Focus on flooring

Seven years ago, Jeremy McGee started searching for a business opportunity that was economically sustainable. What he found was something sustainable in many other ways. It was Zerorez, an innovative way of cleaning carpets that used a special environmentally-friendly solution instead of water or harsh soaps or chemicals. “The concept just made sense, economically and environmentally” said McGee. “It also fit my goals of being able to employ people and create relationships. Whether sustainability is important in people’s lives or not, it creates good habits.” Purchased in 2004, the local eco-friendly carpet cleaning franchise was only the fourth in the nation. Since then, McGee has seen continuous growth, with 2008-2009 being two of the local company’s strongest years on record. This past year, the company has opened two more divisions: a 24-hour flood division and a commercial division. “In 2008, we added the bulk of our trucks and employees,” said McGee. “This year, we’re on track to grow 54 percent.” The Zerorez patented process utilizes a product called Empowered Water instead of soap to clean carpets and household surfaces, including upholstery, granite, air ducts, tile, mattresses, rugs, and more. “Empowered Water is an alkalized fluid that acts like soap without being soap,” explained McGee. “It’s so safe that you can literally drink it.” The process avoids leaving any residue behind on customers’ surfaces. “Our company has revolutionized the entire market. You used to look at the ads and see things like ‘professional service’ or ‘quick drying times,’” he said. “Now, you see ‘low residue.’ We’ve set the direction for the industry.” McGee said Zerorez Spokane has seen incredible growth, not just because of its green approach, but because of their customer service and work ethic. Recently the company employed a customer feedback tracking system on its Facebook page where customers can go online to rank their Zerorez experience. The multiple daily entries from customers are nothing short of glowing reviews. He said Zerorez techs are trained daily and attend regular IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) classes to stay sharp. This training seems to be paying off — Zerorez has consistently been rated Platinum by the Carpet and Rug Institute. McGee fosters a strong work ethic by encouraging employees to pick a local charity each year to which they can donate their time, using Zerorez equipment. For instance, Zerorez commercial manager Grant Barnes has donated more than $8,500 worth of time and services to the men’s and women’s shelter at the Union Gospel Mission. “We knew [UGM] had some of its own in-house equipment and we saw an opportunity to teach residents how to use the equipment so they could maintain the carpets between visits,” McGee said. “Helping the residents learn how to use the equipment teaches excellent and applicable job skills when the residents complete UGM’s program and return to the job force.” Zerorez Spokane has also contributed to the Extreme Team Makeover with Mark Peterson, by cleaning carpets, air ducts, and donating mop kits; and partnered with 99.9’s The Jay and Kevin Show to support the 2nd Harvest Food Bank. Donors received one free room cleaning. Last year, the 2nd Harvest fund-raiser brought in 3,000 pounds of food, and this year it’s estimated that the fundraiser will have brought in 6,000 pounds by the end of October. As the company grows, McGee says his awareness regarding the environment has grown. When he first bought the franchise, he admits that he didn’t have much interest in environmental sustainability. However, since then he’s felt compelled to “create good habits” in his company and his personal life. “I remember my grandparents cleaning with vinegar and always saying ‘use what you have, wear it out, make it do or do without ’ and they did great. It just makes sense, if we can get back to that mindset of zero waste,” said McGee. “Now I have a 5- and a 3-year-old so we have a good time sorting and recycling; I try and teach them the importance of doing our part, taking care of things.” McGee says Zerorez’s Spokane headquarters now recycles and has gone to a completely paperless invoicing system. The company made the switch to more self-reliant vehicles that are fuel efficient and that enable the carpet-cleaning machinery to create their own energy through a heat exchange system. This also avoids the need to pull from the homeowner’s hot water heater. Despite a difficult economy, the company’s steady growth has been humbling for McGee who remembers when “it was just me and a truck.” Now, Zerorez supports 15 Spokane families. “We want to be cutting edge and stay first in the market, but we also try to create a really good work culture, where our [staff] feels appreciated and hopefully love what they do,” he said.