Explore every episode of the podcast Smart Business Moves

Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter are coming together for a timely conversation about what cleaning businesses should be doing now to prepare for what’s ahead.

Designed for residential and commercial cleaning business owners, this event will focus on navigating rising costs, changing consumer behavior, and growing operational pressure before market conditions worsen. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to strengthen profitability, improve operational resilience, and position their businesses for long-term success in an increasingly challenging market.

If you were with us through COVID, you know what Smart Business Moves was. Five years. 497 episodes. A lifeline when nobody knew what was coming next. It’s back for one day!

Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter are coming together for a timely conversation about what cleaning businesses should be doing now to prepare for what’s ahead.

Designed for residential and commercial cleaning business owners, this event will focus on navigating rising costs, changing consumer behavior, and growing operational pressure before market conditions worsen. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to strengthen profitability, improve operational resilience, and position their businesses for long-term success in an increasingly challenging market.

If you were with us through COVID, you know what Smart Business Moves was. Five years. 497 episodes. A lifeline when nobody knew what was coming next. It’s back for one day!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter for one last episode of Smart Business Moves as they look back on the best moments, biggest lessons, and lasting impact of the show. They’ll reflect on how the house cleaning industry has evolved, where it stands today, and what the future holds for business owners, leaders, and innovators. This episode is a chance to celebrate the journey, thank those who made it possible, and share some final words of wisdom. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for a heartfelt farewell and a look at what’s next for the industry.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Libby DeLucien, founder of WootRecruit and a featured speaker at the ISSA Residential Members-Only Mastermind. This episode will explore the key themes of the upcoming event, with a focus on hiring, recruitment, and workforce development in the residential cleaning industry. Libby will share exclusive insights on building a strong team, improving retention, and streamlining the hiring process—critical topics for any business looking to scale successfully. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET to get a preview of what’s in store at the ISSA Mastermind and learn how to take your recruitment strategy to the next level!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome back RJ Patel for a deep dive into Cleaning for Health—not just appearance. RJ will share insights on how professional cleaning goes beyond aesthetics to improve indoor air quality, reduce infections, and create healthier environments. He’ll also discuss his work with the Infection Prevention Institute and efforts to teach advanced cleaning practices in Fiji and India. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for a thought-provoking conversation on the true impact of cleaning and how it can elevate both your business and your community.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome a powerhouse panel featuring Joe Walsh of Green Clean Maine, Matt Ricketts of Better Life Maids, and Chris Willatt of Alpine Maids. They’ll dive into the value of business awards—like the Inc. 5000—and how they can be leveraged to elevate your brand, build credibility, and drive growth. Learn how top-performing companies in the residential cleaning industry use awards as a strategic marketing tool to attract clients, retain employees, and position themselves as industry leaders. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for expert insights on making awards work for your business!

Join Tom Stewart and Ajia Holiday on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Paul Fried, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a strong background in operations, marketing, and growth strategy. With years of experience in both the cleaning industry and business expansion, Paul will share his insights on how cleaning business owners can leverage their revenue to explore new ventures and create additional streams of income. Whether you're looking to scale beyond residential cleaning or diversify your business portfolio, this episode aims to provide practical strategies for making the most of your hard-earned revenue.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Joe Gelderman, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition and business development. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge in creating effective hiring strategies and reducing risk through innovative assessment tools. Together, they’ll explore how to refine your hiring practices, assess candidates effectively, and build a high-performing team. If you’re looking to take your hiring process to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Trent Lowenstein to explore the often overlooked yet crucial role of managers in any business. They’ll discuss who managers are, why they are essential, how to manage them effectively, and what KPIs should be in place to measure their success. Discover why managers are the most valuable players in your business and how to empower them to drive exceptional results. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves!

Join Tom Stewart on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as he welcomes Dan Fleisher, hiring expert and leader at HireBus. Dan will dive into the latest hiring trends, highlighting the importance of behavioral fit, the need for speed in the hiring process, and the value of creating candidate-centric hiring practices. If you’re looking to refine your hiring strategy and attract top talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Tina Servis, owner of Maid 4 Time and CEO of Lead Titan, Sales & Marketing Automation. Tina, a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of growing businesses, will share her insights on how automation and AI can help streamline operations, save time, and drive growth. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves!

