Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Graham.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
In 2019, my daughter and I embarked on a new journey in New Braunfels, seeking a fresh start. Unexpectedly, in 2020, amidst the oil field crash, my husband was laid off, leading us to partner with Houston’s SkeetCide owners. This pivot marked the beginning of our foray into the pest control business, laying the groundwork for our next venture. During the journey of Mrs. Graham’s Cleaning Ladies, I discovered a niche in cleaning, rapidly gaining traction in the residential market. Our humble venture evolved into Mrs. Graham’s Cleaning Ladies will be formalized as an LLC in May 2021. Our real breakthrough came when we ventured into the short-term rental market, where we’ve been thriving for two years, marking our third year in business.
Core Values and Goals: Our ethos is rooted in providing impeccable, five-star service with unwavering consistency. We live by the motto, “We are only as good as our last clean,” a testament to our commitment to excellence. Looking ahead, we envision Mrs. Graham’s Cleaning Ladies becoming a household name in the short-term market within every state nationwide. Challenges and Triumphs along the road to success were not without their challenges. Starting a new business posed its trials, especially in an unfamiliar industry. However, our adaptability shone through as we seamlessly transitioned from residential to short-term rental cleaning, celebrating significant milestones. As we reflect on our journey from humble beginnings in New Braunfels to becoming a sought-after cleaning service in the short-term rental market, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. Our ambition drives us to expand further, bringing our exceptional cleaning standards to every state in the nation.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Addressing some obstacles and hurdles we have dealt with, the host/owner mindset is a significant hurdle. We encountered combating the mindset of hosts preferring multiple independent cleaners to minimize costs and maximize the odds of not missing a clean. Our approach has been to emphasize the value we bring – consistency, reliability, and top-notch quality, proving that our service is a worthwhile investment over cheaper, less reliable alternatives. We are maintaining high standards with employees. Hiring employees who can uphold our stringent standards was another challenge. We’ve invested heavily in a rigorous recruitment and training process to ensure every team member represents our core values. Retaining such high-caliber staff, however, has been a balancing act, especially considering the competitive job market. Financial adjustments have shifted our pay structure from $8-10 hourly to $13-30 hourly; this was necessary to attract and retain the best talent. This increase reflects our commitment to our employees and their families and the quality of service we provide for our clients and guests staying in the properties. However, it has necessitated carefully reevaluating our business strategy to maintain sustainability.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hospitality short-term rental cleaning services
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
In this remarkable journey of “Mrs. Graham’s Cleaning Ladies,” several individuals’ contributions have been invaluable. I cannot overstate my gratitude to my right hand, Catlin Johnson, for her unwavering dedication and support. Our success is also deeply rooted in all our employees’ hard work and commitment. Their dedication is the backbone of our growth; I am eternally thankful for that. To our esteemed clients, who placed their trust in us, beginning with our first client, Big Chief Vacation in New Braunfels, your faith in our services has paved the way for our success. A special acknowledgment to Sean McGregor with Stay Work and Play in Austin/Canyon Lake, Mike Estrada with Recess Retreat in Austin /Canyon Lake, and Ruby Zapata/Jerome Isaacs, who helped to double our business and are so instrumental in why we operate the way we do , Andrew White with Mouse House in San Antonio, and Midori Heckman with Heckman Homes also in San Antonio, extending soon to Carnation Washington. She is one of our biggest cheerleaders. Your support has been a cornerstone of our expansion and success. Lastly, my profound appreciation goes to my husband and life partner, Dan Graham. His endless support and encouragement have been my rock throughout this journey. His belief in our vision has been a guiding light, propelling us forward even in challenging times.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.mrsgrahamscleaningladies.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mrs.GrahamsCleaningLadies?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Crystal Graham and Gabrielle Denny
