Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Ronisha Guest Beljour has built a cleaning business from the ground up. What started as a side hustle during her time as a certified dental assistant, has grown into a citywide cleaning company, securing large contracts, including one with the new multi-purpose stadium in downtown Knoxville.

The idea for her company, Knoxville Cleaning Service (KCS) Janitorial & Maintenance Company,  traces back to her childhood. Beljour shared how her father was a Superintendent, but he used to take on side jobs such as building or cleanup. One weekends, she would go with him and learn the cleanup process – how to patch walls, build decks, etc. As she grew older, she began helping out.

Although Beljour didn’t initially pursue a career in cleaning, the experience stayed with her.

“I worked as a certified dental assistant and, in my free time, would thoroughly clean the dental office,” she said. “People would come in and say, ‘Wow, it’s spotless in here.’ Naturally, I started receiving referrals to clean other offices.”

In 2017, she officially launched KCS Janitorial & Maintenance Company as her side jobs began generating significant revenue. At first, she wasn’t particular about the type of work. She cleaned offices, medical facilities, construction sites, and residential homes. However, the pandemic forced her to change her strategy.

Offices closed, homeowners became hesitant to outsiders coming in, and Beljour found herself at a crossroads.

“We reached out to the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) for advice on how to bring in revenue and continue growing so we didn’t have to lay anyone off,” she said.

Some of her KAUL mentors connected her with the Small Business Development Program and helped her obtain certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

“It was a lot of work to complete that certification, but it opened so many doors for the company. Now, we have access to job opportunities for DBE companies that we wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for that certification,” Beljour said.

Additionally, she completed the Next Level Business course during the pandemic at KAUL. Beljour said it significantly enhanced her three-year business plan and strategy.

“KAUL has been instrumental in supporting my small business, KCS Janitorial and Maintenance, by keeping me informed about valuable opportunities and resources. Through their networking events and connections, they have introduced me to key individuals who have helped my business grow. Their guidance and support have ensured that I have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed, making a meaningful impact on my journey as a small business owner,” she said.

Soon after completion of the course and DBE certifications, she landed her biggest contract yet: over 300,000 square feet of space to clean.

“We had no idea how we would manage such a large job, but we hired people, got it done, and from there, the business just kept growing,” she said.

This year, Beljour also secured the prime janitorial contract for the new multi-use stadium downtown. Her team at KCS Janitorial & Maintenance Company ar handling all post-construction cleanup.

“That was a really big deal for us because it opened doors we never thought possible. Now, the community sees us as capable of doing more than just offices, apartments, and commercial spaces. This construction cleanup is huge capacity,” she said.

Though it’s a minor league stadium, Beljour is in the “big leagues” when it comes to Knoxville’s cleaning companies. Her team is responsible for preparing the stadium for its opening day on April 15.

KCS Janitorial & Maintenance Company has notably grown rapidly, so Teknovation inquired about what advice Beljour would give other local founders. She offered a few key recommendations.

First, she emphasized the importance of having a mentor, noting the impact that KAUL had on her journey.

“Know your mentor. Listen to your mentor. Make sure their core values align with yours,” she said.

Secondly, she advised founders to be deeply familiar with their books and finances.

“You’re not serious about your business until you know your books. Not knowing your finances can hold you back, especially when making competitive bids on contracts. Get a CPA on your side,” she said.

Finally, she encouraged local founders to rely on community support.

“People often ask me, ‘Who are your competitors?’ And I tell them I don’t have any. The only person I’m competing with is myself. There’s enough business for everyone. Build partnerships instead of competition,” she said.

When Beljour looks at her business, she is proud of how far her business has come—from a small side hustle to a contract with the new Smokies Stadium. She hopes her story will inspire other women of color in Knoxville to be bold in pursuing their business ideas.

“I hope women of color in this community can look at me and believe that this is something they can do, too,” she said. “Whether it’s a janitorial company, real estate investment, or a hair salon, they need to know they can do it. It’s possible!”

Connect with Ronisha Beljour.

Learn more about KCS Janitorial & Maintenance Company.

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