PJ McGeary, founder of Arbor Trail Cleaning Co, shares how he built a cleaning business in Detroit that generated $250K in revenue in its first year—while starting alongside a full-time government job. In this interview, he breaks down how he validated the business before making the decision to go all in.
He explains the early challenges of launching a cleaning business, including finding customers, hiring reliable cleaners, and managing operations while balancing a full-time career. PJ also shares how he structured the business to grow steadily before transitioning into it full-time.
On the growth side, he dives into marketing strategies, customer acquisition, and how he built momentum quickly in the first year. He also highlights the importance of systems, hiring processes, and consistency in delivering a reliable service.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, this is a practical look at how to grow a cleaning business to $250K in year one and make the transition from a stable job to full-time entrepreneurship.
About the Business
Arbor Trail Cleaning Co is a residential cleaning company based in Detroit, Michigan, providing professional home cleaning services with a focus on consistency, customer experience, and scalable operations.
Founded by PJ McGeary, the business reached $250K in its first year by focusing on strong fundamentals, effective hiring, and building systems that support long-term growth.
Watch how Arbor Trail Cleaning Co scaled to $250K in year one before transitioning from a full-time job.
