I was a mechanical engineer running a biomechanics lab. In 2017 I started a cleaning company instead. Here's what I've learned about the industry.

I'm Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of Hellamaid. Before this I had a P.Eng and a master's from UofT, and I was coordinating the biomedical engineering labs at the University of Guelph. [One or two sentences on the moment you decided to do this: a bad cleaning experience, seeing how cleaners were treated, a gap you noticed.]

A few things I decided early on, and why:

• Cleaners get paid properly. We're Living Wage certified through the Ontario Living Wage Network. [Why this mattered to you, and what it changed about turnover or quality.]
• Tips go 100% to the cleaner. They're optional, and you can tip in the app or in cash.
• If we miss something, we come back. Tell us within 24 hours and we'll schedule a return visit to fix it.
• We're insured for $5M, because accidents happen in people's homes and you shouldn't be the one stuck with the bill.

What I got wrong: [one honest mistake, such as growing too fast in a city, a pricing misstep, or a hiring lesson. This is the line that makes the post credible.]

What I'd tell anyone hiring a cleaner, whether it's us or not: [2–3 genuinely useful tips, such as asking whether cleaners are employees or contractors, asking about insurance, or asking what happens if something breaks.]

Happy to answer questions, including critical ones.