At the 2025 Urban Clean Growth Summit, Tom Potter — the man behind Eagle Boys Pizza — took the stage as keynote speaker. What followed wasn’t a dry business lecture, but a series of stories and reflections that reminded everyone in the room why they started their journey in the first place. His words carried weight because they came from experience: setbacks, breakthroughs, and the kind of resilience that defines true entrepreneurs.
Enjoying the Journey
Tom spoke candidly about chasing success with the mindset of “I’ll be happy when…” — when the next milestone was hit, when the next store opened, when the next big number appeared on the balance sheet. For years, he lived that way. Then he realised something simple but profound: happiness wasn’t waiting at the finish line. It was already there, in the journey itself.
For anyone building a cleaning franchise, this lesson is gold. It’s easy to get caught up in the contracts you haven’t won yet or the revenue you’re chasing. But every new client, every system you master, every relationship you build is part of the story. The joy isn’t just in the destination — it’s in the process of becoming.
Overcoming Obstacles
Tom’s career began with a conversation across the kitchen table with his mother. After losing his job, she asked him: “What are you going to do?” and challenged him with an idea: why not home‑delivered pizzas in regional Australia? That spark led to Eagle Boys. Within months, he had over 100 employees and turnover of $75,000 a week — but chaos reigned. Systems weren’t in place, and growth was spiralling.
The answer was franchising. At first, Tom resisted. But he and his mother listed every objection they had to franchising — and then did the opposite. That contrarian approach became the foundation of Eagle Boys’ success.
For Urban Clean franchisees, the parallel is clear. In commercial cleaning, obstacles are inevitable. Maybe a schedule falls apart, maybe a competitor undercuts, maybe growth feels overwhelming. The lesson is not to shy away, but to face challenges head‑on. Write down the objections, confront them, and flip them into opportunities.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Tom reminded everyone that sometimes the toughest moments become blessings. A store robbery created publicity that helped launch a new franchise. Competitors tried to change the rules, but Tom responded with guerrilla marketing — meeting customers where they were, and refusing to hold back.
For those in a cleaning franchise, setbacks will happen. A client might leave, a competitor might push hard, or a contract might not go as planned. But every challenge is a chance to grow. Losing one client can push you to win three more. Competitors changing the rules can inspire you to innovate. The key is to stay proactive, stay visible, and never hold back.
What This Means for Commercial Cleaning
Tom’s wisdom isn’t just about pizza; it’s about business fundamentals that apply everywhere. In commercial cleaning, the same principles hold true:
- Systems drive growth. Without structure, expansion leads to chaos. Urban Clean’s ISO‑accredited systems and Janiflow app give franchisees the framework to grow sustainably.
- Mindset matters. Success in a cleaning franchise isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about resilience, creativity, and persistence.
- Opportunities hide in obstacles. Every challenge — from client churn to competitor pressure — can be reframed as a chance to innovate.
For anyone exploring a franchise opportunity, Tom’s lessons highlight why Urban Clean is different. Cleaning is essential, recession‑proof, and tied to compliance. With the right systems and support, franchisees can build recurring revenue streams that provide stability and long‑term growth.
Lighting the Fire
Tom’s keynote wasn’t just a story — it was a spark. For potential franchisees, it showed what’s possible when you think differently and act boldly. For existing franchisees, it was a reminder that growth isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about embracing the journey, overcoming obstacles, and turning challenges into opportunities.
Urban Clean is built on the same principles: accountability, transparency, and resilience. With ISO‑accredited systems, the Janiflow app, and the Frustration Free Cleaning ethos, you have the tools to succeed. What matters now is the mindset.
The fire is lit — the question is, will you run with it?
Why Urban Clean is the Franchise Opportunity in Commercial Cleaning
Urban Clean is more than a cleaning franchise. It is a proven franchise opportunity in the commercial cleaning industry, designed for people who want to build a business with stability, scalability, and support.
Cleaning is non‑negotiable. Businesses cannot operate without clean, safe environments. Health and safety regulations make cleaning resilient, even in tough times. Contracts create predictable income streams for franchisees. And with ISO accreditation, Janiflow technology, and the Frustration Free Cleaning ethos, franchisees can scale with confidence.
For those considering a franchise opportunity, Urban Clean offers the chance to join Australia’s fastest‑growing commercial cleaning franchise. For existing franchisees, it’s a reminder that the systems are in place — now it’s time to push harder, think bigger, and embrace the journey.
Conclusion
Tom Potter’s keynote at the 2025 Urban Clean Growth Summit was more than motivational — it was a blueprint for success. His lessons on enjoying the journey, overcoming obstacles, and turning setbacks into opportunities resonate deeply with Urban Clean’s mission.
For potential franchisees, the message is clear: Urban Clean is the franchise opportunity you’ve been waiting for. For existing franchisees, it’s time to reignite the fire, lean into the systems, and build the future of commercial cleaning together.
If You’re Tired of Chasing Cleaners — We’re Here
If you’re a business owner who’s had enough of the stress, the follow-ups, and the uncertainty, we’re here to help. Urban Clean delivers reliable, consistent, high-quality cleaning — without the frustration. Let us take it off your plate so you can get back to running your business. Let us handle the cleaning and take it off your to-do list — just click here!
And if you’re someone who’s ready to take ownership of your future, we’d love to talk. Whether you’re looking for a flexible income or ready to build a business that scales, our cleaning franchise model gives you the tools, training, and support to succeed. Click here to connect with us.
