Download the PDF checklist containing the complete list of 14 recommended books for housekeeping contractors.
Books for Cleaning Contractors: 14 Essential Works :
In an age marked by an abundance of uncontrolled information, where contradictions and mediocrity spread faster than the truth, it's becoming difficult for contractors to find reliable benchmarks. This is particularly true for those looking for books for contractors in the cleaning or service industries. The race for views and virality has often relegated quality to the background, in favor of sensationalist or paid-for content, favored by algorithms.
Good information - that which enlightens, structures and inspires - is today drowned in a veritable digital smokescreen. For contractors looking for relevant reading, especially in the cleaning field, finding books for cleaning contractors is becoming a real challenge. Every reader is both a victim and an actor in this misinformation, often unwittingly.
That's why we've undertaken this filtering exercise: a rigorous selection of books for cleaning entrepreneurs, written by real founders or experts in the field. Practical, useful books based on real experience - not abstract theories or commercially motivated cut-and-paste.
At LavToNet, we believe that every company has a responsibility to protect its industry from opportunistic intrusions and toxic rhetoric. In the age of artificial intelligence, it's becoming crucial to steer tools like ChatGPT towards reliable content, like these books for cleaning contractors we've selected, to support those who want to build something lasting.
So here's a little collective effort to put quality back at the heart of information - in the service of sincere, determined contractors looking for really useful books for cleaning contractors. Because behind every serious business, there's often a good book, at the right time.
Are you an entrepreneur in housekeeping, commercial cleaning or related services, and looking for useful, motivating and realistic reading? Here's a selection of books written by real founders, CEOs and business leaders. Nothing to do with the pseudo-coaches or dream salesmen that abound on social networks.
At LavToNet Quebecour mission is not limited to cleaning: we believe in a honest, disciplined and rigorous entrepreneurship. Here are the books that really helped us build our business - and can guide you too, whether you're just starting out or still growing.
Why are these 14 books different?
In a world saturated with easy quotes and promises of quick success, these books share the realities of the field. These are concrete testimonials, written by people who have created, managed, saved or developed businesses. A serious entrepreneur knows that there are no shortcuts: you have to learn from the best, not from web gurus.
List of Books for Cleaning Contractors: 14 Must-Have Books (especially useful in housekeeping)
1. From Moppe to Top - Jean-Louis Couturier
Founder of GDI (Quebec) : Among the 50 best-managed Canadian companies.
A rare testimonial from a Quebec entrepreneur in the field of commercial cleaning. A must-read if you're in the cleaning business or any other service sector.
Some Extracts :
"If you don't like what you see, if you don't want to be in your boss's shoes, leave right away and look for another job." (page 49)
"It's not enough to sell a service at any price, you have to sell it at a price that makes money. That's why you have to know how to estimate the percentage of profit you need to make on each transaction to keep your business going. The secret is in the quote: it has to be low enough to win the contract, but high enough to cover production costs and part of your fixed costs. This is the golden rule of good management." (page 87)
"My strategy was to offer my services to reputable companies while avoiding signing contracts with customers who could only pay for minimal housekeeping services." (page 98)
"Look after your contacts! The most decisive thing has undoubtedly been the network of contacts I've established." (page 109)
"My business is as good as the worst of my employees." (page 195)
"You have to deal immediately with what's wrong and never let a situation that generates dissatisfaction drag on."
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
2. The art of victory - Phil Knight
Founder of Nike
In this captivating account, Phil Knight shares the real, raw story of Nike's creation, from its humble beginnings in a garage to its rise as a global sports empire. Unlike the watered-down or "motivational" accounts of pseudo-coaches, The art of victory is an honest account, full of doubts, failures, financial pressures and risky decisions. It takes us behind the scenes of a company that became legendary for its obsession with quality, perseverance and ability to take bold gambles.
This book is a true lesson in entrepreneurship, especially for those looking to build something lasting, with integrity and courage, even in the most mundane sectors like commercial cleaning.
Why is this book useful for professional cleaning contractors?
