Society Cleaners, LLC, Stacey K Burger
Society Carpet Cleaners is a fourth-generation carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning business. We also recently have branched out into house cleaning services.
I inherited the business because of the financial state of the business, and I basically dismantled the business and started over. I must say that my father was my hero my whole life. I was relieved to know at least that he would never know the state of the business he worked so hard for. My mission became very clear, that I needed to rebuild and restore the business on behalf of my family. That was my original goal, however, much like life, that goal changed. The business that I rescued really rescued me.
My business was started in 1937 as a clothing dry cleaner by my grandparents. In 1973 my father closed the dry cleaners and began carpet cleaning. I am one of four boys, yet I inherited the business in 2017. My father passed away in 2010, and my stepmother in 2017. I was incredibly optimistic about becoming a new owner but without any experience. What I didn't know was that the day after my stepmother passed the business was on the verge of bankruptcy.
I can remember having virtually one dollar, broken down equipment, and employees who were not educated enough to do their jobs. But in a struggling company that gave me all the direction I needed. Up, up is all the direction I needed. The highest point of my business has been being awarded a certificate that states we are the recipients of the title "Best Professional Cleaning Service" in our area. In the three long years, I have owned this company, I have felt defeated, and scared, but also optimistic that with every passing day, we are making progress. We are now, according to Google, a 5-star company that is completely rebuilt and refurbished.
I knew that if I wanted the best for this company I needed insight and experience that I didn't have. I am the sole owner and in the past, my company has always been owned by two people. I also know that in the early '40s, the business was in a financially catastrophic state, and I was not going to let it go through that a third time.
It wouldn't have been possible without my Score mentors. I am very good at running day-to-day operations but understanding my numbers is something that was never done even with my parents as owners. I wanted to be able to move beyond this state and they have continuously helped me with large decisions I was scared to do without consulting anyone and secondly preparing for our future once we moved beyond a recovery stage.
First of all, they are the calming effect I need when I show up to a meeting tired and stressed. They always have a story, advice, and options for me to think over. Whether they know it or not they are extreme lifesavers and probably the reason I never give up. They are frank, and upfront, and always remind me of the progress I have made. I know that I am not an accountant, but I have two lifesavers out there, not only rooting me on but opening up other options I may not have thought of due to my inexperience. I cannot say enough about my Score mentors or this program. I am extremely grateful!
I grew up as a small business kid, so small business is and will always be in my heart. The best that I can say is to follow your heart, do it with good intentions, know your worth, and pick your army to support you. Small business is not a walk in the park but nothing worthwhile is. Know that there will be good days when you feel invincible, and bad days that make you question every decision you ever made. Most of all, NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
That this business will be as successful as the effort I put into it. I'm beginning to see that running a business is far from easy, but it is rewarding. Business for me is a challenge. I am determined to succeed even if some days I feel it's got the best of me. There will be another day that will make me feel as if I have climbed Mount Everest!
I can help you with: accounting; banking; business operations, plans, strategies; construction...
I can help you start or grow your business. I have 40 years of experience in finance, accounting...
