Meet Earl Smith | Cleaning Business Owner & Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Earl Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Earl, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
First of all, thank you for considering me for the business interview. I’m excited to have the opportunity to discuss my cleaning company, QC Me, LLC.

Starting this company in 2018 was a turning point for me after facing several job losses. I had been working tirelessly for others, sacrificing family time and activities in order to support my family financially. It was a challenging period, constantly battling exhaustion, and getting frustrated because it seemed like all I had time for was working.

Fortunately, an opportunity came my way to clean the building where our faith community gathers. This sparked the idea to establish QC Me, LLC, focusing on both Quality Control and Quality Clean. Our primary focus is commercial and office cleaning, although we also have a few residential clients.

Having recently relocated to Anna in February 2023, we have been actively working to expand our presence in the local community. Joining the local Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in establishing valuable connections and getting involved in the vibrant business environment here.

At QC Me, we believe in making a positive social impact and contributing to our community in meaningful ways. Our commitment to quality extends beyond cleaning services, as we actively seek to uplift individuals in our area.

One way we achieve this is by hiring individuals from our faith community and providing them with employment opportunities. We go beyond simply teaching them how to clean the QC Me way; we also strive to impart valuable life lessons inspired by the teachings of the Bible. By doing so, we aim to promote personal growth, resilience, and character development among our employees.

By prioritizing local hiring and investing in our employees’ well-being, we contribute to the economic stability and growth of our community. We believe in creating a supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional development, leading to enhanced job satisfaction and long-term success.

Additionally, through our participation in the Anna Chamber of Commerce, we actively engage with other businesses, organizations, and community members. This collaborative approach allows us to forge partnerships, share resources, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of Anna.

Ultimately, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our employees, customers, and the community as a whole. We believe that by upholding our values of quality, integrity, and community engagement, QC Me not only delivers exceptional cleaning services but also helps build a stronger and more vibrant community.

The decision to move our business from McKinney to Anna in February was a recent risk we undertook. Although our existing client base was primarily centered around Plano, Garland, and Richardson, we recognized the potential for growth in the new community. By expanding into Anna, we aimed to tap into a new market and establish ourselves as a trusted cleaning service provider in the area.

Staying open during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic was another risk we willingly embraced. We understood the importance of adaptability and resilience during uncertain times. By implementing strict safety protocols, prioritizing the well-being of our employees and customers, and closely monitoring the evolving situation, we navigated through the pandemic while ensuring business continuity.

Beyond business risks, my personal and spiritual convictions have also led me to take risks in serving our Lord. I believe in living a life dedicated to God and striving to make a positive impact on others. This mindset influences not only our business practices but also our approach to life as a whole. It involves making choices that align with our Biblical values and being willing to make sacrifices in service to someone greater.

Risk-taking has taught me valuable lessons and propelled me forward. It has fostered adaptability, resilience, and innovation within our organization. By carefully assessing risks, leveraging opportunities, and learning from both successes and setbacks, we have been able to grow and thrive.

I view risk as an integral part of growth and success. By embracing calculated risks, QC Me has been able to expand into new markets, overcome challenges, and stay true to our values. We understand that risks should be approached with careful consideration and a willingness to learn and adapt. Through this mindset, we continue to take measured risks to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of our business.

As a parent, I consider the most important thing I’ve done for the impact on my children’s lives to be submitting my life to God daily and living out my faith. This commitment has not only shaped my own journey but also influenced the way I parent and run my business.

One significant aspect of this impact is the opportunity to work alongside my sons within the company. They were my first hires when we started QC Me, and even after 5 years, they continue to work with me. This arrangement allows me to have direct access to speak into their lives and provide guidance as we work together.

Through our work together, I emphasize the importance of serving the Lord in all aspects of life, including our business endeavors. I teach them to approach every task, whether it’s cleaning a church building, a residential space, or volunteering in our personal time, with a spirit of excellence and dedication.

By instilling these values and leading by example, I aim to cultivate a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality, and a sense of purpose in my children’s lives. I believe that by working unto the Lord and consistently demonstrating integrity and excellence, we can make a positive impact not only in our business but also in the lives of those we serve.

Through our shared experiences within QC Me, I have the privilege of teaching my children valuable life lessons, nurturing their character development, and fostering their understanding of the importance of faith in all areas of life.

Overall, my commitment to living out my faith and incorporating it into our business has been a powerful and impactful influence on my children’s lives. By working together, we strengthen our bond and create a shared understanding of the values and principles that guide us.

The most important factor behind the success of QC Me and our brand is our commitment to working unto the Lord and performing excellent work in all that we do. Our faith is at the core of everything we undertake, from cleaning a church building to residential cleaning and even volunteering in our personal time.

By aligning our actions and mindset with serving the Lord, we strive for excellence in every task and job we take on. This commitment to quality and integrity has helped us build a strong reputation and gain the trust of our clients.

