Meet Kate Carlson | Founder, Good Egg Cleaning | Residential Cleaning Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Carlson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Like many people who start a business, I didn’t begin with a grand plan — and I definitely didn’t set out to build a cleaning company. I was 22 years old when I moved home after my mom was diagnosed with cancer and needed work that was flexible but steady.
I started as a personal gardener, which eventually turned into cleaning homes when the seasons changed. As I began taking on more clients, I started to feel like I had something solid to stand on. It brought structure to my days and a sense of steadiness when I really needed it.
Over time, I realized I genuinely loved the rhythm of the work. During a time when so much felt out of my control, it felt good to take care of something. Tending to spaces and helping people feel at ease in their homes gave me purpose and momentum. What began as something practical slowly became something intentional — and eventually became the foundation of Good Egg Cleaning.

What should our readers know about your business?
As Good Egg Cleaning has grown, I’ve learned that structure and flexibility have to coexist. I believe deeply in building strong systems — they create consistency, reliability, and safety for both clients and team members. In residential cleaning, we’re working inside people’s homes, which is inherently personal. That makes professionalism even more important.
Over the years, every system in my business has been revised at least a dozen times. I’ve learned to trust my instincts — to know when to rely on the system I’ve built and when it’s time to adjust. Not every situation fits neatly inside a policy. Leadership requires discernment, and people require consideration. Striking that balance is what defines Good Egg Cleaning today.
I’ve also had to learn not to take things so personally — even when someone calls my “baby” ugly! I’ve come to understand that boundaries and care aren’t opposites; they reinforce each other. People need structure to feel secure, and they need consistency to trust that a company will follow through on its promises.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d start slow with breakfast at La Creperie & French Bakery or Lucile’s for a little Cajun-style brunch. From there, we’d hop on bikes and cruise through Old Town, following the Fort Collins Mural Project map to explore the city’s art scene tucked into alleyways and brick walls.

We’d swing into Wayward for vintage treasures and to support local creatives, then pop into Kansas City Kitty — my favorite downtown boutique. For a nature reset, I’d take them to Horsetooth Reservoir or along the Poudre River trails. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area is another favorite — it feels like a wildlife oasis right on the edge of town.

In the evenings, we’d catch live music at The Atrium, The Magic Rat, or Wolverine Farm to soak up local talent. If you’re in the mood for something livelier, R Bar — Fort Collins’ token queer bar — hosts karaoke, live music, and drag nights that are always a good time. And for something quieter, Firehouse Books has the most beautiful selection to browse — especially with Silver Grill Café right next door for what I consider the best cinnamon roll in town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, big shoutout to Nannette Thacker — my very first client, mentor, and friend, who didn’t just hire me; she took a chance on me. I was by no means a polished cleaner when I started — I had a good eye for detail and a solid work ethic. Nannette gave me real, honest feedback, helped me find additional clients, and taught me how to piece together the bones of a business. Good Egg Cleaning wouldn’t exist without her early belief and guidance.

I also come from a family of entrepreneurial types. Whether my parents were working for other companies or running their own, their integrity and dedication to their work was always clear. I watched the way my dad could talk to anyone — regardless of status or background — and not only earn their trust, but make them laugh and feel comfortable. My mom reinvented herself in her forties, going back to school and opening a restaurant from scratch. Watching both of them taught me that it’s never too late to start, and that if you’re willing to work hard and bet on yourself, you can create opportunities where there weren’t any.

Website: https://www.goodeggcleaning.com

Instagram: @goodeggcleaning

Facebook: @goodeggcleaning

Image Credits
Jessica MacMaster