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Take 5 With Cleanfax

Take 5 With Cleanfax is a video and podcast program specifically for the contract carpet and floor cleaning and disaster restoration industries. The series focuses on management and marketing topics, technical tips, emerging news and more, all in five minute segments for busy business owners, managers, and technicians.

Take 5 is looking for unique stories, technical tips, management and marketing strategies, and video content to share with the cleaning and restoration industries. If you have a suggestion or would like to participate, connect with Jeff Cross, ISSA Media Director, at jeffcross@issa.com.

 

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Listen to the latest episodes:

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How A Website Pricing Page Can Boost Organic Rankings

March 03, 2025

ISSA

Listen to Joe Burnich with Big West Marketing share why a pricing page might be a game changer to your company website.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Website Content: What to Do and What to Avoid

February 13, 2025

ISSA

Listen to Joe Burnich with Big West Marketing share in under five minutes his favorite do's and don'ts.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Inside the 2025 Violand Executive Summit: Exclusive Strategies for Success

February 09, 2025

ISSA

Listent to Tim Hull, the president and owner of Violand Management Associates, outline the plan for this year's event.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How to Handle a Customer Callback Following a Complaint

January 31, 2025

ISSA

Listen to Kyle Kluth share what Pinnacle Eco Clean does when they get the inevitable phone call.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

The Ultimate Strategy to Finding the Very Best Clients

January 31, 2025

ISSA

Listen to Richard Rykbos outline his own company's strategy to the very best clientele.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How to Make Changes to Your Google Business Profile and Avoid Penalties

January 22, 2025

ISSA

Listen to website and SEO expert Joe Burnich outline a plan to make changes to Google accounts without getting penalized.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How Google Views 200 Feet and How it Can Impact Your Company

January 07, 2025

ISSA

Listen to Joe Burnich share an interesting fact about Google and a rule it enforces.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Mastering the Walk-Through - With a Side Dish of Listening

December 16, 2024

ISSA

How do you conduct a walk-through or inspection of a customer's home? Kyle Kluth with Pinnacle Eco Clean shares solid tips.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Maximize Your Marketing ROI: Tap Into the Power of PPC and PPL

October 09, 2024

ISSA

Listen and see what advertising strategies you could be missing out on to gain new business.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Mastering the Art of Price Renewal: Strategies for Navigating Tough Conversations

September 25, 2024

ISSA

Listen to business coach Jeff Carmon outline how to deal with clients when it is time to raise your prices.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Avoid Getting Burned By 'The Check Is In the Mail' Client

September 24, 2024

ISSA

Listen to Steve Toburen describe strategies to get paid on time each and every time you complete a job.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How to Handle the 'I Won't Be There' Client

September 15, 2024

ISSA

Listen to the strategies Steve Toburen shares on how to handle this situation.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

In Memoriam: John Sales Leaves a Lasting Legacy

September 09, 2024

ISSA

Listen to Samuel Sales talk about his father's passion for the carpet cleaning industry and how he will be missed.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

AI Unleashed! The Broader Applications for Cleaning and Restoration

July 23, 2024

ISSA

Listen to Dean Mercado and Jeff Cross discuss ways to use AI beyond generative text.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Surcharges: A Smart Move or a Customer Turnoff?

June 17, 2024

ISSA

Listen to business strategies aimed to help you keep your valuable customers.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

From Planning to Execution: The Violand Executive Summit Experience

June 15, 2024

ISSA

Listen to Chuck Violand explain the history and impact of his annual event.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

No Spam Zone: How to Strategically Use Email Marketing to Land Valuable Clients

June 12, 2024

ISSA

Listen and learn how to get real results from your email marketing efforts.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Podcasting With Purpose: How to Stand Out in Your Local Market

April 23, 2024

ISSA

Learn how you can tap into the power of podcasting to target customers locally.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

The Crucial Role of Accountability in Cleaning and Restoration

April 09, 2024

ISSA

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Phillip Rosebrook with Partner Business Mentors outlines how important accountability is to success and company growth.

Being accountable for our actions is important, as it can foster trust, transparency, and credibility within the organizational and among stakeholders. 
Accountability ensures that individuals and teams take ownership of their decisions and their consequences, leading to a culture of responsibility and integrity. 

In addition, accountability facilitates continuous improvement and learning by encouraging reflection on both successes and failures, driving innovation and efficiency. Ultimately, a strong culture of accountability is essential for sustainable growth, resilience, and long-term success in the dynamic and competitive landscape of business.


Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

The Untapped Strategic Advantage of Google Business Profiles For Cleaning and Restoration Companies

April 09, 2024

ISSA

Google Business Profiles serve as a vital tool for companies seeking to expand their customer base and enhance profitability. By providing a comprehensive online presence, including business information, reviews, photos, and location details, Google Business Profiles enable companies to significantly increase their visibility to potential customers. 

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Katie Harris with Spot On Solutions shares strategies about Google Business Profiles that will help cleaning and restoration companies to get their companies in front of customers looking to buy their services.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How Cleaning and Restoration Companies Can Tap Into the Power of Video Marketing

February 01, 2024

ISSA

As a cleaning or restoration business owner, what type of marketing strategies do you use? Most likely the traditional methods, all aimed and focused on getting referrals. Have you considered the power of video? In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, business coach and strategist John Clendenning lays out a plan you can easily use for video marketing.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How AI Chat Bots are Reshaping the Cleaning and Restoration Industries

January 30, 2024

ISSA

As we start to see a rapid increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, many wonder how to onboard and maximize it to help with various company management tasks. One way AI is becoming useful is by responding to telephone inquiries with AI chatbot technology.

Some business owners or managers may be on the sidelines, watching and wondering; others are actively onboarding AI technology and seeing results. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, tech expert Frankie Fihn, the founder of Get Flood Jobs, demonstrates one way AI will revolutionize a common task: Answering the telephone.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Should Your Workers 'Fly Solo'?

December 27, 2023

ISSA

Should technicians work alone, or should you send them out in pairs? Is a lead tech combined with a helper, with the added costs, a solid financial decision? In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Steve Toburen, director of training of Jon-Don’s Strategies for Success and founder of the digital training company Home Front Success, shares thought-provoking strategies any company sending out crews should consider.

After watching the interview, sign up for Toburen's free, every-Tuesday-morning QuickTIP, just one idea on how to "make more money" as a residential services provider.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Is She Real? Or Is She ... AI?

December 07, 2023

ISSA

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for some time, but recently many have noticed it is gaining traction and momentum when it comes to creating content beyond text or marketing copy. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Frankie Fihn, the founder of Get Flood Jobs, explains the possibilities that AI has for cleaners and restorers. Access the first episode on this topic.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How to Use AI to Land Cleaning and Restoration Jobs

November 08, 2023

ISSA

Artificial intelligence is impacting how we do business, and especially with marketing. Websites need content, and SEO demands keywords partnered with quality messaging. AI is a way to do that. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Frankie Fihn, who runs Get Flood Jobs, shares why it is crucial for business owners to embrace AI now and into the future.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How Small Businesses Can Effectively Leverage Social Media Platforms

October 18, 2023

ISSA

John Clendenning is the CEO and founder of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters. He knows what it takes to effectively leverage social media platforms, and with the array of options available, it's smart business to be strategic in what you do. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, he discusses what small cleaning and restoration companies can do right now to create effective social media campaigns.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Bathroom Etiquette 101: When a Tech NEEDS to Use a Client's Restroom

September 27, 2023

ISSA

What happens when your technician is working in a home and just ... has to go? You know, to the restroom. Does he just "hold it" or ask to use the customer's restroom? This episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax digs into this important, always serious, dilemma.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

TPAs: The Good, the Bad, and the..........

September 14, 2023

ISSA

Don't miss the article on third-party administrators by Nate Cisney, a partner with Restoration Made Simple Consulting.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Unleash the Full Potential of Your Cleaning or Restoration Mobile Website

July 27, 2023

ISSA

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, an effective mobile website has become a cornerstone of success for cleaning and restoration companies. That is a simple fact. Ensuring that your website is optimized for mobile users is no longer optional—it is a strategic must. John Clendenning, the founder and CEO of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters, shares specific strategies you can use right now to get the most out of your mobile site, and get more clients, more jobs, and increase revenues.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

The Insidious Danger of 'Displacement Activities'

July 10, 2023

ISSA

Have you found that non-important activities sometimes get in the way of doing what you consider your essential business tasks?  Steve Toburen, the founder of Home Front Success, has called this issue an "insidious danger of displacement activities" and can sidetrack business owners from doing what they do best: Running their companies and driving profitability.  In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Toburen shares three strategies to ensure that displacement activities don't take over with you and your company.


Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Website Conversion Fundamentals for Cleaning and Restoration Companies

June 12, 2023

ISSA

Building a pretty website and hoping customers will stumble across it and do business with you isn't a strategy. In this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax, learn what your website must have in order to get traffic from potential clients, and the content your site needs to convert those visits into real jobs.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Sharpen Your Focus: The Commercial Restoration Opportunity

May 25, 2023

ISSA

Most restoration contractors focus on the residential segment when offering disaster restoration services. But there is an opportunity in the commercial market. Getting started and what you need to know to make this a profitable venture is spotlighted in this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax. Tim Miller, president of BDA, lays out a few strategies for the industry to consider.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Industry Exclusive: RIA President Katie Smith on RIA Now and in the Future

April 26, 2023

ISSA

ISSA/Cleanfax Media Director Jeff Cross discusses with RIA President Katie Smith the state of the industry from the perspective of the RIA. Smith reports on the 2023 RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo in Orlando, why RIA is thriving the past few years, the value of partnerships, and the future of the association.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Why Do People Clean Their Own Carpet?

April 19, 2023

ISSA

With the tens of thousands of carpet cleaners at work every day, why would a consumer buy or rent their own machine and then clean their own carpet? Is it because hiring a company is too expensive? Or are there other reasons? This is the topic of this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax, featuring Jim Pemberton, the president of Pembertons in McKeesport, PA.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Under the Hood

April 04, 2023

ISSA

As a business owner, you know what runs your company. You built it, after all. But there are moving parts of your company that you may not totally understand. One of those is how an internet search engine works, and how it either will drive traffic to your own website - or how it will drive traffic to your competitor. What's 'under the hood' really matters.

This episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax features John Clendenning, the CEO and founder of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters. 

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

When Pets Rule the Home

March 07, 2023

ISSA

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Jim Pemberton shares a few stories of how the customer's love of their pets and how their pets react to certain cleaning related stimuli affect how a cleaning professional should approach the job. 

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Website Strategies to Grow Your Cleaning and Disaster Restoration Company

February 22, 2023

ISSA

This episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax features John Clendenning, the CEO and founder of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters. He discusses the value of a cleaning and restoration website as part of an ongoing marketing program, whether or not you should use a free template available on the market today, and a select number of key strategies to grow your company.


Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

A Unique View of Pet Odor Removal Services

February 09, 2023

ISSA

Jim Pemberton is the president of Pembertons and is a recognized industry trainer and consultant. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Pemberton brings up an interesting point about how the term "pet odor removal" might work against professional cleaners. He offers a unique view that may change how you approach this lucrative service.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Know Your Marketing Fundamentals Before Going Tactical

January 03, 2023

ISSA

John Clendenning is the founder and CEO of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters, and has learned over the years that both solid fundamentals with proven tactics are strategies to get clients, jobs, and drive revenue. This is true for any type of service company, especially those offering on-location cleaning services. In this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax, he shares thoughts that will help any business owner or marketing manager figure out how to unlock a company's potential in any marketplace.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Restoration Contractors: Don't Fall Prey to Overzealous Insurance Adjusters

December 12, 2022

ISSA

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has released a position statement on how to respond when overzealous insurance adjusters attempt to dictate restoration prices. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Ed Cross, an attorney who works closely with the RIA, explains what business owners need to know and how to respond to this specific challenge.

RIA Position Statements are an exclusive RIA member benefit. They can be incorporated into verbal and written communications as powerful tools to overcome common collections challenges restorers face.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Take Aim: Where to Focus Your Cleaning and Restoration Marketing Efforts

November 22, 2022

ISSA

John Clendenning is the founder and CEO of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters, helping businesses to grow in this competitive marketplace. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Clendenning explains where to focus marketing efforts and shares details that anyone involved in marketing cleaning or restoration services needs to know.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Talent Acquisition Strategies for the Restoration Industry

October 27, 2022

ISSA

Ashlee Hofberger is an expert when it comes to finding, onboarding, and retaining talent in the restoration industry. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, she shares strategies every company can use right now.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Bridging the Restoration Contractor and Adjuster Gap

October 24, 2022

ISSA

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Princeton shares strategies on how to bridge the gap between restorers and the insurance industry, specifically with adjusters.

David R. Princeton, CPCU, AMIM, AIC, CSRP , is the Principal Consultant at Advocate Claim Service, LLC, and works with the Restoration Industry Association on strategic planning, including presenting at the RIA 2022 Fall Technical Conference. More information here.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

The Impact of IICRC for Constituents in 2022 and Beyond

October 03, 2022

ISSA

Carey Vermeulen is the IICRC President and Chairman for 2022-2023. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, he discusses his own journey with IICRC, the impact he sees from the certification process, and offers a glimpse into the future of the organization.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Why All Cleaning and Restoration Companies MUST Use A/B Testing

September 28, 2022

ISSA

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Sonny Ahuja with KiLLitOnLine.com shares tips and strategies for cleaning and restoration companies to really test their marketing campaigns and make sure they are optimized for success.

