After A Sour Note, A Second Chance At Success

Fifteen years ago, it would have been difficult for Stewart to imagine having a role in one of the biggest projects in Nashville. 

At the age of 42, Stewart’s life hit a sour note. A failed business venture began a “downward spiral,” and was subsequently deepened by his divorce. He escaped his troubles by hitting the road with Tim McGraw, working as a tour manager in the mid 90s. But, after two years, Stewart was ready to settle down again. He had met Sarita at a McGraw record company function and was desperate to find a way to support his new wife and family. 

While visiting a friend Stewart asked to borrow his pressure washer in hopes of making a few extra dollars with the equipment. 

“I don’t want people thinking I was like ‘down and out,’” Stewart says, though later he admits, “I was. I don’t take anything for granted.”

Luckily, it wasn’t long before Stewart realized he was on to something. 

This led to him exploring the cleaning industry through a cleaning franchise. The cleaning industry proved attractive, and Stewart was able to use this experience to become an independent owner. 

He landed a contract for a television news station, a chain of kidney dialysis clinics and other businesses, which built his credibility and gave him a firm footing in Nashville and other regional markets. 

The company grossed nearly $100,000 in their first year. 

Still, switching to a cleaning business was an adjustment for someone who had previously been “doing things that were somewhat glamorous.” 

“I was an operation of one. I cleaned a lot of toilets, vacuumed, showed up for a lot of shifts,” Stewart says. “There was some right-sizing of my ego. But, then there was a realization that this was something good to do.”