Rob Allen has built a successful cleaning company along with an industry supply line of products.

My name is Rob Allen, and I am a cleaning industry disrupter. I have more than 40 years of experience in the cleaning industry. I started as a carpet cleaner and bootstrapped my way to owning a multi-truck cleaning empire. Now, I鈥檓 a global cleaning supply mogul. Some call me an influencer, a teacher, or a motivator in the cleaning world. But above all, I want to be known as someone who lives by the law of reciprocity鈥攖hat if I help others become successful, they, in turn, will do the same for me and others.

2 | How did you first get started in the industry?

Due to professional differences, I lost a good-paying job, making approximately $40,000 per year in 1985. Desperate, I went from door-to-door selling spot removers. Then, a woman asked if I could clean her carpet. That moment was the spark that ignited my career. The rest, as they say, is history.

3 | Who in your life impacts you the most?

I must say that, primarily, God impacts me the most. My faith in God is my compass. My faith directs everything I do, especially for my family and the cleaning community. While I respect the industry icons, I鈥檝e always chosen to blaze my own path.

4 | If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be, and why?

I would love to have a meal with Jesus. His insight, knowledge, and life course truly inspire me. I know I can never live up to his name, but I would love to pick his brain of infinite knowledge. I know I鈥檓 not worthy, but it would be priceless if I had the opportunity.

5 | What music, movies, or books have inspired you?

Honestly, I don鈥檛 listen to much music, watch movies and television, or read many books either. Because of that, I am very picky about what I do watch and read.

I鈥檓 a fan of a few music groups in the rock and grunge genres. I prefer to watch documentaries and search the internet daily to learn history.

I鈥檝e read the Bible more than five times, including a few different translations. God鈥檚 knowledge and insight are hard to trump. I鈥檓 not a super devout or zealous Christian, but I appreciate the Creator and his infinite wisdom.

6 | What personal philosophy of life motivates you the most?

The iconic American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 鈥淲hat you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.鈥� This simple, profound saying reminds us that our actions carry far more weight than our words ever could.

Based on that statement, instead of talking about myself or others, I concentrate on actions鈥攎assive actions.

To put it all in perspective, here is my priority list again: I put God first, my family comes second, and everyone else is third.

I live by these principles, not just in word, but in deed.

The post 6 Questions: Rob Allen appeared first on Cleanfax.

I recall those days, and although payment is easier now due to technology, this issue still comes up. So, I went to Steve Toburen, the founder of Home Front Success, to see if he had some tips to share on handling this. Here are some highlights of those discussions.

Regular vs. first-time clients

The 鈥淚 won鈥檛 be home鈥� situation is an advantage for those situations where a trusting, longstanding relationship exist. Toburen clairifed that a job can be completed more efficiently without a regular client present. Chit-chat isn鈥檛 needed in these cases, and the work can proceed uninterrupted, allowing technicians to catch up on their schedules.

However, first-time clients need clear communication to manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings, especially when trust has yet to be established.

First-time clients who say, 鈥淚 trust you; just do the work,鈥� should raise alarm bells. Toburen warned that without meeting the client, it鈥檚 impossible to accurately gauge their expectations or any pre-existing issues. Try a proactive approach by offering a remote video walkthrough via video conference. This allows the service provider to assess the condition of the space, identify potential concerns, and set clear expectations before the job begins.

Payment concerns

Payment can be a challenge, especially when clients suggest that they鈥檒l leave a check or mail it after the job is complete. Toburen stressed setting clear payment expectations upfront. For first-time clients, requiring a credit card on file before starting work is a safeguard against non-payment.

It鈥檚 standard today to provide payment upon receiving a service. Service providers can confidently ask for payment at the time of service, even for large or multi-day jobs. Requiring a deposit upfront is appropriate for projects with significant costs and can ensure client commitment.

While setting firm payment expectations is essential, Toburen cautioned against overreacting to isolated incidents of non-payment. Changing your company鈥檚 entire payment policy due to one bounced check would ultimately alienate loyal clients. Don鈥檛 penalize good clients because of a few bad apples.

Navigating AWOL client challenges requires a balance of clear communication, documentation, and trust-building. Setting firm boundaries can prevent issues for first-time clients, while trust may allow for a more flexible approach for regular clients.

Watch the full episodes on AWOL clients below:

The post The AWOL Client appeared first on Cleanfax.

Mold is more than just an unsightly issue in homes; it鈥檚 also a hidden danger that can significantly affect the health and well-being of anyone exposed to it.