Whether you are testing your website, email campaigns, Google Ad campaigns, or others, a constant analysis of what works and what doesn't work is critical, especially as the cost of marketing continues to increase. To be competitive, A/B testing is a must.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Markup vs Margin in the Restoration Industry

September 27, 2022

ISSA

Jon Isaacson is the host of the DYOJO Podcast and an avid supporter and volunteer with the Restoration Industry Association. In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, he discusses the key differences between markup and margin in the restoration industry and how entrepreneurs can maximize revenues.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Key Differences in Restoration Training and Development

September 14, 2022

ISSA

Marcie Richardson is the director of human resources and safety with Guarantee Restoration Services, and also serves on the board of directors with the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). 

In this segment of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Richardson spotlights  the key differences between training and development, and how a successful restoration company focuses on both and works to build a great team of employees.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Who Needs To Be an Internet Marketing Expert?

September 13, 2022

ISSA

John Clendenning is the founder and CEO of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters, and has implemented internet strategies over the years and driven leads and revenue for his own company. Has internet marketing paid off for you? If not, this is a must-watch interview.

In this episode of Take 5 With Cleanfax, Clendenning outlines what a carpet cleaning or disaster restoration business owner needs to do to maximize a company's marketing efforts, and at times step out of comfort zones to engage in unfamiliar marketing strategies.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

How to Deal With Restoration Pricing Challenges

September 06, 2022

ISSA

 In this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax, an expert with the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) shares insights and strategies with challenges facing anyone engaged in estimating and pricing restoration services. Anthony Nelson is a member of the board of RIA and also serves on the AGA Pricing Feedback Committee, and understands the issues restoration contractors face with pricing. In this interview, he digs into how to use software to your advantage and especially how to provide pricing feedback to software estimating companies.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Three Ways to Maximize Your 'Google My Business' Listing for Cleaning and Restoration Companies

August 18, 2022

ISSA

Sonny Ahuja is a website and SEO expert and concentrates his efforts on the cleaning and restoration industries, and is a frequent author for Cleanfax. In this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax, Ahuja shares three easy tips to maximize the impact of your Google My Business listing.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

What Restoration Pros Need to Know About Sewage Cleanup

August 18, 2022

ISSA

In this episdoe of Take 5 with  Cleanfax, Jeremy Reets and Jeff Cross "Take 5" and discuss a stinky situation: Sewage cleanup. Reets is the owner and founder of Reets Drying Systems, and is a trainer and coach in the disaster restoration industry. In this segment of Take 5, he discusses several key points that anyone engaged in sewage cleanup must know and understand. From the types of loss to cleaning, disinfecting, and training, learn what just may keep you out of trouble.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Will a Recession Bring an Increase of Denied Disaster Restoration Insurance Claims?

August 18, 2022

ISSA

Most, if not all, disaster restoration companies have experienced insurance claims being denied, which means payment for their work is delayed, if not in complete jeopardy. Sometimes a legal battle then ensues. And now a new twist may be developing. According to Kevin Jones, the owner of the I-40 Structural Drying Academy, and a consultant in the restoration industry, as corporate funds dry up the industry may see more denied claims. There are solutions that restoration companies can consider as they deal with insurance companies, claims, and the entire process of getting paid in a timely manner. Jones outlines several key strategies in this episode of Take 5 with Cleanfax.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

What Exactly Should You Expect From Your Google Ad Campaign?

August 18, 2022

ISSA

In this edition of Take 5 with Cleanfax, Sonny Ahuja, a website and SEO expert, shares details on how much you should spend on your Google Ad campaigns and how to maximize the results. When you spend money on Google Ads, you want to get the best return for your investment. His strategies will help you with your ad campaigns moving forward. In addition, Ahuja offers free consultations to industry professionals who need help with their online marketing. You can reach him at sonny@killitonline.com. Get more information at https://www.killitonline.com.

Take 5 With Cleanfax – an ISSA Podcast

Get Your Humanitarian On! It's Time for Nominations for the Ralph Bloss Award

August 18, 2022

ISSA

 The 2022 Ralph Bloss Humanitarian Award nomination process has begun. The award is sponsored by Cleanfax and presented at The Experience Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas each year, though the winner does not have to be present to win.Complete information can be found here: https://cleanfax.com/news/ralph-bloss-humanitarian-award/


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