Meet Michael Wilkins

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Wilkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Surprisingly, I still deal with imposter syndrome from time to time, but for the most part, I have overcome it by reflecting on all the “real” parts of my business. For example, I have an office, insurance, team members, company branded shirts, a website, and all the other things that a “real” business has; reflecting on these points help me to see that I have a real business and am not an impostor.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Michael Wilkins, and I am the owner of Wilkins Refresh Cleaning Service. I got into the cleaning industry after getting laid off from my cushy work from home job. For months, a friend had been encouraging me to start a cleaning business, so when I was laid off, it was the perfect time.

We provide janitorial/commercial cleaning to businesses, including: general cleaning, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, etc. We give office and facility managers peace of mind by handling the cleaning for them, so they can focus on their jobs, while we handle the cleaning; we believe that our excellent cleaning services allow them to hone their focus, which in turn makes them more profitable. I think what sets us apart from other cleaning companies is that we really care about our clients and taking stress off of them; we are not simply in it for the money. What also makes us unique is that we focus only on recurring contracts, no one time or temporary cleanings; this allows our income to remain stable and our staff to predictably schedule their lives around work.

What I am most proud of is that our company is able to provide supplemental income to our employees; we know that the cost of living is going up and everyone could use a little extra money, and our company provides that to our team members, so that they can feed their families and care for themselves.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities or areas of knowledge that had the most impact on my journey as a commercial cleaning business owner are:

1. Strong Work Ethic & Resilience: Starting a business is never easy, and it’s essential to have the drive to push through challenges. From managing the day-to-day operations to keeping up with client expectations, a strong work ethic allows you to maintain momentum, especially in the face of setbacks. There were moments where things didn’t go as planned, but resilience helped me stay focused on the bigger picture and keep moving forward. I had the grit and grind to keep going, and it paid off.

Advice for those early in their journey: Develop a mindset of persistence and resilience. Don’t be afraid to fail because each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, success doesn’t come overnight, but consistency is key.

Attention to Detail & Quality Control: The commercial cleaning industry is all about delivering consistent, high-quality service. One of the key factors in growing my business was ensuring that every job, no matter how big or small, met the highest standards. This attention to detail helped me build a reputation for reliability and excellence, which led to long-term client relationships and word-of-mouth referrals.

Advice for those early in their journey: Always prioritize quality over quantity. Clients value attention to detail and professionalism, so make sure every job you do exceeds their expectations. It’s those small touches that differentiate you in a competitive market.

Financial Management & Business Acumen: Understanding the financial side of the business was crucial. From setting competitive pricing to managing expenses and reinvesting in growth, being able to analyze the numbers and make smart financial decisions made a significant difference. A strong understanding of cash flow, profitability, and budgeting kept the business on track and helped me navigate tough times.

Advice for those early in their journey: Invest time in learning financial management and business strategies. It’s not just about making sales but also about ensuring your business runs efficiently and profitably. There are plenty of resources, from books to online courses, that can help you develop this skill.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the past 12 months, one of my biggest areas of growth has been in establishing a strong company culture and refining our hiring process to ensure we bring on team members who truly align with our values. I use to just hire anyone who dressed decent and promised to show up and do the job, but I learned through much pain and frustration that this wasn’t enough; I needed to hire individuals who fit what I was looking for also..

I’ve always believed that a positive, energetic work environment is key to both employee satisfaction and business success. One of our core values is hiring individuals with energy. I often say, “If you are dead, go to the cemetery”—because I want people who are excited, motivated, and ready to contribute. It’s not just about hiring for skills; it’s about hiring for attitude and energy. When you surround yourself with people who are like-minded, it creates a vibrant and supportive team culture.

Focusing on hiring for energy and cultural fit has allowed me to retain employees longer and create a more cohesive team. When everyone shares similar values, it’s easier to work together toward common goals, which leads to increased job satisfaction and stronger team performance. As a result, we’ve seen improved employee morale and productivity, as well as a noticeable reduction in turnover.

For anyone starting out, I’d highly recommend defining your company culture early on and making sure that every new hire fits into that culture. By doing so, you create a more harmonious and effective workplace, which ultimately benefits the business and the people who work there. It’s an investment that pays off in retention, job satisfaction, and team synergy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wilkinsrefreshcleaning.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilkinsrefreshcleaningservice_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsrefreshcleaningservice/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilkins-refresh-cleaning-service/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wilkins-refresh-cleaning-service-starkville