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Episode Summary
Mario Kelly’s journey in the cleaning industry is nothing short of incredible. He was down on his luck, but he turned $27 in cleaning supplies into 1 million dollars.
In this month’s episode of The Business of Cleaning, we’re joined by 5th-generation Detroiter Mario Kelly, Owner of Believe 313 Cleaning, to learn how He Cleaned His Way to The Top.
From launching his cleaning company on a whim to mastering the art of bidding, learning how to clean for health, and adapting to the rise of AI in the industry, Mario’s journey is full of growth and grit.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Landing that first major contract
- Creating second chances through employment
- Cleaning stadiums and major events
- …and more!
Featured Guest:

Mario Kelly
Founder of Believe 313 Cleaning and Believe 313 Staffing
Mario Kelly is a 5th-generation Detroiter and the visionary founder behind Believe 313 Cleaning and Believe 313 Staffing. Once homeless with only $27 and a mop bucket, Mario turned adversity into an opportunity, building a multimillion-dollar operation that serves major venues, corporate clients, and community needs across Detroit.
Known for his relentless drive, Mario has become a respected leader in the cleaning and staffing industries, using his platform to create second-chance employment opportunities and support underserved communities. His entrepreneurial journey—from rock bottom to business success—has inspired countless others to believe in what’s possible.