Gladys Vonglahn still remembers starting from nothing. No capital. No mentors. Limited English. Just grit, curiosity, and a belief that cleaning could be more than a job. It could be a business—it could be a business and a legacy. “I always knew I wanted to leave a legacy, create job opportunities, and offer the best cleaning experience,” she says.
Today, Gladys is the founder and CEO of Gladys’ Cleaning Service, a New Jersey company trusted by residential clients, major corporations, and public agencies. Her work spans homes, post-construction sites, and large-scale projects like Newark Liberty International Airport.
Building From the Ground Up
Gladys began by cleaning small apartments, learning on the job, and setting her own standards. “I realized I was really good at cleaning,” she says. “But I didn’t want to be just a cleaning lady. I wanted to build something bigger.”
She trained employees herself, learned clients’ names, and built a reputation for quality. Apartments became mansions. Residential work turned commercial. Still, doors often stayed closed—she was too small, too new, and not established enough.
Finding Opportunities in Challenge
The pandemic created a new opening. Gladys pivoted into commercial cleaning and COVID disinfecting, using every resource she could find. That shift led to her first major commercial contract and set the stage for the company’s expansion.
“Everybody thinks I pay for marketing. I don’t. I market myself. What I promise, I deliver.”
Her reputation led to post-construction cleaning at Newark Airport’s Terminal A, growing her team to 18 full-time employees and as many as 30 on major projects.
Scaling on a Solid Foundation
“Building for Growth helped me understand how to do business the right way,” she says. “Through the program, I earned my Public Works Certification in New Jersey, opening doors to public projects and new markets. It helped me turn knowledge into action, and action into growth.”
As projects became more complex, Gladys knew she needed deeper knowledge to support long-term growth. That is when she joined the New Jersey cohort of ICIC’s Building for Growth program, gaining insights into government contracting, risk management, and compliance.
Cleaning for People and the Planet
Gladys defines innovation as “finding ways to do things better, smarter, and more responsibly.” She applies this mindset to every project and team decision, including sustainability. Eco-friendly products, modern equipment, and safer methods reduce chemical exposure while maintaining exceptional results.
“Our goal has always been to care for people and the planet. We train our team on modern cleaning methods, so our work supports both clients and the environment.”
Growing with Intention
With eyes on federal contracts and national expansion, Gladys continues to innovate. Her goal is growth that protects people, creates jobs, and leaves room for future generations. By blending sustainability with strong operations, she strengthens her business, her team, and her community with every step forward.