Innovation

DLC Cleaning uses several mainstream non-toxic and/or eco-friendly cleaning solutions. These solutions include Simple Green, ECOGEN Floor Cleaner, and OdoBan Disinfectant. Simple Green is recognized by the EPA’s Safer Choice Program. ECOGEN is clean air certified by South Coast AQMD. It is a water-based biodegradable cleaner. Additionally, the product is sold in concentrated form; thereby reducing packaging and transportation needs. Also, all packaging associated with ECOGEN is developed using sustainable resources. OdoBan, like Simple Green, is recognized as an EPA Safer Choice product. In addition, they only use surfactants in their solutions, avoiding phosphorus and ammonia, and monoethanolamide (MEA). This allows the solutions to have no aquatic toxicity concerns.

While these products add to DLC’s environmentally friendly portfolio, their key to success is a recently developed in-house cleaning solution. This solution is all-natural with absolutely zero toxic chemical makeup. Moreover, there are no safety protocols such as ventilation or irritant precautions needed. This solution is human and pet friendly. Currently, this solution is the preferred cleaning solution for most of their client base.

DLC leadership was driven to be an eco-friendly organization due in large part to their customer base. They realized they were receiving an overwhelming number of requests for all-natural products from their clients. Realizing the growth potential in the industry, they set out to capitalize on an underserved market in their area of operations. This led to the recent development of their cleaning solution.

Inspiration

DLC Cleaning was founded in 2007 after its founders were honorably discharged from the United States Army. The founders returned to their local area with the hopes of providing a good life for their families, but also to give back to the area they grew up in. Founder Dion Collier stated, “We wanted to give our families the lives we never had, but we knew we had to give back to the community that raised us.” They determined that cleaning services were profitable in their local market. Collier added that they began to give back to the local community through donations and charity events. They then saw another opportunity to give back to the community and enhance their business outlook, all-natural and eco-friendly cleaning services. This is where they stand today, as leaders in the local all-natural cleaning industry.

Overall impact

Since transitioning to an all-natural eco-friendly service, Collier explained that DLC Cleaning has seen a significant impact on their organization and the local area. The residential and commercial cleaning services DLC Cleaning offers have improved the cleanliness of the work environment while also enhancing the air quality. First, their client base has expanded exponentially. DLC Cleaning leadership, Collier enthusiastically explained, is currently in the process of trademarking their in-house cleaning solution as well as expanding their area of operations. Second, by purchasing eco-friendly products in concentrated formulas, their shipping and material costs have drastically decreased along with their liability insurance. Additionally, the development of their cleaning solution has reduced their waste by approximately 40%. This means less pollution in our streets, beaches, and waterways.

Collier went on to explain that the short- and long-term effects of the transition were overall extremely positive for the organization. The only downside, uncertainty, was in the short term. Collier quoted, “We took a risk because we put everything into going to an all-natural company. If we failed, it was over.” DLC Cleaning leadership took a gamble; however, that gamble paid off. They are now well on their way to becoming a small business that can be passed down through generations.

Business benefit

By transitioning into an all-natural cleaning organization, DLC Cleaning was able to aggressively pursue an underserved customer base in their operating area. They were able to capitalize on the market and continue growing their business. Additionally, the transition lowered operating costs; thereby, improving profits. Materials, shipping, insurance, and safety equipment costs were cut considerably solely by the all-natural transition.

Social and environmental benefit

DLC Cleaning is the all-natural cleaner leader in southern New Jersey, based in the Vineland area. They have partnered with multiple organizations to educate others on the importance and benefits of operating an all-natural business. Additionally, they have organized clean neighborhood initiatives donating time, manpower, and materials to thoroughly clean community areas such as the local YMCA and Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to its physical efforts, DLC has dramatically decreased its carbon footprint. They produce far less waste compared to their inception in 2007. Moreover, cleaning solution waste associated with the organization is 100% all-natural and biodegradable. They are simply providing an excellent service with no negative toxic impact on the environment

Interview

Dion Collier, Founder