Debbie Sardone, renowned entrepreneur, speaker, and nonprofit leader, has been named to the prestigious Forbes 50 Over 50 list—an annual recognition celebrating women over the age of 50 who are making extraordinary contributions in business, philanthropy, and their communities.
Sardone earned this national honor for her exceptional leadership and far-reaching impact as the founder of Cleaning for a Reason, an ISSA signature charity. Cleaning for a Reason is a nonprofit organization that provides free professional house cleaning services to cancer patients across the United States and Canada. Her inclusion in this year’s Forbes list highlights the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the ability to build meaningful change at any stage of life.
Debbie’s journey began in Lewisville, Texas, where she turned her passion for service and business into a thriving career in the cleaning industry. But a single phone call from a woman undergoing cancer treatment—who was canceling her cleaning appointment because she could no longer afford it—became the catalyst for something far greater. Moved by compassion, Debbie promised the woman her cleaning would be free. That promise grew into a national movement.
In 2006, she launched Cleaning for a Reason, determined to ensure that no one fighting cancer would have to face their diagnosis while also struggling to maintain a clean home. Since its founding, the nonprofit has:
-
Provided free home cleaning to more than 60,000 cancer patients
-
Partnered with over 1,400 cleaning companies throughout North America
-
Donated more than $20 million in professional cleaning services
“This Forbes honor belongs to the 1,400 cleaning companies that volunteer through Cleaning for a Reason,” Sardone said. “Together we’ve delivered more than $20 million in free cleanings to 60,000 cancer patients—proof that small businesses, united by a single mission, can make a nationwide difference.”
In addition to her philanthropic work, Debbie Sardone is the founder of Debbie Sardone Consulting, a business coaching and training firm that empowers residential cleaning business owners to scale their companies, increase profitability, and build businesses with purpose. Through her consulting, speaking engagements, and online programs, she has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and helped elevate the standards of excellence in the cleaning industry.
Debbie’s recognition by Forbes stands as a testament to her vision, her leadership, and her belief that business can be a powerful force for good. Her work continues to inspire entrepreneurs across the country to pair success with service—and to lead with heart.
About Debbie Sardone Consulting
Debbie Sardone Consulting is a nationally recognized leader in business growth strategies for the cleaning industry. Founded by Debbie Sardone—an internationally known cleaning business coach, speaker, and entrepreneur—the firm specializes in helping cleaning company owners scale their operations, increase profitability, and build systems that support sustainable success. Through proven training programs, personalized coaching, and innovative business solutions, Debbie Sardone Consulting has transformed hundreds of cleaning businesses across the United States and beyond.
About Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason partners with over 1,400 residential cleaning companies across the United States and Canada to provide free house cleaning services for cancer patients. Since its
founding in 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $20 million in cleaning services, assisting more than 59,000 patients. Acquired by ISSA Charities in 2017, Cleaning for
a Reason continues to expand its mission of providing hope and relief to those battling cancer. To apply for services, join as a cleaning partner, or support the cause, visit cleaningforareason.org.
About ISSA
With more than 11,000 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line.
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.