Cathy Dobson
Heather Fields looks at her booking schedule and can’t believe how full the calendar is already.
Weeks after starting Assista Property Services with her husband Jeff, Fields says she is booking up fast.
Early spring was a good time to start a cleaning and maintenance business in Sarnia, says Jeff.
The couple knows there is a lot of competition in the cleaning industry here but they are convinced their service will stand out because of their novel approach.
Assista is like a one-stop shop, offering many services for people who want to live independently in their homes as long as possible.
The Fields will clean the home, do small repairs, painting and lawn service. Most services cost $20 per hour and free estimates are available. About 50% of their calls are coming from residential customers, while the other half are commercial and industrial inquiries, said Heather.
“We know there’s a demand because we’ve both been in the janitorial business,” said Jeff. “And we know it’s not going away. It will never be replaced by robots or technology of any sort.”
The couple says they were working for another company and saw the value in being the employer, not the employee.
“We worked long hours for other people. We were on call and working nights,” said Jeff.
With two boys at home, ages 8 and 12, Heather wanted a more flexible schedule.
With the help of the Sarnia Lambton Business Development Board, she was able to put a business plan together for Assista Property Services and get some financing.
“Now we have options and can make our own decisions,” she said. “We value our customers.”
The first weeks of business have been busy, but the Fields expected that. They both put in 40-plus hours a week on job sites and in their home office.
“The way we’re going, we should see a profit after only one year,” said Jeff.
Already, Assista has hired one part-time employee and anticipates another four full-time workers by the end of the year.
Specials – such as window cleaning – are posted on the company’s Facebook page weekly. For more information, visit www.assistapropertyservices.ca or call 519-381-5753.
THE BIG DEBATE
May 5 and 6 are the dates for a high energy debate at the Holiday Inn about Canada’s oil future. The findings of the Canadian Academy of Engineering about sustainable energy will be analyzed, followed by a reception and dinner.
Senior government and industry leaders are expected to attend the two-day program, hosted by the Bowman Centre.
Call 519-263-5050 for details.
Got an interesting business story? Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.