Today we’d like to introduce you to James Bettis, Jr..
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It’s funny… owning a cleaning company is not something I imagined 15 years ago. I graduated high school in 2010 with a music performance & education scholarship to Tarleton State University. Throughout my studies, I traveled not only the U.S., but Northern Europe, singing opera. Yep, I figured the rest of my life would revolve around music.
After three years of studying, I was presented with an amazing career opportunity at a financial institution. This opportunity would allow me to become a Branch Manager & help financially take care of my family (my amazing wife and son). So… I dropped out of college! Yes, I know… Crazy! Right? But, it was something I prayed about and felt led to do. Within 3 years, I was a Branch Manager, living a dream life. I didn’t know God was about to shift my life!
Covid-19… Wow! My wife and I had just had another beautiful baby boy a year prior. Our careers were going great… couldn’t ask for much more. During the Covid-19 Shutdown, I was deemed an “essential employee” & continued to work throughout the pandemic. During this time, we lost 7 family members & our dog. I went into a DEEP depression including trying to end my life. But, God said “NOT YET” (if you need help, please call or text 988 for the Mental Health & Crisis Lifeline). Throughout the depression, I still showed up to work, but I was not mentally there. I felt a shift starting to happen in my life. My wonderful parents gave me the greatest gift by introducing me to God, but now it was time to create my own personal relationship with HIM.
Fast-forward, the pandemic has been going for 2 years. My wife wakes up and randomly says “You need to leave the bank”. I looked at her in disbelief because she had no idea what I had been praying about. All week, I was hearing a voice telling me “there’s something greater for you”. I didn’t know where to go, or even where to start. When I walked into work that morning, I turned in my keys! This was the FIRST time I decided to live by faith and not by sight. I went home and started cleaning. It’s hard to clean when you’re in deep depression. My wife and I continued to push through, not only for us, but for our children. After deep cleaning our entire home, I sat down and started my job search. A particular cleaning company continued to pop up on each website, but I wasn’t looking for a cleaning job. Each time I saw it, I would hear a voice saying “But it’s not about you cleaning”. I had NO idea what this meant.
After a few days of seeing the same company, I decided to apply. They scheduled an interview the very next day. I got the job and started cleaning. Within 6 months I became an Operations Manager while continuing to clean along side other employees. 3 years into this, I wasn’t as financially stable as I once was. I remember asking God, “Why would you tell me it’s not about cleaning when that’s all I’m doing”. I continued getting the same response, “Wait a little longer… you need this”.
By the end of the year, the owner of the cleaning company calls me and says that’s it – they’re selling . He gave me an option to purchase the company, but I didn’t have ANY money to give. He stated he’d reach out by the next week to inform me of the next steps. 1 week turned into 2 months. I continued praying, but somehow my praying turned into praising. Why was I praising? I started praising for the journey that I knew God was bringing me through. When I received the phone call, my stomach dropped! I thought, “This is it – this is the day I lose my job.” However, I heard a voice saying, “This is your beginning”.
The owner asked if I had saved up any money toward purchasing the company. Seeing as I had barely had enough to pay the house note that month, my answer was a defeated NO. He says “James, what I’m about to say and do is really bad for business, but I keep feeling a push. I JUST WANT TO GIVE IT TO YOU… FOR FREE! YOU CAN HAVE EVERYTHING & EVERY CLIENT.” I was in total disbelief, feeling as if I was dreaming. This is the start of LUXE CLEANING PLUS!
Within the first month, with no paid ads, we grew 300% over the previous company! GOD IS SO FAITHFUL! Here at Luxe Cleaning Plus, we not only provide 5 star cleaning services (with a 100% guarantee on all cleanings), but we’re also there to talk to our clients during their depression, in the midst of grief, while battling anxiety, struggling with addiction, and so much more. I’m NOW walking in my purpose… HELPING OTHERS GET THROUGH THEIR HARD TIMES WITH A CLEAN HOME & SOMEONE TO TALK TO.
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?
Is starting & maintaining any company a smooth road? Sure, there were a few bumps. Trying to gain more clients in a community where there are many great cleaning companies was a struggle. We focus on word of mouth and referrals from our amazing clients. We offer a $20 (stackable) referral credit to our existing clients. Our largest struggle? Trying to find employees that could maintain our vision of cleaning while having a tender heart. We want our clients to feel comfortable with our cleaners. Our clients don’t just see us as their service provider, but more of a fresh wind or light that visits their home. Our employees understand that a clean home and having someone to talk to can help improve our client’s mental health.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Luxe Cleaning Plus is a commercial & residential cleaning company that focuses on insuring EVERY client is satisfied with their service 100% of the time. We not only look to sanitize your home, office, building, etc., but to be a positive light for our clients and community by helping maintain the homes of veterans, active duty personnel, senior citizens, people battling any mental anguish, or anyone in need of a helping hand.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’m an only child raised by a hard working military father & a hard working mother. I considered my cousins to be my siblings. My favorite memory is singing in the backyard of my Big Mama’s house with my 3 cousins (Keyke, Leesha, & Tasia).
Pricing:
- 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom: $112.58
- 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms: $175.69
- 4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms: $211.09
- 5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms: $256.55
- Use Promo Code “VOYAGE” For 15% Off!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luxecleaningplus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxecleaningplus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bYPmfEbui/
Image Credits
Mikaela Bettis
