Expert Clean & Green

Ofer Kolton: Filling the Void

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN MATEO — After immigrating to the United States from his home country of Israel, Ofer Kolton found work as a house cleaner. Later, when he saw a void in an adjacent industry, he figured he might as well be the one to fill it. “While working as a house cleaner, I kept hearing complaints from my clients about carpet cleaning companies,” he remembers. “A lot of these companies operated on a bait-and-switch model, where they’d quote the customer a low price over the phone, only to hike it up considerably when they were actually on the job site. In addition, the quality of the work was often poor. I mentioned this to my wife, and she asked me, “Why don’t you start your own carpet cleaning business?” Next thing you know, I was enrolled in a trade school to learn how to clean carpet. After I finished, I started up my business and I’ve been at it for more than 30 years now.”

Today, as owner of Expert Clean & Green, Ofer says his favorite part of his job is seeing how happy his clients are once the work is done and their homes look and feel clean. “Usually, when I arrive at the client’s home, the carpet may look grungy, but by the time I leave, it looks great, and the client is happy. So, I appreciate that simple satisfaction I get from every job I perform.”

Ofer spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I have a lot of hobbies, including reading, listening to music and working in my vegetable garden,” he details. “Gardening is a great way to relax—I even find weeding relaxing!” Ofer says he also enjoys going on hikes at local state parks, vacationing with his family, and seeping fine green and Oolong teas.

In regard to a professional philosophy, Ofer espouses the virtue of the Golden Rule. “Treat people the way you want to be treated, and things will usually work out alright,” he says. “I’m a straight shooter and I don’t sugarcoat things. If I think someone is not going to be happy with my service for whatever reason, I’ll refer them elsewhere. I stand by my honesty and professionalism, and the clients who use my services appreciate that.”

When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ofer says he’d spend more time enjoying the various pastimes he currently enjoys. “I would continue tending to my garden, reading and listening to music. I’d also travel more since there would be more time for that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What do you prefer: coffee or tea?
A: That’s a tough one, because I like both for different reasons. My wife and I roast our coffee, so we love that. But I also enjoy fine green and Oolong teas made by artisan tea makers. There are many different styles and flavors of tea to choose from.

Q: What’s the best concert you ever attended?
A: When I was visiting Brazil, I got to see Mercedes Sosa, the famous Argentinian singer and political activist. She had been exiled from Argentina because the junta didn’t like that fact that she was fighting for freedom. It was a powerful performance.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Stay home, read a book and drink some good coffee or tea.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world you haven’t yet visited, where would you go?
A: Nepal.

Q: Do you have a favorite book?
A: I read a lot of books, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. One that comes to mind is “Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe.