Would You Hire a Well-Paid Maid?
In Chicago, apparently the answer is yes.
Aaron Seyedian, the founder of Well-Paid Maids, has disrupted the house cleaning industry with a unique business model. The company pays its cleaners $26 per hour, which is significantly higher – about $10 per hour higher - than the national average for housekeepers.
In addition, Seyedian offers a zero-deductible health plan, which costs about $8,000 per worker, and an employer-paid disability plan. The George Washington University Graduate and former consultant to the World Bank also says a 401(k)-retirement plan is in the future.
Business Growth in Chicago:
The Chicago branch of the company launched in September 2024 has already secured over 175 jobs and generated more than $50,000 in revenue. Owner Seyedian attributes this rapid growth to Chicago's receptive market for social change.
In comparison, it took nine months to reach a similar number of customers and revenue in the Washington D.C. area. However, today, after two years of operation, the D.C. branch of the company employs 7,500 maids. Seyedian expects similar growth in Chicagoland.
A Tale of Two Cities:
Seyedian argues that cities like Chicago and D.C., despite their economic inequality, provide fertile ground for social change and are actively seeking ways to embrace it. He believes that Well-Paid Maids plays a crucial role in creating a more equitable economy by paying higher wages and offering employee benefits. This demonstrates that businesses in the cleaning industry can be both profitable and socially responsible.
Social Impact:
Like any business, he needs to make a profit. But Seyedian's motivation extends beyond profit. Inspired by his work at the World Bank, he has developed a passion for social justice and reports that many of his customers feel the same way.
"Some (of our) customers feel uncomfortable that they employ people who don't make enough money to live on," says Seyedian. "Since it is not in their power to change the living wage overnight, by hiring us, they see it as a way to do something that is at least in line with their views."
An Employee Speaks Out:
Nate Loudermilk helped launch the Well-Paid Maids service in Chicago. He says, “we really want to offer this living wage model to as many people as possible. I feel strongly about this, as I grew up with a single mother in poverty, and I can see how a living wage job could have given me a better childhood.”
As to thinking only the rich can afford his company’s services, Loudermilk says his company has all types of customers, from “single young professionals to a family with a large house and eight plus animals; it’s really just anybody who wants to make a positive change in their community.”
Getting paid a higher wage has really had an impact on Loudermilk. “Now that I am making more money, I am also putting more money back into the economy and I have a safety net, so the next time something unexpected comes up, I am not choosing between food and my rent payment. I am much happier knowing that I can pay my bills on time, which has made the biggest difference in my life.”