Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Tolbert.
Hi Russell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that some of the best opportunities in life come from simply taking the first step, even when you don’t have everything figured out. I think that’s what keeps a lot of people from chasing their ideas. They wait for the perfect plan or the perfect circumstances, when in reality, growth happens by starting, making mistakes, learning, and figuring things out along the way.
Looking back, I think I may have inherited my entrepreneurial spirit from my dad. When I was younger, he built an insurance business, and I remember seeing him featured in a newspaper article about his journey. I was too young to understand everything that went into it, but I think seeing someone so close to me create something of his own planted a seed without me even realizing it. Looking back now, I can see that same desire to build something and create my own opportunities in myself.
Professionally, I’ve worked in aviation since 2017 and currently work full-time as a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines. The job can be physically demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding knowing you’re part of the team that safely gets thousands of people where they need to be every day. The opportunity to travel has also been an incredible blessing. My wife and I love taking advantage of those opportunities whenever we can, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or exploring somewhere we’ve never been before. Some of our favorite memories have come from simply deciding to say, “Let’s go.”
Even with a full-time career, I’ve always found myself drawn to creating and building things outside of work. I enjoy taking an idea, learning everything I can about it, and seeing where it leads.
That curiosity eventually led me to start Vow to Clean. What began as a simple idea to provide post-wedding & event cleanup services gradually evolved into something much bigger as I realized there was a need for dependable hospitality staff during weddings and events as well. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch a simple idea grow into a business that helps couples and event hosts enjoy some of life’s biggest moments with a little less stress.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing a full-time career while trying to grow a business on nights and weekends. Working in aviation on the ramp means early mornings, long hours, and physically demanding work, so finding the energy to come home and continue building a business hasn’t always been easy.
Starting Vow to Clean also meant wearing every hat imaginable. It was just me spending evenings watching YouTube videos, reading articles, learning how to build a website, improve SEO, run advertising campaigns, and figure out how to get my business in front of the right people. There were plenty of moments of trial and error, but I genuinely enjoyed the learning process.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. Progress often feels slow when you’re building something from scratch, but small steps taken consistently eventually lead somewhere. That mindset has carried me through every challenge I’ve faced.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vow to Clean. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vow to Clean is a hospitality support and post-event cleanup company serving weddings and special events throughout Austin and surrounding areas. While many people assume we’re simply a post event cleanup company, our services have evolved to include behind-the-scenes event support that helps planners, venues, and couples enjoy a smoother, less stressful celebration.
We assist with tasks like bussing tables, refreshing water glasses, maintaining the venue throughout the event, helping with dessert stations, assisting coordinators, handling the breakdown and cleanup once the celebration comes to an end. Our goal is simple: to allow couples and hosts to focus on making memories while we take care of everything happening behind the scenes.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily the business itself—it’s the relationships we’ve built and the trust clients place in us during some of the most important days of their lives. I want people to know that when they hire Vow to Clean, they’re getting a team that genuinely cares about making their event successful and treating it as if it were our own.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without question, my wife and daughter deserve a tremendous amount of credit. Like many small businesses, Vow to Clean didn’t begin with a large staff or a big budget—it started with family. They were the first people willing to believe in my idea and jump in to help work events, often giving up their own time to support the business.
I’m also incredibly thankful for a few of my Southwest co-hearts who stepped in early on to help when extra hands were needed. Along the way, I’ve built friendships with planners, venue managers, and other professionals in the event industry who have trusted us with opportunities and encouraged our growth.
I’m grateful for every family member, friend, teammate, client, and supporter who believed in Vow to Clean and supported its growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Vowtoclean.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61580864981526/