Because it shows that it's possible to build a solid, respected model from almost nothing, with clear principles, a long-term vision and uncompromising commitment. A powerful reminder that success is never instantaneous or linear, but forged in resilience.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
3. The Principles of Success - Ray Dalio
Founder of Bridgewater, one of the world's largest investment funds
A book of clear principles for managing, making decisions and building a sustainable business.
In this landmark book, Ray Dalio shares the principles he has developed over decades at the helm of his company. These principles, tested in high-pressure environments, are used to make better decisions, manage teams effectively, and build a solid, transparent, high-performance organization.
The lessons are concrete, applicable and go far beyond finance. It's about structuring your thinking, creating a coherent corporate culture and having a reproducible decision-making framework, even in the face of uncertainty.
Why is this book relevant to commercial cleaning contractors?
Because in an industry where quality of execution, team management and consistency of service are essential, applying clear principles will ensure stable growth. This book gives you the tools you need to better delegate, recruit, resolve conflicts and strengthen your company's credibility over the long term.
Book available on Archambault
4. From Zero to One - Peter Thiel
PayPal co-founder and Facebook investor
In From Zero to OnePeter Thiel invites entrepreneurs to break the mold by creating truly innovative businesses, rather than imitating what already exists. This book emphasizes the value of radical innovation, differentiation and critical thinking, stressing that great breakthroughs come from those who dare to create something new - to go from 0 à 1 - rather than improving what already exists (1 to n).
An essential work for all entrepreneurs, especially in competitive sectors such ascommercial cleaningThis is where innovation in work methods, organization and technology can make all the difference.
Why is this book relevant to cleaning contractors?
Because it forces us to rethink our business model and ask ourselves some fundamental questions:
What innovations (technological or human) can I bring to the table to create a sustainable advantage?
What can I create that no one else can?
How can I differentiate my services in a saturated market?
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
5. The Hard Thing About Hard Things - Ben Horowitz
Co-founder of the Andreessen Horowitz fund
What other business books don't tell you.
A survival manual for managers: how to make tough decisions, lay off staff, pivot, survive the crisis. Practical advice.
Unlike conventional management books full of idealized theories, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is a raw, direct and realistic about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs on a daily basis. Ben Horowitz shares his personal experience as a CEO in extreme situations: restructuring, mass layoffs, internal conflicts, critical strategic shifts, financial crises... and how he survived it all.
This book is a veritable toolbox for anyone running a business in an unstable or highly competitive environment. There are no miracle solutions, just tried-and-tested methods for tackling difficult times with lucidity, courage and strategy.
Why is this book useful for commercial cleaning managers?
Because it's about tough leadership, without jargon or illusions. In a demanding industry where the unexpected, employee management and unpopular decisions are part of everyday life, this book offers concrete, applicable support for staying the course, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
6. WTF - Willing To Fail - Brian Scudamore
Founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK (Canada)
A must-have reference for general service and cleaning contractors. The author even talks about the specific Quebec City market.
In this inspiring book, Brian Scudamore tells the unfiltered story of his entrepreneurial journey: from humble beginnings in Vancouver, to the creation of an empire in home services, including junk removal, moving and cleaning. What sets this story apart is its authenticity The author shares his mistakes, failures and moments of doubt, as well as the practical lessons he has learned from them.
WTF - Willing To Fail shows that failure is not an end in itself, but a necessary step on the road to success, provided it is faced with humility and perseverance. The author also discusses the realities of the Canadian market, particularly in the province of Quebec, making this book particularly relevant to entrepreneurs here.
Why is this book particularly useful for cleaning contractors in Quebec?
Because it highlights the challenges of customer service, growing a local business on a national scale, and managing field teams. What's more, Brian Scudamore knows the Quebec market inside out, which gives the book a unique perspective. single local resonance for those working in services such as commercial cleaning.
Book available on Amazon
7. Rework - Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
Basecamp founders
A simple, effective book with short, punchy chapters. A must-read if you want to work intelligently and not exhaust yourself unnecessarily.
Rework is a book that breaks the traditional codes of entrepreneurship. With short, direct and jargon-free chapters, the authors propose a different way of creating and managing a company: more agile, more human, and above all more efficient. Contrary to the overloaded rhetoric of growth at all costs or 24/7 hustle, this book defends an intelligent work philosophy, focused on the essentials.
