What An Owner At Cleantech Wishes They Knew Before Entering The Cleaning Industry
Sean, Owner/CEO of Cleantech Inc., wishes someone had emphasized that "everything will be all right if you're doing the right things" and to avoid stress, even when facing failures like lighting a client's kitchen on fire, because the ability to learn from those experiences separates successful people and provides invaluable skills applicable to future endeavors. Despite initial worries about failures and money, maintaining forward momentum and focusing on "doing something" ultimately leads to success and preparedness for any outcome.
Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Learning from Failure, Entrepreneurship, Business Operations
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sean Meer
Owner, CEO
Cleantech Inc.
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Finance
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Real Estate
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Importance of Responding to Failure: Successful people learn from failures instead of avoiding risks. Failure provides opportunities for growth and learning.
2. The Value of Hard Work and Perseverance: Reflecting on challenging times, such as working long hours and driving long distances, can be a source of pride and valuable lessons.
3. Action Over Paralysis: It's crucial to keep moving forward and take action, even in the face of potential setbacks or difficult decisions. Doing something is better than being stuck in indecision.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I wish I knew something before entering the industry, but honestly, at the time I started, I don't think I would have listened to any advice. I think what I wish I knew was that everything will be alright if you're doing the right things. It's important not to stress and to enjoy the process because it's fun.
Looking back, I remember working extremely long days and driving for hours to service accounts. I'm proud of those times, even though I complained about them back then. Those experiences taught me a lot.
No matter how bad a failure is, you always have an opportunity to learn from it. I believe how successful people respond to failure is what separates them from others. Many people will give up, avoid taking risks, and consequently never learn, be happy, or gain confidence.
My first client's kitchen caught on fire while I was cleaning. It was a restaurant in Temecula, and I was cleaning their deep fryers, or "he pennies" as they're called. I asked for a demonstration first and took a video, but I made a mistake. Smoke and flames erupted from the fryer.
Thankfully, I reacted properly and used a fire extinguisher. That was the first night of my first client, and he obviously didn't pay me. I wasn't invited back for a second night, despite being scheduled for five nights a week. I had even brought in an employee to help.
Setting a client's kitchen on fire on my first attempt was devastating. I stressed about it, and I continued to stress about other failures over the years, like running out of money. However, if I was always doing the right things and not letting decision paralysis stop me, things always worked out.
Even if something terrible happened and my company failed tomorrow, I would still have the valuable experience of growing and operating a business for years and providing value to clients. I could then move on to something else. Everything will be fine. So, do something. Don't do nothing.