Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in general services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Konrad Quinn, Owner and Service Manager of Jaiko, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Jaiko Cleaning Services is an eco-friendly cleaning company that works with families to help keep their homes clean and safe. We follow all COVID-19 cleaning procedures and protocols. Working with those who have allergies and sensitivities is important to us. Our goal is to provide the best cleaning experience to each and every customer every day.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in and around the cleaning industry for most of my life. While working for a previous cleaning company, I became ill. My doctor told me to get out of the cleaning industry because the products were making me sick. I asked if there was something I could do since I really enjoyed serving customers. He advised me to use organic products because they are safe. Please note this was the early 1990's. The internet wasn't what it is today. Finding organic products was difficult. I found a company in California, purchased the products, and brought them to my employer at the time. They did not want to use these products because they were too expensive. This inspired me to open Jaiko Cleaning Services. We have been in business for over 28 years.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe our biggest accomplishment is having happy staff coming into work every day, serving our great clients, who return, want more services, and refer us.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being an owner is not a Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm job. You are always on call. Clients and employees will reach out to you at all hours of the day, seven (7) days a week. You have no privacy. You have no time off. You are expected to respond to every email, text message, and phone call immediately. One of the many sacrifices a business owner has to make.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Go into a business you love because you will be doing it for the next 30+ years.
  2. Learn as much as you can before you start your business, and keep learning; this is the only way to stay ahead of your competition.
  3. Build a great team around you. No business owner knows it all or is great at everything. Treat your team well, and they will help you grow your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I believe in the "givers gain" philosophy. Help everyone around you. Be patient, be kind, be a mentor, be inspiring, and be the hardest working person in the room. When success starts to happen, be ready to help others. Join a charity or an organization that helps your community. We, as owners, have responded to our staff, our suppliers, and everyone we meet in our community.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jaiko.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaikoCleaningServices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaikoCleaning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konrad-quinn-0b470b14/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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