Tim O’Connor, Cleaning Doctor franchise owner

Tim O’Connor reveals why he decided to join Cleaning Doctor

"Just over five years ago I made a decision that factory life was not for me," Tim explains. "After looking at a few business opportunities I crossed paths with William Little, owner of the Cleaning Doctor franchise. Numerous phone conversations later, I finally met with him at the Cleaning Doctor head office in Enniskillen.

"External cleaning was the business I was interested in, and I knew Cleaning Doctor was right for me straight away. Its work equipment was highly impressive and I liked the down to earth but very professional approach of William. I knew that I wanted to be part of this business – I wanted in – well I was 90 per cent sure.

"On my journey home one thing stuck in my mind – William said to me when I was leaving his yard 'Don't waste my time and your time and money if you are not prepared to put in the work to make this business work for you and me'.

"That's when I knew, that 'yes' I definitely wanted in – as by him saying that I knew it was more than just money. I knew he took pride in the Cleaning Doctor name, not just selling a business to some man that could give the Cleaning Doctor brand a bad name.

"Now five years on I am delighted to be part of the Cleaning Doctor franchise. I'm self-employed and able to survive in these hard recession times. I'm out every day working and making money – maybe not as much as 'the good old days' but still beating the recession and why? Well when I drive my van I'm advertising, when my van is parked I'm advertising – my van is my best advertising tool I have – sign written with the Cleaning Doctor logo and in detail what services I provide.

"Also my adverts in the local press, which are designed very professionally at the Cleaning Doctor head office, are so eye catching a potential customer can't miss them. Most people complain about the wet, damp Irish weather, I too used to be one, but as time goes on I realise that the damper, wetter weather is, the busier I am. As damp weather causes moss and algae, which is an eyesore and people need it removed.

"The equipment is state of the art, from power washer to high-level window cleaning equipment. For instance with an average power washer and lance – how long would it take to power wash and how good a result would you get when cleaning an average three bedroom bungalow? Probably three to four hours with streaky results and maybe left with a damaged surface. Not with Cleaning Doctor Roto wash surface cleaner, which is an unbelievable tool that attaches to the power washer and cleans the same size footpath in about half an hour with a streak free finish, and it is safe on the surface. Five years on and this tool still impresses me on how great a job it does.

"The tool also works just as impressively on tar driveways and patios and again the surface is safe.

"Another service I provide is gutter, fascia and soffit cleaning which is made so much easier with the extendable lance which also fits on to the power washer, all cleaning can be done from ground level, even high to reach gables of a two story house.

"Unique window cleaning equipment makes window cleaning of windows that are high and not accessible by ladder, accessible. Once a window is in line of vision it can be cleaned up to four storey's by a water fed telescopic pole system, it also means easy to reach windows can be cleaned more easily, quicker and to a higher standard without the need of a ladder.

"I could go on all day about how great the equipment is and what a great service I and Cleaning Doctor provide, but nothing proves it more than repeat business which I get year in year out. Constantly getting business from regular customers and, as time goes by, picking up a new customers – all down to the equipment and my knowledge of cleaning which was passed onto me from the decades of experience of William Little which he began in 1985."