Office Pride of East Colorado Springs

Michele and Ted Struttmann have found that joy springs from strong relationships and service to others.

The owners of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning of East Colorado Springs said those two factors were what drew them to opening a service-based business. “This was such a good opportunity to start a service business,” says Ted, “and service was always a strong aspect of my life and career.”

Michele serves as president and Ted serves as vice president of operations. “Our goals are to be the best cleaning service in Colorado Springs and to serve our customers in an excellent manner,” Michele says. “We serve customers by providing clean work environments, which boost morale, productivity and the appeal of businesses. Our vision is to partner with businesses and provide opportunity and help for our employees.”

Ted formerly worked as a mechanical engineer whose experience included customer service, problem solving, process improvement and management. Michele was a veterinarian with firsthand knowledge of sanitation in a healthcare environment. They knew they possessed the skills to open a successful business together.

Michele adds, “I knew whatever we did had to be combined with service, because that’s where I have always gained personal satisfaction. Whether it was as a veterinarian or volunteer work, I thrive in that kind of service-based atmosphere, and I think that it’s lacking in our society.”

They learned about Office Pride at a career transitions meeting at their church and were attracted to the company because of its mission and core values, which align with their own personal values.

They provide janitorial and commercial cleaning services for businesses throughout the Colorado Springs area. They excel at floor work, including stripping and waxing, scrubbing and recoating and burnishing vinyl flooring; carpet cleaning; and machine scrubbing of hard surface floors.

They are active in their church and belong to the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Owning and operating their Office Pride franchise has been very rewarding for the couple. “First, as a business-to-business company, we are able to provide a service so that our customers can concentrate on what they do best and let us handle other details for them,” says Michele.

“And for me, the most rewarding thing has been helping our team members get where they are going. They are mostly part-time or second-job employees, but we can help them pay off a debt or get through a hard time, and it’s so gratifying to know that we are helping them do something they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”