Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorri Dotson
Hi Lorri, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started VIGCE LLC (dba VISIION Group Cleaning) in 2003. I left corporate to clean houses to be home with my kids and be present in their life because my job was not flexible making $150 weekly. My journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where I was born and raised. My parents’ entrepreneurial spirit greatly influenced my path, as they owned multiple businesses, including one of the black-owned the oil and gas service stations franchise in the 1970s. Witnessing my parents’ resilience in business, taught me perseverance and a competitive drive that has fueled my success.
As the Founder and CEO of VIGCE LLC (dba VISION Group Cleaning) and Owner/President of Fleetwood Cleaning Services of GA Inc., I have established a diversified and highly successful cleaning service that operates seven days a week. We clean over a million square feet a day, with a strong focus on servicing office buildings, schools, universities, medical centers, apartments, malls, and more. Our company has become the go-to solutions for commercial cleaning needs.
Education played a pivotal role in my growth. I earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Tarrant County College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Northwood University. I continued my pursuit of knowledge, by obtaining a master’s degree in public administration, specializing in Economics and Nonprofit Management from the University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs. In 2005,
With over two decades of professional business cleaning experience, I am well-versed in project management, particularly in post and final new construction capabilities. I am dedication to current safe friendly products that sets me apart in the industry. I place a significant emphasis on safety and compliance training, ensuring my teams operate with the utmost responsibility. As a leader, I believe in nurturing a strong sense of teamwork and I have successfully worked with virtual and global cross-functional teams. I understand the importance of cultivating business partnerships and maintaining a hands-on approach to managing all business operations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The cleaning business, like many entrepreneurs, has certainly had its challenges. I had to work hard to establish trust and credibility with clients. Gaining repeat customers and referrals in the early stages of business required excellent service delivery, consistency, and a commitment to quality. It wasn’t enough to simply provide cleaning services—I needed to prove that this business could be relied upon for high standards of professionalism.
Growing a business meant hiring and training more employees, expanding service areas, and increasing marketing efforts. Managing increased demand while maintaining the quality of service was a balancing act. As we expanded, the complexities of running a larger operation required us to adopt more sophisticated systems and processes, which took time to implement and refine.
I faced some financial difficulties in navigated the challenges of operating and scaling our cleaning businesses. From upfront investments in equipment, cleaning supplies, and employee wages to managing cash flow. We had to adapt our business model and service offerings to meet evolving trends, as well as understanding regulatory changes related to environmental sustainability. The biggest challenge in business was fighting and winning a major lawsuit against a client that did not operate in business in good faith and did not pay two months invoices and breached their contracts.
I determined to continue to lead with commitment to providing quality services to navigate these challenges and continue to build a successful cleaning service.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
VIGCE LLC dba VISION Group Cleaning, with over 20 years of experience, is a certified Woman-Owned
Small Business (WOSB) that specializes in General Maintenance Cleaning, New Construction Cleaning, and
Sanitizing Services for commercial facilities (Public and Private). Our commitment is to provide trustworthy
and high-quality cleaning services that consistently exceed customer satisfactions from the very first
interaction.
Core Competencies & Differentiators:
Proper cleaning methods, safety practices, and waste disposal.
Inventory management and responsive customer service.
Proficient use of cleaning equipment and lifts.
Efficiently completing and managing cleaning tasks.
Maintaining and managing cleaning supplies.
Expertise in specialized cleaning tasks.
Ability to manage both small and large job sites.
Commercial Cleaning: Services for offices, schools, and commercial spaces.
Construction & Special Services: Post-construction cleaning, dumpster service, asbestos removal.
Floor Care: Carpet cleaning, floor stripping, and waxing.
Exterior Cleaning: Building and grounds maintenance, window washing.
I retired my husband from his corporate job in 2019 to join the company full-time. I also brought my two sons and daughter on board to be part of the growing company team, imparting her knowledge and passion for business to the next generation.
Today I am a proud investor in Dream Exchange
Provided college scholarships, given small business funding
I have received the Superb Women Award, Entrepreneur Award, Trailblazers Award
How do you think about happiness?
I am member of several professional civic organizations, and I am commitment to giving back to the community. I love being with my husband, family and friends because you only get one. Listening to live music and visiting museums brings peace to the soul, traveling inspires me. Driving my corvette with the top down and the wind blowing with music loud is therapeutic. Reading books grows my thinking as a lifelong learner. I find joy in all of these things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vgcleaning.com/ and https://www.fleetwoodcleaning.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorri-dotson-185b94b/
