Media Room
Media Room
MaidPro Has a Flair for Cleaning (Oct. 2001)
MaidPro Has a Flair for Cleaning
Greater Boston's Career Bulletin • October 21-27, 2001
MAIDPRO
ADDRESS:
180 Canal Street, Boston, 02114
PHONE:
617-742-8080 ext. 229
FAX:
617-720-0700
WEBSITE:
www.maidpro.com
EMAIL:
info@maidpro.com
FOCUS:
Residential cleaning service focusing on providing customers with exceptional service using quality-trained
professionals at affordable rates.
"We are hiring service providers on an ongoing basis," says Kebby Willard, director of marketing for MaidPro.
The company is looking for hardworking, self-managed individuals, with or without housecleaning experience.
Those chosen after the initial screening receive specialized MaidPro training before they go onsite as part of a cleaning
team. Workers have some control and flexibility in where and when they work and it is in a nice environment, she
points out.
The company got its start in 1991 in Boston when Mark Kushinsky, one of the two founders, was unable to find a
cleaning service that met his cleaning expectations. Working with friend and partner Richard Sparacio, the two
developed MaidPro with the goal of providing quality customer care. Providing high quality reliable service brings to
the company clients who are satisfied, loyal and have a greater luxury in how they spend their leisure time, according to
information provided on the company website:
www.maidpro.com.
As the company began to grow, they developed a proprietary software program that enabled MaidPro to handle the
growing number of clients without compromising the quality of the work.
By 1996 the company began offering MaidPro's unique combination of technology and personalized service as a
franchise throughout the country. In addition to Massachusetts, the company has offices in Arizona, California,
Connecticut, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah and Washington.
All the residential cleaners who pass the initial screening, background check and fingerprinting must complete a
special training program referred to as "MaidPro University." According to Willard, these are a series of
modules that individuals can go through at their own pace facilitated by a manager. While there isn't any formal
testing at the end of each module, there are a group of review questions and discussions of the material.
Due to increasing demand and turnover, MaidPro "will pretty much take interviews all the time" in the Canal
Street offices, says Willard. The preferred schedule, however, is to do interviews on Thursdays and Fridays and have
those chosen begin MaidPro University on the following Monday. Most can complete the modules in a day or two.
Once the modules and on-site training is completed there is usually a discussion with the individual on if this is a
position they want. Initially they usually work as part of a two or three member team until the company and the
individual have the confidence to work on their own, if they want.
The salary depends in part on the geographic location of the cleaner in relationship to the jobs and local reporting
MaidPro office. Because the company has eight area offices, some workers walk, some take public transportation and
some use their own vehicles. The $9 to $12 per hour salary range depends on worker transportation, with the higher
rates usually going to those with vehicles.
"The company has a very progressive approach to benefits," says Willard. "They pay 80 percent
of health insurance premiums for workers and offer a 401K pension and paid holidays. We know the employees of the
company are the core of the business." In addition to the salary, cleaners may receive cash tips from
customers. In the employment section of the website the company notes, "We believe in rewarding our
employees. We believe in hard work. We believe in having fun."
"We consider ourselves the premier cleaning company, " says Willard, pointing with pride to the fact that
"Boston Magazine" voted MaidPro the best cleaning service in the area.
According to the magazine, it is one of the fastest growing cleaning companies in the country because they do an
exemplary job.
Cleaners routinely check into their home office at the start of the day and pick up the work order tickets for that
day as well as any supplies, all of which are provided. Employees are bonded and insured. They receive special
identification, wear tan pants and special MaidPro shirts on the job. The first shirt, sweatshirt and aprons are
provided; more can be purchased.
There is a 49-point check list for each job. At the end of the work day they usually return to the office and
turn in any direct payments received.
In addition to cleaners, the company hires management personnel who handle work in the offices, "It is a
desk job with a flat salary," says Willard.
For those with an entrepreneurial bent, the company also has franchising opportunities across the country. The
U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that housecleaning continues to expand by more than 20 percent per year compared
to less than 5 percent for retailing and food chains.
