Episode 1180 – Fewer Clients, More Money: Patti’s Bold Move to Save Her Business
From Struggling to Thriving: How Patti Saved Her Cleaning Business
Patty Bacile, owner of Serenity Clean in Ottawa, Ontario, wasn’t always sure she’d make it. In fact, she almost didn’t. The company her daughter started in 2019 to help with university costs was on the verge of shutting down by 2024. But Patti didn’t give up. After joining Grow My Cleaning Company and working with Mike Campion, she turned her business around. This is her story of going from the edge of collapse to newfound success.
Taking Over and Facing Tough Decisions
When Patti officially took over Serenity Clean in August 2024, things weren’t looking great. Her daughter had started the company as a side hustle, and it grew through word-of-mouth. But once they began hiring employees and dealing with taxes, the bills piled up, and they weren’t making money. Patti knew they needed to make some big changes but had no idea where to start. That’s when she found Mike and his team. They helped her realize they had been underpricing their services, which was a huge part of the problem.
The Fear of Raising Prices
Patti knew deep down that she needed to raise her prices, but fear held her back. What if all her clients left? What if they got mad? These worries kept her frozen, but she finally bit the bullet and raised prices—some by as much as $70 to $90 per clean. Half of her clients left, just like she feared. But something amazing happened: the clients who stayed appreciated her services even more, and new clients didn’t bat an eye at the higher prices.
Losing Clients but Gaining Peace
Letting go of those underpaying clients was tough, but it brought unexpected peace. Patti realized that the clients who valued her work stuck around, while the ones who left were the ones constantly asking for more for less. With fewer clients, Patti was actually making more money and dealing with less stress. It was a win-win. She also had to let some employees go, but they weren’t her top performers anyway. The changes made her business leaner and more profitable.
A Mindset Shift: Leading the Business
The biggest change wasn’t just in the business—it was in Patti herself. She went from feeling like the business was dragging her down to leading it with confidence. Now, instead of following the business and reacting to problems, she’s in charge and knows where she’s headed. This shift in mindset is what made all the difference, and it’s what’s going to keep her on the path to success.
Final Thoughts for Cleaning Business Owners
For any cleaning business owner out there who feels like they’re at the end of their rope, Patti has some advice: Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. It’s scary, and yes, some clients will leave, but the ones who stay will value you more. And remember, sometimes the biggest changes have to come from within. You need to lead your business, not let it lead you. With the right mindset and support, anything is possible.