Episodes

  • Inside the World of Translation: Bridgeing Cultures in Legal, Medical, and Manufacturing Fields Susanne Evens BCWA S10:E13

    Inside the World of Translation: Bridgeing Cultures in Legal, Medical, and Manufacturing Fields Susanne Evens BCWA S10:E13
    Sep 16 2026
    In this episode, host Dave Thompson welcomes longtime friend Susanne Evens, founder of AAA Translation in Saint Louis, Missouri. Susanne shares her journey from Germany to building a global translation and interpreting business operating across every continent. She explains that translation goes beyond words, encompassing cultural nuances critical in legal, medical, and manufacturing sectors. Susanne discusses her worldwide network of professional translators, the $60 billion industry, and her company's recognition as a Top 100 Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She also addresses AI's role in translation, emphasizing that human expertise remains irreplaceable for complex, sensitive documents. Susanne Evens: 'It's a matter of life and death if it's not done right, and people can get hurt. We've seen these lawsuits that have been happening from improper translations.' https://www.aaatranslation.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevens/ Podcast Introduction (00:00:16) The show "Beyond Clean with Ace" is introduced, highlighting its focus on personal and professional growth beyond just cleaning topics. Guest Introduction: Susanne Evans (00:01:02) Host Dave Thompson introduces the episode's guest, Susanne Evans from Saint Louis, and mentions their long-standing personal connection. Susanne's Business: Global Translation (00:03:23) Susanne describes her business, which offers foreign language translation and global consulting services on every continent except Antarctica. The Origin of the Business (00:05:14) Susanne explains how she got into translation, starting with her first job at Hewlett-Packard in Germany and later starting her business. Global Team and Client Relationships (00:06:49) Discussion on how Susanne manages her global team of translators, who are independent contractors, and maintains long-term client relationships. Finding New Translators and Clients (00:08:16) Susanne explains how she vets new translators from daily resume submissions and acquires new clients through referrals. Translation vs. Interpreting (00:12:46) The conversation shifts to the differences between translation (75% of the business) and interpreting (25%), which require different skill sets. The Importance of Professional Interpreters (00:15:01) Susanne emphasizes that being bilingual is not enough; trained, professional interpreters are crucial, especially in medical and legal fields. Language Nuances and Dialects (00:16:48) The complexities of language, such as the many dialects of Spanish, are discussed, highlighting the need for context-specific translation. Top 100 Small Businesses Award (00:19:23) Susanne shares her excitement about her company being named one of the top 100 small businesses in America by the US Chamber. Future of the Business and Retirement (00:22:39) Susanne reflects on her business's future and the challenges of planning for eventual retirement while loving her work. The Impact of AI on Translation (00:24:50) The role of AI is discussed as a helpful tool, but Susanne stresses it cannot replace human expertise for complex projects. The Story Behind the Company Name (00:29:58) Susanne reveals that "AAA Translation" was named to be listed first in the Yellow Pages when the business started. Most Translated Languages (00:30:49) Susanne identifies Spanish and Canadian French as the most frequently requested languages for translation projects like employee manuals and food labels. Final Takeaway: The Importance of Professionals (00:33:01) Susanne's key message is that professional, trained translators and interpreters are essential, as improper translation can have serious consequences. OUR WEBSITE ================================== ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    39 mins
  • Microbes to the Rescue: Pac-Man Microbes Eat Away Dirt and Odors in Your Facility * BCWA S10:E12

    Microbes to the Rescue: Pac-Man Microbes Eat Away Dirt and Odors in Your Facility * BCWA S10:E12
    Jul 14 2026
    In this conversation, Madison McEnroe and I dive deep into the science, benefits, and practical applications of probiotic cleaning technology—a revolutionary approach that’s changing how we think about cleanliness, sustainability, and health in facilities of all kinds. Cleaners That Keep on Cleaning? Imagine spraying a surface, wiping it down, and having a microscopic army of "good bacteria" stay behind to keep cleaning for up to 14 days. That's what probiotics do! Madison compared them to little Pac-Man characters, constantly eating away at dirt and odor-causing grime long after you've put the cloth away. It’s like having a free employee working 24/7. What Does "Bio-Based" Actually Mean? We hear terms like "natural" and "organic" all the time, but Madison broke it down beautifully. Bio-based means the ingredients come directly from the earth—plants, trees, and other biological materials—not from synthetic, lab-made chemicals. It’s about harnessing nature's power in a scientifically proven way. Safety You Can Trust. One of the biggest takeaways was the safety profile. These products score a "000" on the health and safety scale. That means they're non-toxic to us, safe for aquatic life, and friendly to the environment. They're even used in over 500 hospitals, which speaks volumes about their safety and effectiveness. The End of Endless Scrubbing? We talked about those impossible-to-clean areas like grout and deep carpet stains. Because probiotics are living organisms, they can penetrate deep into porous surfaces and break down soils that traditional cleaners can't even reach. The idea of lightening grout stains over time without harsh chemicals is a total game-changer. Genesan Chemicals - https://www.cleaneasier.com/ GEM Supply & Genesan - https://catalog.gemsupply.net/CatalogSearch.aspx?Value=genesan OUR WEBSITE ================================== ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    27 mins
  • The Key Role of Empathy, Accountability, and Engagement in Cleaning Businesses with David Green * BCWA S10:E11