Join Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as she welcomes Heather Canning and Rosie Selvaggio, two accomplished cleaning business owners and Core Coaches at Core Profit Builders. With their combined expertise as successful entrepreneurs and experienced coaches, Heather and Rosie will break down the differences between coaching, consulting, and mentoring to help you decide which approach best fits your goals. Discover how these strategies can empower your leadership, refine your business practices, and accelerate your success. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Dean Mercado, CEO of Online Marketing Muscle and growth strategist. With a focus on the evolving role of AI in business, we'll explore smart strategies and AI tools to amplify productivity in your business and streamline tedious tasks. Discover how blending technology with proven growth tactics can take your business to the next level. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Olu Auguste, a business leader with a wealth of experience in strategic growth. In this episode, Olu will dive into the foundational need for strong marketing and sales to drive business success. Learn how to implement strategies that build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and set your business on the path to achieving million-dollar milestones.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Don Stormo, Founder and CEO of MarketPros.AI. Don will share his insights on how combining the power of AI with human creativity can drive ROI-focused marketing strategies. Learn practical tips and tricks for blending cutting-edge technology with personal engagement to create meaningful connections and sales that truly convert. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and special co-host Ajia Holiday on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Beth Derickson, owner of Cornerstone Cleaning, Jon Lorbacher, owner of Town & Country Cleaning and Erin Lasch, Education Development Manager at ISSA.With the ISSA Show 2024 in Las Vegas just around the corner, they’ll discuss practical strategies to help you pre-plan and make the most out of your convention experience. From setting goals to creating a game plan for networking and learning, Beth, Tom, Erin, and Ajia will share insights on navigating this major event to ensure you leave with actionable takeaways for your business. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET to get ahead of the game and prepare for an impactful ISSA Show!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Ajia Holiday, Education and Training Manager at MaidCentral. Together, they’ll dive into how businesses can leverage technology to create consistency and fuel growth. Ajia will share her expertise on streamlining operations, maintaining service quality, and scaling effectively through smart tech solutions. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET to discover how technology can help your business operate more efficiently and set the foundation for sustainable growth.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Derek Christian, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in the residential cleaning industry. This episode will focus on the ins and outs of selling your cleaning business, from preparing for a sale to understanding different types of investors. Derek will share invaluable insights into what investors are looking for, how to maximize your business’s value, and key considerations when planning an exit strategy. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Liz Trotter and Tom Stewart on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome RJ Patel, a seasoned entrepreneur and industry leader. In this episode, they’ll explore the importance of strategic planning for 2025 and beyond, diving into actionable steps to ensure your business doesn’t get left behind. RJ will share his insights on building a future-focused plan that drives growth, innovation, and resilience in the cleaning industry. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET to gain the clarity and tools you need to dust off your strategy and set your business on the path to success!

Join Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as she welcomes Candice Rodriguez and Lizzie Strohl. Together, they will discuss the critical transition from annual planning to driving real performance by aligning your team with your company's strategic goals. Learn how to keep your team focused, engaged, and accountable throughout the year, ensuring that every action aligns with long-term business objectives. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for actionable strategies to ensure your plans turn into measurable success!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves with guest Alonzo Adams as they tackle a critical topic for business owners: staying calm under pressure. Many leaders today face high levels of stress and anxiety, impacting not only their own well-being but also their teams. In this episode, we'll share practical tips and strategies for navigating these challenges, helping you maintain composure and resilience in tough times. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as she welcomes Trent Lowenstein, a dynamic leader in business development and mindset coaching. In this episode, "Unlocking Your Mind in the Matrix," Trent will dive into the mental frameworks and strategies that can help you break through barriers and unlock your full potential. Discover how shifting your mindset can transform not just your business, but your entire approach to challenges and opportunities. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for an inspiring conversation on taking control of your mind and elevating your business game!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome DJ Neumann, Director of Operations at Speed Clean Services. With over 20 years of industry experience, DJ is a master of leveraging key metrics to drive business growth and profitability. In this episode, he’ll share proven strategies to increase client frequency, referrals, average ticket, and pricing, specifically tailored for house cleaning companies. Learn how to harness DJ’s decades of expertise to elevate your business operations and maximize your revenue. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for actionable insights that can take your business to the next level!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Lisa Shaul and Samantha Snider, representing two very different businesses with a shared goal: growth. Lisa brings the perspective of an established company that has struggled with consistent goal-setting, budgeting, and planning, while Samantha is launching a brand-new business and is determined to build a solid foundation for rapid expansion. Together, they will explore key topics like setting actionable goals, creating strategic budgets, forecasting for future success, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned business owner looking to reignite your growth or just starting out and eager to hit the ground running, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples to help propel your business forward.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Steve Semple of The Business Growth Guys. In this episode, Steve will share his expertise on using powerful storytelling to drive business growth. Discover how crafting compelling narratives can transform your marketing, connect with customers, and take your business to new heights. Whether you're scaling an everyday service or a high-end product, learn how the art of story can be the key to unlocking explosive success. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM ET for insights that will change the way you think about business growth!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Chris Willatt, founder of Alpine Maids and partner at Clean Capital Partners. This episode focuses on how to successfully hire and navigate the world of remote workers, where Chris will share his experience and strategies for building and managing a remote workforce. Learn the secrets to finding, hiring, and retaining top talent from anywhere, while ensuring your business stays productive and efficient. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM Eastern for more Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Dom Williams, owner of C&C Cleaning Services and an expert in business growth strategies. This episode dives into "Acquisitions and Diversification," where Dom shares his insights on how these tactics can drive sustainable business growth. Learn how to strategically expand your business and diversify your offerings for long-term success. Tune in Wednesday at 5 PM Eastern for a compelling discussion on making smart moves that can elevate your business.

