Molly Maid Is No Scrub When It Comes To Housecleaning

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Arnold-Based Business Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Dusty windowsills, grimy countertops and soup-splattered microwaves are often the byproducts of busy schedules, but for 20 years, Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County has kept houses clean when residents simply haven’t have the time.

Donna Reilly, owner of Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County, opened the Arnold-based franchise because she saw a glaring need in the cleaning industry. “We care,” Donna said when asked what sets Molly Maid apart. “When a customer is not happy, we do whatever we can to make them happy.

“As we become a busier society, the kids these days have sports programs and other activities,” Reilly added. “People have decided there are services they can pay for to make their lives easier and housecleaning is one of them.”

For two decades, Donna and her staff have worked hard to exceed customer expectations. The local franchise now has 28 employees — 24 cleaners, one manager and three front-office staff, which includes Donna and her son, Mike, who serves as the general manager and partner in the business. Particularly impressive is the dedication and longevity of Donna’s staff; many have been with her for more than 10 years.

Mike has taken on more of the day-to-day operations in his 10 years with Molly Maid, and he is constantly adapting its services to meet customer expectations.

“He comes from a more tech-oriented background,” Donna said. “The internet and social media are important ways we connect with our customers.”

About two and a half years ago, Molly Maid moved its offices from the Bay Hills shopping center to a spot next to the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, a strategic move, Reilly said, because paying rent to the YWCA is just one more way Molly Maid can support the community and the YWCA’s primary cause: addressing domestic abuse.

Through its Ms. Molly Foundation, Molly Maid raises awareness and supports programs to address the needs of victims of domestic abuse. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October each year, Molly Maid holds its Making a Difference Drive. Molly Maid offices nationwide collect funds and personal care items to donate to local community safe houses and agencies.

With Mike playing a larger role in the daily operations, Donna now has the time to become an even bigger supporter of the cause by serving on the board of directors for the YWCA for the last six years.

“It’s surprising to me the number of employees who have come through our doors who have struggled with domestic abuse,” Donna said. “What is more surprising is how widespread it is, affecting every aspect of our community and society.”

Donna called that work with YWCA her biggest accomplishment over her last two decades with Molly Maid.

“As a business owner, it has been great to go from zero to 600 customers, many of which have been with me for 10 or more years and bridge from generation to generation, she said. “But it has also afforded me the opportunity to do something impactful.”

As for the future, the Reillys hope to keep expanding, with Mike eventually taking over as owner. When that happens, Mike can count on the advice of Donna and Molly Maid franchisees near and far.

“What sets Molly Maid apart from many services is that the network of 250-plus owners nationwide are really open to talking to one another and helping to solve challenges and continuously improve the service,” Mike said. “They can talk about some of the problems they have seen. It’s a family situation.”

For more information about Molly Maid of Central Anne Arundel County, call 410-349-8080 or visit www.mollymaid.com.

“Mike and I are grateful to the employees, those who are long-term and those who just joined us,” Donna said. “And the customers. When you watch the customers’ children grow and years later they’re calling on the same phone to have their house cleaned, you feel like you’ve done something right.”

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