Influential Woman · Commercial Cleaning & Facility Services
Nicole Burks
Founder, Champion Cleaning Service
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Burks is the Founder and Owner of Champion Cleaning Service, a woman-owned commercial cleaning company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since launching the business in 2019, she has built the company around integrity, consistency, accountability, and excellence, providing dependable cleaning solutions for commercial facilities, offices, manufacturing environments, schools, and professional spaces. Through Champion Cleaning Service, Nicole focuses on creating long-term partnerships by helping organizations maintain clean, healthy, and welcoming environments.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Nicole developed more than a decade of experience in sales retention and customer relationship management during her time at AT&T, where she earned recognition for strong performance. Today, she oversees the operations of Champion Cleaning Service, including business development, client retention, human resources, subcontractor relationships, and service quality. She continues to expand her leadership skills while pursuing an associate degree in Business Administration and Management at Kellogg Community College and participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program to strengthen her company’s growth and operational strategy.
Nicole’s leadership philosophy is grounded in faith, integrity, honesty, respect, and loyalty. She believes successful businesses are built through genuine relationships, reliable service, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Beyond her professional work, Nicole is actively involved in her church and community initiatives, including outreach efforts that support others. Her mission is to continue growing Champion Cleaning Service while making a positive impact on clients, employees, and the communities she serves throughout Michigan.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my relationship with Christ, which have guided me to become a better business owner and leader. I strive to lead with kindness, compassion, and genuine care for others, believing that treating people with respect and empathy is essential in both business and life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to lead with integrity, stay true to my values, and focus on the impact I make rather than just the position I hold. Building strong relationships, continuing to learn, and treating others with respect have been key to my growth and success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay true to themselves, lead with integrity, and remain grounded in their values. I believe it is important to put the Lord first, make decisions with purpose, and build a career that reflects both their character and their commitment to excellence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is finding skilled, dependable staff and generating high-quality leads. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities to strengthen recruitment strategies, build meaningful relationships, and continue growing with the right people and partnerships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, respect, and loyalty. My faith in Jesus is at the center of who I am and guides the way I lead, make decisions, and treat others. I strive to live and work with compassion, authenticity, and a strong commitment to doing what is right.
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