Startup Corner: Tara Gentry, Custom Design Cleaning Inc., dba Eco-Cleaning Systems

Minimally viable product …
Our cleaning service. We strive to help homeowners and business owners in our community focus on the more important and demanding aspects of their lives. We pride ourselves on being known as dependable and constantly striving to exceed expectations in detailed service and customer satisfaction.

Seed money …
I decided to take a chance on myself and believed buying the business was an opportunity for my future. I had worked in this company for six years when my former employer decided to sell. I was able to buy this business with money I had saved to buy a home.

Next phase …
I want the company to grow so that the employees are able to use their employment as a stepping stone in their lives to meet their personal life goals. We want to grow so that our employees can grow with us – whether that’s by continuing to work in the company or if they’re on their way to something else. We want the best for our employees.

Pivot …
We have grown 500 percent in the last 12 months and went from two to 10 employees. Creating infrastructure within the company has been essential to sustaining and managing this growth.

Biggest mistake …
My biggest mistake was trying to do everything on my own. My best decision was to bring on my now general manager, Andrea Robinson. Without her insight and work ethic, we would not have been able to sustain the growth curve.

Greatest need ...
Our greatest need is finding the next employee to invest in. Business has been good, and growth has been substantial. Our limiting factor in continued growth is finding those who are willing to grow with us.

Food for thought …
Know your end goal and don’t waiver until you reach it. Above all, believe in yourself.