More Than a Cleaning Company.
Populist Cleaning Co is a people-first company, built from the ground up by founders who believed a cleaning business could do more than show up — it could become a true extension of your team.
A Bold Leap of Faith
“In 1980, Dan Eller and John Wagner founded Populist. They were not men gifted with natural business acumen and had no real aspiration to build a company. They were truly original cats, excelling as artists, musicians, thinkers, and interested in politics (truly of, by, and for the people).
Being unique, unconventional, and always challenging the status quo, they left their established careers of stability and security to pursue a different path. With an ultimate reliance on God, they fully embraced the life of independence and sacrifice. Often not knowing where the next meal might come from or how to fix the hole in the roof, these were years of extreme faith and pressing forward – never looking back, in order that they might pursue true, unique callings for themselves and their families.
Needing to provide for their families, they picked up a mop and a rag and started cleaning for a living. They traded in their established careers and became janitors! Through a zig-zag of many paths, and an unwavering commitment to serve God they embraced their callings, principally in politics and music. Eventually they secured a few cleaning contracts in some churches and small schools. As a few more family members became working age they found a few more customers to serve. Hard as it was, the blessings were a-plenty in this two-family endeavor for several decades. Through example, our founders, Dan and John, taught us the real meaning of risk, survival, and keeping the faith. These are the humble beginnings of Populist Cleaning Co.
Pressing fast forward, we’re now in second and third generations of the same families here at Populist, still original cats with very unique traits. Our continued growth reflects the strength of our foundation, with roots that remain deeply woven into the fabric of who we are and the enduring cornerstone of our success.”
Our leaders in the business today love Populist, a gift ordained by God and passed to us from our founders. We love what we do. We love making our company better every day. We love working with our teams. Even through the daily grind, bumps, and bruises, we recognize the blessings of free-market capitalism in our country. We champion the entrepreneurial spirit as the highest attainment of the American Dream.
We believe that by lifting up those who take risks, build from the ground up, and work tirelessly to create better lives for themselves and their families, we fuel not just their success, but perhaps more importantly, we do our small part in strengthening the foundation of our communities and our nation as a whole. Every decision we make is focused on delivering value and opportunity to the people – our partners who drive our economy and our nation forward.
Latin · the people
Where “Populist” Comes From
Our name, Populist, comes from the Latin Populus—meaning “the people.” And that’s exactly who we’re here for, our team and our customers!
A populist is someone who believes in the rights, wisdom, and strength of everyday people. That belief has guided us since the beginning, and it continues to shape how we work, how we lead, and how we serve.
As we look to the future, we’re proud to carry a name that reminds us where our strength truly lies—with the people who show up every day, do the work, and make life better for our partners.
A People First Company
Founded on a bold leap of faith, we champion the American Dream: the entrepreneurial spirit of independence and self-reliance that fuels the success of small business and makes life better for working-class Americans.
MI & OH
Where We Serve
Making Life Better Through Quality Partnering
Our Quality Partnership Process
We’re unique in our approach to Quality Partnering, leading our industry through Employee Focus and Customer Experience.
Employee Focus
Customer Experience
Our Core Values
These aren’t words on a wall. They’re the standards our founders lived by in 1980, and the expectations we hold every team member to today.
A Growth Mindset
- We’re strategic in growing our business and increasing profit.
- We’re dedicated to the personal and professional growth of our partners.
- We challenge the status quo to continuously improve.
A Humble Heart
- We show up every day to serve the customer, they pay us!
- We’re self-aware, open to feedback and willing to learn and adapt.
- We walk with grace and gratitude and recognize the achievements of others.
Unwavering Commitment
- We’re “all-in” – working hard and sacrificing for the greater good of the company, our team, and the customer.
- We’re accountable to each other, and we own the results of our decisions.
- In the face of adversity, when the chips are down, we strive to overcome.
Absolute Professionalism
- We’re prepared, intentional, and focused on execution.
- We demand a standard of conduct from our partners – exercising respect and a sense of dignity towards each other.
- We possess the necessary self-regulation, proper demeanor, and individual responsibility in all that we do.
The Story of Populist, In Our Own Words
From our mission and core values to the meaning behind our name, our leadership team sits down to talk through what makes Populist who we are. Watch the series to get to know the people and principles behind the company.
From First Call to Long-Term Partner
Every successful partnership starts with a conversation. Here’s how we build programs that work — and relationships that last.
Discovery Call
We learn about your facility, priorities, and pain points before we ever propose a solution.
Custom Program
We design a cleaning and facility program tailored to your schedule, budget, and specific needs.
Dedicated Team
We assign consistent team members who know your building and take personal ownership of it.
Ongoing Partnership
Regular inspections, open communication, and continuous improvement keep the standard high — year after year.
Let's build a cleaner future for your facility.
Schedule a no-obligation discovery call with our team — we’ll assess your needs and design a program built around your building.
