Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanford Miller.
Hi Sanford, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My entrepreneurial journey began earlier than most—around the age of three or four—when I would eagerly push my grandmother’s vacuum cleaner around the house, and see the lines it created on her rugs. What started as childhood curiosity quietly planted the seeds for a lifelong passion for cleaning and business.
As I grew older, that entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape. I sold Cokes at University of Tennessee football games, then used my earnings to buy $0.25 bags of chips and resell them at a profit during middle school. Even then, I was learning the fundamentals of business—investing, pricing, and reinvesting.
My professional career led me into banking, where I served as a Branch Manager at both Home Federal Bank and Fifth Third Bank. In those roles, I had a front-row seat to how business owners think, operate, and grow. That experience sparked something deeper in me—the desire to build something of my own.
I took that leap into entrepreneurship by becoming an insurance agent with Primerica Financial Services. There, I built and led a team of six agents and ultimately became the top agent in the state of Tennessee for insurance premium sales. It was a defining chapter that strengthened my leadership, sales, and team-building skills.
Nevertheless, sometimes opportunity comes when you least expect it. A friend who owned a cleaning business approached me about taking on a building to earn extra income. I didn’t hesitate—and in that moment, I rediscovered my early love of cleaning all over again.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my father and I had a conversation that would change everything. We recognized the growing need for reliable commercial cleaning services and decided to start a business together—Sanford and Sons Commercial Cleaning. Not long after, I took full ownership of the company and rebranded it as East Tennessee Business Solutions.
From there, it was all about hustle. I went door-to-door, building relationships and securing contracts one at a time. Today, that determination has grown into a thriving company with a team of 10 employees, all committed to delivering high-quality service across East Tennessee.
What began with a vacuum cleaner in my grandmother’s home has come full circle—evolving into a business built on hard work, resilience, and a passion that never left.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building this business has come with its challenges from maintaining a consistent, reliable team to establishing our presence as a new company in a highly competitive and growing industry.
We’ve been impressed with East Tennessee Business Solutions , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At East Tennessee Business Solutions, we specialize in delivering high-quality residential and commercial cleaning services with a strong focus on consistency, reliability, and attention to detail. From office buildings and commercial spaces to move-in/move-out and deep cleans, our goal is simple: create clean, healthy environments that our clients can take pride in.
What sets us apart is our commitment to doing the job right every time. We understand that in this industry, trust and consistency are everything. That’s why we focus heavily on building a dependable team, maintaining clear communication, and holding ourselves to a higher standard than what’s typically expected. We don’t cut corners—we clean them.
As a growing business in a competitive market, we’ve worked hard to establish our name through results. Our before-and-after transformations, attention to detail, and reliable service have become what we’re known for. Whether it’s restoring a space to like-new condition or maintaining a professional environment for businesses, we take pride in the impact our work makes.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’re building—one centered on trust, quality, and professionalism. Every job is an opportunity to reinforce that standard. “Your Business is Our Business “
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, our focus is on strategic growth and expanding into larger commercial opportunities, including government facilities and school systems. These environments require a higher level of structure, accountability, and consistency—standards we are actively building into our operations every day.
We are investing in strengthening our team, refining our processes, and implementing scalable systems that allow us to take on larger contracts while maintaining the quality and reliability we’re known for. This includes enhancing training, improving quality control measures, and ensuring we meet the compliance and expectations that come with public sector work.
We’re especially looking forward to establishing long-term partnerships within our community—serving schools, and organizations where our work can make a meaningful, daily impact. As we grow, our goal is to not just take on bigger projects, but to continue raising the standard of service we provide.
The future for East Tennessee Business Solutions is focused on growth with purpose, expanding our reach while staying true to the consistency, professionalism, and attention to detail that define our brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etcommercialcleaning.com/
- Facebook: East Tennessee Business Solutions
