Some leaders stand out not just for their business success but for how they inspire change across an entire industry. Debbie Sardone is one of those leaders.

As the founder of Cleaning for a Reason, an ISSA Charity, as well as Debbie Sardone Consulting and Buckets & Bows Maid Service, one of the largest privately-owned cleaning companies in the country, Sardone has built a career defined by innovation, compassion, and grit. Recently, she added another honor to her long list of achievements by being named to the prestigious Forbes 50 Over 50 list for 2025, an accolade recognizing women who continue to break barriers later in life.

The recognition, awarded in the “Impact” category, reflects both Sardone’s entrepreneurial success and her extraordinary philanthropic efforts. Cleaning for a Reason, the nonprofit she founded, has provided free cleaning services to thousands of families battling cancer across the United States and Canada, working through a network of more than 1,400 cleaning companies. Sardone said the recognition made her proud not just for herself, but for the industry she represents. “I get to represent ISSA, our board, and all the cleaning company owners who deserve this recognition too,” she shared. Forbes conducted extensive research on her work, highlighting both her nonprofit’s impact and her success as a business owner and consultant.

For Sardone, the path to success wasn’t without obstacles. She shared that her entrepreneurial journey began with no plan B, driven by a determination never to quit. Early in her career, she took a bold risk by hiring a consulting firm, borrowing heavily to make the investment. That decision paid off, helping her turn her business around and hit the million-dollar mark. “Sometimes the easiest thing to do is quit,” she said, “but I was determined to find a way forward.” This mindset of perseverance, combined with a willingness to take calculated risks, has become a hallmark of her leadership.

Sardone’s story also reflects a powerful personal influence—her mother. At age 65, her mother started her own cleaning business, running it successfully well into her 80s. That example instilled in Sardone the belief that it’s never too late to take bold steps and chase big dreams. “There is no age limit to what you can achieve,” she said. “It doesn’t mean it won’t be hard, but courage and determination make all the difference.”

Looking ahead, Sardone has no plans to slow down. In addition to expanding the reach of Cleaning for a Reason, she is preparing to release her upcoming book, Mop Free Millionaire, with all profits during the launch period and throughout 2026 going to support her nonprofit. She hopes the book will inspire other cleaning business owners to scale their companies while giving back to their communities. As she continues to blaze new trails, Sardone’s recognition by Forbes serves as both a personal milestone and a powerful statement about the value of leadership, philanthropy, and resilience in the cleaning industry.

Learn more about Cleaning for a Reason, an ISSA Charity.