Seminars
Operating and Managing A Successful Custodial Operation

PURPOSE:
This course provides building service contractors and custodial/business/department manager currently performing custodial work or those considering entering the custodial business with an understanding of how to better structure their operation, execute contracts, and start up all sizes of accounts, regardless of government or commercial status. The instructor addresses the most critical area of management and operations so that attendees can learn to prevent, troubleshoot and resolve issues before they have a major negative impact on the business, it's customers or staff.

Training emphasis is on operational improvement, efficiency, and providing high quality services by focusing on proven and effective operational procedures and management techniques. The course covers topics such as how to plan and schedule workflow and workers; how to purchase equipment and supplies; maintaining equipment; inventory control; developing quality guidelines and programs, and maintaining effective communications with the customer, staff and management.

This seminar is customized in real time to meet the specific needs and interest of participants. Attendees are encouraged to bring real life examples of the problems, challenges and obstacles they face in the work place for resolution during class exercises and discussions.

Primary Course Topics

  • Success or Failure in the Cleaning Business
    • Where Profit Fits in a Non-Profit
  • Industry Trends, Realities and Challenges
  • The Role of Supervision and Management in Success
  • Using Computers and Technology
  • Organizing Operations for Maximum Efficiency
    • Developing a Contingency Plan to Deal with Labor Shortages
    • Procedures, Policies and Best Practices
  • Bidding and Estimating Basics
    • Industry Standards and Practice
    • The Jet Program and others
    • Private and Public Sector Differences
    • Marketing Your Services
    • Diversification: Is Cleaning All You Do?
  • Staffing, Scheduling and Workloading
    • Tips and Procedures for Successful Contract Start-Up
    • NISH Service Business Guide
    • NISH Ready Checklist and Visit Guide
  • Training: Who, Why, When and How
    • Production Staff
    • Supervision and Management
    • The Customer and Others
    • Certification Programs, Internal and External
    • Centers for Excellence Program
  • Equipment, Chemicals, Products and Supplies
    • Inventory Control Programs
    • Preventive Equipment Maintenance
    • Testing and Purchasing Protocols
    • Industry Resources and Buyers Guides
  • Green and Sustainable Cleaning Processes and Programs
    • Chemicals and Procedures
    • Recycling and Waste Reduction
    • The LEED Program
  • Developing and Utilizing a Quality Assurance Plan
    • Documentation and Communications
    • Inspection Techniques and Tools
    • Corrective Action and Complaint Resolution
  • Problem Solving Techniques
    • Bring Your Most Challenging Problems
  • Time Management Techniques
    • Doing More with Less
  • Industry Resources: The Internet, Conventions, Seminars, Tradeshows,
    • Publications and Consultants
  • Safety, Security and Risk Management
    • OSHA, MSDS, PPE and Other Topics
    • Background Checks and Negligent Hiring Practices
    • Prevention Programs and Laws
    • Cost Reduction Techniques
  • Review, Questions and Answers
    • Round Table Discussions and Exercises

AUDIENCE:
This course is valuable for executives, project managers, front line supervisors or those seeking advancement or growth in the cleaning industry or having direct responsibility for custodial operations. This is an excellent program for new as well as seasoned staff in existing custodial operations or for those planning to offer commerical or residential cleaning services in the future.

FORMAT:
This three day course combines classroom instruction, audiovisuals, small group round table discussions and problem solving exercises. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to discuss real world experiences, challenges and problems they face in their work for discussion and resolution during the seminar.

DAILY SCHEDULE:
DAY # 1
12:00 noon Registration
1:00 5:00 pm. Session 1

DAY # 2
8:00 a.m. Light Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. 5:00 pm. Session 2

DAY # 3
8:00 a.m. Light Continental
Breakfast
8:30 a.m. 1:00 pm. Session 3

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Identify better ways to organize, manage and operate a custodial operation.
  • Define key factors that lead to a smooth operating and profitable business.
  • Develop strategies to effectively manage contracts, customers and staff.
  • Gain exposure to systems, methods and strategies that will help attendees track and control labor costs, inventory control, profit/loss and quality control.
  • Apply current best practices of the professional cleaning industry.
  • Communicate more effectively with their workers, management, and customers.
  • Identify sources for obtaining the most effective and productive supplies, chemicals & equipment.
  • Become aware of future trends in carpet and floor care as well as other aspects of building service contracting.
  • Become aware of available industry resources for advanced training and reference.
BONUS:
Participants receive an extensive and detailed training manual.

 INSTRUCTOR:
Wm R. Griffin, President of Cleaning Consultant Services, Inc. in Seattle, WA, will teach the course. Griffin has over 25 years experience in the cleaning industry as a cleaner, consultant and educator. He is the author of the Comprehensive Custodial Training Manual, How to Sell and Price Contract Cleaning, How to Start and Operate a Successful Cleaning Business and other books and manuals, as well as several hundred articles regarding cleaning, maintenance and self-employment.

He is a frequent speaker and seminar leader at cleaning industry trade shows and conventions throughout the world. He is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as a Master Cleaner, and is an active carpet and hard surface-flooring inspector and is an approved IICRC instructor and school for carpet (CCT), stone (SMT) and hard floors (FCT).

The instructor has extensive experience as a consultant to NISH CRP's/NPA's as well as private businesses of all types and sizes through out the country. He has taught this program in over 30 locations and also instructs the Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) and Floor Care Technician (FCT) IICRC Certification courses for NISH and other organizations.

Note:
This class can also be further customized and conducted onsite for your staff if at least 20 attendees are available. Contact the NISH national or regional office for more information.