When we begin services at a new site, it may look like a seamless handoff from the outside. But behind the scenes, a custodial contract startup is a complex, carefully managed operation that starts weeks before the first day on-site.
At DFS, we approach every new contract with a detailed startup plan, built around one central goal: setting up our people and clients for long-term success. That means going far beyond just hiring and cleaning, it means building an entire operation from the ground up.
Here’s a look at what really goes into launching a new facility.
1. Planning Starts Long Before Day One
Every successful transition starts with detailed planning, and that begins 30 to 60 days before our team ever sets foot on-site. We hold weekly internal meetings with leaders from HR, Recruiting, Operations, Training, Finance, and Compliance to make sure every detail is covered:
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Reviewing client expectations and scope
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Creating staffing plans and schedules
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Coordinating background checks and badging
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Ordering supplies and equipment
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Mapping out onboarding, payroll, and compliance timelines
These early meetings form the foundation for everything that follows.
2. Building the Right Team, Locally
We make it a priority to hire from the communities we serve. Hosting local recruiting events near the new facility allows us to connect with candidates who are already familiar with the area, resulting in a workforce that is more committed and reliable.
At these events, we often complete much of the onboarding on the spot including fingerprinting, I-9s, document collection, and uniform fittings. This helps streamline the startup and ensures every employee is fully prepared for Day One.
3. Paid Training That Sets the Standard
We invest in hands-on training for every new hire, offering paid orientation sessions where employees learn:
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How to clean efficiently, professionally, and safely
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The proper use of chemicals and equipment
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DFS safety standards and reporting procedures
By training with intention, we help every employee feel confident and capable before they even start.
4. Preparing Supervisors and Managers
Leadership is one of the most important ingredients in a successful startup. Our VP of Operations and senior leadership team conduct specialized training for site supervisors and managers, focusing on:
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How to lead teams and solve problems on the ground
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Managing timekeeping, scheduling, and performance expectations
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Enforcing safety, cleanliness, and cultural standards
This helps create strong leaders who model excellence from the start.
5. Hands-On Vendor Training
To further support safety and quality, we bring in local vendors during training week to demonstrate how to properly use equipment and chemicals. When employees understand their tools, they work smarter and safer.
6. Tech and Operations Setup
In the final days leading up to launch, we turn our attention to operational infrastructure:
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Installing time clocks
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Cataloging rooms in our QA/QC tracking software
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Stocking janitor carts, chemical stations, and supply closets
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Distributing uniforms and radios
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Setting up site-specific communication systems
Everything is mapped and organized so the site runs smoothly from Day One.
7. Onsite Support During Go-Live
Our commitment doesn’t end at launch, it ramps up.
When the site goes live, a dedicated transition team from DFS remains onsite for at least two to three weeks. During this time, we:
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Monitor shift performance
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Provide real-time support to staff and supervisors
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Troubleshoot issues and improve workflows
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Adjust supply systems and resolve gaps
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Reinforce expectations and culture
We don’t just start operations, we stabilize and elevate them.
8. The Final Step: Culture Change
Perhaps the most important, and most often overlooked, part of a startup is shifting the culture on-site.
Many times, we inherit facilities where the workforce has felt unsupported or undervalued. From day one, we work to change that by creating an environment where employees feel:
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Supported by present, hands-on leadership
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Equipped with the tools and training they need
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Respected as professionals
When employees feel pride in their work, the entire facility benefits. And that’s what sets DFS apart.
Building More Than Operations
For us, a startup isn’t just about cleaning floors. It’s about building trust, professionalism, and pride from the ground up. Every site is different, but our approach remains the same: plan thoroughly, hire locally, train intentionally, and lead with care.
That’s how we deliver more than facility services. We deliver solutions that work.