Turning being held back into a journey of self-discovery!
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. When we think about it, life doesn’t always hand us the easiest cards. Some grow up with stability, while others, like Branden-Lee, learn to adapt to constant change. Moving from school to school due to evictions, he experienced firsthand what it meant to start over, again and again. But instead of letting instability define him, he turned it into his strength. He built connections, taught himself subjects beyond the classroom, and refused to let a flawed system dictate his potential.
Branden-Lee’s journey wasn’t a straight path. From working at Hershey Park and Chuck E. Cheese to managing roles in the state government and the Department of Defense, he gained a rare blend of blue-collar and corporate experience. But life threw its hardest challenges at him after he became a father—losing his job, his car, and even his home. There was a time when he had to donate plasma just to pay his employees. Yet, through sheer resilience, he fought his way back.
Today, as the CEO at B Clean Professionals, he channels that same determination into his business. He understands what it means to struggle, which is why he’s built a company that values hard work, perseverance, and integrity. His story isn’t just about overcoming hardships, it’s about using those hardships to fuel something bigger.
Branden-Lee’s upcoming book, Schiz and Wits, will dive even deeper into his journey, proving that no setback is ever final. Because at the end of the day, true success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how you rise.
Let us learn more about his journey:
Overcoming Adversity Through Resilience and Growth
Branden-Lee’s early years presented numerous challenges, with frequent relocations due to evictions. Despite his mother’s efforts to ensure quality education, he attended over ten schools in Harrisburg, PA. These experiences later allowed him to build connections and expand his professional network.
Branden-Lee feels that growing up in a Title I school under the ‘No Child Left Behind’ initiative did not provide the intended benefits. His excelling in sports led to academic progression without a strong foundation in learning. As he was being held back in the second grade, it served as motivation for Branden-Lee to pursue self-education in various subjects, including three languages, history, and mathematics. Throughout this period, family and friends provided encouragement to him. Eventually, as a business owner, differing perspectives emerged, and personal growth led to the natural conclusion of those relationships.
His career path has been diverse, beginning with roles at Hershey Park and Chuck E. Cheese, followed by positions within the state of Pennsylvania and the Department of Defense. These experiences exposed him to both blue-collar and corporate environments.
Following the birth of his first child, Branden-Lee encountered substantial setbacks, including job loss, car repossession, and homelessness. At one point, he resorted to donating plasma to cover employee wages. This period of hardship ultimately strengthened his resolve, motivating him to work diligently to achieve his current position. His journey will be further detailed in his upcoming book, “Schiz and Wits.”
Journey of Excellence and Innovation in Professional Cleaning
Sharing about the idea behind starting B Clean Professionals, Branden-Lee said, “What started as a hobby evolved into a full-scale business.” Initially, he found cleaning as an activity pursued out of curiosity after watching videos on the subject. Eventually, he realized that professional cleaning services were prohibitively expensive, leading to the decision to purchase personal equipment and handle the task independently.
After finding affordable equipment on Craigslist, he cleaned his own carpet and was impressed with the results. This experience became the catalyst for his business.
A longstanding appreciation for high-quality items, such as U-boat watches and John Lobb dress shoes, influenced his business approach. Every aspect of B Clean Professionals reflects its commitment to excellence, from the products used to the professionalism of employees. In addition, uniformed staff, courteous interactions, and high service standards define the business’s operations.
Branden-Lee shares, “A firm belief in the principle that quality correlates with cost underpinned my pricing strategy.” “While prices may be higher than those of competitors, I ensured that it would reflect the exceptional quality, service, and proprietary products that ensure long-lasting cleanliness and reduced maintenance needs,” he added.
Navigating Business with Purpose and Resilience
Branden-Lee had endured financial hardships, including periods of homelessness, creating a better understanding of the value of financial security for him. “While money does not equate to happiness, it does provide comfort and the ability to enjoy life’s experiences,” he quoted.
He believes that, at this stage, financial growth remains a primary motivator. He also emphasizes that leaving a legacy and inspiring future generations are also significant ambitions. Branden-Lee’s experience says that the goal is to encourage others to pursue their aspirations with the help of optimism and resilience. As the business is regarded as more than a commercial endeavor, it is viewed as a movement.
Commitment to Superiority and Client Engagement
Branden-Lee’s driving force behind his work is the satisfaction he achieves from pristine cleanliness. He noticed that many individuals claim to enjoy cleaning during job interviews, but he rarely found a genuine passion in candidates for the craft. He recognized that specializing in floor care and personal engagement with clients during service estimates allows for demonstrating expertise firsthand. “Beyond cleaning, meaningful conversations with clients provide further motivation,” he quotes.
Braden has realized that having worked independently for an extended period, the prospect of working under someone else is unappealing. The flexibility to take time off, travel, and provide experiences for his children is a valued aspect of this career.