This week on Smart Business Moves, we’re bringing back a favorite episode featuring Paul Fried. In this episode, Paul shares his expertise in public relations with a focus on how businesses can Give Back During the Holidays. Tune in at 5:00 PM Eastern to discover meaningful ways to make a positive impact during the holiday season. Don’t miss this opportunity to revisit valuable insights on holiday giving and community engagement.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they host Libby DeLucien, founder of WootRecruit and a pioneer in integrating AI technology with business playbooks. This episode will dive into "The Power of Playbooks," highlighting how AI can transform process management within your company. Libby will discuss topics such as effortless process capture, overcoming writer's block in documentation, and the transformative potential of AI-powered playbooks. Don’t miss the chance to learn new techniques and streamline your business operations.

Don't miss this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves with Tom and Liz as they welcome four industry experts: Cris Reconco of Cris's Cleaning, Katie Lambert of Queen of Clean, Caleb Pierce of Pink Power Cleaning, and Natalie Mikishko of Majestic Domestic. Join us as we explore how acquisitions can drive business expansion and learn practical tips for navigating this growth strategy. Tune in every week for new insights and real-world examples from industry leaders.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome RJ Patel, Heather Canning, and TC Corpus. This episode explores the critical leadership and management topic: "Coach, Consultant, Mentor, or Mastermind" Discover the unique advantages of each development approach and how they can help you enhance your management skills and achieve your business goals. Whether you need guidance, strategy, or support, this discussion will help you choose the right path for your professional development. Tune in for an insightful conversation on empowering your leadership journey.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Natasha Magrath, owner of You've Got Maids of Northern Virginia. Natasha will share her expert strategies on "Employee Engagement Programs that Can Drive Business Growth." Discover how her commitment to providing exceptional compensation, community engagement, and comprehensive education programs has led to a remarkable 96% employee retention rate and a 30% revenue growth. Tune in this Wednesday at 5 PM ET to gain valuable insights on creating a thriving workplace culture that drives success.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Victoria Yassem! Known for her dynamic leadership and strategic innovation in the cleaning industry, Victoria, will share her insights on modernizing cleaning services to meet today's market demands. Explore how innovative approaches can revolutionize your business, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth!

Join Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as she welcomes Ajia Holiday! This episode explores the theme "How Consistency Produces Better Outcomes for All Stakeholders," featuring Ajia's insights on the transformative power of consistent practices in business. Discover how maintaining regularity and reliability can enhance satisfaction across all levels—from employees to customers. Tune in this Wednesday at 5 PM ET to learn how to apply these principles for sustained business success and stakeholder satisfaction

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome David Loria and Frank Tibbits, seasoned experts in business operations and system implementation. They’ll explore powerful strategies for developing and implementing systems that last, enhancing employee satisfaction, streamlining inventory management, and more! Tune in to discover how David and Frank used these tools to craft their own personal success story at Squeaky’s Cleaning Services, and how you can, too.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome RJ Patel, an accomplished industry leader and co-owner of Prestigious Cleaning Team. This episode will delve into the art of "Delegation in Your House Cleaning Company," offering RJ’s expert insights on how to effectively delegate tasks to enhance efficiency and empower your team. Learn how proper delegation can not only improve operations but also boost morale and drive business growth. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM ET for more insights with Smart Business Moves.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Matt Ricketts, owner and founder of Better Life Maids. This episode, Matt will be discussing Better Life's POD system, and how it has empowered their technicians with leadership, management, and accountability. PODS are small teams-within-the team that meet weekly and are led by a field supervisor. The POD system was designed to improve communication and culture in a distributed workforce, as well as to increase efficiency by hosting meetings in the field, closer to service locations. Tune in every Wednesday at 5pm ET for new insights with Smart Business Moves!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Dan Smith, owner and founder of Business Maid Better and Home Maid Better. Tune in as Dan shares valuable insights on the biggest sales errors and provides practical tips to prevent these pitfalls. With his extensive experience in the cleaning industry, Dan brings valuable strategies for enhancing sales performance and boosting business growth! Tune in every Wednesday at 5pm ET for another expert guest appearance!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week’s episode of Smart Business Moves as they welcome Chris Willatt, Founder of Alpine Maids. This episode will focus on efficiency in the Sales Cycle. Tune in as Chris shares his expert tips on streamlining sales strategies and maximizing conversions. Take away actionable insights and proven techniques to make your sales process more efficient and successful.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week's episode of the Smart Business Moves as they welcome Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, a renowned expert in public health and infectious diseases. Together, they will explore the vital topic of "Cleaning for Health," discussing the best practices for creating healthier environments through effective cleaning strategies. 

