Marlene Cornachio
Marlene today directs the overall operations of Property Management Services, LLC, a full service commercial cleaning company and residential maid service, under the trade name Custom Cleaning and Maintenance here in Northeastern Ohio. With more than 40 years of business management, customer service, and employment placement experience as well as sales and marketing experience she is responsible for the development, growth and senior management oversight of the business which has its roots as a startup company that she originally founded back in 1983. Her guiding fundamental principals were to build a profitable residential homecare service company while treating each and every one of her employees and customers with professionalism, mutual respect, and dignity every day, while giving back to her community in as many ways as possible to help those in need in some way.
Marlene started a maid service under the trade name "Apronstrings" in 1983, before most residential service companies were even considered viable businesses and just at the onset of national franchising of such "home businesses". As business evolved, and her processes became more refined she branched out the company to take on commercial cleaning assignments as well. Later, she renamed her company Custom Cleaning and Maintenance to better define what the company's predominant role was in the marketplace.
Throughout the years of growth, Marlene made the acquisition of a couple additional competing cleaning companies and maid services that spurred quicker growth and the addition of a broader base of business. She also founded MJ Realty, LLC, a company that buys, holds and manages real estate. She also started Willoughby Home Services, LLC. which provides 24 hour home healthcare services to individuals by providing them with quality home based personal aides.
Today, Custom Cleaning provides full-time employment to more than fifty-five service and management personnel, with combined sales of nearly one and one half million dollars annually. Employee turnover is exceptionally low, as compared to industry standards, with some employees being with her for twenty years in one capacity or another. Revenue from 2007 to 2008 increased nearly twenty-five percent, as a result of her setting very aggressive and decisive business goals for the companies, even during the most uncertain economic times.
Marlene employs a hands on management approach to her businesses, which allows her to intensely interact daily with her staff and field personnel. She recognizes and awards team members individually and within a team concept for a job well done, sometimes celebrating even the tiniest successes with them to build and enforce a spirit of trust, cooperation, and a sense of belonging. Her customer list of over 500 satisfied clients, both commercial and residential, includes many that have also been with her twenty years or more!
Marlene is actively involved in numerous local organizations lending her time and business experiences wherever possible. She is currently the 2012 Willoughby Chamber President. She was named the Willoughby Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Business Leader/CEO in 2008, recognized for her business accomplishments and civic involvement and helping to improve the quality of life in her community. Mrs. Cornachio was recently named the Business Leader of the Month by the Lake County Business Journal. She has been featured as a guest speaker to many local organizations. She truly exemplifies the definition of an entrepreneur. She donates many hours of community services and is always willing to give a helping hand to others in need.
Marlene resides in Willoughby with her husband, Jack. They have two children, Marisa and Michael, and four grandchildren.
