In 1983, Donna Allie found herself facing the daunting challenge of supporting herself and her child as a single parent. After struggling to secure employment in her chosen field post-college, a pivotal moment occurred when she accompanied a friend on a cleaning job and recognized the lucrative potential in house cleaning.
With determination, Allie began answering newspaper ads for cleaning ladies and, alongside her mother, embarked on a journey cleaning homes across Philadelphia’s suburban Main Line. The genesis of Team Clean Inc. emerged as Allie established a unique team approach to cleaning, securing her first commercial contract with the Upper Main Line YMCA in 1985.
Team Clean Inc. is a minority-owned full-service janitorial company specializing in commercial cleaning solutions across various sectors such as medical, transportation, education, manufacturing and distribution. The firm also provides biohazard cleaning services.
By 1989, the company was officially incorporated and forty years later, Allie has transformed the company into a formidable institution with over 500 employees. The firm’s client portfolio includes prestigious landmarks such as the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, Philadelphia City Hall and the Wells Fargo Center.
Allie’s accomplishments include recognition as the Philadelphia District Minority Small Business Person of the Year and she received the National Freedom Day Community Service Award for her contributions to both business and the community.
“Donna Allie stands as a towering figure in the cleaning industry with her accomplishments and contributions serving as a testament to her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said her staff.
As a leader, Allie said she relies on attributes such as empathy, honesty and resilience. She also addresses complex problems with a direct approach. “It’s crucial to never let a problem go unresolved, as ignoring it can lead to undesirable outcomes,” she said. “Proactive problem-solving is essential to maintaining a healthy and successful organization.”
The road to success did not come without sacrifice, said Allie. “I sacrificed a significant amount of time that I could have spent with my children and grandchildren, but the reason for this sacrifice was to ensure they would have a better life with access to quality education and opportunities that I did not have growing up,” she said.
Providing opportunities is at the core of Allie’s passion, said her staff. “Donna’s dedication to community upliftment further cements her stature as an industry luminary,” they said. “Through philanthropic endeavors and generous contributions, she has left an indelible mark on numerous Philadelphia-based organizations and charities, embodying the ethos of corporate social responsibility.”