This episode will provide essential insights for enhancing safety and well-being in your spaces, aligning with the highest standards set by organizations like ISSA. Tune in to elevate your cleaning practices and ensure the health of your clients and staff.

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week's episode of Smart Business Moves, featuring Candice Rodriguez, Co-founder of NaturalCare Cleaning. This episode delves into the importance of managerial training, discussing how it can build leadership skills, enhance operational efficiency, and improve team dynamics. Tune in to empower your leadership team and boost your business's success!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter on this week's episode of Smart Business Moves with special guest Alvin Gehring, Partner Support Supervisor at MaidCentral Software. This episode will focus on practical AI tools that can enhance operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer engagement in your cleaning business. Tune in for insights that can revolutionize your business approach!

Join Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter as they explore practical strategies for growth, including upgrading technology and improving staff training. Tune in for actionable tips that can help enhance your business operations and customer satisfaction!

Join Liz this week as she sits down with Martha Woodward, co-founder and CEO of Quality Driven Software, to discuss the benefits of work retreats. Martha, an advocate for positive workplace culture, sheds light on how stepping away can rejuvenate owners, leading to better decision-making and new ideas for leadership. This episode is a must-watch for owners looking to refresh their perspective, expand their horizon and drive their business forward.

This episode features Kevin J. Bassett, CPA, the founder of Bassett & Associates, P.A., sharing his expertise in tax strategies for business owners. With over 20 years of experience, including a significant tenure at Ernst & Young, LLP, Kevin has developed tools like the Tax Minimization Process™ to help entrepreneurs maximize their financial efficiency. Tune in as we discuss the top five tax tricks every business owner should know to navigate the complexities of tax compliance and consulting, aiming for financial independence and smarter tax management.

Dive into an enlightening episode with our guest, Kevin Kunkel, as we explore how the beloved TV show 'Ted Lasso' offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders. In this episode of Smart Business Moves, Kevin deciphers how themes of mindset and innovation from the series can guide you in carving out a unique market space. Discover how embracing the unexpected and cultivating a positive team culture can open up new pathways for your business. 

Join us to learn how 'Ted Lasso's' approach can inspire your own Blue Ocean Strategy, setting your venture apart in a crowded marketplace.

Alonzo Adams is a visionary CEO, transformation coach, and highly sought-after keynote speaker who has made a significant impact in the business world. He is the founder of Busy Bee Cleaning Company, which he started from his one-bedroom apartment, and transformed it into one of the most successful independent residential cleaning companies globally.
Alonzo is an accomplished leader with a track record of excellence in a variety of leadership roles within organizations and associations. He has received multiple awards for his company's exceptional service in the Philadelphia area.

As a transformation coach, Alonzo has helped entrepreneurs and companies achieve extraordinary success. His keynote speeches are both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging business leaders to think big, be courageous, and take chances. With his extensive experience and proven expertise, Alonzo has become a trusted advisor to many organizations seeking to achieve long-term success

Join us for an exclusive preview of the upcoming MaidCentral Academy: Live event featuring Tom Stewart, Liz Trotter, and a lineup of awesome speakers! Don't miss this chance to elevate your business and connect with peers in an engaging, live setting.

Join Tom, Jeannie, Ajia, Gosia, RJ, Liliane, and Dr. Gavin for a sneak peak into the next ISSA Regional Event!

Matt Ricketts, Trisha Lake, and Sarah Mitchell are trailblazers in the residential cleaning industry, each bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the Smart Business Moves podcast. Matt, known for his strategic acumen and innovative marketing techniques, has successfully expanded his brand's reach, setting new standards for customer engagement. Trisha, with her passion for operational excellence and employee empowerment, has turned her company into a model of efficiency and a nurturing workplace. Meanwhile, Sarah, with a keen focus on sustainable practices and community involvement, has made her business a beloved local institution. Together with hosts Tom Stewart and Liz Trotter, they delve into the invaluable lessons learned at the Foundations of Success event, discussing the fundamental business practices that have catapulted their businesses to new heights and sharing their secrets to financial growth and industry leadership.