Paul Schokker

Background

About Paul Schokker

I’ve been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 30 years, and I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the downright shameful. When my wife Anne and I started In-Tec Commercial Cleaning in Brisbane, I dreamed of building something big—something with my name on it. But over time, my purpose has shifted. We’ve worked hard to build In-Tec as a company that not only provides secure, satisfying employment but also creates an environment where everyone is treated fairly, like human beings.(You’d think this would be the status quo in our industry, but it’s not.) Has this journey been without missteps? Of course not. But like I said, I don’t want to just leave a profitable business behind. I want to blaze a trail others can follow. Let’s be honest—yes, I’m in business to make money, and I’d wager you are, too. But I’m not here to do it at the expense of my team the way so many others do. I’m tired of the shady practices in this industry that have become the norm: modern slavery (known as “sham contracting”), underpaying workers, and treating people like they’re disposable. That’s not how I run my commercial cleaning business, and it shouldn’t be how you run yours either. As an advocate for setting a new standard for ethical business practices and worker rights in commercial cleaning, here’s what you can expect from me: I’m not here to name and shame, but I’ll call out the bullshit when I see it. Change is only possible when we confront the uncomfortable truths about our industry—staying silent is what got us here in the first place. If you’re here to exploit workers and cut corners, then this industry isn’t for you, and I'll make sure you're shown the door. It’s as simple as that. I’m here to prove that you can run a business with integrity and still come out on top. That means I’m ready to lead tough conversations, and create opportunities for us to grow and change together. I challenge you to step up, hold yourself accountable, and join me in setting a new standard for what it means to run an ethical business where everyone wins. Together, we can leave a mark—one that shows it’s possible to treat your people right and still succeed. If you’re ready to make a difference, let’s get to work.