In a recent episode of聽Unscripted, an IICRC video program, Jeff Cross, 天美传媒 Media Director, investigated the critical topic of mold contamination in homes. The episode highlights a harrowing experience faced by a Florida family (see sidebar) and provides expert advice from industry professionals on detecting, preventing, and addressing mold in homes.

Understanding the health risks of mold

Mold is common in many homes, particularly in areas with high humidity, like Florida. However, not all molds are equal. While some molds can be relatively harmless, others, like聽Aspergillus, can pose severe health risks, especially to individuals with compromised immune systems.

Mold exposure can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and more severe conditions, such as infections that can spread throughout the body. As mentioned in the sidebar article, Nicholas Morse鈥檚 immune deficiency made him particularly vulnerable to the dangers of mold, leading to a devastating outcome.

Mold detection and prevention

Cleanfax invited comments from mold remediation specialists Mark Cornelius and Holly Burns, both IICRC-approved instructors. They provided information about where mold is commonly found in homes and how to address it effectively.

Cornelius said mold is a symptom, while moisture is the root cause. To effectively address a mold problem, finding and eliminating the moisture source is essential. Whether it鈥檚 a leaky pipe, poor ventilation, or condensation, stopping water intrusion is crucial in preventing mold from returning.

Mold can be found in various areas of a home, particularly in places with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, basements, and around windows. While mold in a shower or a basement corner may seem minor, it鈥檚 essential to address it promptly to prevent it from spreading.

One key indicator of mold presence is a musty odor. 鈥淚f you can smell mold, it鈥檚 likely that there鈥檚 more of it hidden within your home, even if it鈥檚 not immediately visible,鈥� Cornelius explained. In such cases, it鈥檚 crucial to investigate further and take appropriate action.

Proper ventilation is critical in preventing mold growth. Burns emphasized the importance of running exhaust fans during and after showers to remove excess moisture from bathrooms. For homes without vent fans, she suggests using oscillating fans or opening windows, when possible, to reduce humidity levels.

When to call a professional

While minor mold issues can sometimes be managed with regular cleaning, professionals should handle more extensive contaminations of mold that cause health problems. According to Burns, professional testing, including air sampling and surface swabbing, is crucial in determining the severity of a mold problem. This testing helps identify the type of mold present and the necessary steps for remediation.

The cost of mold remediation

One of the most significant concerns for homeowners facing mold contamination is the remediation cost. Unfortunately, as Cornelius explained, many mold issues result from neglect, which is not typically covered by insurance policies. This often leaves homeowners responsible for paying for remediation out of pocket, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the problem.

Burns added that while cost is a consideration, the health and safety of the family should be the top priority. If mold is causing health issues, it鈥檚 critical to address it promptly, regardless of the cost.

Government regulations and industry standards

The discussion also touched on the role of government regulations in mold remediation. While some states require mold assessors and remediators to be licensed, the industry remains relatively unregulated in many areas. Both Cornelius and Burns agree that more regulations could help protect consumers by ensuring that only qualified professionals handle mold remediation.

Some states are adopting IICRC standards as the basis for mold remediation regulations. As more states recognize the importance of protecting public health through proper mold remediation practices, this trend is expected to continue and grow.

Protecting homes from mold

Mold contamination is a grave issue that can devastate the health of your clients. The cleaning and restoration industry can prevent this from happening with the help of the IICRC.

The IICRC provides valuable resources. Visit for more information.

One Florida Family鈥檚 Nightmare

Nicholas Morse is a young man who now suffers from severe health consequences due to mold contamination in his family home. His mother, Janel Rogers, and sister, Mikayla Morse, explained that Nicholas has an immune deficiency affecting his ability to fight infections.

Earlier this year, he began to experience a series of alarming health issues that ultimately led to the loss of his vision in one eye. What started as a high fever quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation.

Despite multiple hospital visits and treatments with intravenous antibiotics, his condition worsened. He developed vision problems, and his doctors initially suspected various causes, from cytomegalovirus (CMV) to varicella. However, after weeks of ineffective treatment, he was referred to a specialist in Miami. By then, Nicholas had lost his vision in one eye entirely.

It wasn鈥檛 until a biopsy was conducted at the Mayo Clinic that the true culprit was identified:聽Aspergillus, a mold that had grown in his eye and spread throughout his body. This mold was later traced back to their home, where it was found in various locations, including Nicholas鈥檚 desk and Janel鈥檚 bedroom. The discovery came too late to save his eye, and he now faces a future of uncertainty, with ongoing health issues caused by the mold.

The story of Nicholas and his family serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that mold can pose, particularly for those with compromised immune systems.

Watch the entire episode of IICRC Unscripted below.