    The Key Role of Empathy, Accountability, and Engagement in Cleaning Businesses with David Green * BCWA S10:E11
    Jun 29 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Clean with ACE, host Dave Thompson welcomes David Greene, CEO of Rediscover Clean and the Rock Star Leadership Academy, for an insightful discussion on employee engagement in the commercial cleaning industry. Greene emphasizes that engaged employees are a company's greatest competitive advantage, outperforming any technology investment. The conversation explores common leadership pitfalls, the importance of empathy, and the value of meaningful recognition over superficial perks. Leaders are encouraged to balance kindness with accountability, listen actively, and invest in their people to drive performance, customer satisfaction, and lasting organizational success. https://www.rediscoverclean.com/ The Power of Engaged Employees (00:02:54) Engaged employees are described as the most inexpensive and effective productivity tool, surpassing technology and software in boosting performance. Common Leadership Mistakes (00:03:58) Leaders often focus on software and spreadsheets instead of building culture, leading to employees leaving leadership, not the company. The Impact on Customers (00:04:48) Happy and engaged employees directly create a positive experience for customers, whether in hotels or hospitals, leading to customer loyalty. The Emotional Side of Leadership (00:05:22) Leaders must be aware of employees' personal emotions, as they directly drive performance and overall company success. How to Improve Engagement (00:06:43) True engagement isn't about pizza parties; it's about small, meaningful actions like listening, recognition, and removing roadblocks for employees. Learning from Top Organizations (00:08:25) Examples from Ritz-Carlton and Cleveland Clinic show the value of listening to employees and involving them in relevant decisions. Kindness and Accountability (00:10:03) Effective leadership combines kindness (showing you care) with accountability (maintaining high standards) and explaining the "why" behind decisions. The Emotional Bank Account (00:11:28) Leaders should make regular "deposits" of positive interactions with employees, so "withdrawals" during tough conversations are less impactful. Leading Across Generations (00:12:41) The hosts discuss the challenge of managing and communicating effectively with the five different generations present in the cleaning industry workforce. Final Advice for Leaders (00:13:50) Leaders should stop chasing new apps and systems and instead invest in their people to build a strong, performance-driven culture. OUR WEBSITE ================================== ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning employee engagement, leadership, workplace culture, organizational success, kindness, accountability, emotional aspects, commercial cleaning industry, personal growth, professional growth, Academy of Cleaning Excellence, podcast, Beyond Clean with ace, productivity, engaged employees, customer satisfaction, training sessions, emotional awareness, leadership pitfalls, meaningful actions, employee recognition, trust, goodwill, emotional bank account, generational diversity, effective communication, mentorship, Rediscover Clean, Rock Star Leadership Academy, employee education, development, positive experiences, empathy in leadership, workplace challenges, decision-making processes, competitive advantage.
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    16 mins
  • Cleaning Up Crime Scenes: Not Your Average Dusting Job, with Rashelle & Mark * BCWA S10:E10

    Cleaning Up Crime Scenes: Not Your Average Dusting Job, with Rashelle & Mark * BCWA S10:E10
    Jun 12 2026

    In this episode of Beyond Clean with Ace, host Dave Thompson speaks with Rashelle and Mark, a husband-and-wife instructor team specializing in trauma and crime scene cleanup.

    They discuss the physical, psychological, and safety challenges of this demanding field, emphasizing that TV portrayals often mislead people about the reality of the work.

    The conversation covers their upcoming classroom-based course in Orlando, which addresses safety protocols, industry standards, client communication, and equipment.

    The class welcomes cleaning professionals of all backgrounds, from carpet cleaners to restoration contractors, and helps attendees determine whether this specialized field is right for them.

    https://events.humanitix.com/iicrc-trauma-and-crime-scene-technician-tcst-orlando-9-29-and-30-26

    'Mark', '00:13:43', 'I remember early in my career that I got called out to clean up a situation where a lady put her hand out to steady herself, went through the window, and almost bled out on the floor.'

    'Dave Thompson', '00:15:34', 'I went into the basement, it was so bad I went and got an oxygen tank from the rental store, went in and found two dead bodies.'

    'Rashelle', '00:12:18', 'We have opportunities to make really inappropriate and bad choices, and it really comes down to you, within yourself, do the right thing.'

    OUR WEBSITE

    ==================================

    ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/

    SOCIAL

    ============================

    PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle...

    TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl...

    TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea...

    ============================

    #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    18 mins
  • How One Software Helped a User Land a $4,200-a-Month Contract in Just Four Days * BCWA S10:E9

    How One Software Helped a User Land a $4,200-a-Month Contract in Just Four Days * BCWA S10:E9
    Jun 10 2026

    In this episode of Beyond Clean with Ace, host Dave Thompson speaks with Edwin Eaton, owner of I Pro Building Services and creator of Cinch Janitorial Software.

    Edwin shares how his experience running a commercial cleaning company in rural Washington inspired him to build software specifically designed for the industry.

    They discuss Cinch's key features, including bidding calculators, scope-of-work templates, CRM, inspections, geofencing, payroll reporting, and an AI assistant.

    Dave also highlights a special offer that combines his Academy of Cleaning Excellence bidding classes with an extended free trial and a discount on Cinch.

    To get this offer, use code: GEM26

    https://cleancinch.com/

    or attend a Bidding for Profit class.

    https://collections.humanitix.com/bidding-and-marketing-cleaning-contracts-for-profit

    Cinch Janitorial Software: "00:02:51" Bidding Calculators: "00:06:29" Cinch Leads: "00:08:01" Geofencing: "00:09:10" Synch IQ: "00:09:45" QuickBooks: "00:11:25" 15-Day Free Trial of Cinch: "00:14:01" 50% Discount on First Two Months: "00:14:01"

    OUR WEBSITE

    ==================================

    ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/

    SOCIAL

    ============================

    PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle...

    TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl...

    TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea...

    ============================

    #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    16 mins
  • Don’t Be a Mophead: Why Your Squeegee Blade Matters*NFMT East*BCWA S10:E8

    Don’t Be a Mophead: Why Your Squeegee Blade Matters*NFMT East*BCWA S10:E8
    Mar 30 2026
    In this podcast episode, streamed live from the NFMT East show floor in Charlotte, host Dave Thompson is joined by industry veterans David Green and Ken Horton to discuss the fundamentals of cleaning, emphasizing that effective cleaning is about people, training, and proper processes—not just products or equipment. They explore challenges in maintaining modern flooring like luxury vinyl and polished concrete, highlight common mistakes, and stress the importance of using the right tools. The conversation also covers the critical roles of training, ongoing maintenance, and the human element in achieving safe, healthy, and effective cleaning results, even as technologies like autonomous scrubbers become more prevalent. Tools and Equipment "Rotary Scrubber": "00:07:22""Cylindrical Brush": "00:07:26""Red Pad": "00:08:34""Diamond Impregnated Pads": "00:10:09""Microfiber Pads": "00:12:24" Websites and Companies "Mannington Mills": "00:12:32""Kahoot": "00:26:27" Concepts and Techniques "Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)": "00:06:25""Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)": "00:06:25""Polished Concrete": "00:08:18""Acrylic Floor Finish": "00:15:06""Autonomous Robotic Auto Scrubbers": "00:19:07""Facility Health": "00:24:27""Healthy Cleaning": "00:25:10" Notable Quotes "A building that is clean does not mean that it is healthy.": "00:24:38""If you focus on health first, everything else will follow.": "00:25:01" Training and Education "Validation of Training": "00:25:21""Behavioral Change": "00:32:27" Industry Discussion "Importance of training and investing in people in the cleaning industry": "00:02:43" OUR WEBSITES ================================== ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning cleaning industry, podcast, cleaning definition, labor costs, training in cleaning, luxury vinyl flooring, polished concrete, cleaning practices, cleaning methods, cleaning tools, cleaning budgets, cleaning mistakes, flooring materials, LV flooring, concrete cleaning, maintenance, auto scrubbers, squeegee blade, autonomous cleaning machines, facility health, cleaning chemicals, safety in cleaning, training programs, employee retention, interactive training, cleaning techniques, health risks, cleaning equipment, generational differences in workforce, cleaning processes, proper maintenance, cleaning outcomes, cleaning education, cleaning tools and techniques, effective cleaning, cleaning industry challenges, workforce training, cleaning strategies.
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    37 mins
  • The Pillars of SoRite: Innovation, Education, Truth, and Trust with Autumn Ryan * BCWA S10:E7

