Chris Szetela, Founder of Maid VIP
Locally owned. Ethically operated. Unapologetically premium. How a local Westlake High grad reimagined the cleaning industry—by putting people first.
Maid VIP wasn’t born in a corporate boardroom. It was born right here in Thousand Oaks, in a bedroom just like yours while working a job I absolutely hated.
Back in 2015, I watched my own house cleaner struggle. She was hardworking, detailed, and kind—but she was fighting a losing battle. To compete with the rock-bottom prices of big tech apps, she felt forced to undercut her own rates, barely scraping by despite doing physically exhausting work.
It broke my heart. I saw firsthand that the cleaning industry was viewed by many as "cheap" or "meaningless" labor. But I knew the truth: House cleaning is a skilled trade. It is tough, demanding work where professionals navigate daily physical hazards to create sanctuary for others.
I decided then and there to use my background in SEO and Digital Marketing to flip the script. I didn't just want to build a brand; I wanted to build a movement that elevated the entire industry.
Most cleaning companies compete on one thing: being the cheapest. We refuse to play that game.
When huge "Wall Street" cleaning apps drive prices down, the people who suffer are the cleaners. They are often forced to work 2 or 3 jobs just to put food on the table, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and high turnover.
Maid VIP was built to break that cycle. My main focus has always been simple: provide a living wage that allows our team to increase their profitability without fear of being undercut.
We are transparent about the fact that Maid VIP might be the most expensive quote you receive. That is by design.
When you choose us, you aren't just paying for a service; you are casting a vote for ethical business practices. Your investment ensures that the person entering your home:
We aren't a franchise planting a flag in a profitable territory. This is my home.
I was born and raised right here in Thousand Oaks. I walked the halls of Westlake High School, started my higher education at Moorpark College, and finished my studies at Cal State Northridge (CSUN).
This community raised me. It’s where my family lives, where my friends are, and where my heart is. Because of that, my commitment to this area runs deeper than a bottom line.
When you spend a dollar with a big national chain, that money often leaves the state to pay franchise fees or corporate shareholders. When you spend a dollar with Maid VIP, it stays right here.
It supports local families, fuels our local economy, and allows us to support the local charities that make our neighborhoods better for everyone.
To my competitors that continually undercut us, do better for your community. For those who are trying to uplift your workers, we see & salute you.
Thank you for helping us provide a better life for those who serve you. Thank you for choosing the standard of Maid VIP.
Much Love,
-Chris
It’s simple economics: Happy Cleaners = Better Cleans. By rejecting the "gig economy" model and paying professional wages, we solve the industry’s biggest problems:
You are right—you can absolutely find cheaper options. But in the cleaning industry, a "cheap" price usually comes with a hidden cost. Often, low rates mean the cleaner is uninsured (putting the liability on you if they get hurt), unvetted, or underpaid. Our rates reflect the true cost of running a legal, insured, and ethical business that protects both the homeowner and the worker. We sell peace of mind, not just clean floors.
Extremely. Safety is our #1 priority. We do not just run a quick automated check. We conduct multi-state criminal background checks, verify past employment, and conduct in-person interviews. We only hire cleaners we would trust in our own homes with our own families.
Yes! While our roots are in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, we have expanded to serve trusted clients across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties, bringing the same "homegrown" standard of care to the wider region.
There is a common misconception that because cleaning is manual labor, it should be cheap. The reality is that professional cleaning takes a real physical toll on the body. We refuse to ask our team to undercut their own profitability just to be competitive. We believe the people maintaining your home deserve a margin of safety in their own lives—so they can work with focus and pride, rather than exhaustion and stress. That's why we do pay sustainable wages.
You’ve heard our story. Now, let us change the story of your home. Call us directly at (805) 380-5586. We’d love to chat about your home.
We didn't just build a team of house cleaners; we built a team of property care experts.
Because we prioritize retention and fair pay, our staff stays with us for years. This allows us to train them in advanced techniques that go far beyond a basic "wipe down."
View Our Full Service MenuBorn and raised in the Conejo Valley. Proudly serving our neighbors in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, and beyond.
We are proud to bring the Maid VIP standard to three distinct counties. We don't just send crews out; we understand the unique rhythm and lifestyle of each community we serve.
See Our Full Service Area Map A Maid VIP gift card is more than just a cleaning—it is a restoration of time and energy.
Whether it’s for new parents in Westlake Village or a friend recovering from surgery, you aren't just sending a cleaner; you are sending a vetted, insured professional.
A clean home is the ultimate luxury. Share the Maid VIP standard with the people you love.
We believe that inviting a company into your home requires total trust. That is why we don't hide behind corporate jargon.
Whether you are curious about our "Living Wage" philosophy, our rigorous vetting process, or our cancellation policies, we believe you deserve the unfiltered truth. We have compiled a complete guide to help you understand exactly how we operate.
You have read our story, and you know what we stand for.
Now, let us show you what that looks like in your own home.
Stop settling for "good enough." Trade your to-do list for peace of mind—and a clear conscience.
Maid VIP
844 Masterson Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
