--- title: From Vacuums to VP - Swept Janitorial Software description: "Life of janitor turned VP, Richard Montañez to get the Hollywood treatment. How do you go from a janitor who never completed high school, to one of the most successful men in America, with a biopic (directed by Eva Longoria) being made about your life? Well, Richard Montañez can probably tell you! Or you can … Continue reading \"From Vacuums to VP\"" --- [![swept\_RGB\_Primary Blue](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/swept_RGB_Primary%20Blue.png)](https://www.sweptworks.com/) [Login](https://app.sweptworks.com/) [![calendar icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/2024%20Files%20(Sorted)/Swept%20Website/All%20Icons/icons/scheduled%20event.svg) Get Demo](https://sweptworks.com/product-demo-form) [![swept\_RGB\_Primary Blue](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/swept_RGB_Primary%20Blue.png)](https://www.sweptworks.com/) Solutions ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) Compare Plans ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Launch Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Launch%20Icon.svg) Launch Start strong with time tracking, scheduling, and compliance tools for your team.](https://sweptworks.com/launch) [![Optimize Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Optimize%20Icon.svg) Optimize Win and retain more contracts with stronger quality control and team visibility.](https://sweptworks.com/optimize) [![Scale Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Scale%20Icon.svg) Scale Grow profitably with better client communication, supply workflows, and cost control.](https://sweptworks.com/scale) [![Messages GIF\_v2](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Product%20Images/Messages%20GIF_v2.gif) Client & Cleaner Messaging Stop drowning in emails and WhatsApp messages Learn more →](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-business-communication-system) [![Time Tracking](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Product%20Images/Booking%20%26%20Scheduling_FP.png) Time Tracking Track time for about $1/day →](https://sweptworks.com/cleaning-company-time-tracking-app) [![Inspections](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Inspections.jpg) Quality Assurance Keep quality consistent and clients informed →](https://sweptworks.com/janitorial-inspection-software) [![profitability](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/profitability.gif) Profitability Report Make pricing decisions with confidence →](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-profitability-tracking-software) Find out which plan is right for your business [Compare Plans](https://sweptworks.com/compare-plans) Resources ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Resources Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Resources%20Icon.svg) Resources Proven guides, templates, and powerful tools for janitorial businesses.](https://sweptworks.com/resources) [![Free Tools icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Free%20Tools%20icon.svg) Free Tools Interactive calculators & tools to help you make better business decisions.](https://sweptworks.com/resources/tools) [![Blog Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Blog%20Icon.svg) Blogs Learn about latest trends and tools in commercial cleaning industry.](https://learn.sweptworks.com/) [![Success Stories Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Success%20Stories%20Icon.svg) Success Stories Successful janitorial businesses that run on Swept.](https://sweptworks.com/resources/success-stories) [![Job Costing tool](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Hubspot%20Blog%20Headers%20(1).gif) Free Job Costing Calculator Bid confidently based on accurate job costs & target profit margin Use for free →](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-job-costing-software) Get support resources & attend weekly training [Support Hub](https://sweptworks.com/resources/support) [About](https://sweptworks.com/about) [Login](https://app.sweptworks.com/) [![calendar icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/2024%20Files%20(Sorted)/Swept%20Website/All%20Icons/icons/scheduled%20event.svg) Get Demo →](https://sweptworks.com/product-demo-form) Run Operations Make shifts clearer and day-to-day work easier for your team. [![Time Tracking Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Time%20Tracking%20Icon.svg) Time Tracking Track hours and GPS check-ins with easy clock in and out.](https://sweptworks.com/cleaning-company-time-tracking-app) [![Shift Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Shift%20Icon.svg) Scheduling Assign shifts clearly and keep teams on track.](https://sweptworks.com/scheduling-software-for-janitors) [![Work Order Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Work%20Order%20Icon.svg) One-Time Job Work Orders Create and manage one-off jobs without the chaos.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-work-order-software) [View All Features →](https://sweptworks.com/features) Prove Quality Show consistent service with clear proof and communication. [![Inspection Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Inspection%20Icon.svg) Inspections Popular Capture proof of work with photos, notes, and reports.](https://sweptworks.com/janitorial-inspection-software) [![Checklist Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Checklist%20Icon.svg) Cleaner Checklist Create clear, consistent checklists with translation in 100+ languages.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-checklist-software) [![Messaging Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Messaging%20Icon.svg) Team & Client Messaging Popular Keep conversations with cleaners and clients in one place for faster updates.](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-business-communication-system) Control Costs Track job costs, supplies, and margins. [![Profitability Reports](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Profitability%20Reports.svg) Profitability Report See which jobs are making money and which are not.