Editor鈥檚 Note: Cleanfax produces this media program in partnership with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The program, Unscripted, features what the IICRC is doing, what the industry needs to know about IICRC Standards, certifications, events, technical tips, management and marketing strategies, and more.聽 If you have a topic you would like to see featured in a future edition of Unscripted, email Jeff Cross, 天美传媒 media director, at jeffcross@issa.com.

Industry professionals can use this information to help describe the issues to their clients and help them navigate mold contamination concerns.

The post The Chilling Reality of Mold appeared first on Cleanfax.

Many business owners still need to reach their biggest goals and be where they want to be. Why are they still tackling some areas of their business, like building the right team, being profitable, or getting enough of the right clients?

You may have created a monster

One problem is that too many messages from so many messengers can create what my friend Ellen Rohr calls the 鈥淔rankenstein Factor.鈥� This describes the phenomenon of adding too many ideas to a project, resulting in confusion and a lack of direction. You may inadvertently create a monster when you put random parts together haphazardly as you go along!

Rohr led Benjamin Franklin Plumbing from zero to US$40 million in franchise sales (through conversions) in less than two years. After leaving the business, she became a highly paid consultant.

That鈥檚 when I met her. I call her Wonder Woman.

Rohr is a master business builder in many aspects, but her superpower is in the financial arena. At the time I met her, my company had built up a tremendous amount of debt. My service company was generating $2.5 million in revenue but still struggled to pay all the bills. After hiring Rohr, we realized we were underpricing and our labor rate was too high.

We went to work on a pricing system and our compensation program and became profitable. Because of the work Rohr began in my company, I became debt-free. My companies are debt-free, and I only carry real estate debt. I鈥檓 blessed to say that we could quickly pay off all our properties and still be financially sound. I went from being deep in debt to debt-free because of Rohr.

A curriculum is key

At that time, my training business taught me what we were good at, like marketing, sales, and systems. We didn鈥檛 have a program for the financial area. I then hired Rohr to work with some of our coaching members, and they had the same miraculous results.

Unfortunately, most small business owners have never been adequately trained in the five areas of business: leadership, marketing, sales, operations, and administration. Instead, they get some information here and a little information there, and they end up with a business that doesn鈥檛 operate like it should鈥攁 Frankenstein business! A Frankenstein business is unpredictable, unreliable, and downright scary!

Now, please understand that I read every day鈥擨鈥檝e read over a thousand books. I am an avid consumer of content and consume content in various forms daily. I鈥檓 also a teacher every day, which means I must have the information to share.

But information alone does not transform. People say, 鈥淐ontent is king.鈥� But content is not enough. You need a curriculum, not just a collection of content. Organized content鈥攃ontent that has been vetted and put into a curriculum is the key. You need to have systems designed to work together.

What do you need to learn?

It鈥檚 about the questions. Continually ask yourself questions to determine what you and your business still need to learn.

For example, let鈥檚 return to my previous article from the September/October Cleanfax issue: The Conflict Question: What is your biggest challenge? What did you discover from that article? What area do you need the most help in?

Here are the five areas of business, followed by another question to help you determine where to focus:

1. Leadership: Everything you do to communicate your vision. Are you clear on your vision? Is your team engaged?
2. Marketing: Everything you do to attract prospects. Are you generating enough of the right kinds of prospects?
3. Sales: Everything you do to convert prospects into paying customers. When you get a prospect, are you and your team effectively closing the sale?
4. Operations: Everything you do to serve your clients. Do you have systems allowing your team members to deliver the most outstanding service experience daily?
5. Administration: Everything you do to track your progress. Do you have a process where you know where you stand financially?

What is the most pressing issue in your business right now? Unfortunately, most business owners and their teams are never trained correctly in these discipline systems.

Training breeds confidence. Learn the proven systems of a successful business and implement them. Content alone won鈥檛 get you where you need to be. To build a phenomenally successful business, you need a curriculum that will train you and your team on the proven business systems step by step.

The post The Curriculum Question appeared first on Cleanfax.

Business love frequently starts early in a career when many of us are inexperienced both in business and in hiring and managing people. There can be such a learning curve that the employees we surround ourselves with have a way of looking like all-stars, causing us to become enamored with their talents for a variety of reasons.

Naivete

An old saying reminds us of our naivete: 鈥淲e don鈥檛 know what we don鈥檛 know.鈥� As novice business owners, many of us learn business lessons on the fly. Hiring mistakes can be one of the more painful lessons, especially for owners who didn鈥檛 go to business school or have a job in a larger company where we could learn them.

