From Granny’s Yaris to €2 Million: The Rise of The Cleaning Company
What started as a simple solution to a frustrating problem – the difficulty of booking a reliable window cleaner – has blossomed into a multi-million euro business for Luke Joyce. The Cleaning Company, founded in 2020, has quickly become a leading exterior cleaning service in Ireland, achieving over €2 million in revenue in the past year.
Humble Beginnings
Luke Joyce’s entrepreneurial journey began while studying at Maynooth University. Frustrated by his inability to secure a window cleaner for his mother, he saw a gap in the market for a dependable, subscription-based service. Armed with just €50 worth of borrowed equipment and his grandmother’s Toyota Yaris, he launched the business.1
“I started with no money, really. All I had was €50 worth of borrowed equipment and my granny’s Toyota Yaris,” Joyce explained.1 He initially learned the trade by watching YouTube tutorials.4
Rapid Growth and Innovation
The Cleaning Company quickly distinguished itself as Ireland’s first subscription window cleaning service.4 This innovative approach, coupled with a focus on reliability, fueled rapid growth. Revenue climbed from €1.6 million the previous year to over €2 million in 2024.4
Today, the company boasts a fleet of 18 vans, employs 25 staff, and utilizes 10 subcontractors.1 They provide services across Leinster, including Dublin, Meath, Louth, Wicklow, and Wexford.
Key Contracts and Services
The Cleaning Company secures significant contracts with governmental organizations, including five-year tenders with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Justice.1 Notable clients have included Garda Headquarters and Áras an Uachtaráin.1
Services offered include subscription-based window, gutter, and drain cleaning for both commercial and domestic clients.2
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite the success, Joyce acknowledges the challenges of building a business from the ground up, particularly in his early twenties. He admits to initially struggling with management skills, lacking prior experience in a traditional employment setting.1
“I never really had a job, so it was hard for me to know how a boss is supposed to act with employees, how meetings work, or what you’re supposed to be doing at all,” Joyce stated.1 He overcame this by hiring experienced managers as the company grew.1
Looking Ahead
Luke Joyce, a 2019 graduate of Maynooth University with a degree in Entrepreneurship, was named Maynooth University Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019.2 He continues to drive the company forward, focusing on expansion and maintaining a positive attitude.4 The company operates from Joyce’s family farm in the Dublin Mountains, utilizing pure spring mountain water in its cleaning processes.1