Buying Local Podcast · Episode 55 · December 19, 2025 · 48 min
Cleaning Robots Solving Labor Shortages | Buying Local S3E55
In this crossover episode of the Buying Local podcast—also shared on Blue Collar StartUp—host Mike Nelson welcomes guest Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems to discuss how robotics and automation are transforming trade businesses. They dive into real-world applications in commercial cleaning, solving labor shortages, boosting efficiency, and enhancing results in places like healthcare facilities and office buildings. Robots aren’t replacing workers—they’re tools that free up humans for higher-value tasks. To learn more about Derek Foster and Daigle Cleaning Systems, visit their website at daigleclean.com or find them on social media. Check out the Blue Collar StartUp Patreon for exclusive bonus content from the crossover! https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-robots-help-146011099 00:00 Intro and welcome to Buying Local (crossover with Blue Collar StartUp) 00:30 Snowstorms, winter work, and life in the trades 03:00 The real cost of vacations for business owners 04:20 Setting up the episode: robotics in the trades 05:00 Derek Foster’s background and growth of Daigle Cleaning Systems 06:30 Introducing robotics and automation in cleaning 08:20 Business acquisition and scaling during COVID 13:40 How cleaning robots actually work (mapping & programming) 18:40 What robots can and cannot replace 21:50 Safety, sensors, and robots working around people 21:20 Productivity gains and reallocating human labor 24:00 Using robotics to open doors with new clients 25:10 ROI, cost savings, and efficiency benefits 29:00 Where robotics works best: healthcare, offices, schools 31:10 Residential vs. commercial cleaning differences 34:10 Franchising, systems, and avoiding costly mistakes 36:50 Labor shortages and the future of automation 38:20 Industry standards, certifications, and audits 46:20 Advice for business owners considering robotics 47:30 Episode wrap-up, crossover notes, and Patreon invitation 48:58 Closing and sponsor acknowledgments