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PDQ Cleaning

After several years as an educator, Phyllis Dible took the challenge of opening a small business in the Trenton area known as PDQ Cleaning Service Inc. PDQ is an acronym for “People Delivering Quality”. If growth and success are indicators, the quality of cleaning services delivered is second to none. Ms. Dible had spent the last year of her teaching tenure exploring different business opportunities. She determined that a professional cleaning business would be a good fit due to her personal knowledge about cleaning and the lack of professional cleaning companies in northern Missouri.

Phyllis began with one employee in addition to herself cleaning residences in the area. Commercial cleaning services were added over the next few years. Debbie Carman joined the business 12 years ago bringing experience in marketing with her. PDQ partnered with the local DFS office utilizing the FUTURES program in which employees could gain training and developmental skills making gainful employment more likely. PDQ took part in a pilot program which helped shape the state program which sought a solution for putting those on welfare to work, giving them necessary and transferrable skills, and keeping them employed. PDQ received federal tax credits through the WOTC (Work Opportunities Tax Credit), as well as wage supplements from the state program.

While the quality of work has been a factor in the success of the business, Ms. Dible believes that God has blessed her business and that we “are put on earth to be of service to others”. Not only does she believe that the customers deserve a quality job, she believes in continual development of her employees.

From the initial 2 employee local business, PDQ has experienced marked growth currently employing 38 people with accounts in Maryville, St. Joseph, Trenton, Chillicothe, and Brookfield. The company currently serves an 18 county region. Recruiting great employees has basically been based on word of mouth.

PDQ has 5 divisions including: residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, industrial cleaning, floor care including carpet and all hard surfaces, and the western division. Each employee in the 5 divisions is encouraged to give back to their respective communities. They pride themselves in personal service with attention to detail. PDQ has taken the lead in community wide clean up. A number of years ago, the company partnered with several other entities to clean up the parks in the area. Currently, Debbie Carman is serving as cochair of the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Clean Up. Those activities, which will take place this spring, have evolved into a full week of cleanup activities with many organizations and businesses participating.

Ms. Dible and her management team believe that good communication both internally and externally is the key to a successful business. Strong communication has allowed the business to grow.

When a business prospect is found, the company personnel meet with the business owner or residential owner to determine their needs. They go into each business relationship with an open mind focusing on the customer. The company has 4 supervisors who help with job expectations and the bidding process. They also inspect each job for quality and continually train personnel.

A team approach is used for all residential cleaning. PDQ has found this to be a very efficient approach to get the job done well. Many of the clients with PDQ have been with the company for a number of years. The company’s longevity is attributed to a realistic analysis prior to the business opening, a strong look at competition, and an expectation that it might take a few years to make a profit. On a daily basis, Ms. Dible analyzes the business to determine which divisions and regions are profitable and which are not. She has not been afraid to diversity. For example, when the opportunity to offer fire and flood clean up services was presented, she gathered more information, sought training from an industry expert, and moved forward in offering those services.

Good employees and supervisors who really care about their employees, as well as a willingness to work with employees, and offering praise and pride have all collectively helped employees achieve success that they might not have thought possible. The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the growth and quality of PDQ.