Nick Ross, Co-Founder and Acting CEO of Home Spritz, recently sat down with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine to discuss the innovative concept behind his cleaning marketplace and how it challenges the traditional cleaning company model. Nick explained that Home Spritz was born out of a need for a more reliable and transparent platform where families can directly choose vetted cleaners. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to paying a living wage, which not only values cleaners but also ensures consistent, high-quality service. Additionally, Nick shared the strategies Home Spritz employs to overcome industry challenges, such as hiring top talent, and detailed the company’s plans for expansion while maintaining its personalized service.
Nick Ross, Co-Founder and Acting CEO of Home Spritz, is a dynamic leader with more than a decade of software development experience. A self-professed tech enthusiast, Nick has honed his expertise in team leadership and contributed to reputable FinTech companies. His entrepreneurial drive is evident in his track record of product development across startups and established enterprises.
Q1. What inspired you to create Home Spritz, and how does the concept of a cleaning marketplace differ from traditional cleaning companies?
We established Home Spritz based on our firsthand knowledge that the house cleaning industry was fundamentally flawed. The inspiration behind creating this business stemmed from the need for a trusted, vetted marketplace for house cleaning services—one where families can freely browse and select cleaners. Unlike traditional companies that dictate cleaner assignments and handle all communication, our platform allows families to choose from a list of vetted cleaners, reducing the risks associated with hiring through referrals or job boards. Additionally, Home Spritz provides cleaners with essential tools to manage their business, such as booking management, scheduling, and payment processing. This support helps cleaners avoid the administrative burdens that often drive them back to traditional companies, enabling them to maintain their independence and build lasting client relationships.
Q2. Home Spritz is committed to being a living wage employer for its cleaning contractors. Why was this an important decision for you, and how does it impact the quality of service provided?
At Home Spritz, the decision to be a living wage employer is deeply rooted in our commitment to valuing and respecting our cleaning contractors. Cleaners are often underpaid and undervalued, which leads to high turnover and inconsistent service quality. Through our personal experiences and conversations with cleaners, we realized that low wages compelled them to constantly seek better opportunities, disrupting the consistency we desired for our clients. By offering a living wage, we not only ensure that our cleaners feel valued and respected, but we also foster long-term relationships that contribute to consistent and high-quality service.
Our partnerships with the Alberta Living Wage network and Living Wage for Families BC support our mission to advocate for fair wages in the industry. These collaborations help us actively share and promote the importance of fair pay through social media, attracting clients who value community-oriented businesses. This benefits our employees and strengthens client trust and loyalty, ensuring Home Spritz continues to deliver exceptional service.
Q3. As a small business leader, what challenges have you faced in establishing Home Spritz, and how have you addressed them to ensure the success and growth of your platform?
Establishing Home Spritz came with its share of challenges, particularly in the hiring process, given the absence of formal training programs and certifications for house cleaners. Unlike trades such as electricians, where credentials are clear, the cleaning industry lacks standardized certifications, making it difficult to identify and recruit top talent. To overcome this, we focus on hiring the top two percent of cleaners who apply, rigorously selecting individuals based on their experience and communication skills.
Experience sets seasoned cleaners apart from novices, and we prioritize this along with excellent communication abilities to foster personal connections with our clients. These efforts ensure that our clients receive exceptional service, building trust and strong relationships that are pivotal to our success and growth. By maintaining these high hiring standards, Home Spritz continues to thrive as a platform known for its reliability and quality.
Q4. You mentioned plans to expand Home Spritz to additional markets across Canada. What strategies are you employing to scale the business while maintaining the personalized and high-quality service that Home Spritz is known for?
As Home Spritz expands across North America, we’re committed to maintaining the personalized and high-quality service that defines our brand. This starts with hiring the top 2% of cleaners in each market—individuals with excellent communication, exceptional cleaning skills, and unwavering drive. Enlisting the finest talent streamlines people management, enabling us to oversee more cleaners with fewer customer support personnel.
Efforts are also underway to leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks in our operations, lightening the workload for our customer support team. This enables them to focus on pivotal aspects—nurturing relationships with customers and cleaners. We’re revamping our client portal to enhance the customer experience, encouraging direct interaction between clients and cleaners to build long-lasting relationships.
Q5. Home Spritz also focuses on giving back to the community through initiatives like “Cleanings For a Reason.” Can you share more about the importance of these programs and how they align with your company’s values?
Home Spritz is deeply committed to positively impacting the communities we serve, and our partnership with Cleaning for a Reason is a testament to this dedication. We understand the immense challenges cancer patients face, from health concerns to increased stress and financial burdens. By offering free house cleaning services, we aim to alleviate these burdens, creating a healing sanctuary where patients can focus on recovery. Our ongoing efforts in Metro Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton underscore our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling cancer, aligning with our core values of support and compassion.
To learn more about Home Spritz visit, homespritz.ca
