Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Holderman.
Tricia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Elite Home Services was born by accident. I was working in an aerobics center and in between the classes I was always cleaning the mirrors and the equipment. One of my students told me she loved the way I cleaned and would I clean her house. I was 17, the summer before I left for college and just trying to make money. She paid me $50 cash, which was more than I made an entire week of teaching. I went on to clean her home (and many of her neighbors) every week. When I came home for Christmas break I helped the previous clients prep their homes for Christmas. I decided to take a semester off—- haven’t been back since.
Two years later, one of the Doctors that we cleaned house for asked if I would consider cleaning his office as we were more detailed than his current cleaning crew, I then created Elite Facility Systems.
Shortly after that, I opened Cleaning Supplies and Solutions to fulfill product needs for clients. We offer everything from toilet tissue and paper towels to vacuum cleaners, cafeteria supplies.
Elite Home Services is celebrating its 40th anniversary this December. Elite Facility Systems is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an East Coast office in Richmond, Virginia.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
WOW!!!~ I wish it had been smooth. When I was 24, I fell into a coma at my desk. I spent the better part of 3 years in the hospital. I had over 30 surgeries, including ileostomies, hip replacements, and heart attacks. At 27, I only weighed 68 pounds. But to keep the brain alive, I learned all I could about hospital cleaning operations and infection prevention. When I finally left the hospital I decided the janitorial division would specialize in healthcare facilities. I have earned my CMIP, Certificate of Mastery in Infection Prevention. I am currently using my knowledge to share with hospitals, medical and dental clinics, and work out facilities, including those in the NFL.
I give speeches to groups such as Lions, PTAs and Chambers of Commerces. I am on the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers, and teach in seminars and conventions.
Elite Facility Systems, Elite Home Services and Cleaning Supplies and Solutions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In homes we specialize in detail cleaning and house management. In the janitorial we specialize in Infection prevention.
I am most proud that I have learned infection prevention from the patient point of view as well as the environmental scientific side.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I still love taking care of people, whether it is their home, or in a hospital. I still love doing speaking to share information on taking care of themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elitefacsys.com
- Phone: 214-340-0117
- Email: tricia@elitefacsys.com
- Twitter: @thegermgirl
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