The Power of Specialization in the Commercial Cleaning Industry with Claudia Cardona Goddiess * BCWA S9:E8

2025-09-03

Claudia Goddiess is an immigrant, an entrepreneur, and the owner/creator of Apex Building Services - a commercial cleaning company located in Clinton, NJ. Claudia came to this country as a teenager without knowing a word of English and has worked her way up to become a college graduate and a successful business owner. With over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Claudia launched her business in 2019 and has since expanded it to more than 70 accounts, employing a staff of ...

Claudia Goddiess is an immigrant, an entrepreneur, and the owner/creator of Apex Building Services - a commercial cleaning company located in Clinton, NJ.

Claudia came to this country as a teenager without knowing a word of English and has worked her way up to become a college graduate and a successful business owner.

With over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Claudia launched her business in 2019 and has since expanded it to more than 70 accounts, employing a staff of over 90 employees.

Her company specializes in clean room cleaning for pharmaceutical clients, requiring strict adherence to protocols and specialized training. Claudia’s expertise includes understanding and implementing detailed SOPs, handling negative and positive airflow environments, and maintaining high standards for safety and cleanliness.

Her practical knowledge, combined with her ability to adapt during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to Apex Building Services’ steady growth and strong reputation in a demanding niche market.

Email for Claudia: cgoddiess@apex-building-services.com

Contact Claudia on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-cardona-apex/

Apex Building Services

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Starting a Cleaning Business Amidst Challenges

00:06:30 - Understanding Clean Rooms and Their Unique Cleaning Standards

00:08:00 - The Role of PPE and Strict Protocols in Pharmaceutical Cleaning

00:10:30 - Importance of SOPs and Step-by-Step Clean Room Procedures

00:12:30 - Diverse Pharmaceutical Cleaning Needs and Maintaining Sterile Environments

00:14:58 - The Critical Role of Cleaning in Healthcare and Child Safety

00:16:35 - Cleaning as a Life-Saving Profession and Pride in Work

00:18:02 - Specialized Training and Pay in Pharmaceutical and Clean Room Cleaning

00:20:18 - Clean Room Protocols: Gowning, Equipment, and Contamination Control

00:26:46 - Hiring, Training, and Operational Excellence in Specialized Cleaning Services

00:29:44 - Hiring Trusted Referrals and Onsite Training Best Practices

00:31:17 - Immigrant Experience and Building a Diverse Workforce

00:34:00 - Industry Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing to Foster Growth

00:36:30 - Balancing Family Life and Business Growth

00:38:56 - Finding Your Niche and the Importance of Specialized Certification

00:43:40 - Carpet and Stone Floor Care Certifications and Training Insights

00:48:12 - Chemical-Free Floor Stripping Techniques and Health Benefits

00:49:32 - Remote and Hands-On Training Blends for Effective Cleaning Education

00:51:30 - Entrepreneurial Advice: Mentorship and Training for Success in Cleaning Business

00:53:05 - Claudia Goddiess’ Personal and Professional Growth Plans