Tuesday, August 20, 2024 In an exclusive conversation with Shep Altshuler, the publisher of TimeSharing Today, and Marcos Argenti, CEO of Limpidus, a globally recognized cleaning company, the two delved into how Limpidus is transforming housekeeping standards across the hospitality sector. Here’s a summary of Argenti’s insights. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
Limpidus began as a family-run business in 1980. Over time, we’ve experienced steady growth, and by 2017, we embarked on our journey of international expansion. Today, we proudly serve more than 4,200 clients across the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Our diverse client base includes industries such as industrial, transportation, cruise lines, fashion, technology, residential and office buildings, and hospitality. As the head of operations in North America, South America, and the Caribbean, I oversee our services in the U.S.
, particularly in Florida, New York, and Branson, Missouri. We are on the verge of launching operations in Chicago, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco, with plans to expand further throughout the country as demand grows. Our expansion strategy is heavily focused on the hospitality industry, where we are committed to meeting the increasing demand for top-tier cleaning, safety, and health standards.
Our services cater to hotels, luxury apartments, timeshare resorts, vacation clubs, and assisted living facilities. Enhancing cleaning standards doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. We recognize that housekeeping costs are a major factor in operating budgets.
At Limpidus, we have consistently delivered superior cleaning standards at reduced costs for numerous hotels and timeshare resorts. We achieve this by meticulously assessing each property’s specific needs, enabling us to propose tailored, cost-effective solutions. When partnering with new clients, we conduct a thorough analysis to fully grasp each property’s capabilities, needs, and objectives.
This process includes extensive on-site evaluations and fostering a mutual commitment to maintaining high standards. Occupancy-Driven Pricing Our pricing strategy is designed around occupancy levels, offering flexibility and scalability in cost management. This customized approach ensures that we uphold superior cleanliness standards without compromising on financial efficiency or quality.
Often, we are able to lower housekeeping costs by 10-15% while still delivering exceptional service. Embracing Health-Centric Technology Central to our commitment is the deployment of portable measuring tools to assess surface contamination. These devices provide scientific verification of cleanliness, ensuring consistent and effective cleaning standards.
This technology revolutionizes the cleaning process, making it a measurable and objective practice rather than a subjective one. We are revolutionizing cleanliness standards within the hospitality industry. Acknowledging that cleanliness is vital for both aesthetics and guest well-being, we introduced our “cleaning for health” initiative.
Upon evaluating numerous hotels, timeshare properties, and management companies, we found that many do not consistently meet the required cleaning standards. We close this gap with our premium services, focusing on health by eliminating elements that pose risks within indoor environments. Commitment to Industry Standards Our dedication to excellence is further evidenced by our strict adherence to industry standards established by organizations such as ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association) and IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
Maintaining high cleanliness standards is crucial for guest satisfaction and operational success. By adopting advanced technologies and adhering to these standards, we empower hospitality providers to deliver exceptional cleanliness that resonates with discerning guests. Operations Team Our operations team is composed of commercial professionals who identify potential clients, operational and transformation teams who manage transitions to ensure a smooth start, and human resource teams responsible for hiring and training.
Supervisory teams oversee local staff, while the operations team, led by experienced service directors, ensures quality control through inspections and scientific cleaning verification devices. Additionally, our research department is committed to continuous improvement. Our team, composed of experienced professionals across various departments, collaborates closely with the client’s staff to ensure a seamless integration of services.
Housekeeping Workforce and Training Approach Limpidus employs approximately 25,000 professional housekeepers globally. We firmly believe that housekeeping is a professional career. Traditionally, housekeeping has been undervalued and regarded as low-skilled work.
At Limpidus, we are transforming this perception. We make significant investments in selecting, training, and retaining our staff, offering them a career path and recognizing them as both individuals and professionals. Our housekeeping team is our most valuable asset, and we focus on retention by fostering a positive and rewarding work environment.
Impact of Global Viruses and Pandemic Scenarios During the COVID-19 pandemic, Limpidus developed new cleaning and disinfection methods to curb virus transmission. These methods included using SiQuats (quaternary silans) and electrostatic disinfection machines that cover 100% of surfaces, ensuring a virus-free environment. These innovations continue to uphold high cleanliness standards in our client properties today.
Quality Control via Social Media and Reporting Systems Our team actively monitors social media reviews and comments regarding clients’ properties to swiftly identify and address issues. This ongoing surveillance allows us to maintain high standards and respond promptly to concerns. Comprehensive online reporting systems provide property managers with detailed information on room status and necessary repairs, further ensuring peace of mind.
Additional Services Provided by Limpidus We also manage common areas, such as lobbies, swimming pools, restaurants, minibar services, gyms, and tennis courts, in 90-95% of our clients’ properties. Our specialized treatments and attention to detail in these areas contribute to an overall positive guest experience. Case Study Demonstrating Limpidus’s Impact One significant success story involves a client considering selling their resort due to declining occupancy, revenues, and poor cleaning standards—issues that persisted despite changing cleaning companies multiple times over a year.
After partnering with Limpidus, their cleanliness ratings improved dramatically, leading to increased occupancy and customer satisfaction. We take pride in our 100% customer retention rate in the hospitality industry since our inception in 2018—highlighting the quality and reliability of our services, long-term commitment, and competitive pricing. Key Strategic Insights.
