Welcome back to A Good Pour! I’m Kathryn Good, and today, we’re diving into the good work happening in the world of small business. Our guest is Jennifer Reedy, the owner, president, and founder of Bright Spot Cleaning. Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, values, and doing good work, not just in the cleaning industry but also by creating a caring environment for her team and clients.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jennifer and her team for a couple of years now, and one of the things that always stood out to me was how they go the extra mile. From leaving a treat for my kids around Halloween to thoughtful notes, Jennifer’s approach is about more than just cleaning homes—it’s about creating joy and making people feel valued.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
Jennifer’s journey to founding Bright Spot Cleaning didn’t start with a grand entrepreneurial plan. Like many of us, life had other ideas. After a career in corporate retail management, where she developed strong leadership skills, Jennifer found herself at a crossroads. With long hours and a family to care for, the corporate grind became unsustainable.
“When my daughter was born, I realized those excruciating hours just weren’t an option anymore,” Jennifer shared. After a few challenging corporate jobs and, eventually, a layoff, she knew it was time to make a change. Then, in 2020, when the world shut down, Jennifer took a leap of faith. “A realtor posted online needing a cleaner, and I thought, why not? I’ll give it a shot.”
That first job led to glowing reviews, and Jennifer found herself embracing the idea of running her own business—a dream she had as a little girl, inspired by her entrepreneurial grandfather and father. She dove into learning, soaking up wisdom from podcasts, Audible books, and motivational speakers like Mel Robbins and Dale Carnegie.
Building a Business on Core Values
For Jennifer, starting Bright Spot Cleaning wasn’t just about cleaning homes; it was about building something with a purpose. She structured her business around four core values: customer commitment, caring environment, innovation, and providing joy.
Customer Commitment was at the forefront of her mind from day one. “I want my customers to feel safe and trust us,” Jennifer said. Entering someone’s home is a deeply personal experience, and Jennifer makes it her mission to ensure her clients feel comfortable and satisfied, not just because their homes are clean, but because they know they are in good hands.
But it’s not just about the customers. Jennifer’s second core value is creating a Caring Environment for her employees. “I’ve worked in industries where people are treated terribly, and I don’t want that for my team,” she explained. Jennifer is passionate about making sure her employees feel valued, offering personalized incentives and even treating them to things like pedicures during the workweek. “I don’t want them to feel like ‘the maid.’ I want them to feel proud of their work.”
Innovation plays a big role in how Jennifer continues to grow her business. “We’re constantly updating training videos, and procedures, and working on personal and professional development,” she said. For her, growth isn’t just about cleaning techniques; it’s about evolving as a leader and helping her team grow with her.
And then there’s Providing Joy. Whether it’s leaving a small note or partnering with local businesses to bring unique gifts into her clients’ homes, Jennifer is always thinking about how to bring a little light into someone’s day.
“Bringing joy doesn’t have to be grandiose. It’s in the small, everyday acts of kindness.”
– Jennifer Reedy of Bright Spot Cleaning
Cultivating a Positive Work Culture
Jennifer’s commitment to her team is clear. In an industry where high turnover is common, Jennifer has managed to keep a loyal crew. “The national average for a house cleaner is six to nine weeks, but I have four women who’ve been with me for nine months and two for two years,” she said proudly.
Her secret? Investing in her team. “I do one-on-ones with my employees all the time, checking in, doing walkthroughs, and celebrating wins like positive customer reviews,” she explained. She’s created a culture where her employees feel supported and motivated, not just with bonuses but with a genuine sense of appreciation.
This approach has paid off, with Bright Spot Cleaning earning high marks from customers and, impressively, no negative reviews in the four years since its founding. Jennifer attributes this success to her focus on constant communication—both with her team and her clients. “I always encourage clients to tell me if something isn’t right,” she said. “We want to fix it before it becomes a problem.”
Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Growth
Running a business, especially in the service industry, can be demanding. However, Jennifer has found a way to balance her work and personal life through a dedicated self-care routine. Every day starts at 4 a.m. with time for prayer, a walk with her dog (without her phone or distractions), and a workout on her Peloton. She spends time journaling and reflecting on what she’s grateful for, setting intentions for the day ahead.
“I’ve had a tough road behind me, but taking care of myself helps me show up better for my team, my clients, and most importantly, my daughter,” Jennifer said. As a mom of a high school senior, she’s also focused on modeling the importance of self-care for her daughter. “It’s so important to put yourself in the mix and not lose sight of what matters.”
Looking to the Future
Jennifer’s journey from corporate management to accidental entrepreneur has been full of challenges, but her dedication to her core values and her team has helped her create something truly special. She continues to push herself and her business forward, with a focus on innovation and leadership development.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Jennifer left us with this reminder: “Don’t give up. Life is hard, and sometimes you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. But when you put in the work—on yourself and your business—it makes all the difference.”
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story with us and for the good work you’re doing—not just for your clients but for your employees and your community. It’s inspiring to see someone bringing so much heart into their business.
If you’re in the market for a cleaning service that values trust, integrity, and joy, I highly recommend checking out Bright Spot Cleaning. You’ll not only get a sparkling home, but you’ll also be supporting a business that’s making a real difference.