At Sovereign Commercial Services, we’re passionate about providing exceptional cleaning services that make a real difference. But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our commitment to cleanliness—it’s our people and our unwavering dedication to creating a supportive, high-quality environment for both employees and clients alike. Recently, we sat down with Justin Dzikowski, Vice President of Operations here at Sovereign, to discuss the key factors that drive our success, how we overcome operational challenges, and how we’re positioned for future growth. Here’s a closer look at our conversation:
What Led You to Sovereign Commercial Services?
After spending over 30 years managing and leading teams in diverse industries like food service, financial services, security, and environmental services, one of the key lessons Justin has learned is that people are at the heart of any successful business. “If an organization doesn’t take care of its people, they won’t take care of the customer,” explains Justin.
“It became clear from the moment I interviewed that Sovereign truly values its people, their families, its customers, and its core values. Doug’s (President & CEO) leadership philosophy is what led me—and many others—to Sovereign. It’s a company that genuinely stands behind its values, and that’s what makes it different,” Justin shared. This focus on people, coupled with Sovereign’s core values, is what makes the company unique and truly special.
Operational Challenges in the Commercial Cleaning Industry
One of the biggest challenges faced in the commercial cleaning industry is workforce management—specifically recruiting, training, and retaining reliable employees. “Cleaning is a demanding job, and without a strong team, service quality suffers,” Justin said. That’s why Sovereign places such emphasis on employee appreciation, proper training, and creating a supportive work environment.
Another challenge often faced is the tendency for organizations to overlook the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment, especially when cost-cutting becomes a priority. “When budgets are tight, cleaning services are often one of the first areas to be reduced,” he noted. This can lead to long-term issues like lower employee health, decreased customer satisfaction, and higher maintenance costs. At Sovereign, we work closely with clients to develop cost-effective solutions that still maintain high cleanliness standards.
Maintaining Consistency and Quality Across Multiple Locations
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining quality across various locations. To ensure our services are always top-notch, Sovereign has standardized processes in place for both training and accountability. “All of our employees are trained ‘the Sovereign Way,’” Justin explained. This ensures that cleaning procedures are consistent across all locations. We also rely on regular check-ins, monthly evaluations, and independent inspections to keep our standards high. Furthermore, each account is assigned a dedicated Client Services Manager who provides oversight and maintains direct communication with clients.
The Role of Technology in Operational Efficiency
Technology has significantly improved operational efficiency at Sovereign. We’ve streamlined many processes, from scheduling and service completion tracking to employee performance monitoring. Our team utilizes mobile apps and reporting tools to provide real-time updates, share photos, and receive immediate feedback. “Being able to track situations at our sites in real time helps us optimize cleaning schedules and identify areas for improvement,” Justin shared. Technology has enabled us to improve response times, reduce manual errors, and offer more accurate, timely reporting, all of which contributes to higher client satisfaction.
Balancing Efficiency with High Standards
At Sovereign, quality service is always our top priority. “We never compromise on the quality of our service,” Justin stated. Our team is trained to work quickly without sacrificing thoroughness. We’ve also used technology to improve efficiency, which has allowed us to optimize scheduling and ensure accountability. “By continuously evaluating and improving our processes, we’re able to meet both our efficiency goals and maintain our commitment to excellence.”
Employee Training and Meeting Industry Standards
Ensuring that all team members meet industry standards starts with a comprehensive training program. Our onboarding process includes hands-on training with experienced team members and familiarizing new hires with our standard operating procedures and safety protocols. “We also conduct regular evaluations, including independent quality inspections, to ensure team members are consistently meeting our high standards,” said Justin. This commitment to continuous learning is a cornerstone of our success at Sovereign.
Addressing Staffing Challenges and Reducing Turnover
Staffing challenges, including high turnover rates, are common in the commercial cleaning industry. However, Sovereign addresses these challenges by focusing on employee retention and fostering a supportive work environment. “We hire individuals who align with our values and provide thorough training to set them up for success,” they shared. To further reduce turnover, we offer competitive pay, benefits, career advancement opportunities, and prioritize work-life balance. This focus on employee well-being creates a positive, team-oriented culture where people feel appreciated and valued.
Using Client Feedback for Continuous Improvement
Client feedback is a vital part of how we improve our operations. “We listen to our customers and identify why other cleaning companies fail.” By understanding common issues such as lack of oversight, poor quality, and understaffing, Sovereign has built an operational model that addresses these challenges directly. Our commitment to listening and adapting ensures we provide the best possible service every time.
The Future: Growth and Operational Improvements
As Sovereign looks to the future, the focus is on strengthening our workforce, enhancing customer satisfaction, improving safety, and optimizing efficiency. “We’re committed to attracting, retaining, and developing top talent by offering competitive benefits, continuous training, and clear career advancement paths,” Justin said. Additionally, we’re leveraging technology to streamline operations and ensure real-time reporting for better decision-making.
Scaling Operations While Maintaining Quality
Our approach to scaling operations is strategic, with a strong focus on people, processes, and technology. As we expand, we’ll continue to recruit and train top talent, ensuring that new team members share our commitment to quality. “We’ll keep our standardized processes in place to ensure our cleaning methods remain consistent, no matter where we expand,” he emphasized. By staying true to our principles and embracing new technologies, Sovereign will continue to deliver the high standards our clients expect as we grow.
At Sovereign Commercial Services, we’re committed to maintaining excellence in every aspect of our operations—from our employees and the technology we use to the services we provide. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients with top-tier cleaning solutions and setting new standards for the industry.