Leading with Love: How One Woman’s Vision is Cleaning House

When most of us reach age 50, we tend to see ourselves in the twilight of our careers, but for local entrepreneur and public speaker, Debbie Sardone, this was the time in her life when she decided she was just getting started. 

Debbie recently made waves when she was recognized on Forbes’ “50 Over 50” list, which honors women over 50 who are making significant professional and societal contributions. 

While growing her house cleaning business, Buckets & Bows Maid Service, into one of the largest privately owned cleaning services in the nation, Debbie founded Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free house cleaning services to cancer patients in need. Her illustrious career serves as a testament to the power of compassion, purpose, and the profound impact one person can have on their community.

Debbie’s journey into philanthropy began with an unexpected phone call from a client who had been diagnosed with cancer and lamented her inability to afford cleaning services during a time when she needed it most. 

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Debbie shared, “The call changed my life. Realizing that I missed an opportunity to help someone in my community was my wake up call. [It] stirred within me a burning desire to never make that mistake again.” 

That moment provided the catalyst that led to Cleaning for a Reason, a charitable program aimed at offering support to those facing one of life’s most physically and mentally grueling battles. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has provided free cleaning services to over 60,000 cancer patients, partnered with more than 1,400 cleaning companies, and donated upwards of $20 million in services.

Even for some of the most successful among us, launching a nonprofit is rarely without its challenges. “In the beginning, enthusiasm was high — people loved the vision — but funding was scarce,” Debbie recalls. Serving as both the funder and fundraiser, she honed her storytelling ability to garner support. 

As the word eventually spread and national headlines began to follow, Cleaning for a Reason gained traction, attracting donors and cleaning companies eager to contribute to the cause. What started as a small initiative with a handful of volunteers blossomed into a self-sustaining movement, embodying the communicable nature of compassion and generosity.

Through her experiences, Debbie has been humbled by the invaluable lessons about leadership and service. 

“You can’t help everyone, but you can make a world of difference for the people you can help,” Debbie said. This sense of accountability guides her instincts as a leader. “As an entrepreneur, I was used to being the final word. In the nonprofit world, I’ve had to ask more questions, listen more deeply, and talk less. Those lessons have made me a better leader in every area of my life.” 

In addition to her recent accolade of being named in Forbes’ 50 Over 50, Debbie has received many local recognitions and was named one of Reader’s Digest’s “Best Things in America.” 

In spite of all of her successes, however, Debbie relishes seeing other cleaning companies gain recognition for their support of Cleaning for a Reason in their communities. “Seeing owners celebrated for their generosity fills me with pride. It proves that when we give back, we don’t just lift individuals — we elevate the entire industry,” she said.

Now a seasoned business coach and consultant, Debbie intuitively integrates her philanthropic efforts with her business pursuits. “There is no divide,” she said. “Cleaning for a Reason gives me deeper purpose, and that heart for service is what I bring into my coaching practice.” 

Her sessions underscore a poignant philosophy — Generosity is not a hindrance to growth. It is a catalyst for it. 

Every day she encourages business owners to weave giving into their company’s fabric, creating brands that resonate with clients and foster a positive culture. “At the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel, and that’s the true measure of success in any service business,” she points out.

Debbie Sardone’s story is best described by what she believes are the ingredients for success — resilience, vision, and heart. Through Cleaning for a Reason, she has proven that one person can ignite a movement, change lives, and inspire countless others to serve with compassion. 

In a world that often demands profits over purpose, her journey serves as a refreshing reminder that true success is not quantified by how much money you make but by how many lives you touch.

Learn more about Cleaning for a Reason at their website.