We think our new employee is the most beautiful and competent in the world鈥攅specially when they show up, do their job, and don鈥檛 complain. What鈥檚 not to love about that? But early admiration can cause us to be blind to otherwise glaring talent deficiencies or character flaws because we鈥檙e just thrilled to have someone hired.

Desperation

We seem to be most vulnerable to falling in love when we鈥檝e been looking for someone for a long time, when we鈥檙e exhausted, or when we鈥檝e had an unpleasant experience with a former employee.

Performance standards and high expectations that were once non-negotiable are quickly tossed aside in the interest of hiring somebody, anybody, to lighten our load. We become enamored because the new hire is like a salve to our immediate pain and looks fantastic compared to our previous poor experience.

Divine intervention

You know this one. Maybe you鈥檝e even been a victim of it. We convince ourselves that divine intervention played a role in finding this perfect match. It goes like this: We need a specific position filled. Our spouse or someone we know happened to run into an old friend whose brother knows a guy who鈥檚 out of work 鈥� and bingo! A match made in heaven! How could it be any more perfect?

Before giving your next hire the keys to the shop or sharing all your passwords, here are a couple of suggestions to help avoid unnecessary disappointment and heartache.

View the recruiting and interviewing process like the courting phase of a romantic relationship. Really take the time to get to know the candidate.

During the courting phase, realize that everyone is usually on their best behavior. Only once we spend time with someone, getting to know and understand them, can we decide if they鈥檙e someone we want to commit to. In business, this might mean hiring or promoting them.

I鈥檝e learned that whenever I鈥檓 head over heels in love with a candidate, that鈥檚 usually a signal that I鈥檓 overlooking something and need to take the time to look deeper. This doesn鈥檛 mean they鈥檙e wrong for the job. It just means I might need to be more realistic about their capabilities and potential. There will be plenty of time later to fall in love.

The post Falling in Love appeared first on Cleanfax.

The modular industrial shelving allows you to build your own storage system, essentially doubling your van鈥檚 usable capacity. All shelving is rustproof aluminum, with weight-carrying capabilities up to 225 lbs. per unit, except for the chemical shelf, which is stainless steel.

These modular shelf kits are designed to take advantage of the space in today鈥檚 high-top vehicles, such as the Ford Transit or RAM Promaster.

More equipment on the truck means greater efficiency鈥攆ewer trips to the shop鈥攁nd an organized workspace can shave hours off the work week.

Contact: 800-932-3030 |

The post Best Buys for 2025: Legend Brands Modular Shelving appeared first on Cleanfax.

Built with the quality you expect from Dri-Eaz at one of the lowest price points in the industry, the DefendAir 400 is quick to deploy and easy to use鈥攕imple one-button controls with a HEPA indicator light and no tools required to change filters.

Engineered and supported in the U.S., the unit is bulletproof-built and stacks securely. Upon arrival at the job, you can mobilize quickly, carrying two at a time and daisy-chaining five units on a single 15-amp circuit.

Contact: 800-932-3030 |

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Its Kohler EFI engine operates at 65% capacity at maximum load鈥攁lmost 25% less than competitors鈥� truckmounts, resulting in lower repair costs, less downtime, and longer component life.

The 370 EFI includes the Sapphire patented heat exchanger and cooling belt technology. Cerakote-coated exhaust components lower temperatures by 35% for less wear on parts.

It鈥檚 covered for two years parts and labor plus an extended 5-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger, frame, and waste tank.

Contact: 800-932-3030 |

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This durable housing and EIPL鈥檚 years of experience with refrigeration systems ensure the product not only looks the part but can also outperform competitors鈥� models of similar capacities.

The rotationally molded body with integral handles ensures ease of transportation and ease of storage. The plug-and-play operation couldn鈥檛 be simpler: Place the hose in a drain point, connect the unit to a power source, and switch it on. The HM150-H has the additional benefit of in-built humidity control, allowing for precise control and a digital readout.

Contact: 757-873-6800 |

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Designed to capture every critical detail, Mitigate allows contractors to conduct thorough inspections and generate precise, comprehensive documentation in real-time. By automating the documentation process, Mitigate reduces the risk of errors, ensures compliance with industry standards, and facilitates seamless communication between teams and stakeholders.

This tool is integrated with CoreLogic鈥檚 powerful suite of solutions, providing a cohesive workflow from the initial inspection to final reporting. With Mitigate, restoration teams can focus on mitigating damage and restoring properties while confident that their documentation is accurate, detailed, and accessible when needed.

Enhance your mitigation efforts with Mitigate and deliver exceptional results every time. Get more information at corelogic.com/restoration.

Contact: 866-769-7855 |

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