Adam Povlitz began his journey at Anago when he was 26. Looking to make a real impact in his professional life instead of just being a spoke in the corporate wheel, he decided to join his father in building what is now known today as one of the largest commercial cleaning companies in the nation, Anago Cleaning Systems (Anago). In 2015, Adam was promoted to President of Anago and oversees every aspect of the company including operations, finance, and the marketing programs designed to attract Master and Unit Franchisees. Previously, Adam served as the Growth Initiatives and Expense Analyst for the North American Sales & Distribution division of IBM Corporation. He holds an MBA from the University of Miami and earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Nova Southeastern University. He is a Certified Franchise Executive and an ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standards Expert.
1. Tell us about the Anago Cleaning Systems concept.
Anago was founded in 1989 by my father, David Povlitz. After owning and operating a commercial cleaning business in Detroit, Michigan for 15 years. He moved to South Florida, perfected the systems he created, and Anago was born. The name Anago is derived from the Greek-Latin term “anagogue,” meaning to guide or uplift. Anago was founded with that principle – to guide and uplift the lives of our Master and Unit Franchisees to achieve success.
2. How and when did you become involved with Anago Cleaning Systems?
I started at Anago Cleaning Systems in 2009 and have been the President now, for over three years.
3. What was your background prior to joining Anago Cleaning Systems?
After graduating Miami’s School of Business, I took a role at IBM. But soon the draw of a family business proved too strong. I started at Anago in 2009 as a Franchise Developer, after taking on key roles in Human Resources, Operations, and as the Executive VP, I became President in 2015.
4. What are some of the advantages in being a Anago Cleaning Systems franchisee?
Apart from the industry’s lowest franchise fees, the biggest advantage in becoming an Anago Master Franchise Owner is the support and training. We have the most comprehensive training program in the industry, with over 150 years of combined experience among our executive team. Starting with site development, where we assist the Master in locating office space and coordinating their lease. Training starts at our corporate office in South Florida, with initial instruction on every aspect of the business, from franchise sales to customer service, and how to use our cloud-based software to track every bit of it. This is followed by numerous site visits from our Field Training Team during the Master’s first few years of operation. We also provide the Master with access to AnagoUniversity™, a comprehensive e-learning library with over 60 training videos. We are committed to getting the Masters up and running as quickly as possible.
5. Who is your ideal franchisee?
We are looking for people with strong sales, marketing, and management skills. An achiever- type personality. A strong desire to build an empire in their Master Franchise territory. The ability to recruit, direct, and manage highly motivated sales personnel.
6. Tell us a little about the Commercial Cleaning Market?
The commercial cleaning industry is vast and current numbers suggest it generates over $100bn in revenue per year, with some forecasters even suggesting double-digit growth through to 2020. Current trends are the shift towards technology, and Anago has certainly been at the forefront of this movement. We have proprietary cloud-based software to manage all aspects of the business, and our own proprietary Anago App for bidding and estimating, as well as customer service. Green cleaning is also very important. As more and more business owners and managers seek to minimize their company’s environmental impact, the use of less water, less paper, and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions is crucial.
7. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
Learning a ‘lesson’ is the easiest way to discover more about who you are and the type of leader you are. I have been fortunate that Anago was an established industry leader by the time I became President. I continue to learn lessons everyday dealing with our fantastic Master Franchise Owners and helping them discover new and exciting ways to grow their business empire.
8. Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
My father. He spent over two decades helping to build the business to where it is today; 38 Master Franchises with over 1,400 Franchise Units open. After 15 years in Michigan helping his brothers run a small commercial business, my father moved our family to Florida in 1989 seeking the American dream; to become a business owner, to be his own boss and to fully provide for his family. My dad wanted to take control of his future. My father taught me and the Master Franchise Owners of Anago one thing, always believe in yourself, and have an SOU – Sense of Urgency!
9. What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
From my experience with Anago and speaking with people in the Industry it’s the same idea. Trust and follow the franchise model! Sometimes, new Anago Master Owners don’t take the time to truly implement every aspect of our system. With over 25 years of franchising experience in the commercial cleaning industry, we have a complete, proven, and sustainable system in place. That system is supplemented by the support of every employee at our Corporate office. An Anago Master Owner just has to follow the system as it was designed, and it will lead them to the success they desire.
10. In your opinion, why do you think that Anago Cleaning Systems would be a great opportunity for someone?
More millionaires are made through master franchising than any other form of franchising! Unlike other franchise models, where multiple units are necessary to build a very successful business, all it takes is ONE Anago Master Franchise. This is an empire building franchise with residual income and unlimited growth potential. The Anago Master Owner will never run out of franchises to sell or buildings to clean!
