Southwest ChemDry owners Clancy and Rosemary Byrne .
Southwest Chem-Dry, serving Lee and Collier Counties offers a deep clean that`s also green for carpets, upholstery, rugs and more. They clean with the natural a carbonating citrus cleaner that dries in one to two hours and leaves no dirt attracting residue. Their products are not only superior cleaners but are also safe for children and pets. Their service technicians pride themselves on quality, and their service is backed with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.
Clancy and Rosemary Byrne
Owners of Southwest ChemDry
21626 Helmsdale Run, Estero
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Phone: 239-949-4559
1. What does your business offer that`s unique compared to businesses similar to yours?
Due to our low moisture cleaning method and industry leading products, we can clean and treat fine oriental rugs, specialty fabrics and mattresses that others cannot. We have used green products long before it was considered an option in the industry. Our patented product line, including cleaners, protectants and sanitizers is almost all certified green.
2. What is unique about having a business in Southwest Florida?
Having a low moisture cleaning system in Southwest Florida is a perfect fit for the sub-tropical climate. There is less risk for mold or mildew and a one to two hour dry time as compared to one to two days. Some of our most popular services are treating musty carpets or furniture as well as our PURT (pet urine removal treatment). Having your home closed for the summer or pets trapped indoors too long can create unpleasant odors that we can remove at a molecular level and not just mask with deodorizers or fragrances.
3. What do you enjoy most about owning a business?
We enjoy helping technicians to be successful in their life skills and instilling motivation to develop quality and pride in their workmanship. Also, helping them to develop a strong customer relationship built on respect and trust will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. Our techs love customer feedback about their great service and professionalism. Whether they choose to stay with us or start other careers these attributes will ensure their success.
4. What type of work experience or training was required to run your business?
In 1984, Clancy began as a technician for Stanley Steemer in Sarasota and worked my way up to regional manager in 1988 and eventually worked for Stanley Steemer Corporate out of Dublin, Ohio. In 1993, we missed our home in Florida and moved back and began our career with Chem-Dry starting as technician for a few years, then operations manager from 1998 to 2002. In 2002, we decided it was time to begin a new chapter and purchased our first franchise in Collier County. The response was overwhelming, and we started a second franchise in Lee County, in 2003. Since our third year, we have been in the top 5 percent of the country for Chem-Dry franchisees. Chem-Dry is the largest carpet cleaner in the world and has been rated the number one carpet cleaning franchise for over 20 years.
5. If someone gave you $1 million to improve the business, how would you use it?
We would get more involved with community service projects and also consider opening more centralized franchise locations.
