Krystle Hermis

Katy Maids

By Melissa Gautier | Photos By Candor Pictures

What started as a side hustle has now developed into a thriving business for Krystle Hermis, owner of Katy Maids. Five years ago, Krystle was working in the criminal defense and litigation field as the head paralegal for three different law firms. Recently divorced and a single mom to four kids, she needed to find a way to make ends meet financially.

In addition to her paralegal job, Krystle worked as a bartender in the evenings and started cleaning houses and apartments on the side for family and friends. They were impressed with her punctuality and meticulous attention to detail, encouraging her to consider developing her side hustle into a business. “The relationships I built, along with trusted connections through previous jobs, provided a starting point for a healthy book of clients,” Krystle said. Word spread and Krystle soon had a stream of new customers eager to book cleanings.

Hard Work Pays Off

Along with her handful of employees, Krystle worked out of her home the first year Katy Maids was in business. Her client base quickly grew, proving to be more than she could handle alone. Realizing she had already been operating a profitable business, Krystle decided to make it official, launching Katy Maids in June 2018. She continues to provide a distinct level of service and cleaning amenities to clients that appreciate her ongoing commitment to quality. Krystle’s admirable work ethic coupled with her strive for total client satisfaction makes Katy Maids a standout favorite among homeowners as well as business owners. Krystle’s personalized approach has been instrumental in Katy Maids’ growth and reputation throughout the years.

Expanding the Business

Today, Katy Maids owns their office space and has 12 cleaning crews serving Katy and beyond. Each crew brings Krystle’s standards of cleaning and customer care to fruition. Katy Maids offers residential and commercial cleaning services, special maintenance packages, window washing, carpet cleaning, and move-in/move-out cleaning services. Complimentary quotes are offered based on the square footage of your home or office.

Quality Control

Krystle employs a full-time quality control crew member, Elise, to ensure Katy Maids’ standards are met across the board. Elise’s job is to check the residence or office after the cleaning crew’s job is completed. This ensures Katy Maids’ high standards are met, as well as the client’s requests and preferences. Additionally, Elise gets to know each customer on a personal level prior to their first cleaning service. She meets the customer at their home, walking with them through each room. Her job is to discover their likes and dislikes, favorite colors, what they appreciate the most, and what frustrates them or makes them unhappy. Krystle says she likens this process to a first date, where you discover what your potential partner is all about. “I’m a relationship builder, not a transactional owner,” she explains. “Our clients’ needs are top priority, and our primary goal is client satisfaction.”

Employee Training

Krystle’s clients know what to expect from her. And they expect the same level of service from her employees. To maintain her clients’ satisfaction, Krystle requires all Katy Maids employees to complete hands-on training and video training, and they must meet certain standards, including a cleaning curriculum. She also requires her employees to be certified cleaners and certified in all products Katy Maids uses, which are environmentally friendly.

Maintenance Packages

For clients who desire an increased level of service at regular intervals, monthly maintenance packages are a popular choice. Special touches are added throughout the home, including candles, bed blankets folded into creative shapes, and bathroom tissues folded like an upscale hotel. “I want my customers to feel like they’re in a resort,” Krystle said. Little dashes of luxury go a long way in making customers feel special and appreciated.

Expanding the Business

Krystle has expanded her Katy Maids business model to multiple Houston-area suburbs, including Cypress, Fulshear, and Pearland. Magnolia, which will also include The Woodlands, is in the planning phase. Even though her business has grown exponentially, with crews providing services to approximately 21-32 homes per day, one thing has remained the same: Krystle’s dedication and commitment to outstanding service.

Community Leadership

Katy Maids works with several local charities and organizations. Known for her boundless energy and drive, Krystle is a tireless leader in her community. In addition to ownership of Katy Maids, she is a chamber of commerce member in Katy, Fulshear, and Cypress. She is a Katy Business Connection (KBC) member, Katy Business Association (KBA) member, Katy Rotary Club member, BNI West chapter member in Katy, and is a brand ambassador and board member of Katy Cares, a local nonprofit.

Krystle is the mother of four children. Her eldest daughter Katie is 15, her daughter Taylor is 13, and twin sons Ryan and Noah are 5 years old.