Five Star Carpet and Floor Care is a local professional cleaning service owned by Kevin Hestermann, who is an IICRC Certified Master Textile Cleaner. They offer many types of services such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, area rug cleaning, pet stain and odor removal, tile & grout cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning and maintenance, mattress cleaning, carpet dying, stretching and repair, and material protection. Five Star utilizes a truck-mounted steam extraction process, which is the method recommended by leading carpet manufacturers.
How did you get started in the business? – I was working as the manager of a local retail floor covering store that also provided professional cleaning services. When I decided to start my own business, it was really a logical transition.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Fighting the consumer perception that professional cleaning services are a commodity—that all companies are the same regardless of price. Like buying a TV for example. A particular brand and model of TV is going to be the same TV no matter where you buy it. Carpet cleaning is just the opposite. The fact is there is a tremendous difference in quality and service from one company to the next.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Winning Franchise of the Year (with Steam Brothers) and later leaving Steam Brothers to become an independent, local business.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife, Lynne and I have been married for 17 years. We have a daughter, Bridget, who is 15 years old and twin sons, Trey and Elijah, who are 11. Plus, I have an older step-son and daughter-in-law, Jon Paul and Leslie.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Deciding not to go on to Law School after graduating from UNL.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golfing with friends.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – When I was 9 years old, I suffered a lawn mower accident and lost half of my lower left leg. After several surgeries, I was able to keep my leg, but doctors said I would never be able to run and would always walk with a limp. I went on to prove them wrong, playing football, basketball, baseball and track in high school.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I’ve received this twice, from my first boss and then later from my franchise CEO: “It’s crowded at the bottom. Work harder and be better than your competition.”
What are you the most proud of? – My children.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Honest.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I have always been a big history buff.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Astronaut
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Hero of the Underground by Jason Peter
What is your favorite movie? – Goodfellas
What is your favorite TV show? – Mad Men. I love that time period.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Buzzard Billy’s
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Johnny Carson
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (402) 488-3290, email at klhestermann@neb.rr.com, or you can visit the website at www.fivestarfloorcare.com.