At age 35, John Disselkamp left a stable career in the banking industry in Louisville, Kentucky, to enter a radically different field: commercial cleaning. Counterintuitive given that banking jobs are symbols of financial stability, Disselkamp chose to start over, taking on a role as a security guard/custodian with a salary of $600 per month. The decision was not driven by immediate financial opportunities but by the desire to build something of his own and leave office life behind. [1]
The initial spark came from a former client in the banking industry who had built a profitable business in this sector. The business model that attracted him was recurring revenue generated through commercial cleaning contracts. After leaving the bank, Disselkamp moved in with his mother, carrying $20,000 in credit card debt and lacking retirement savings. This hands-on experience allowed him to learn the technical profile of the business, from selecting chemicals to managing different types of surfaces and customer expectations. [1]
In January 2016, he formalized the business under the name First Class Commercial Cleaning. Early growth was supported by perseverance in cold calling, an effort that culminated in signing a major contract to clean an eight-story building, covering approximately 200,000 square feet. This win solidified the company's reputation among property managers, facilitating the transition from individual jobs to recurring contracts for office buildings and professional facilities. [1]
As the business evolved, its service portfolio diversified to include floor care, carpet cleaning, window washing, porter services, and post-construction cleaning. The key to expansion was considered to be commitment to relationships with staff and clients. Disselkamp fostered an organizational culture based on knowing employees' personal lives to build trust and consistency in service delivery. [1]
The company's financial performance reflects this strategy: according to Louisville Business First, First Class Commercial Cleaning generated revenues of $4.89 million in 2022, $9.14 million in 2023, and $10.84 million in 2024. This 121.96% growth between 2022 and 2024 ranked the firm seventh on the publication’s 2025 Fast 50 list. The company has grown to over 300 employees and expanded its operations from Louisville to Lexington, Indianapolis, Nashville, and St. Louis. [1]
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