    The Pillars of SoRite: Innovation, Education, Truth, and Trust with Autumn Ryan * BCWA S10:E7
    Mar 23 2026
    Autumn Ryan is the founder of SoRite and has over 24 years of experience in the cleaning industry. After earning her degree in advertising, she established her own cleaning business just one week after graduation, gaining expertise in residential, corporate, construction, and government cleaning contracts. Identifying gaps in cleaning safety and product innovation, Autumn led a six-year research effort with chemists to develop a patented disinfectant wipe featuring one of the fastest kill times available. Her company’s products are EPA-registered and designed to address both efficacy and safety concerns for professional cleaners. Autumn is recognized for her practical industry knowledge and her commitment to advancing cleaning standards through education, innovation, and transparency. https://sorite.com/ Connect with Autumn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/autumn-ryan Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SoriteWorks/61579015162157/ The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Launching a Cleaning Career with a Degree in Advertising 00:02:30 - Diverse Cleaning Industry Experience and the Call for Change 00:06:00 - Innovation in Cleaning Chemicals and Development of SoRite 00:11:30 - Pillars of SoRite: Innovation, Education, Truth, and Trust 00:13:30 - The Importance of Proper Chemical Use and Adhering to Dwell Times 00:14:36 - Understanding Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting 00:17:26 - Introducing SoRite’s Fast-Acting Disinfectant Wipes 00:20:06 - The Role of ATP Testing and Worker Safety in Cleaning 00:23:25 - Evolution and Challenges in the Cleaning Industry 00:26:06 - Practical Cleaning Challenges: Rinsing and Effective Use of Disinfectant Wipes 00:28:56 - Overcoming Challenges and Family Support in the Cleaning Industry 00:30:56 - Passion for Cleaning and Problem Solving Drives Innovation 00:32:10 - Personal Background and Authentic Connections 00:33:01 - Solo Adventures and Spiritual Growth for Balance 00:34:42 - Commitment to Sustainable Innovation and Future Generations OUR WEBSITES ================================== ACADEMY OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE: https://academyofcleaning.com/ ROCK STARS OF CLEANING: https://rockstarsofcleaning.com/ SOCIAL ============================ PODCAST: https://beyondcleanwithace.podbean.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofCle... TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockstarsclean INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/academyofcl... TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@academyofclea... ============================ #safe #healthy #cleaning #academyofclean #rockstarsofcleaning
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    36 mins
  • The Ultimate Showdown: Microfiber vs. Pads vs. Brushes for LV Flooring with Jim Toth Jr. * BCWA S10:E 6

    The Ultimate Showdown: Microfiber vs. Pads vs. Brushes for LV Flooring with Jim Toth Jr. * BCWA S10:E 6
    Mar 3 2026

    Ever caught yourself believing that “no-maintenance” floors actually exist, or that all microfiber pads are pretty much the same?

    Or maybe you’ve heard that adding more floor finish is always the safest bet for busy commercial spaces?

    We bust these myths wide open with what really works for keeping your floors clean, safe, and looking sharp—stick around, you’ll want to hear the truth behind the hype!

    Jim Toth Jr. has spent over four decades in the commercial cleaning and floor care industry, with roles ranging from janitorial distribution company owner to consultant for leading flooring manufacturers.

    His experience covers a wide range of responsibilities, including floor maintenance, product distribution, and developing effective cleaning protocols.

    Jim currently serves on the team at Mannington Commercial, where he contributes his expertise to improving floor care strategies and bridging the gap between manufacturers and facility maintenance teams.

    His background gives him a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of commercial floor care, making him a knowledgeable resource for facility managers and cleaning professionals.

    You can reach Jim at: Jim.TothJr@mannington.com

    The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - The Shift from VCT to Luxury Vinyl Tile in Commercial Flooring 00:02:00 - Jim Toth Jr.’s Journey in Janitorial and Floor Care Industry 00:06:00 - Mannington’s Family-Owned Legacy and Flooring Product Evolution 00:10:00 - Understanding Luxury Vinyl and Synthetic Floor Types 00:13:00 - Factory-Applied Wear Layers vs. Traditional Floor Finishes 00:15:22 - Understanding Wear Layers and Product Durability in Flooring 00:17:03 - The Role of Protective Layers and Print Films in Vinyl Flooring Quality 00:20:07 - Maintenance Best Practices and Impact of Environmental Factors on Flooring 00:23:12 - Recommended Use of Felt Glides to Prevent Floor Damage 00:28:44 - Appropriate Cleaning Tools and Techniques for Luxury Vinyl Flooring 00:29:27 - Challenges of Traditional Floor Pads and Soil Entrapment 00:30:54 - Cost-Benefit Analysis of LVT vs VCT Flooring Maintenance 00:34:29 - Universal Maintenance Instructions for Multi-Floor Facilities 00:36:12 - Advantages of Microfiber Pads for Floor Maintenance 00:41:59 - Microfiber Pad Features and Practical Usage Tips 00:44:00 - Benefits and Performance of Microfiber Pads in Floor Maintenance 00:46:30 - Challenges and Considerations of Using Brushes on Flooring 00:50:00 - Risks of Abrasive Resin-Coated Pads on Floor Coatings 00:52:30 - Real-World Flooring Mistakes and Proper Maintenance Techniques 00:54:30 - Importance of Education in Luxury Vinyl Floor Care
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    56 mins