Mae Walker reminisces about 1999, when, with just two employees, she launched “Be A-mae’sed”, as a janitorial company, specializing in construction site clean- up. She recalls how a young lady contacted her, seeking her guidance with starting a business. Mae, having helped her husband, John, get his car detailing business open, knew a few things about business start-up. After much discussion, the young lady decided, “This is just too much!” She finally told Mae, “You do it!” Mae answered the call. She remembers that business was very good for the most part, however when things slowed down, there was little work to find. Mae began to accept the fact that she would need to expand or diversify her business. She wanted to keep her employees, however they needed customers!
She began to receive other inquiries about the business and whether or not they provided residential cleaning. This was a way to gain additional business; therefore, she made the switch to begin residential cleaning as well as commercial (office buildings, etc) cleaning, in addition to the construction sites. As she grew more in demand, she was able to increase staff. She smiles, as she looks at where the business is today. Having a cleaning business, which supports 4 full time employees in a challenging time, is quite an accomplishment.
Mae began her partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in December 2000 seeking counseling and entrepreneur training. Over the years Mae continues to visit the SBDC, as her business expands, and the need for assistance continues. Working with Adrienne Darby, Certified Business Analyst, they team up to look for additional opportunities to increase revenues. When asked of her opinion of the Small Business Development Center, Mae’s response is “Adrienne, my counselor, always helps and suggests things that can lead to other opportunities. I am already a certified Minority Business Enterprise with the State of Florida, so we are now working on federal certifications; the application for the SDB (Small Disadvantaged Business) and Hub Zone.
Adrienne says that “Mae is always looking for additional opportunities for her business. She knows the business inside out and also serves as a mentor and advisor to other business owners in the janitorial services industry. She is very well known and has a good customer base here in Polk County.” Mae continues to re-invent herself in her business. She has now started another business, an extension of the cleaning business. “Amaesed”, is a janitorial and medical supply business. Products can be ordered online.
Mae’s creativity and ideas don’t stop even when she goes home. She can now add the title “Inventor” to her resume. Getting a nice warm shower is the way she likes to relax after a long day. Each day, however, she would have to fight to be able to scrub her back. She tried back scrubbers, but nothing worked. Frustrated, she finally decided to create something herself. The “Unique Body Scrubber” (Winter Haven News Chief, Sept, 2008) was recently patented. A device designed by Mae and a friend she employs, the body scrubber is mounted in the shower stall. It is adjustable and able to scrub, not only the back, but many parts of the body!
Mae Walker continues to thrive as she maintains and grows her businesses, creating and taking advantage of opportunities; supporting her employees, all while keeping her excellent business reputation intact, as she grows, invents and nurtures others. It’s Simply A –Mae’sing!