Adapting to Challenges and Driving Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic initially presented challenges for the B Clean Professionals but ultimately contributed to business growth. At the time of the outbreak, Branden-Lee was working as a full-time truck driver, which was also lost due to national uncertainty. For several weeks, operations remained at a standstill.
One day he got a call from a company to inquire about COVID sanitation services. Initially, he declined the request, but at the very next moment, he agreed to provide sanitation services, which turned out to be a pivotal moment for the company. To provide valuable services, Branden-Lee completed courses on sanitation protocols, and then the business transitioned into commercial cleaning, shifting away from its previous residential focus.
His adaptations to cleaning strategies remain in place, with continued emphasis on sanitation. For effective sanitation, he started using a floor wax with disinfecting properties, which kept the floor disinfected for 24 hours after it was applied. This method enhanced service offerings, providing a valuable solution for high-traffic environments such as daycares and hospitals.
Building Strength and Connection
Branden-Lee attributes his strength to the ability to identify his weaknesses and work on improving them. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace of mind. Whether engaged in sales or interacting with others, he reminds himself that no one is obligated to purchase his services. People have their own preferences and opinions, regardless of their financial situation. Recognizing this allows him to be more adaptable and effective in his role. This perspective enhances his approach to his work, helping him build rapport with clients and colleagues alike.
Another key factor contributing to Branden-Lee’s success is the importance of meaningful conversations. He believes that a brief interaction can have a lasting positive impact on someone’s day. By listening, sharing experiences, or even playing a song, he has been able to uplift people who were feeling down. His belief is that, in just a short period of time, one can make a real difference in someone’s mood or outlook.
Branden-Lee openly acknowledges his struggle with past PTSD, which often causes discomfort in large crowds. Despite this challenge, he uses fear and anxiety as motivation to push through difficult situations. He believes that confronting discomfort head-on not only strengthens him but also drives his work ethic. For Branden-Lee, the process of facing discomfort is essential for personal growth and achievement.
An Approach to Authenticity and Achievements
Branden-Lee’s company B Clean Professionals has recently earned the 2024 business award for ‘The Best Janitorial Services’ in the Harrisburg area. This achievement was the result of the company’s genuine reviews. Unlike some businesses with hundreds of reviews in a short period, often purchased, B Clean Professionals maintains an authentic presence, which contributed to their recognition.
On a personal level, Branden-Lee’s earlier years were marked by success in sports, including winning the Brute National Wrestling Championship in Hershey, PA. He always excelled in athletics and dedicated significant effort to his wrestling career. However, he chose to focus on financial pursuits rather than continuing his athletic journey. He does not regret this decision, as his experiences have contributed to shaping him into a stronger, more authentic individual, humbling him and guiding him to his current position.
Guidance for Business Leaders in Achieving Success
Branden-Lee advises leaders to remain dedicated, uphold integrity, and stay authentic. Challenges and discouragement are inevitable, as not everyone will support one’s business or personal aspirations. In some cases, even close associates or family members may not prioritize one’s best interests.
He emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts and listening to internal guidance when making decisions. Taking time for reflection, maintaining a steady pace, and avoiding rushed choices contribute to better outcomes in both professional and personal matters. “Decisions made impulsively often prove to be misaligned with long-term success,” he emphasized.
Branden-Lee believes that patience and control are key elements in business leadership. Those who maintain authority over their business also shape their own future and influence their desired outcomes. By remaining truthful and committed to their aspirations, leaders can continue progressing toward their ambitions. He encourages ambitious thinking, asserting that possibilities extend beyond perceived limits—not just to the sky, but to the vast expanse of the galaxy.
A Professional Perspective on Success and Personal Growth
Branden-Lee emphasizes the importance of treating every individual with respect and dignity, regardless of their position. A strong belief in karma underpins this perspective, reinforcing the idea that positive actions yield positive outcomes. Striving for excellence and self-improvement remains a fundamental principle.
He believes that awareness of negative influences is equally important, particularly those who discourage ambition or provide misguided advice. He also suggests that seeking guidance from individuals with relevant experience is essential. Throughout his professional journey, Branden-Lee has encounters with well-meaning but inexperienced individuals who have reinforced the necessity of consulting those with proven success. He also suggests evaluating the advice which is taken from those who frequently reminisce about past achievements without current accomplishments should be carefully.
Professional Growth and Personal Integrity in Pursuit of Success
Branden-Lee has recognized the importance of honesty and staying true to one’s values while continuously striving for self-improvement. He believes, “Reaching one’s full potential should not be seen as a final achievement but rather as a stepping stone for further progress.” According to him, even reading a book or listening to an audiobook can contribute to ongoing personal development. Instead of dwelling on the past, individuals should focus on shaping their future, maintaining a forward-thinking approach by planning five to ten years ahead without looking back.
Branden-Lee acknowledges that his approach to life may appear unconventional to some, however, he finds fulfillment in his own company and maintains a strong work ethic. He describes himself as a workaholic but believes that his journey is only beginning, offering the same opportunity for others to embrace new beginnings through dedication and perseverance.
