Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Klokkert.
Hi Paul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before starting this business, I spent over a decade working as a school counselor and coach, supporting students who needed someone to believe in them. That experience taught me the importance of trust, responsibility, and showing up for people. These are the same values I bring into every home and business we clean.
In 2023, I started Journey Carpet Cleaning part-time. By 2025, the business had grown beyond my expectations, and I took the leap into full-time ownership. Today, I use the same dedication I brought to counseling and education to help families and businesses feel good about their spaces. We are proud to be the only locally owned company in the area that specializes in low-moisture carpet cleaning, with dry times typically between 60 and 90 minutes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started the business part-time for nearly 2.5 years. That allowed me to slowly grow a customer base and to clean in the evenings and weekends. This also gave me time to make a decision about whether I should take the business from a “side hustle” into a career. By the second year it became apparent that going full-time would be a viable option. When I went full-time, there were some ups and downs. There is a “slow season” especially up here in Michigan when the work isn’t as plentiful and there isn’t always certainty about when the phone is going to ring. Other challenges that I’ve faced includes continuing my education to be an “expert” in my field and to “put out fires”. There is always more to learn and opportunities to get better every single day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in very low moisture (VLM) carpet cleaning. Our customers love that they can rely on their carpets drying in just 60-90 minutes. That is a foreign concept as many are used to it taking 8-10 hours or even longer. In fact many tell me that the long dry time is a factor in not getting their carpet professionally cleaned.
We have a program called “Light for the Journey” which is inspired by John 1:5, “light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”. LFJ is designed to help a family in need. We’ve had the opportunity to help several families with a complimentary carpet cleaning. This year we have helped a widow with a free cleaning, a member of the United States military that returned with some chronic ailments, and we will be continuing this ministry to serve additional families.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The City of Holland is known for Tulip Time, the beaches, and wonderful summer weather. However, the community is what makes this area “home” to so many.
The winter does tend to drag on a little longer than I would like. Probably the lack of sunshine is the most difficult part of going through a West Michigan winter. But that makes me appreciate the warmer, sunnier weather!
Pricing:
- We charge $50 per area up to 200 square feet
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.journeycarpetcleaning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey_carpet_cleaning?igsh=bTZnbTY5N3RpYnQ0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeycarpetcleaning
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/journey-carpet-cleaning/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JourneyCarpetCleaning
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/journey-carpet-cleaning-holland
