39: The Real Reasons Employees Quit—and How Jeannie Henderson Fixed It

“Your team can only thrive and be passionate about what they do when they can see the positive impact of their work in the lives of others”. - Jeannie Henderson

Sign up for a FREE call with Jeannie. Click the link here: https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie. Ready to turn your grime story into a success story? Get a free strategy session with CBF Coach Jeannie Henderson and learn about how Cleaning Business Fundamentals will give you the proven strategies you need to grow a thriving, 

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt solo episode of True Grime Stories, I’m stepping into the spotlight to share one of my own grime scenes—and how it became the foundation for building a mission-driven business I love.

After decades in the restaurant and nonprofit industries, I found myself burned out and exhausted. That’s when my husband and I made the leap into the cleaning business—even though I had zero experience. In my first year, I faced high turnover, constant employee burnout, and a deep sense of overwhelm. I couldn’t keep good people, and honestly, I was barely holding it together.

But everything changed when I realized something powerful: my team wasn’t just cleaning homes—they were changing lives. From that insight, I created our mission: “To make lives better in all that we do.” That one shift transformed how I led, how we worked as a team, and how our business began to grow.

Today, I lead a team of over 35 incredible people and have the privilege of coaching cleaning business owners all over the country. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about leadership, culture, and building a business that doesn’t just survive—but truly thrives.

If you're struggling with burnout, team turnover, or just want to lead with heart, this episode is for you. I’ve been there—and I want to help you find your way through it too.

Key Topics:

✅ Starting from Scratch

• Jeannie’s shift from nonprofit burnout to business ownership
• Buying a small cleaning company with 54 clients and 4 employees

✅ The Burnout Breakdown

• Struggling with high turnover and disengaged employees
• Realizing the emotional toll of leadership without clarity or mission

✅ The Game-Changer: Company Mission

• Creating the mission: “To make lives better in all that we do”
• Why cleaning isn’t just cleaning—and how sharing stories built pride
• Turning everyday tasks into meaningful work

✅ Rebuilding Culture from the Ground Up

• How employee morale, communication, and loyalty improved
• Professional and personal development inside the company
• Bringing in financial advisors, health experts, and life mentors for staff

✅ People-First Leadership

The three pillars of employee engagement (from Patrick Lencioni):

• Being known
• Having meaning
• Measuring impact

✅ From 3 Employees to 35+

• Growing a mission-focused team with pride and purpose
• Creating a workplace where people want to belong—and stay

✅ Bigger Impact

• Supporting causes like Cleaning for a Reason
• Giving back to the community through nonprofit partnerships and donations
• How generosity fuels team engagement

✅ Looking Ahead

Teaser: Jeannie’s upcoming Culture Magic book and training program

Subscribe to True Grime Stories and be sure to click the links below to learn more and connect with us on social media for more tips and insights

Connect with me:

• Learn more about Jeannie Cleaning: https://jeanniecleaning.com/
• Get a free strategy session, book a call now at https://debbiesardone.com/coachjeannie
• Website: jeanniehenderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeannieHendersonConsulting/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniehenderson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniehenderson