CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORY I
Imara Duarte , Co-Owner , Deep Root Cleaning Services , Inc .
the company . In turn , co-owner Darvelia Gutierrez applies the considerable technical skills and expertise she ’ s developed during her 15 years in the cleaning industry to training and overseeing the company ’ s 5 team members , tailoring their cleaning services for each client ’ s specific needs , and ensuring on-site quality control .
Incorporated in 2019 , Deep Root Cleaning Services stands out in the highly competitive cleaning and janitorial services field not only for the company ’ s level of professionalism and outstanding customer ratings , but for being committed to using eco-friendly products . “ Many janitorial and cleaning companies are still using harsh and potentially toxic synthetic cleaning chemicals ,” explains Imara , “ However , we are committed to providing deep and thorough cleanings using eco-friendly , 100 % plantbased products that are safe for people , pets , and the environment .”
Certified as a local , minority- and womanowned business enterprise , Deep Root Cleaning Services initially started with residential and smaller commercial cleaning projects , steadily growing their capacity and branching out into larger
Darvelia Gutierrez , Co-Owner , Deep Root Cleaning Services , Inc .
commercial projects and public works contracting . Imara reached out to the City and County of San Francisco ’ s Contractor Development Program ( CDP ) after being referred by the City ’ s Contract Monitoring Division ( CMD ). “ We had gotten our small business certification through the CMD but requirements were changing , so I went to a training , where I found out about and later got enrolled in the CDP .”
In addition to helping Deep Root Cleaning Services navigate changing regulations and certification and insurance requirements , the CDP staff has provided assistance and guidance on the company ’ s marketing and outreach , safety and employee handbooks , estimating , cash flow projections , accounting and budgeting , credit repair , contract review , creating a business plan and induction into the construction management training program with Clark Construction . As Imara notes , “ Although my background as a paralegal means that I am very organized , can multi-task and do research , it can still be overwhelming to learn and implement all of the procedures , requirements and regulations for public contracting work . I feel very blessed that the CDP staff have
FIRST QUARTER 2023 CCSF CONTRACTOR TOOLS - 07