Some businesses start with a grand vision, while others emerge from simply wanting to serve others. CleanRite Cleaning Services, founded by Dawn Gorby-Verhaeghe in 2000, is a shining example of the latter.
What began as a way to balance raising her children with supporting her family has evolved into a thriving enterprise that serves residential and commercial clients across a 60-mile radius of Walkerton. With over 25 years in the cleaning business, she and her remarkable team have transformed spaces – and lives – one account at a time.
Gorby-Verhaeghe’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Growing up in North Liberty, she was raised by her father and two grandmothers, who instilled in her the value of cleanliness and structure. “Spring cleaning wasn’t optional,” she recalls. “It was a ritual that taught me the satisfaction of transforming a space.”
These lessons would stay with her, even as she pursued a bachelor’s degree in business from Ferris State University while managing waitressing, cleaning houses and raising her children.
Balancing the demands of running a business and managing a family is challenging on its own. Adding in the responsibilities of working alongside her husband, Jason, on their farm where they raise beef, pork and lamb, makes it even more remarkable. Her success is a testament to her organizational skills, time management, and tireless attention to the many responsibilities she juggles every day. From managing schedules and employees to ensuring the farm operates smoothly, Gorby-Verhaeghe has mastered the art of prioritization and efficiency, making it all work seamlessly.
“There are challenges of course, but staying focused and organized is the key,” she shares.
Her commitment to excellence and passion for transforming spaces has evolved into a flourishing company. “I’ve always believed that cleaning isn’t just about making a space look good; it’s about relieving stress for my clients and giving them a fresh start,” she explains.
What sets CleanRite apart is not just its longevity, but also its deep commitment to personalized service. With 15 dynamic employees, some of whom have been with the company for over a decade, CleanRite offers a level of trust and reliability rarely found in the industry. Gorby-Verhaeghe is quick to credit her team for the company’s success. “I don’t just have employees; I have a family,” she says. “They’re the heart and soul of what we do.”
This familial bond is evident in everything from the company’s day-to-day operations to its commitment to giving back. This past year, CleanRite launched its first 12 Days of Giving Back program, where each employee was given $200 to donate to a nonprofit organization. “It’s a way for my team to give back to causes that matter to them personally,” Gorby-Verhaeghe shares. “Some have chosen to honor loved ones through scholarships, while others have supported animal shelters or food pantries. It’s always moving to see the impact they make.”
In addition to this initiative, she ensures her employees feel appreciated year-round. They receive Thanksgiving and Christmas bonuses, and every July Gorby-Verhaeghe purchases 4-H animals, providing employees with meat for their freezers. On Mother’s Day she organizes special gifts or events to celebrate the mothers on her team. “I believe in treating my team well because they go above and beyond every day,” she says. “It’s important to take the time to appreciate my team and create opportunities for them to connect outside of work.”
CleanRite’s reputation for excellence extends beyond its cleaning services. The team is involved in local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau and various nonprofit initiatives. They’ve cleaned historic properties like the Clemens Vonnegut Jr. House in Culver, and provided pro bono cleaning services to organizations impacted by the pandemic, including the American Legion and North Liberty Church of Christ.
CleanRite handles residential cleaning, from deep cleaning to regular maintenance; commercial cleaning, where offices and businesses benefit from tailored cleaning plans that can boost productivity and impress clients; and specialized services including window washing, construction cleanup, and even fire and water damage restoration.
Gorby-Verhaeghe emphasizes the importance of customizing each service to the client’s needs. “We ask detailed questions about their home or office to create a master plan,” she says.” That way, clients know exactly what to expect, and we deliver exactly what they need.”
Gorby-Verhaeghe fondly recalls one of her most rewarding experiences: helping a young mother overwhelmed by clutter and dirt regain control of her home. “Seeing her face light up when we finished – that’s why we do what we do,” she says.
From restoring neglected homes to preparing lake houses for summer events, CleanRite tackles every project with enthusiasm and expertise. “Whether it’s a challenging initial clean or routine maintenance, we love making a difference,” Gorby-Verhaeghe says. “It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about giving people their time and peace of mind back.”
As the CleanRite team looks ahead, Gorby-Verhaeghe is focused on continuing to serve her community while maintaining the personal touch that has defined her business from the start. “I’m proud of what we’ve built,” she says. “At the end of the day it’s not just about the business. It’s about the relationships we’ve created along the way.”
To learn more, call 574-586-9614.
