This year, The Cleaning Authority is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary of franchising. This momentous occasion not only highlights three decades of growth and success but also showcases the company's unwavering commitment to quality service and franchise support.
A Journey of Growth and Excellence
The Cleaning Authority's story began in 1977 when a company called Mighty Maids opened their doors in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. In 1989, Mighty Maids was purchased by Steve Robinson and Tim Evankovich and they began to grow it into The Cleaning Authority as we know today.
However, it wasn't until 1995 that the company embraced the franchising model, setting the stage for remarkable expansion and success. Over the past 30 years, The Cleaning Authority has grown from a local operation to a nationwide network of over 250 franchises, serving more than 100,000 customers across the United States.
This growth is a testament to the company's innovative approach to home cleaning services and its dedication to supporting franchise owners. The Cleaning Authority's proprietary Detail-Clean Rotation System set a new standard in the industry, ensuring consistent, high-quality cleaning for customers while providing franchisees with a proven business model.
Leadership That Listens: Katie Dills and the 'Where Is Katie?' Tour
At the helm of The Cleaning Authority's continued success is Brand President Katie Dills. With her visionary leadership, the company has not only maintained its position as a leader in the home cleaning franchise industry but has also fostered a culture of innovation and support.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary, Katie has embarked on a national listening tour aptly named 'Where Is Katie?'. This initiative sees her traveling across the country, meeting with franchise owners, managers, and their employees to gain firsthand insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes.
The 'Where Is Katie?' tour serves multiple purposes:
- Strengthening relationships between corporate leadership and franchise owners
- Gathering valuable feedback to drive future improvements and innovations
- Celebrating the successes of individual franchisees and the network as a whole
- Reinforcing The Cleaning Authority's commitment to its franchise community
This hands-on approach to leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the company's strong franchise relationships and driving continuous improvement across the network.
Throughout the travel, Katie has had the privilege of being included in some special moments in the franchise locations, including celebrating promotions, employee anniversaries, and birthdays. She has had breakfast, lunch, and dinner parties with the teams – one was even hosted as a boat cruise!
“I am truly grateful for these visits,” Katie said. “They have afforded me the time to have one-on-one conversations to better understand the goals and priorities of our Owners as well as the opportunity to thank the individuals who truly are the face and heartbeat of our brand.”
As of August 2025, Katie has visited 24 locations in nine different states. Keep up with the rest of her travels on The Cleaning Authority’s LinkedIn page.
Looking Ahead: The Future of The Cleaning Authority
As The Cleaning Authority celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company is also looking ahead to a bright future. With a strong foundation built on three decades of experience and success, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation.
As we reflect on 30 years of franchising success, The Cleaning Authority stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With strong leadership, a proven business model, and a network of passionate franchise owners, the company is well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the next 30 years and beyond.
Here's to 30 years of sparkling success, and to many more years of growth, innovation, and exceptional home cleaning services from The Cleaning Authority!
Follow the links below to learn more about The Cleaning Authority:
