Candice – Light Duty Cleaner

Candice Lavergne is the Lead Hand and Manager of The Clean Team in Sault Ste. Marie.

What does a typical day look like for you?

We start out the day at the shop. Get everything ready for the day’s jobs. Drive the team to our first client’s home, clean everything the client desires. We have anywhere from 2-4 jobs per day. At the end of the day, we head back to the shop, clean the equipment, and get ready for the next day. In the evening I answer emails, Facebook messages, and complete any other managerial tasks that need to be completed.

What was the education and training needed for your job? Any additional training for your current position?

I started cleaning houses with my mom, who had been cleaning for many years. I have been doing residential and some commercial cleaning over the last 10+ years. I also have a lot of administrative experience which helps with certain parts of the manager position.

Why and when did you choose this career? What have you learned since you started?

It was kind of a surprise, to be honest. I had been working predominantly in administrative positions and was working towards a full-time position in that field. Someone forwarded me the job description for the Lead Hand with The Clean Team and I thought “hey, I could do that!” So I took a chance and it worked out. I took on some additional duties and somewhere along the way also took on the position of Manager. I am learning that supervising your peers isn’t as easy and it might seem. It’s the part of my job I am trying to learn more about and improve on.

What skills do you have that make you great at your job?

I am an extremely friendly person and enjoy talking to new clients. Attention to detail is another skill that is important, as it’s the little things that take a cleaned room from good to amazing. I actually really enjoy cleaning and get great satisfaction from helping our clients.

What is the biggest thing you have learned on the job?

I have learned that providing a customer with a clean house isn’t just about taking that job off their plate. Sometimes it provides peace of mind or makes it easier for them to handle their own mental health. It can relieve stress and give them more time to spend with family or to do something they love. I try to think about that as I’m cleaning and it gives me extra motivation.

What is the best part of your job?

Seeing a happy client!

What is something challenging about your job?

The most challenging part of my job is supervising and managing my employees. I avoid confrontation when possible, but I am learning that it’s best to talk about the little things so that they don’t turn into big things.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing the career?

If you’re interested in becoming a cleaner or the lead hand of a cleaning crew, I would suggest finding an entry-level position with a company or start by cleaning your friends and families homes. Ask for constructive criticism and learn from it and improve.