David Meadows thought he'd be retired by age 30.
Instead, he's starting over.
A successful career in real estate ended when the economy began its decline in 2008; Meadows knew he needed to rebuild his own path, but didn't want to work for anybody else.
He landed on a carpet-cleaning franchise, and recently became owner of Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning in Mower and Freeborn counties. The company, headquartered in Idaho, has five owner/operators in Minnesota.
Not only is the economy rebounding, Meadows said, "but carpets get dirty no matter what. If you treat people properly, do good work and give people a good value for their dollar," success is bound to follow.
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Business in other Heaven's Best franchises didn't slow during the recession, he said.
"Hard work has never scared me," Meadows said. "I don't mind the hours."
The cleaning process uses a low-moisture system; the company promises a one-hour dry-time using environmentally friendly chemicals. Technicians don't drag hoses around or operate from a van, he said.
"It's very quiet; we do a lot of work at night, even in apartment buildings," Meadows said. In addition, "every foot of hose means a little less suction."
The water-based solution is safe for people and pets, Meadows said. Treatments are also available for hardwood, tile and marble flooring, as well as upholstery, leather and grout.
He hopes their franchise — co-owned with his wife, Tammy — will at least double within a year.
"I hope I get myself so booked I can't handle it all," Meadows smiled. It's all about creating freedom, he said.
"If I put in the hours, put in the time and take the risk, it'll pay off with more time with my kids," he said.
