Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Vargas.
Jose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is José Vargas. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I lived until early 2016. I started studying Business Administration and Law, but eventually left my studies to work alongside my father in the family business. That’s where I truly learned the fundamentals — not just about cleaning services, but about running a business with integrity, managing operations, and understanding what it takes to build something sustainable. My father had built his company through honesty and hard work, reaching more than 500 employees in its best years, and working with him gave me hands-on experience in janitorial services, carpet cleaning, upholstery, and water damage restoration. Those years shaped my work ethic and taught me the importance of doing things the right way.
In February 2016, I was forced to leave Venezuela. Back then, I believed it would be temporary — that I would be away for a short time and eventually return. Reality turned out very differently.
I grew up in a close-knit, hardworking family. My parents still live in Venezuela, along with one of my siblings, and after emigrating I went almost three years without seeing them. It was not easy. Even so, I always had my parents’ support and guidance. My father’s example of building his business with ethics and responsibility became the foundation for everything I do today. My mother, alongside him, has always supported and advised me in every important decision.
When I arrived in the United States, I quickly understood that my stay would be much longer than expected. Like many immigrants, I started from zero. I worked wherever opportunities appeared — driving for Uber, delivering documents, working in car washes, valet parking, and taking on different jobs that helped me survive and adapt to a new life. Those were challenging years, but they were essential in shaping my character and work ethic.
Over time, I entered the carpet cleaning industry, an area I was already familiar with. My family in Venezuela had long been involved in the cleaning business, mainly janitorial services, but also carpet cleaning, upholstery, and water damage restoration. That background allowed me to get a job with a carpet cleaning company here in the U.S. For three and a half years, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the industry, developing a strong understanding of professional standards, operational structure, and the level of service expected in this market.
I have never been someone who feels comfortable staying stuck. Eventually, there were no more opportunities for growth within the company, and in 2021 I made a difficult decision: I left my job and started on my own. I did this in the middle of COVID, with very limited savings, purchasing my first machines, accessories, and a small van. Many of those machines I barely knew how to use at the time, since the company I worked for here relied on very basic equipment to simplify processes, while the technology available in the U.S. is far more advanced than what I had previously experienced.
I learned from the ground up. I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos, researching equipment, investing in courses and certifications whenever possible, and focusing heavily on delivering excellent customer service. Little by little, I built my client base, and many of those early clients are still with me today, nearly five years later. Over time, I was able to reinvest in more professional equipment, upgrade to a larger van, and today I operate with two vans.
In 2025, together with my fiancée — who has been a constant and essential support since the very beginning — I decided to launch my own cleaning product brand, CSX Formula. This idea came directly from my hands-on experience in the field. I saw that many consumer products work only in the short term and often leave soap residue or unbalanced pH levels, which can cause carpets and fabrics to resoil faster or even become damaged over time.
I strongly believe every home should have a maintenance product to use between professional cleanings. These spot cleaners do not replace professional services, but they help prevent stains from setting into the fibers and keep surfaces looking their best until the next visit.
Today, I operate two brands with a clear vision for growth. Cleaning SystemX focuses on carpet cleaning, area rugs, upholstery, and hard surfaces — especially tile and grout — with plans to expand into additional services in the future, including janitorial work, an area I have known since my early days back home. CSX Formula launched with a general spotter for carpets and upholstery that also works as a multi-purpose cleaner, and we are currently developing new products, particularly for homes with pets.
My story is not just about building a business, but about family, values, and perseverance. I truly believe that in the United States, it is possible to grow through hard work, honesty, and consistency. This country gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life and create something of my own, and my goal is to continue growing, learning, and contributing here. At the same time, I hope that one day I can also give back to Venezuela, the country where my values were formed, and support it in meaningful ways when the time is right.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges was leaving Venezuela without knowing if it would be temporary or permanent. I arrived in the United States thinking I would return soon, but instead had to adapt to a completely new life while being separated from my family for years.
Another major challenge was starting from zero in a new country. I worked in many different jobs just to survive and build stability.
Language was also an important challenge. Although I had studied English before coming to the U.S., most of my real learning happened day by day, through work, customer interactions, and real-life situations. Communicating clearly and professionally was essential, especially when building trust with clients.
Even when I entered the cleaning industry, there was a learning curve. Although I had prior experience, the technology, processes, and expectations in the U.S. are very different. I had to relearn the trade, educate myself, and constantly improve.
Starting my own business in 2021, in the middle of COVID, with very limited savings, was another major challenge. There were many moments of uncertainty and risk, especially in the early stages.
Finally, one of my ongoing challenges has been growing without losing quality or values. Building a business slowly, reinvesting responsibly, and maintaining honesty, consistency, and strong customer service has been essential, even when growth felt slower than expected
We’ve been impressed with Cleaning SystemX, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cleaning SystemX was built with a very simple idea: to deliver professional, high-quality cleaning services with honesty, consistency, and attention to detail. We specialize in carpet cleaning, area rugs, upholstery, and hard surface cleaning. Over time, we’ve grown by working primarily through referrals and long-term relationships rather than quick transactions.
What sets us apart is our approach. We are not a company that rushes from one house to another. We take the time to do things right. I don’t see cleaning as a one-time service, but as part of maintaining and protecting people’s homes and investments. We focus on using proper techniques, professional-grade equipment, and safe products, always taking the time to explain the process to clients so they understand what’s being done and why.
We are also known for our attention to detail and customer service. Many of our clients have been with us since the beginning, which is something I’m very proud of. Trust is a big part of what we do, especially when working inside people’s homes, and that trust is earned through consistency and transparency.
In addition to our service company, I’m also building CSX Formula, a cleaning product line created from real-world experience in the field. The goal is not to replace professional cleaning, but to help homeowners maintain their carpets and upholstery between visits. These products are designed to be effective while also being gentle on fibers, avoiding heavy residues or unbalanced pH levels that can cause long-term damage.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that both Cleaning SystemX and CSX Formula are built on real experience, not shortcuts. Everything we offer comes from hands-on work, learning, and a commitment to doing things the right way. I want readers to know that behind the brand is someone who truly cares about quality, education, and long-term results, not just quick fixes.
How do you define success?
Success for me is freedom, time freedom and financial freedom. Being able to do what I want without constantly worrying about money or feeling like I’m running out of time. Not having to choose between working and spending time with my family. And staying healthy, because without that, none of it matters.
Honestly, I’m not there yet. I’m still grinding, working long hours, reinvesting everything back into the business. But I know why I’m doing it. I’m building toward a life where I control my time, where I can be present for the people I care about, and where I have the flexibility to make decisions based on what I want, not what I have to do. That’s the goal. That’s what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cleaningsystemx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaning_systemx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077761969730
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CSystemX
Image Credits
Angel Medina
