The first professional cleaning job Haverford High graduate Donna Allie did back in 1982 yielded a day’s work and compensation of only $10, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

 “I looked at it as 10 more dollars than I had before the day started,” says Allie.

She was desperate to support herself and a newborn, fed up with being on public assistance.  Even with a degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio, she couldn’t get a career started.

She even worked as a clown and a freelance cab driver.

That first $10 led to more lucrative cleaning assignments. Soon she had 55 customers and a staff of friends and family.

It took a while for Allie to realize she was running a business, until her staff grew to 80 to 100 people.

Today, Allie is owner of Team Clean. She oversees 525 employees.

Her company clients include the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Lower Merion Township. 

She’s been honored as a top minority and female business owner, but credits her greatest achievement as the network of opportunities she’s created for her diverse employees.

Read more at Main Line Today about Donna Allie and Team Clean.