Star City Six – Teresa Hodgen
360 Clean, LLC recently began offering professional cleaning services to Lincoln and surrounding areas within a 40-mile radius. Teresa Hodgen is the owner of 360 Clean (www.360cleancompany.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
360 Clean was started with the vision of providing high-end customer service. We clean homes, buildings, apartments, new construction, move outs, and offer a la carte services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, floor care, and more. We aren’t like other cleaning companies; our service is personal.
How did you get started in the business?
In April of 1990 I started Hire-A-Maid. I wanted a flexible schedule so I could be at home when I needed to be for my 5-year-old daughter, who was starting Kindergarten. Last year I sold that company, but decided to start another to meet the need I saw with clients who were hiring separate companies to perform the different tasks that they needed to have done. While Hire-A-Maid was mostly residential, with this company I hope to do more commercial work.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
I’m naturally a risk-taker, but five years after starting my first company my husband decided he needed a divorce and the fear, panic, and stress of now being single, self-employed, and the sole provider for my kids set in. Fortunately I’m a survivor and made it through with a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Similarly, being able to support myself and three kids on my own. During that time I was also able to invest in real estate and bought nine homes, eight of which are rental properties. I credit my success to being able to budget wisely and serious determination.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have three amazing kids, Allisyn, Geralyn, and Nick. I remarried 10 years ago and my husband, Scott, has four kids. I have seven grandkids and get to watch them regularly, which I absolutely love being able to do. I have a great life.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Well, let’s just say I’ve been through a lot of trials personally and professionally. I’m always learning as I go and excited for what the future holds.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Enjoy silence! Don’t ask me any hard questions; well, actually don’t even talk to me unless it’s very important. I use that time to regroup and destress.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I have a nagging pull to escape into the wilderness and live like a Neanderthal. About as close as I can get to that is outdoor excursions; I’m walking the Appalachian Trail this coming July.
What are you the most proud of?
My kids. They’re such loving and good people. All three have a work ethic that I don’t see in many young people these days.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Family first, money second.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
360 Clean donates a portion of our earnings on each job to Royal Family Kids. I chose this organization because I can’t stand to see children not being taken care of or getting hurt. They are so precious.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Any place that will serve me food and a beer without me moving a muscle.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 460-0883; Email: thodgen@live.com; Website: www.360cleancompany.com.