Entrepreneur focuses on healthy cleaning

A former corporate executive with an MBA has traded his business suits for cleaning supplies.

Wells Ye, who worked in product management for Sears Holdings, launched Fresh Tech Maid Services in Prospect Heights about six months ago.

The Evanston man differentiates his business from the competition through attention to healthy cleaning. His employees use nontoxic cleaning products and a cutting-edge vacuum cleaner system.

Ye believes it's important to the homeowner's health to use environmentally friendly cleaners. His crews utilize certified nontoxic cleaners that are hydrogen peroxide based. He says the cleaners are better for the environment and for the air the homeowner breathes.

The company utilizes a new vacuum cleaner that, Ye says, eliminates small invisible bacteria, dust and airborne particulates and other contaminates that are contributors to unhealthy indoor environments.

He says the quality of the vacuum can make a big difference between removing the harmful particles or simply just redistributing them within the home.

Ye jokes that he calls these aspects that set his company apart his "dirty little secrets."

Ye, 46, grew up in Beijing, China. He earned a master's degree in landscape architecture in Canada and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. He then worked as a financial consultant for United Airlines before joining Sears seven years ago.

When he was in business school, he developed a desire to run his own business.

"The entrepreneurial spark was burning," Ye said.

While starting a cleaning service during a recession has been tough, he said he has seen solid growth. Revenue in April grew 60 percent over March, he said.

"We're growing wonderfully," he said.

He employs three cleaning crews and is hiring another. He added that crew leaders speak English.

Ye believes his business background is an asset in running the business. He says communication with the customer is a vital aspect of the business as well as treating his employees with respect.

It's important that the business sticks to its mission.

"We are in the business of saving people time and leaving a healthy environment," he said. For more information, check out freshtechmaids.com.

Kim Mikus covers small business and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4567.