Ep. 32 — From Corporate to Crime Scene: Buying a Biohazard Cleaning Business

What does it really look like to walk away from corporate careers and step into one of the most emotionally demanding industries out there?

In this episode of The Cleaning Journey, Katie and Kyle Wilson share how they went from successful corporate roles to becoming co-owners of a Spaulding Decon franchise in Tampa, Florida — a crime scene and biohazard cleaning business that demands both operational precision and deep human empathy.

After three years of researching business acquisition, building a detailed "buy box," and reviewing hundreds of opportunities, they found the right fit — a business aligned with their core values of resilience, connection, and growth beyond comfort.

But nothing could have prepared them for what came next.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to build a buy box and evaluate acquisition opportunities
• The difference between SDE vs. EBITDA (and why it matters)
• What the first 90 days of ownership actually look like
• Taking over existing systems and setting culture with a small team
• The emotional reality of crime scene and biohazard cleaning
• Their first job — an unattended death discovered six weeks later
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people is critical when buying a business

Katie brings a strong background in operational leadership and team scaling, having grown an organization from 2 to 30+ employees across multiple departments. Kyle's experience in large-scale logistics and project management now shapes his accountability-first approach to operations.

Together, they offer a rare perspective on both the mechanics of buying a business and the human side of service work — from supporting grieving families to delivering real relief in difficult moments.

At the core of their mission is a simple but powerful message:
Check on your neighbor.

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