Fresh Start Cleaning Crew is a new business in Maynardville you probably have not heard about, but should. This veteran-owned and woman-operated business just opened its doors this month, receiving their business license on February 10. This passion project was created by a local Christian involved in outreach, Nancy Norris.
Nancy saw a need in the community and decided to use her unique skills and Army experience to do something about it. Having served over 20 years in the Army, Nancy has an eye for detail and knows how to keep things tidy.
Decades of military inspections, which oftentimes include a white glove to check for dust, prepared her for this business venture.
It recently came to Nancy’s attention that women in recovery struggle with steady employment, a requirement for sober homes and a necessity for getting back on their feet.
Nancy discovered that many of women she encountered through Christian outreach have suffered immense trauma. Because of this, working in fast food or other high-paced environments are incredibly nerve wracking and detrimental to the spiritual and mental health of these girls.
Nancy partnered with Worthy Women Ministries of Knoxville to remedy this. Together they created Fresh Start Cleaning Crew in order to provide women a job opportunity that fits their unique needs. This cleaning business operates after hours, cleaning businesses and facilities, allowing the women to work together in a quiet and safe environment. They provide cleaning services for banks, churches, offices and more.
They currently have a contract with TVA Credit Union, cleaning three of their 27 locations with the option to tackle all of them as the business grows. The Fresh Start Crew, being led by a retired Army NCO, already has a reputation for their high standards and reliability.
The contracts were lined up at the door by the time they started on weekly, bi-weekly and monthly basis. Now, Fresh Start Cleaning Crew is looking to take on more employees and provide hope for those struggling to find stability.
This cleaning business is so much more than meets the eye. The ultimate goal goes beyond gainful employment to provide hope and help women (and men) to build a foundation for longstanding success. The employees of Fresh Start Cleaning LLC are personally trained by Nancy, learning military standards, so that they can take pride in their work.
Nancy believes that being able to take pride in a job well done is essential in building self-worth and attaining personal fulfillment, regardless of the job.
She instills this notion in all who work with her, so that the Fresh Start Cleaning Crew employees can hold their heads high and be ready to tackle bigger jobs when they move on with their careers and lives.
Although she loves everyone who works with her and expects there to be longevity with the business, she also hopes to see it being used as a steppingstone for women to reach their goals in building the lives they envision for themselves and their families.
To learn more about the business or to apply for a job, visit the website at FreshStartCleaningCrew.org or email them at FreshStartCleaningCrew@yahoo.com.
Although the business was founded on women’s ministry and outreach, males are still encouraged to apply. The all-woman cleaning crew looks forward to adding an all men cleaning crew to their team (husband-wife duos will be accepted as a team).
Starting wages are $13/hour but vary based on the size/nature of the contract. To learn more about Worthy Women Ministries, visit their website at WorthyWomenMinistry.org.