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Episode Summary
What happens when a radio program director pivots into commercial cleaning just months before a global pandemic?
In this episode of The Business of Cleaning Podcast, we speak with Tom Riggs, Operations Manager at Interstate, about his unexpected transition from broadcasting to frontline operations leadership.
After being laid off in 2019, Tom entered the cleaning industry with no prior experience. Within months, COVID-19 reshaped workforce expectations and operational demands, accelerating his learning curve and leadership growth.
In this conversation, Tom shares insight on:
- Transitioning into cleaning from another industry
- Managing call-offs and workforce challenges
- Improving hiring and onboarding in today’s labor market
- Using AI to support hiring and leadership communication
Drawing on his background in broadcasting, Tom emphasizes the critical role of communication, adaptability, and accountability in operational success.
For cleaning company leaders navigating workforce challenges, this episode delivers practical strategies that can be applied immediately.
Featured Guest:
Tom Riggs
Operations Manager with Interstate Building Maintenance
Tom is an Operations Manager with Interstate Building Maintenance, where he leads custodial and floor care operations for a major distribution facility in Ohio. He came into the industry just as COVID hit, and the chaos of those early years shaped his approach: build strong teams, communicate clearly, and create systems that outlast personalities. Tom is hands on, detail driven, and passionate about the craft of cleaning—especially floor care—and he brings a grounded, real world perspective to leadership in an industry that rarely gets the spotlight.