The Clean-up Guru

Cory Chalmers is a remarkable individual who has significantly contributed to cleaning and crisis management. He founded Crime Scene Steri-Clean in 1995 while working as a paramedic, recognizing a critical need to assist people during times of crisis. His extensive experience includes 14 years as a paramedic, 14 years in hazardous materials and emergency management, and biohazard response and remediation since 1995. In 1997, Cory became a firefighter in Orange County, California, where he quickly rose from firefighter to paramedic and then to Captain. His expertise extends to city budgets, contracts, standard operating procedures, and budget constraints, which have been instrumental in securing contracts with over four dozen cities for Crime Scene Steri-Clean's services.

Cory's impact extends beyond his company. He is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and seminars across the United States. You might recognize him from his regular appearances on the A&E show "Hoarders."

His dedication has transformed Crime Scene Steri-Clean from a home-based, owner-operator business into a multi-million-dollar company with locations throughout the United States. Cory also runs a worldwide Yahoo Talk group on crime scene cleanup and maintains several websites to provide valuable resources and information to the public in their time of need. Indeed, an industry leader, Cory Chalmers continues to make a difference in the lives of those facing tragedy.

Cory has many traits that have transformed Steri-Clean from a one-person garage-based business to a national brand. His entrepreneurial spirit is the most recognizable, driving the continual expansion and diversification of Steri-Clean's services. Cory's willingness to take calculated risks has fueled the company's rapid growth, including the pivotal decision 11 years ago to franchise the brand. Innovation is another cornerstone of Cory's strategy. He has developed custom-built tools, equipment, and trucks to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, Cory created CleanNet, Steri-Clean’s proprietary customer management and job software, streamlining processes and improving service delivery.

Equally important as the operational traits, Cory upholds strong ethical standards in all aspects of the business. His emphasis on honesty, integrity, and transparency builds trust with clients, employees, and partners. This moral foundation enhances the company's reputation and fosters long-term relationships and loyalty.

Finally, Cory is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Whether through charitable initiatives, partnerships with local organizations, or pro bono services to those in need, his community-focused approach enhances Steri-Clean's positive impact beyond just its business operations.

Cory’s journey in building Steri-Clean Inc. is a testament to self-reliance and determination. Unlike many entrepreneurs guided by mentors or inspired by role models, Cory navigated the path to success on his own. With no one to emulate, he relied solely on his instincts, hard work, and relentless dedication to create a business that stands as a national leader in the extreme cleaning industry.

From humble beginnings, operating out of his garage, Cory immersed himself in every aspect of the business. His hands-on approach allowed him to understand the intricate details of extreme cleaning, from hoarding situations to biohazard cleanups. He devoted countless hours to perfecting his craft and ensuring that each job was executed professionally and compassionately.

After gaining immense experience in the extreme cleaning industry, Cory guides his team toward enhanced productivity by incorporating some of his tested and tried strategies. Drawing from his hands-on knowledge, he has implemented structured training programs emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and compassionate client interactions. Cory also fosters a culture of open communication, encouraging his team to share insights and collaborate on best practices. By establishing clear protocols and providing access to the latest cleaning technologies, he ensures that his team can work efficiently and effectively. Cory's leadership empowers his employees and consistently delivers outstanding results for Steri-Clean’s clients.

It is the goal and mission of Steri-Clean Inc. always to be mindful of the human element and to maintain their sense of humanity in everything they do. “We are here to serve whether it is in a time of need, crises, or duress,” he adds. “Every franchisee and employee of Steri-Clean Inc learns the critical nature of what we do. And although being a cleaning company, the critical nature has nothing to do with cleaning. Every customer that needs our services is going through a difficult, often tragic, emotional time.” They aim to treat them with respect, compassion, and discretion and then clean their property. These goals and missions are the absolute reason Steri-Clean has accelerated so effectively.

The company’s most significant achievement over the past three decades has undoubtedly been its involvement in the Emmy-nominated Hoarders TV show. From helping to create the show to regularly hosting it, Cory's involvement has significantly raised awareness about hoarding disorders. Before the show premiered 15 seasons ago, hoarding was not widely understood by the general public. Today, it is a term commonly recognized. In addition to increasing awareness of the disorder, the show, now preparing to film its 16th season, has also highlighted the work of Steri-Clean and their Hoarders.com services to millions of viewers each week.

“We are pleased to announce the launch within the near future of a new podcast and YouTube show from Cory Chalmers and Steri-Clean, designed to educate and inform about the unique and challenging work we do,” elucidates Cory. “This series will explore some of the most intriguing stories of the lives we help restore, including detailed accounts of crime and trauma scenes, as well as the complexities of severe hoarding cases. Our goal is to provide insightful perspectives and raise awareness about these critical issues. We look forward to sharing these educational experiences with our nationwide communities and fans that follow us.”