If you live in Pierce County or South King County, chances are you may have used Molly Maid to clean your home or business. Until now, each territory has been owned and operated separately, but there are big changes to come starting in December.
The changes are coming about because husband and wife, Doug Compau and Robin Moser, who own the Molly Maid franchise that serves South King County have decided to retire in order to have more time to participate in their hobbies and enjoy their love of the outdoors. Fortunately for Doug and Robin, the couple is friends with Samantha and David Putnam, who own and operate the Molly Maid franchise that serves the Pierce County area.
The subject of Doug and Robin’s retirement came up while the two couples were enjoying a barbecue. “We were just having a friendly barbecue and mentioned listing the business, and the Putnams jumped at the chance to double theirs,” recalls Doug.
He adds, “I’m 62 on January 25, been working since I was 15, and want to ski more, and do amateur photography and maybe an occasional part-time job. Robin wants to do a variety of part-time jobs instead of full-time accountant, possibly get involved in agriculture and take continuing education classes.”
There will be a soft transition beginning in December and completed on January 2. Samantha is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to expand the territory of her franchise.
“After Doug approached us, we knew it would be a great expansion,” she says. “Our two territories line up side by side; right now it’s divided by Highway 167 and State Route 161. This is the perfect complement to our existing business.”
Shared values between the two franchises mean the transition should be a smooth one. For instance, it is obvious from speaking with their employees that both couples truly value their staff. Most of Doug and Robin’s employees will be staying on to work for the Putnams.
Joe Rodriguez, a friend of Doug’s and a military veteran who currently works as the operation supervisor for Doug and Robin, shares his opinion: “I have met them and they seem very eager to work with us, and we are looking forward to working with the new owners and her staff.” Of course, he will miss Doug, a fellow veteran, but he’s happy for them as well.
“I’m very fortunate to have worked with Doug and Robin,” says Joe. “I have learned a lot about business and very happy they can enjoy their retirement. I wish them good luck in their future endeavors.”
The Putnams’ office manager, Elisabeth Thomas, is also excited for her bosses. “Working for Samantha and David has proven to be rewarding and challenging. Samantha is a proud business owner; she likes to challenge her staff to always be better,” shares Elisabeth. “Samantha is very compassionate when it comes to her employees and customers. She always makes herself available for her employees and customers for whatever they need.”
Customers should feel just as confident about the upcoming change as the employees do, as there will be no major changes aside from the expanded territory and a new office location.
The Putnams will be retaining all current employees and retain the military discount and senior discount offered by the Compaus’ franchise. In January, once the expansion is official, the Putnams’ Molly Maid will service Gig Harbor, Fox Island, Tacoma, Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont, Spanaway, Puyallup, Graham, Eatonville, Orting, Enumclaw, Buckley, Auburn, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Milton, Edgewood and Fife.
The company will be doing business as Molly Maid of Pierce and South King Counties and the new office location will be along Highway 512. The Putnams will continue to perform background checks and provide training for new employees.
The Putnam family relies on repeat customers, but not by tying them to a contract. Explains Samantha, “Other cleaning services require contracts and offer discounted rates if you stay with them 12-24 months no matter whether customers are happy or not with service. We do not require contracts for service. We want to earn our customer’s business each time.”
The transfer of ownership is truly serendipitous, as both couples will be moving forward albeit in completely different ways. Doug is eager to begin the next chapter of his life with wife Robin. “We are currently building an off-grid Certified Passive house with solar panels on top of a hill, on 20 acres just outside of Leavenworth,” he says excitedly. “We hope to garden and ski, bike, camp and hike places we haven’t been before. More sun, more exercise and mostly less traffic.”
Samantha shares her enthusiasm about the next chapter for the Putnams: “I’m very excited to expand, more opportunities for current employees and both offices.”
She adds, “Molly Maid is a wonderful franchise to operate with. We get satisfaction in serving our community and employees. Our community and employees are like family to us.”
Molly Maid of Bonney Lake/Auburn/Enumclaw is located at 1310 Zehnder Street #1A in Sumner. For more information, call 253-891-4276 or visit the Molly Maid website.
Molly Maid of Tacoma/Gig Harbor is located at 1824 112 Street E., Suite F in Tacoma. For more information, call 253-472-6633 or visit the Molly Maid website.
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