding Customer Service 00:28:27 - Treating Family Well and Making a Profit 00:29:47 - The Personal Touch in Business 00:35:48 - Writing a Book and Helping Others 00:39:34 - Personal Bucket List and a Cruise 00:41:09 - Jerry's Bucket List 00:41:19 - Understanding Jerry's Journey 00:41:46 - Parting Words 00:41:19 - The Power of Reflection 00:41:46 - Final Thoughts WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    42 mins
  • Generational Communications & Staff Retention * #CBC2025 * BCWA S9:E1

    Generational Communications & Staff Retention * #CBC2025 * BCWA S9:E1
    Mar 28 2025

    Shari Cedar and I were honored to facilitate this three-hour workshop at this week's Clean Buildings Conference in Baltimore.

    This is an audio recording of the first hour of the 3 hour workshop.

    You can reach Shari here:

    scedar@akbuildingservices.net

    https://www.akbuildingservices.com/

    This workshop will be available later this year

    as a class at our main campus in Orlando.

    https://academyofcleaning.com/

    or

    Catch the entire workshop at the NFMT Remix conference in Orlando this fall.

    https://www.nfmt.com/remix/2025/

    WEBSITES

    ==================================

    ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/

    ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/

    SOCIAL

    ============================

    PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle...

    TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl...

    TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea...

    ============================

    #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • How Tech is Growing My Cleaning Biz * CINCH * with Edwin Eaton * BCWA S8:E16

    How Tech is Growing My Cleaning Biz * CINCH * with Edwin Eaton * BCWA S8:E16
    Nov 7 2024

    Have you ever heard these myths about growing a cleaning business?

    Myth 1: Subcontractors are more trouble than they're worth.

    Myth 2: Janitorial software solutions are too complex for small businesses.

    Myth 3: Competitive cleaning service proposals require extensive industry experience.

    Edwin reveals the truth behind these myths and shows you a strategy to navigate them effectively. Stay tuned for the eye-opening insights!

    Edwin has been instrumental in scaling his business to over 150 employees and achieving the prestigious Inc 5000 award for two consecutive years.

    His transition from running a successful cleaning company to developing software solutions for the industry showcases his innovative approach and dedication to enhancing operational efficiency.

    www.cleancinch.com

    Coupon Code: GEM50

    The critical moments in this episode are:

    00:00:00 - Inc 5000 Award

    00:03:26 - Company Growth

    00:07:16 - Creating Cinch Janitorial Software

    00:09:30 - Adapting to Covid Era

    00:11:37 - All-in-One Solution

    00:12:34 - Target Audience and User-friendly Software

    00:13:29 - Simplified Bidding Process

    00:15:01 - Customizability and Feedback

    00:18:47 - Evolution of Business and Technology

    00:21:45 - Communication and Cultural Integration

    00:25:25 - Importance of AI in Website Management

    00:26:01 - User-Centric Website Experience

    00:27:29 - Empowering Business Managers

    00:28:26 - Expansion Strategies and Hybrid Business Models

    00:33:01 - Hands-On Training Opportunities

    WEBSITES ==================================

    ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/

    ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/

    PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle...

    TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl...

    TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea...

    ============================

    #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    36 mins
  • Prioritizing Focus for Cleaning Firms in Uncertain Times with Mickey Anderson * BCWA S8:E15

    Prioritizing Focus for Cleaning Firms in Uncertain Times with Mickey Anderson * BCWA S8:E15
    Nov 4 2024
    Does this sound familiar? Have you been told to simply post on social media and hope for engagement? The struggle to get people talking about your cleaning industry content can be frustrating, right? You're not alone in this. Engaging your audience in the cleaning industry can feel like an uphill battle, but there are effective strategies to tackle this challenge head-on. Let's dive into some proven tactics to boost audience engagement and make your content stand out in the cleaning industry. Mickey Anderson is an experienced marketing strategist with a specialization in assisting B2B companies, specifically those within the cleaning industry, in establishing and implementing effective marketing tactics to drive demand and foster long-term client relationships. With a focus on simplifying strategies, Mickey's expertise lies in creating content that encourages meaningful engagement and interactions with the target audience. https://heymickeyanderson.com/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:01:14 - Introducing Mickey Anderson 00:02:53 - Challenges of Engagement 00:04:01 - Overcoming Discouragement 00:07:50 - Annual Planning and Proactive Approach 00:13:29 - The Impact of Social Media on Event Planning 00:14:43 - The Role of Email Marketing 00:16:08 - Leveraging New Technologies 00:18:11 - AI as a Tool 00:22:57 - Understanding the Consumer 00:26:45 - Getting into the Spirit 00:27:30 - Start with Why 00:28:48 - Future Plans 00:29:55 - Challenges and Opportunities 00:33:06 - Audience Interaction WEBSITES ================================== ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    36 mins