Episode 1163 – From 80-Hour Weeks to Double Profits: A Playbook for Working Smarter, Not Harder
Meet Don Wallace: The Man Behind Wallace Janitorial Services
Don Wallace started Wallace Janitorial Services back in 1981,and has been in the commercial cleaning game for decades, holding it down in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He’s no newbie, and this podcast marks his second time sharing his insights with the Cleaning Nation. If you missed the first episode, it’s worth a listen, especially to see how things have evolved since then. You can check that episode out HERE.
The 80-Hour Week Grind: Been There, Done That
Don’s story starts like many in the cleaning business. He was doing everything himself—literally everything. Every problem, every task, every decision had to go through him. Sure, it made him feel important, but it also meant working 70-80 hours a week and missing out on life with his family. Things got so tough that before the pandemic, Don was ready to throw in the towel and pursue something else. But then the world turned upside down, and suddenly, cleaning services were in high demand. Yet, even with more money flowing in, Don found himself stuck in the same exhausting routine, realizing that something had to change.
The Big Shift: Delegation and Scaling Up
Don had an epiphany: he didn’t have to do everything himself. The biggest lesson he learned was that it’s okay to let go and let others help. It was a hard pill to swallow, but he discovered that 98% done by someone else was still pretty darn good—sometimes even better than what he could do himself! This shift in mindset was key to breaking free from the endless work cycle. Don started training others to handle tasks, which not only freed up his time but also improved the quality of the work. It wasn’t easy, and it took a hit to his ego, but the payoff was worth it.
Fully Staffed, Finally: What It Really Means
One of the most significant changes Don made was understanding what “fully staffed” actually means. It wasn’t just having enough people to cover the work on a perfect day. It was about having a buffer, having extra folks ready to step in when someone quit or didn’t show up. This shift in thinking allowed Don to reduce his work hours drastically. He went from working 60-80 hours a week to just 20-25, with the business still running smoothly. The key? Systems, processes, and a constant flow of new applicants ready to join the team.
Final Thoughts: Belief and Action Go Hand in Hand
Don’s journey wasn’t just about changing his business tactics; it was about changing his beliefs. He realized that his pricing was too low, that he didn’t need to be the center of everything, and that being fully staffed meant more than just having the right number of people. These belief shifts led to action changes, and those actions transformed his business. Now, Don’s not just surviving; he’s thriving, with more profit, more time, and a business that’s built to last. His message to Cleaning Nation? Don’t be afraid to shift your beliefs—because that’s where real change begins.