Entrepreneur: Carpet-cleaning specialist enjoys meeting new people
It’s about “keeping your investment clean.” I offer a truck-mounted carpet cleaning service serving greater Rochester and some surrounding towns. I clean residential and commercial.
I am owner/operator of Exceptional Carpet Care.
What drove you to launch your own business?
I used to work weekends and have days off during the week, so I always had my own business during those years — lawn care, snow removal and picnic table rental. And then I needed to have more flexibility with my work schedule so I could have more family time. There were times that I was missing out on my kids’ activities, and with going out on my own, I have been able to be there for my kids.
How many hours do you typically work in a week?
I usually work around 50 hours a week, depending on what is going on with family activities during the week.
I do not have any employees.
When did you start your business?
I started the business in 1998 — 20 years ago.
If you left another job to start this business, what was it?
I worked at Kerry Ingredients in Rochester for 30 years
Do you work elsewhere in addition to the time you put in at your business?
Not anymore. Once I took the leap, I have only been working with my business.
What sacrifices did you make to launch this business and to keep it running?
Leaving a secure career with full benefits. However, the benefits of being with my family more have definitely outweighed the sacrifice.
What is the best thing about owning a business?
The best thing about owning a business is being able to meet great people. There is also self-satisfaction as well as the schedule flexibility, which gives me more family time.
What is the hardest thing about owning a business?
The hardest thing about owning a business is having to “be-all,” which includes answering the phone, the bookkeeping and scheduling.
What’s your hope for your business in the next year?
To continue to give the best service and product to all my current and new customers
What inspires you to keep doing it?
I really like the job. I enjoy meeting new people everyday and talking with my returning customers.
Knowing what you know now, would you do anything different?
I wouldn’t do anything different.
Entrepreneur spotlights the brave souls who own and run micro-businesses in the Rochester area. A total of 70,075 Minnesota firms had four or fewer employees in 2015. That’s about 60 percent out of the state’s total 117,124 businesses. Please pass on suggestions for Entrepreneur to Dwight Boyum at 285-7726 or boyum@postbulletin.com.
Exceptional Carpet Care, Inc. is locally owned and operated by Troy Mickelson. Celebrating our 26th year in business. We do residential and commercial cleaning with Free Estimates!When it comes to satisfaction and quality, were your choice for residential and commercial cleaning services. At Exceptional Carpet Care, Inc. we are so sure of your satisfaction, we will come in and do a free sample area cleaning, so you can compare.
Troy Mickelson, Owner