I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend a few days fishing on Lake Michigan this past May. I had an incredible time and caught all kinds of fish – big and small, lake trout, Coho, King Salmon and Steelhead. The weather was as varied as our catch.
When I am fishing on the big lake, I pay close attention to trends. If a certain bait or a depth catches fish, then I adjust my gear to zero in on the bite. This year, I paid close attention to the sun, the time of day and the weather. Our most productive fishing was about 9:30am and 2pm. This is contrary to my past experiences, catching the most fish just after sunrise and just before sunset.
We experienced many different weather conditions during my trip. We had rainy days, four foot waves, calm seas and sunshine at different times. It became clear to me that fishing in big waves and rain is the most productive fishing. I don’t know why, but that is clearly the case. One clear sunny afternoon, we went over an hour without a fish. Then the cloud cover came and almost immediately we had three fish on the boat. Another time, I went out in the rain and 3-4 foot waves. I hit my limit before 9am.
And so it goes in business - When the storm comes along and things go wrong, we can be incredibly productive. The storms indicate a need to change strategy or technique. It’s usually a sign that we are on the wrong track in some area. The storm can also ramp up our intensity and drive, making us more productive.
COVID 19 for example, was a storm that created a lot of fear and anxiety in our business. It also made some of our weaknesses very clear and transformed the way we did things. Did anyone use Zoom much before COVID? Now we use it all the time. Our conference phone went in the trash (not literally). We learned a great deal about how to disinfect surfaces efficiently, how to use various tools, how to better protect our associates, how to connect better with our remote teams and how to operate more efficiently.
The next time a storm comes along, we will do our best to embrace it and read the signals in the clouds. We will find a way to learn from it, adapt and improve. Hopefully the storm is not so big that it sends waves over the bow.
ESS Clean is constantly evolving to meet—and exceed—the expectations of our clients. As your partner in maintaining clean, safe, and healthy facilities, we know that consistency, responsiveness, and professionalism are non-negotiables. I’m excited to share some new initiatives that strengthen our commitment to operational excellence and enhance your experience with ESS Clean.
In Q2 of 2025, we launched OrangeQC, a digital quality assurance platform that allows us to track performance in real time across all client sites. OrangeQC is more than just an internal tool: it offers you, our client, greater visibility into the services we provide. Site inspections and follow-ups are documented and accessible, giving you peace of mind that excellence is our standard—not the exception.
Not sure if your organization is receiving OrangeQC inspections? Reach out to your local Branch Manager for support.
We’re proud to share that ESS Clean was recently recertified with honors under the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). CIMS is the most rigorous certification in our industry, evaluating everything from quality systems and service delivery to safety protocols and ethical business practices. ESS Clean is proud to remain among the top 1% of commercial cleaning and janitorial companies in the United States to earn this elite designation.
Receiving honors status reflects our culture of high performance and accountability—values we bring to your facility with every clean.
We’re also investing in the professional development of our frontline leaders. Each of our Area Managers will earn their Certified Site Supervisor (CSS) credential through ISSA by Q4 2025. This training reinforces best practices in management, safety, and customer service—ensuring the people overseeing your site are equipped to lead with confidence and skill.
At ESS Clean, we’re always looking for ways to improve the services we provide. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well, and where we have the opportunity to do better. Please monitor your email for more information on our Client Satisfaction Survey.
These initiatives represent more than operational upgrades—they reflect our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and continuous improvement. As your needs evolve, we’ll continue to adapt and invest in the tools and people that keep your facility at its best.
Time to Schedule Summer Services!
As temperatures rise, it's time to think about a mid-year reset. Summer is the perfect time to tackle those deep cleaning projects that keep your space healthy, attractive, and operating at peak performance. Whether you experience a summer slowdown or seasonal surge, these services can help prepare your business for the rest of 2025.
✔ Strip & Wax Hard Floors - restore shine and extend the life of your flooring with a fresh strip and wax.
✔ Window Washing - get rid of streaks and grime for a crystal-clear view, inside and out.
✔ Deep Clean Carpeting - remove dirt, allergens and stains from high-traffic areas.
✔ Pressure Washing - refresh building exteriors, sidewalks and patios, or high-grime areas like trashcans and dumpsters.
✔ Facility Prep or Turnover - whether it's classrooms before fall or event spaces between weekends, we tailor our services to fit your needs!
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Credits:
Created with an image by Worawut - "Yellow paper plane, volatility in the business and investment"