Our faith-driven approach not only shapes our work ethic but also influences the way we interact with our clients and the community. We believe in treating others with respect, kindness, and professionalism, reflecting the values that are important to us.

Additionally, our dedication to serving the Lord extends beyond our business operations. We actively seek opportunities to volunteer and give back to our community, further reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

By integrating our faith into our business practices and personal lives, we have created a cohesive and purpose-driven brand. This not only resonates with our clients but also inspires our team to consistently deliver exceptional service.

In summary, the most crucial factor behind our success and the success of the QC Me brand is our unwavering commitment to working unto the Lord and performing excellent work. Our faith influences every aspect of our business, driving us to consistently deliver quality services and make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

What should our readers know about your business?
Thank you for considering me for the business interview. I’m excited to have the opportunity to discuss my cleaning company, QC Me, LLC. Starting this company in 2018 was a turning point for me after facing several job losses. I had been working tirelessly for others, sacrificing family time and activities. It was a challenging period, constantly battling exhaustion.

Fortunately, an opportunity came my way to clean the building where our faith community gathers. This sparked the idea to establish QC Me, LLC, focusing on both Quality Control and Quality Clean. Our primary focus is commercial and office cleaning, although we also have a few residential clients.

Having recently relocated to Anna in February 2023, we have been actively working to expand our presence in the local community. Joining the local Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in establishing valuable connections and getting involved in the vibrant business environment here.

I am excited to discuss how QC Me can contribute to the cleaning needs of businesses in the area and how our commitment to quality sets us apart. I look forward to sharing my experiences and vision for the company in this interview.

At QC Me, we believe in making a positive social impact and contributing to our community in meaningful ways. Our commitment to quality extends beyond cleaning services, as we actively seek to uplift individuals in our area.

One way we achieve this is by hiring individuals from our faith community and providing them with employment opportunities. We go beyond simply teaching them how to clean the QC Me way; we also strive to impart valuable life lessons inspired by the teachings of the Bible. By doing so, we aim to promote personal growth, resilience, and character development among our employees.

By prioritizing local hiring and investing in our employees’ well-being, we contribute to the economic stability and growth of our community. We believe in creating a supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional development, leading to enhanced job satisfaction and long-term success.

Additionally, through our participation in the local Chamber of Commerce, we actively engage with other businesses, organizations, and community members. This collaborative approach allows us to forge partnerships, share resources, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of Anna.

Ultimately, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our employees, customers, and the community as a whole. We believe that by upholding our values of quality, integrity, and community engagement, QC Me not only delivers exceptional cleaning services but also helps build a stronger and more vibrant community.

When it comes to risk, I believe that calculated and well-thought-out risks are essential for personal and professional growth. Throughout my life and career, taking risks has played a significant role in shaping my journey and the success of QC Me.

The decision to move our business from McKinney to Anna in February was a recent risk we undertook. Although our existing client base was primarily centered around Plano, Garland, and Richardson, we recognized the potential for growth in the new community. By expanding into Anna, we aimed to tap into a new market and establish ourselves as a trusted cleaning service provider in the area.

Staying open during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic was another risk we willingly embraced. We understood the importance of adaptability and resilience during uncertain times. By implementing strict safety protocols, prioritizing the well-being of our employees and customers, and closely monitoring the evolving situation, we navigated through the pandemic while ensuring business continuity.

Beyond business risks, my personal and spiritual convictions have also led me to take risks in serving our Lord. I believe in living a life dedicated to God and striving to make a positive impact on others. This mindset influences not only our business practices but also our approach to life as a whole. It involves making choices that align with our Biblical values and being willing to make sacrifices in service to someone greater.

Risk-taking has taught me valuable lessons and propelled me forward. It has fostered adaptability, resilience, and innovation within our organization. By carefully assessing risks, leveraging opportunities, and learning from both successes and setbacks, we have been able to grow and thrive.

In summary, I view risk as an integral part of growth and success. By embracing calculated risks, QC Me has been able to expand into new markets, overcome challenges, and stay true to our values. We understand that risks should be approached with careful consideration and a willingness to learn and adapt. Through this mindset, we continue to take measured risks to ensure the long-term success and positive impact of our business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re still fairly new to Anna, and learning of more spots as we go. For sure I would take visitors to Spurlock’s for ice cream. The Slayter Creek park for little ones to play, or older visitors to walk or play Frisbee golf. If one of the guys needed a haircut, my sons have been to Occam’s Razor and they know their trade, for sure. And if visitors were interested in moving out here, I’d point them to my buddies Chris Hampton and Joseph Chirwa at Magnet Realty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shoutout to Chris Hampton & Joseph Chirwa at Magnet Realty for their support of a new cleaner in town. I’d also like to give a shoutout to the Anna Chamber of Commerce – they really helped us feel welcome.

Website: www.qcmellc.com

Instagram: instagram.com/qc_me_llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QCmeLLC?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/qc-me-anna-2

Image Credits
Credit to my wife, Beth Smith, for taking the picture, and adding our business card to the background.