Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008 - (Page 14)

Don Aslett: America’s #1 Cleaning Expert As “America’s #1 Cleaning Expert,” Don Aslett, Founder and Majority Stockholder of Varsity Contractors, Inc. (since 1957), author of 42 books, partner in Don Aslett’s Cleaning Centers and Live-Right LLC, and owner of Marsh Creek Press publishing company, has a lot of experience under his belt—53 years in the cleaning industry and counting. Now a 73-year-old in his fifth decade in the business, Aslett’s ambition and motivation have helped him become one of the most successful professionals in the cleaning industry. Aslett focuses on the positives of the value of “clean,” the world’s need for cleaning services, and the carryover of the virtues of cleanliness into daily life. He invests long hours in flying the flag of the industry and championing it. The subjects of “clean” and “cleaning” are the main topics he speaks about in his many public and media appearances, no matter who he’s speaking to. “Since I am 110 percent convinced of the value of ‘clean,’ it is the fun of selling it, teaching it, and enjoying its results, that really motivates me,” says Aslett. “There are rewards and energy potentials in clean that other principles cannot reach—just think of the value of clean air, clean water, clean hands, clean sheets, clean floors, or clean language. Cleanliness is a constant, nonstop, unbeatable source of peace, cheer, and good health.” a by Laura M. DiGiulio, Editor From Farm Boy to Cleaning Industry “Guru” Aslett was born and raised as a farm boy in southern Idaho. Most of his relatives were entrepreneurs of one kind or another, and after his daily chores on the ranch were complete, he would pick potatoes or put up hay for others in order to earn money of his own. He learned very early, from his parents, the value of picking up after yourself and being organized. Aslett recalls that one of his first ambitions was to be his own boss and to be an influence for good. By the time he was a junior in high school, Aslett already knew how to make a good living for himself; however, he entered Idaho State University, mainly to please his parents who wanted to see a college graduate in the family line. At Idaho State, Aslett graduated with a degree in Physical Education, with a minor in Business, and was also the pitcher for the ISU baseball team. As an ambitious young man, Aslett started a housecleaning business his freshman year of college in order to earn money to put himself through school. Initially called the College Cleanup and Repair Team, the business name was later changed to Varsity Contractors (the name it still operates under today). “I chose this line of work (though some of my college buddies considered it below the dignity of a budding intellectual) because I knew the college employment office often received calls for cleaning and yard work,” says Aslett. “I also knew the advantages and good feelings that came with cleaning corrals, pens, fields, tools, or anything. So I went after it and I’ve never looked back.” After so many years, Aslett is still as ambitious as he was as a young man—he still works twelve hours a day (except Sunday) and is actively involved in the management, meetings, and presentations for his cleaning company, headquartered in Pocatello, Idaho. Challenges and Advice Although he is the person the public turns to for cleaning advice, Aslett still experiences challenges and demands in the industry. As an ambitious professional, his top pet peeve is when others in the housekeeping industry lose pride and a good work ethic on the job. “I see too many employees (including managers) just putting in the obligatory hours for a paycheck, without any real commitment to, or pride in, their work, or to the cause of ‘clean,’” says Aslett. “People like this are on the job, but not in the job for the cause of making the world a better place.” 4 Executive Housekeeping Today/September 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008 Contents Executive Corner 2008 Salary Survey Results Strengthening Worker Safety in a High Throughput Laundry Frugal Housekeeper How CIMS Relates to You Feature Article The Green Scene The Un-Comfort Zone: What's Pushing Your Buttons? Inside the Industry Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members Advertisers’ Index Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008

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