The cleaning business is chock full of owner-operators – people who do the work themselves. The one-truck operator. The one-man show. Does that describe you?

My daddy used to say, if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it is probably a duck. The wood flooring category of hard-surface flooring constitutes a growing segment of our industry, but is it all actually wood?

CFI Education Director Peter Sierck and CFI President Matt Sanders have put together an impressive slate of classes to be held at A+Plus Environmental Supplies.

Sept. 9-11 sees the Connections Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas. Join the PCUCA board of directors for “THE EXPERIENCE,” a hands-on educational program.

As has been widely reported, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification welcomed its first full-time, paid president on Aug. 1, when Patrick Winters officially joined our organization.

Los Angeles Chapter Director Vince Attardo reports that the LA Chapter held a successful chapter meeting, with 30-plus attendees sitting in on a discussion with past CFI Director Al Casas and IICRC Vice President Darrell Paulsen.

I recently inspected a couple of carpet-cleaning jobs carried out by two different cleaning companies. One job was through the manufacturer, the other contracted by the homeowner.

The PCUCA cleaned the two Denver-area Ronald McDonald Houses in April and May as a donation of more than $10,000 to benefit families who have children in local hospitals and Children’s Hospital.

The CFI mourns the passing of our good friend and President Emeritus Carl Williams. He was the founder and president of The Academy of Textiles & Flooring in Whittier, California.

The majority of carpet cleaners out there are owner-operators working alone against incredible odds. My hat is off to all of you brave solo entrepreneurs! But even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Who has your back? Maybe more importantly, how can you delegate at least some of your responsibilities?