Sharper edge to green cleaning

Dateline: 01.10.2009
Author: Keith Watts

Motivated by his own concerns about the state of the planet and the environment, Sharper Cleaning's managing director Robert Krastic made a decision to focus his business on green cleaning. Established in 2004 as a general cleaning company, sustainability has been a major driver of the Melbourne-based business over the last 12 months. "I feel that there is a lot we can do as an industry to make changes," says Krastic.

Before starting Sharper Cleaning, Krastic worked in an advertising/design studio and developed an interest in how its cleaners operated. He felt he could do well in cleaning and, as he had always wanted to run his own business, Krastic went out and bought some equipment and simply started door knocking on small offices.

As business built up his wife helped out and, after 18 months, his brother Denis joined - looking after established accounts, client relationships and quality control.

Early clients included a couple of retail showrooms, general offices and a cinema chain. Commercial and industrial premises within a 40 kilometre radius of Melbourne CBD are still the mainstay of Sharper Cleaning's business.

The contractor offers a full range of services including general office cleaning, steam cleaning, windows, stripping, sealing etc. and employs some 50 contract cleaners. "Ninety percent of our cleaners are sole traders," explains Krastic. "They are the people who actually do the job. It's easier to control and it builds for stronger relationships with the staff and with clients."

Krastic observes that today's clients are becoming more price sensitive so the contractor tailor makes a solution that fits the client's budget.

"It's an ideal way to start from the outset. The client gets value for money and their expectations meet what they expect to pay. I quote on the time I think it will take to do the job and I have walked away when I know that we are up against other companies quoting half our rates. We don't pay lip service to green cleaning. We are green in every aspect of what we do," emphasises Krastic.

He points out that green cleaning can be cost-effective and should not blow the clients budget. "It's a bit of an educated approach. For example, if cleaners dilute some products correctly they will last twice as long. Also, using machinery wherever possible will significantly reduce the cost of labour."

Machinery and new technology used by Sharper include Tennant auto scrubbers, PacVac backpacks, microfibre cloths, citrus-based cleaning products, biodegradable rubbish bags and a high pressure steam system (Vega Plus) for removing chewing gum. "This is an amazing unit," states Krastic, when referring to the steam cleaner. "It uses very little chemicals and has a wand so the operator does not have to bend."

Sharper Cleaning has also embraced waterless urinal technology with a product called 'Desert Cube'. According to Krastic the average urinal wastes 151,000 litres of water a year. This system can reduce that by up to 98%. The cube is biodegradable, septic and sewerage safe. Cleaning is quick and chemical free. "Our staff are trained in waterless urinal maintenance," notes Krastic.

Stringent recruiting process

In order to maintain standards, Sharper Cleaning has a fairly stringent recruiting process, seeking out people who have a high level of ethics and responsibility and who can demonstrate good productivity levels in current and past jobs.

"Once on board they receive thorough in-house training on OH&S, understanding what hazards exist in the workplace and the way I like things cleaned," Krastic says.

"When we commence a new job we do a maintenance clean first to lift the site to a good standard. We like to hit it really hard at the start. The client notices a massive difference the next day and that to us is a great public relations exercise as well. It all comes back to education."

Krastic believes that the industry will continue to be price-driven if there are companies willing to do things cheaply. He adds contractors do not need to get to a point where they become like everyone else.

"If companies have innovations within their business then they should push them as much as possible. Innovation in any business is what creates an industry that is driving and sustainable."

Sharper Cleaning has enjoyed steady growth from the very beginning and in 2006 and 2007 doubled its turnover. This year has been about 70% growth. "We have no need to advertise as we are constantly getting referrals," enthuses Krastic.

Looking ahead, Krastic wants Sharper Cleaning to be seen as a market leader in green cleaning. "Some companies give clients a regular quote and a separate green quote. That screams of hypocrisy. You're either green or you're not!

"I believe that we've ticked all the boxes in what I believe a green cleaning company should be. We have formed strong relationships with clients who share our views on doing what we can to provide a planet that will still exist for our children."

www.sharpercleaning.com.au

Pictured, Denis and Robert Krastic... 'you are either a green cleaning company or you are not'

Sharper edge to green cleaning