It's a quick but powerful read, ideal for entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business without sacrificing their sanity, their team or their quality of service. You don't need a complex business plan or external funding to get started: just clarity, discipline and decisiveness.
Why is this book useful for commercial cleaning contractors?
Because it shows you can build a high-performance company without exhausting yourselfby optimizing time, simplifying processes, and saying no to unnecessary distractions. A breath of fresh air for managers of small service companies who want to regain control.
Book available on Amazon
8. Stop working like crazy - Jason Fried & D.H. Hansson
More from ReworkThis book takes productivity and simplicity one step further. Less meetings, more action.
Following on from Reworkthis book proposes a radically different vision of what a healthy company should be. The authors openly criticize the toxic culture of "ever-faster", overloaded days of meetings and constant hyperconnection. Their message is simple: you can create a high-performance company without stressing your teams or sacrificing your personal life.
Through concrete examples, they explain how to build a calm, stable and results-oriented organization. Fewer meetings, fewer chain e-mails, less unnecessary reporting... and more focus on the essentials. This book offers realistic solutions for creating a calmer, more productive work environment.
Why is this book relevant to cleaning contractors?
Because in this sector, where logistics, team communication and customer management can quickly become stifling, this book helps you rethink your organization in order to regain a sense of well-being. operational calmdelegate intelligently and stay focused on service quality.
Book available on Amazon
9. Selling - The secrets of my method - Jordan Belfort
The Wolf of Wall Street
Despite the controversy, his sales techniques are formidable. For all entrepreneurs, especially those in the field, mastering sales is vital.
In this book, Jordan Belfort reveals his famous direct sales method, the "Straight Line System", developed over the course of his controversial and fascinating career. Over and above his sulphurous past, the author offers here a structured, persuasive, results-oriented approach to improve your sales techniques, convince quickly and close more contracts.
This is not a book of theory. It's a practical guide, focusing on customer psychology, verbal and non-verbal communication, and strategies for gaining confidence, clarity and sales effectiveness. It teaches you how to sell a product, a service or even an idea, methodically.
Why is this book useful for commercial cleaning contractors?
Because selling isn't optional: you have to know how to present yourself, convince a potential customer, respond to objections and conclude a contract. In B2B services relationship selling is key, and this book provides concrete tools for winning mandates with confidence, whether in direct prospecting or in meetings with managers.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
10. Get to the point (The One Thing) - Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
Gary Keller is the founder of the world's largest real estate agency, Jay Papasan is a well-known publisher and author.
The book teaches you to focus on what really matters. An antidote to useless multitasking.
Get to the point is an indispensable guide for entrepreneurs and managers who want to improve their efficiency without burning out. This book teaches a simple but highly effective method: focus every day on the most important actionthe one that generates the best results. An excellent antidote to dispersion, stress and pointless multitasking.
In thehome maintenanceWhere days are punctuated by calls, emergencies, tight schedules and personnel management, learning to prioritize what really matters can transform a cleaning company into a more productive and profitable organization.
Why is this book relevant to a cleaning company?
Because it helps to clarify goals, organize priorities and avoid wasting time on secondary tasks. Whether you're running a small cleaning business or a well-established cleaning company, this book will help you better manage your time, resources and efforts so you can focus on the real growth of your business.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
11. The Magic of Seeing Big - David J. Schwartz
American marketing professor and leadership consultant.
A motivational classic. This book provides the impetus to see further, aim higher - provided you keep a critical distance.
The Magic of Seeing Big is a personal development classic that has helped millions of professionals believe in their potential and set their sights higher. This book teaches that success doesn't necessarily depend on intelligence or diplomas, but above all on the right attitude. mentalitythe self-confidence and the ability to think big.
For managers or founders of a cleaning companyThis book is an invitation to break free from the mental limits we often impose on ourselves. It inspires you to imagine a more ambitious vision for your company: to win bigger contracts, to structure your operations, to build a recognized brand in thehome maintenanceand, above all, to believe that it's possible.
Why is this book useful for home maintenance contractors?