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-profitability-tracking-software) [![Job Costing Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Job%20Costing%20Icon.svg) QuickBooks Online Payroll Integration New Send approved hours to QuickBooks and simplify payroll.](https://sweptworks.com/features/integrations/payroll/quickbooks) [![Supplies Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Supplies%20Icon.svg) Supply Management Track supply usage and avoid over-ordering.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-supply-inventory-management-system) Not sure where to start? Watch our interactive demo to learn more. Interactive demo Video [![GPS Update Dec 18](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Product%20Images/GPS%20Update%20Dec%2018.png) ▶](https://sweptworks.com/product-demo#tour) ✕ [Login](https://app.sweptworks.com/) Solutions ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) Run Operations Make shifts clearer and day-to-day work easier for your team. ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Time Tracking Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Time%20Tracking%20Icon.svg) Time Tracking Track hours and GPS check-ins with easy clock in and out.](https://sweptworks.com/cleaning-company-time-tracking-app) [![Shift Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Shift%20Icon.svg) Scheduling Assign shifts clearly and keep teams on track.](https://sweptworks.com/scheduling-software-for-janitors) [![Work Order Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Work%20Order%20Icon.svg) One-Time Job Work Orders Create and manage one-off jobs without the chaos.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-work-order-software) Prove Quality Show consistent service with clear proof and communication. ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Inspection Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Inspection%20Icon.svg) Inspections Popular Capture proof of work with photos, notes, and reports.](https://sweptworks.com/janitorial-inspection-software) [![Checklist Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Checklist%20Icon.svg) Cleaner Checklist Create clear, consistent checklists with translation in 100+ languages.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-checklist-software) [![Messaging Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Messaging%20Icon.svg) Team & Client Messaging Popular Keep conversations with cleaners and clients in one place for faster updates.](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-business-communication-system) Control Costs Track job costs, supplies, and margins. ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Profitability Reports](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Profitability%20Reports.svg) Profitability Report See which jobs are making money and which are not.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-profitability-tracking-software) [![Job Costing Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Job%20Costing%20Icon.svg) QuickBooks Online Payroll Integration New Send approved hours to QuickBooks and simplify payroll.](https://sweptworks.com/features/integrations/payroll/quickbooks) [![Supplies Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Supplies%20Icon.svg) Supply Management Track supply usage and avoid over-ordering.](https://sweptworks.com/features/janitorial-supply-inventory-management-system) Not sure where to start? Watch our interactive demo to learn more. [View All Features →](https://sweptworks.com/features) Compare Plans ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Launch Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Launch%20Icon.svg) Launch Start strong with time tracking, scheduling, and compliance tools for your team.](https://sweptworks.com/launch) [![Optimize Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Optimize%20Icon.svg) Optimize Win and retain more contracts with stronger quality control and team visibility.](https://sweptworks.com/optimize) [![Scale Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Scale%20Icon.svg) Scale Grow profitably with better client communication, supply workflows, and cost control.](https://sweptworks.com/scale) [![Messages GIF\_v2](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Product%20Images/Messages%20GIF_v2.gif) Client & Cleaner Messaging Stop drowning in emails and WhatsApp messages Learn more →](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-business-communication-system) Find out which plan is right for your business [Compare Plans](https://sweptworks.com/compare-plans) Resources ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Swept%20Website%20-%20Theme/images/svg/Icons/Chevron.svg) [![Resources Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Resources%20Icon.svg) Resources Proven guides, templates, and powerful tools for janitorial businesses.](https://sweptworks.com/resources) [![Free Tools icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Free%20Tools%20icon.svg) Free Tools Interactive calculators & tools to help you make better business decisions.](https://sweptworks.com/resources/tools) [![Blog Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Blog%20Icon.svg) Blogs Learn about latest trends and tools in commercial cleaning industry.](https://learn.sweptworks.com/) [![Success Stories Icon](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Swept%20Icons/Success%20Stories%20Icon.svg) Success Stories Successful janitorial businesses that run on Swept.](https://sweptworks.com/resources/success-stories) [![Job Costing tool](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hubfs/Hubspot%20Blog%20Headers%20(1).gif) Free Job Costing Calculator Bid confidently based on accurate job costs & target profit margin Use for free →](https://sweptworks.com/features/cleaning-job-costing-software) Get support resources & attend weekly training [Support Hub](https://sweptworks.com/resources/support) [About →](https://sweptworks.com/about) Ready to see Swept? Get a quick walkthrough tailored to your janitorial operation. [Get Demo](https://sweptworks.com/product-demo-form) Back to all content # From Vacuums to VP Konn Lavery 5 min read • Oct 28, 2019 #### **Life of janitor turned VP, Richard Montañez to get the Hollywood treatment.** ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/FlaminhotjanitortoVP-1024x351-1.png?width=1024&height=351&name=FlaminhotjanitortoVP-1024x351-1.png) How do you go from a janitor who never completed high school, to one of the most successful men in America, with a biopic (directed by Eva Longoria) being made about your life? Well, Richard Montañez can probably tell you! Or you can simply watch the aforementioned [Fox Searchlight produced motion picture](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/flamin-hot-cheetos-movie) about the janitor turned VP of Sales and Marketing for one of the world’s biggest companies! Cleaners are people just like anyone else. They have dreams and goals and yes, even ambition. If society recognized this more, there would probably be a lot more happy janitors. Employee turnover is higher in the janitorial industry than any other industry in North America. The highest turnover rate in any other industry (according to Linkedin research) is 13%. The Cleaning business? About 200-300% annually. Pretty high huh? ![](https://learn.sweptworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/JanitorialIndustryCheetos-1.png?width=777&height=502&name=JanitorialIndustryCheetos-1.png) Enter; Richard Montañez, a janitor who worked for PepsiCo and had to clean a mess one night that would change his life forever. That mess was caused by a broken Cheetos machine that produced a batch of unflavored (and unusable) Cheetos. Richard did what any sensible minded person would do, and took a bunch of bland Cheetos home to snack on (with the aid of a bit of chili powder). At that moment…the Flamin-Hot Cheeto was born! Richard pitched his spicy Cheetos to PepsiCo CEO Roger Enrico, and from the success of that single idea, he went on to become Vice President of Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American divisions. Even more interesting? Richard Montañez never completed college… or high school for that matter, but now he teaches leadership to MBA students at a California state university. Just goes to show how far a dream can take you!  We’re not sure about you, but your friends here at Swept will be first in line for tickets to [Flamin’ Hot](https://variety.com/2019/film/news/flamin-hot-cheetos-movie-eva-longoria-1203314982/) when it hits theaters. Want to help nurture the dreams of your employees, and see them achieve greatness? Check out our [webinar with Mary Miller](https://www.sweptworks.com/retaining-dreams/), of JANCOA (Inspiration for the bestselling book: The Dream Manager). If you are interested in how you can increase cleaner retention, and keep your employees happy and engaged, check out [Swept’s Guide to Cleaner Retention](https://www.sweptworks.com/blog/ebooks/cleaner-retention/)! Curious what other ways Hollywood intersects with our wonderful industry? Here is a bit of [Keanu Reeves’ generosity](https://www.sweptworks.com/blog/swept-news/keanu-helps-janitor/) for your reading pleasure. [Return to Swept blog page.](https://www.sweptworks.com/blog/) Swept is dedicated to highlighting stories that touch everyone in the janitorial industry. Our hearts go well beyond the janitorial software we offer. Learn more about Swept’s cleaning company software [here](https://www.sweptworks.com/why-swept/). And to keep up on all the trends in the janitorial services industry, [subscribe to our blog](https://www.sweptworks.com/blog/)!   --- [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Flearn.sweptworks.com%2Ffrom-vacumes-to-vp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) #### Related content [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1682788/7fb7c9be-710e-4817-b22a-ef3ecf3e616c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1682788/7fb7c9be-710e-4817-b22a-ef3ecf3e616c) ### Subscribe to our blog Easy to use janitorial software to simplify and grow your commercial cleaning business with confidence. 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Only the best things for you. No junk, spam free. By subscribing you agree to with our [privacy policy](https://cleansimple-1682788.hs-sites.com/privacy-policy) and provide consent to receive updates from our company.   [Privacy](https://sweptworks.com/privacy-policy) [Terms](https://sweptworks.com/terms) © 2024, Swept® Technologies, Inc. 
 ![](https://segment.prod.bidr.io/associate-segment?buzz_key=brandgen&segment_key=brandgen-8772&value=) ![](https://segment.prod.bidr.io/associate-segment?buzz_key=brandgen&segment_key=brandgen-8772&value=) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1682788.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1682788/2023%20Files%20(Sorted)/Kens%20final%20video.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-01-23T00:56:57.102Z", "description" : "Ken Carfagno sharing his exclusive experience about working with Swept", "duration" : "PT2M4.903S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Ken Carfagno sharing his experience with Swept", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1682788.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1682788/2023%20Files%20(Sorted)/Kens%20final%20video.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2023-03-29T05:06:35.796Z", "width" : 1920 } ```