How she shines: Kathleen Bands leads My Cleaning Service with integrity, open communication, and a strong commitment to her team, clients, and community. She embraces new technologies and innovative processes that improve efficiency and service while championing sustainable cleaning practices that create healthier environments. Kathleen believes the success of MCS starts with its people, which is why she prioritizes collaboration, mentorship, training, and opportunities for professional growth.
Years in the industry: 20 years
Job responsibilities: As Owner and CEO of My Cleaning Service, Inc. (MCS), Kathleen Bands is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company while ensuring that its commitment to quality, service, and people remains at the center of its operations. She provides executive leadership across the organization, overseeing business growth, operational excellence, client relationships, employee development, and the continued evolution of the company. A key part of Kathleen’s role is cultivating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. She prioritizes professional development, training, and opportunities for advancement while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Her leadership philosophy recognizes that exceptional service begins with a strong, engaged team.
Kathleen also plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening MCS’s relationships with its clients. She works to ensure the company consistently delivers reliable, high-quality cleaning and facility services while adapting to the changing needs of the organizations and communities MCS serves. As the third generation of her family to lead MCS, Kathleen is also responsible for carrying forward the values established by her grandparents while positioning the company for the future. She champions innovation, sustainable cleaning practices, and continuous improvement, balancing the traditions that built the company with new ideas that allow it to grow and remain competitive.
Beyond the day-to-day leadership of MCS, Kathleen serves as an ambassador for the company and the commercial cleaning industry. Through industry involvement, relationship building, and collaboration with other business leaders, she works to elevate the profession and demonstrate the important role that clean, healthy environments play in the success and well-being of the people who use them.
Career path: Kathleen’s career is rooted in the family business her grandfather founded in 1970. Her mother, Lisa, took over My Cleaning Service in 1993, continuing the family legacy. Kathleen began building her own path within the company as Marketing Director, where she gained valuable experience growing the brand and understanding the business from the inside out. In 2020, she purchased MCS and became its third-generation owner. Since then, Kathleen has continued to grow and evolve the company while honoring the values and reputation her family built over more than five decades.
Best advice received: Some of Kathleen’s best career advice has come from the people who have influenced her most. Her grandfather taught her to never let anyone underestimate her, while her grandmother instilled a lesson that remains part of MCS’ culture today: do things the right way the first time.
Kathleen was also taught that her inner strength is one of her greatest resources, and that learning to trust and harness that strength can make her unstoppable. Together, these lessons have shaped how Kathleen approaches challenges, leads her team, and continues to grow as a business owner.
Fun fact: People are often surprised to learn how spontaneous and adventurous Kathleen is. While she is extremely organized and detail-oriented in her professional life, she loves trying new things, embracing new experiences, and going on adventures. It is a side of her personality that people may not expect, but it reflects the energy and curiosity she brings to both work and life.