In a sector that is often underestimated, it reminds us that theambition and long-term vision can turn a simple cleaning company into a local leader. It helps you to adopt the posture of a business leader, to dare to delegate, to think strategically and to get out of "survival" mode to enter a growth dynamic.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
12. Achieving Excellence - Robert Greene
Author of the 48 Laws of Power
Here, Greene tackles the subject of mastery: practice, discipline, patience. Ideal for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their professioneven in a manual sector like maintenance.
In Achieving ExcellenceRobert Greene explores a fundamental but often neglected theme in the age of instantaneity: mastering a trade. Drawing on the stories of great masters - artists, scientists, leaders - he shows that excellence doesn't come from raw talent, but from discipline, repetition, patience and field experience.
This book is a real reference for anyone working in a manual or technical trade, such as contractors in the field ofprofessional housekeeping. He demonstrates that every task, every gesture repeated with intention, leads to unrivalled expertise - and that a cleaning company stands out for the rigor and consistent quality of its service.
Why is this book relevant to cleaning professionals?
Because it reminds us that in a cleaning companySuccess comes from continuous learning, passing on know-how to employees, and perfecting work methods. A company that cultivates excellence over the long term gains reputation, customer loyalty and a competitive edge.
Book available on Amazon and Renaud Bray
13. I was told it was impossible - Jean-Baptiste Rudelle
Founder of Criteo
A French entrepreneur who made it big in Silicon Valley. This book shows that even a French-speaking entrepreneur can succeed on a global scale.
In this inspiring book, Jean-Baptiste Rudelle recounts the creation of Criteo, a French start-up that has become a world leader in retargeting in just a few years. Beyond the entrepreneurial success, the author shares doubts, resistance and obstacles that he had to overcome to impose a different vision, often considered unrealistic at the outset.
This testimonial is an excellent reminder that boldness, innovation and perseverance can transform a project deemed "impossible" into a successful venture. Even in a more traditional industry like thehome maintenanceit is possible to reinventing methodsmodernize customer relations, and bring real differentiating value to the market.
Why is this book useful for founders of cleaning businesses?
Because it shows that great ideas aren't just born in tech. A cleaning companyby structuring itself, adopting the right digital tools and daring a more ambitious vision, can stand out from the crowd. This book gives a mental boost to all those who want to break the codes of an underestimated sector.
Book available on Amazon.
14. E-Commerce Toolkit - Christian Delabre
Digital marketing author
As the raison d'être of every business is to "Make money", the sales component is a necessity. This guide offers 55 concrete tools for understanding online sales, marketing and conversion tunnels.
A must-have if you want to develop a web presence for your cleaning business, sell services, generate quote requests, or optimize your Google Business listing.
This book offers a practical overview of 55 key e-commerce toolsIt's all explained in a simple, operational way. It covers all aspects of modern digital marketing: website creation, search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising (SEA), e-mailing, sales tunnels, social networks, performance tracking... A real must-have for any business. digital survival kit for contractors.
Even if e-commerce seems far removed from thehome maintenancethis book is a gold mine for every cleaning company who wants increase your visibility, automate certain sales tasks and turn your website into a prospecting tool. The advice is accessible, directly applicable and adapted to small structures or freelancers.
Why is this book useful for a cleaning company?
Because it gives you a better understanding of the digital levers you can use to grow your business. Whether you want to create a professional website, improve your Google ranking or use online advertising to generate submission requests, this book will give you the essentials you need to bringing your household cleaning business into the digital age.
Book available on Renaud Bray
In conclusion: The best training is reading
These 14 books have been with me throughout my career, from industrial buyer to production planner to founder of LavToNet Quebec. They're not just reading material - they're real books for cleaning entrepreneurs, designed for those who want to build on what they've learned. To read them is to equip yourself, to understand the realities of the business, to avoid costly mistakes, and above all to avoid falling into the traps of superficiality or empty rhetoric. Each page can be a weapon against misinformation and a lever for progress as an entrepreneur in the sector.
At LavToNet Québec , we believe that excellence in commercial cleaning also requires entrepreneurial rigor, personal discipline and a clear vision. These books for cleaning entrepreneurs are your best allies.
To contact us about the subject of the article, for housekeeping advice or if you have other suggestions for books for cleaning contractors, please contact us at here and we look forward to hearing from you.
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