Did you ever think a cleaning business could teach you more about surviving unexpected situations than a martial arts dojo?

From dodging run-ins with police to figuring out how AI and robots might be your next team members, this episode is packed with the kind of stories that make you rethink what it means to launch—and grow—a commercial cleaning company.

But the biggest surprise? It’s not about shiny tech or overnight success. It’s about the one thing nearly everyone overlooks, and it just might be the key to making your business bulletproof.

Curious what it is? Stick around…

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how starting a commercial cleaning business can open doors to steady income and long-term success with the right approach.

• Uncover the surprising benefits of robotic cleaning technology that can boost efficiency and reduce labor costs like never before.

• Learn proven growth strategies that can take your cleaning company from a small startup to a thriving enterprise.

• Understand why investing in thorough training can transform your cleaning team’s performance and client satisfaction.

• Explore how adapting to AI in janitorial services can future-proof your business and keep you ahead of the competition.

My special guest is Ricardo Buffara.

Ricardo Buffara brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the commercial cleaning industry, starting his journey after moving from Brazil to San Diego in 2009.

Originally planning just a short stay to learn English, Ricardo quickly found his entrepreneurial spirit kicking in and launched his own cleaning company, navigating everything from learning the language to understanding local business culture.

With a background in running businesses since the age of 18, he’s built a thriving operation focused on commercial clients, grown organically through word of mouth and strong company culture.

Ricardo’s team is known for its reliability and trust, and he’s passionate about training, efficiency, and adapting to new technology—always looking for better ways to serve clients and support his staff.

His story highlights the value of resilience, adaptability, and genuine connection in building a successful cleaning business.

Visit SD Janitor here: https://www.sdjanitor.com/

Connect with Ricardo via email: [email protected]

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Ricardo Buffara
00:05:00 - Starting and Growing a Commercial Cleaning Business in the U.S.
00:08:00 - Building a Workforce and Company Culture with Mexican Employees
00:11:00 - Unexpected Challenges and Importance of Safety Training in Commercial Cleaning
00:14:30 - Emphasizing Health and Safety in the Cleaning Industry
00:16:33 - The Impact of AI on Local Business Operations and Customer Interactions
00:19:00 - Practical AI Examples and Challenges in Business Problem Solving
00:22:01 - Leveraging AI for Competitive Intelligence and Industry Insights
00:24:24 - Business Growth and Client Niching Strategies in the Cleaning Industry
00:27:55 - Future of Robotics and Automation in Commercial Cleaning
00:32:52 - Advancements in Cleaning Technology and Robotics Adoption
00:34:18 - Business Growth and Scaling Cleaning Operations in 2026
00:36:09 - Ambitious Growth Targets and Operational Expansion
00:37:06 - Personal Goals and Life Balance Beyond Cleaning
00:41:18 - Closing Thoughts: The Journey Ahead for Ricardo Buffara