Manush Ravi Prame is the CEO & Founder of MRP Services, an eco-friendly cleaning service for businesses, schools, retail outlets, and other facilities. MRP stands for Manush Ravi Prame. MRP started in 2007 with only two employees. Now MRP has over 100 employees servicing over 200 clients across the country.
Mr. Manush Ravi Prame has been featured in numerous publications for his work with MRP Services, including Green Building & Technology Magazine where he was named as one of five green cleaning companies in 2012.
He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. MRP has been noted as one of the “Top 50 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Companies” and one of the fastest-growing green companies. He has also been featured on Entrepreneur Magazine’s website as well as on Hispanic business websites such as HR Hero. MRP Services has been recognized by the Rotary Club of East Midtown with their Bronze Award for 2017.
Manush has a patent for his Waterless Car Wash System, which has been praised for its environmentally beneficial approach to car washing. Because his company strives to provide more ecologically friendly cleaning solutions for both home and business owners wanting a better living environment, he and his team worked tirelessly to develop a system that uses little to no water. Many individuals appreciated his team’s cost-effective and time-efficient car cleaning service. Because the system employs non-toxic cleaning chemicals, it does not pollute the water. Furthermore, by using this technology, they are encouraging automobile owners to save water.
He is known for his generosity in donating to several non-profit organizations nationwide. He is also recognized as a philanthropist who donates to the community and provides employment opportunities for students. Manush spends time mentoring young people throughout New York City and supporting domestic violence programs in his free time. In addition, he supports organizations that give safe refuge, counseling, medical treatment, and other services to victims of domestic abuse.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
After graduating, I wanted to have my own business and during that time, there are no cleaning services in our area. So I thought of establishing a company that would provide cleaning services, and so I did. MRP Services started in 2007 with only a few employees. Now MRP has over 100 employees, and we continue to find ways to provide cost and time efficient services.
How long did it take you to start making money as an entrepreneur?
The first months were hard. I only had two employees, I had to do all paperwork. Fortunately, the business grew and we were able to get investments and generate income through our services. As I have said earlier, there were only a few companies offering cleaning services, so I didn’t have competitors in the area. I think that’s one of the reasons why my company grew so quickly.
How did you get your first customer?
It was very difficult in the beginning. I had to do a lot of marketing and find out potential clients. Our first customer was a working mom. She asked for our service to free herself from the stress of house chores. She wanted to spend her weekend with her family instead of cleaning the house. So we did that for her, and then she recommended us to other people. That’s how everything started.
What is one failure you had to face in the past and how did you overcome it?
When MRP started, I wasn’t sure that my business would last. I was providing cleaning services to small companies only, but soon MRP became so popular and the demand for our services grew rapidly. But along with growth came some challenges too. MRP’s growth meant we needed more employees because one person can handle only so much work. However, people don’t see cleaning as a decent job. Also, hiring good people is difficult. Hiring someone who you can trust and at the same time is efficient enough for MRP Services is not easy to find. Because of that, some employees were overworked and started quitting. That’s when we started hiring working students, out-of-school youth, disabled people, etc. and it turned out well. Some of them are still with us now.
What do you consider as your greatest achievement so far?
At MRP, we believe in continuous improvement. MRP has doubled its revenue in the past five years. MRP is always growing and evolving by developing new services that help our clients save time and money. One of MRP’s newest services is SmartPath Express which offers same-day cleaning for ready-to-move-in homes or offices. MRP has also developed an eco-friendly car wash system that uses eco-friendly chemicals to get cars clean without wasting water. I own a patent for this technology, and I think it’s one of my greatest achievements.
What makes you successful?
I think I am successful because MRP Services is a people-oriented company. MRP does not only want to provide great services to our clients, but we also want MRP employees and subcontractors to enjoy their work and be proud of it by providing them with safe working conditions and competitive compensation. The people I am working with are the ones making me successful.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you are using that works well to generate new business?
MRP has a website that’s accessible 24/7. MRP’s clients can visit our website anytime to book a schedule, check the status of the service, etc. MRP uses social media to interact with potential and current customers. MRP shares information about new services on Facebook and LinkedIn, also MRP is active in online forums where we engage users with questions or give them discounts on their next cleaning service.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
An entrepreneur is someone who has a vision for his/her company. If you have an idea, don’t just sit there and do nothing. Take action! Once you’re ready to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship, focus on solving real problems with honest solutions. You will face many obstacles along the way, but never give up!
What is the toughest decision you have had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I made recently was whether to expand MRP’s service area beyond the Cleveland, OH region. Expanding to other Ohio cities would mean freeing up more time for myself and my employees because we would be able to help more customers. But expanding also means adding new costs such as office space, advertising expenses, etc. So, after careful consideration of all options, I decided not to expand at this moment and focus on providing quality services in the Cleveland area while also investing in Eco Wash Systems which uses eco-friendly chemicals to clean cars without wasting water.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self: Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. Think big and don’t settle for something less when you know you can do better.
What are your plans for the near future?
My long-term plans are to make Eco Wash Systems available to more customers. Eco-friendly car wash is not only good for the environment, but it also offers great benefits to car owners by helping them save money and time because Eco Wash Systems uses eco-friendly chemicals. Imagine the amount of water each one can save when using this service in MRP. The problem now is that we don’t have enough facilities for this system. That’s what my team will be working on this year.
What is your favorite quote? Why?
“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” – Michael Phelps
This quote came from an interview with Michael Phelps who has 18 Olympic gold medals and 26 total medals. This is my favorite quote because it inspires me to go for what I want without limiting myself. It also makes me realize that we should not give up when we fail or don’t achieve something right away. We just have to keep trying and achieving our goals one step at a time.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future of Eco Wash Systems and Eco-friendly cleaning chemicals is tremendous. More people are becoming aware of the environment and how we can help save water and energy by using Eco Wash Systems. I’m excited to see that Eco Wash Systems continue its development and grow into a successful business.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Yes, just send an email to Manush.Ravi.Prame@gmail.com or leave a comment on my social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn