VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Jorge Valdez and Michelle Valdez, owners of Maid Valet: A Cleaning Company, started their business in 2010 in Atlanta, but for Jorge, the dream of opening a business began when he was 17.

Jorge and Michelle met each other through work. Both were working in dentistry when they began dating. After becoming pregnant with their soon-to-be-9-year-old daughter, Rebecca Valdez, Jorge approached Michelle about the idea of opening a cleaning service.

Michelle said she was surprised her husband asked to make any sort of change. She said Jorge is the type of person to order the same food every time he goes to a restaurant.

Because of Jorge’s typical reluctance to change, she asked if he had researched opening a maid service. Michelle said she was surprised when Jorge produced books, articles and a slew of other material. 

Michelle knew Jorge was serious and agreed to use her 401k to help “baby” the business until it could stand on its own. And when the time was right, she would retire from dentistry and join Jorge in running the business.

The time for Michelle to retire came in 2013 when the husband and wife decided to move their business to Michelle’s hometown of Valdosta for a couple of reasons.

“We moved here for business and to be closer to family,” Jorge said.

“There was a need in the market for it here,” Michelle said. “It was going well up there, but we kept hearing that there was a need for another bonded, reputable cleaning company. We looked into it and saw that there was a need and it would be profitable. And, of course, my mother has been trying to get us to come back here since Rebecca was born.”

Starting in Brooks Country, the two rebuilt their business in South Georgia out of their home.

They decided to take Maid Valet to the next level in 2018 by opening an office space for the company.

“That was always our goal,” Michelle said. “To have a place with a nice presentation and to have a sign. … We want to exceed expectations and show people what we are all about.”

“Most people don’t think of a cleaning place as having its own office,” Jorge said. “They just have a storage unit to keep their supplies in. We take pride in our work, and we want to set our services apart.”

As a way to keep their business separated from the crowd, Maid Valet only performs services the company has been trained and certified to perform through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

“Whenever we step into a home to do a job, we want to know how to do the job, and not just make money,” Jorge said.

Maid Valet is working on certifications for mold removal, air ducts and water restoration.

“There are people that we clean for that have allergies,” Jorge said. “We clean the dust, and that is why we are going into air duct services it makes your home healthier.”

To use their skills for the community, Jorge and Michelle are part of the Cleaning for a Reason organization.

Cleaning for a Reason companies provide free cleanings to people undergoing cancer treatment.

“We just try to help them while they are going through a hard time,” Jorge said.

“I had my grandfather die of cancer,” Michelle said. “This is a way of helping someone who is going through a tough time and brighten up there day a little bit.

“I know when my grandfather had cancer it was horrible, because he couldn’t do nothing. That’s why we decided to do it. We have been blessed so much. We try to help people in a small way.”

For Jorge and Michelle, becoming entrepreneurs came down to following Jorge’s dream to open a cleaning service and his desire to build a life for Rebecca.

“Dreaming is cool, but I don’t believe in people just dreaming about stuff,” Michelle said. “You have to put it into action. It hasn’t always been easy. There have been times where I thought this was a mistake.”

The couple have made it through the hard times and have officially opened a new office in Valdosta.

Maid Valet: A Cleaning Company, 1906 Jerry Jones Drive, is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The company offers maid services and residential and commercial cleaning services. For more information, call (229) 469-4229.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.