Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Nielson.
Hi Fernando, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I came to the U.S. when I was 15 years old, and I didn’t know a word of English. Those early years were rough. High school was a constant challenge because I couldn’t fully understand or express myself, and on top of that I came from a broken family and was surrounded by a lot of negativity like gang violence. But I always knew I wanted more for myself. I didn’t want to let my circumstances decide my future.
For a long time, I worked in restaurants, pulling long shifts and burning myself out. It was honest work, but I knew deep down I needed something different something I could build, something that would give me freedom, and something I could one day pass on to my kids.
In 2018, I started my cleaning business with nothing but drive and a willingness to learn. In the beginning, it was just me hustling to get clients, figuring out the business side on my own, and working hard to prove myself. Over time, I built a reputation for being reliable, detailed, and consistent. One client led to another, and before I knew it, I was able to grow into a team.
Today, RC Commercial Cleaning has expanded from San Diego into the Inland Empire. We clean commercial buildings, offices, hotels, Airbnbs, and more. But what really makes me proud is the people behind it. I’ve been able to hire, train, and lead a team of hardworking individuals who show up every day in uniform, bilingual, and ready to provide great service. I take pride in knowing I’m not just running a business, I’m creating jobs and opportunities for others too.
This business is personal to me. It represents resilience, sacrifice, and growth. I started with nothing, but I refused to let that stop me. Now, I get to look back and see how far I’ve come, and I get to look forward knowing this is just the beginning. My ultimate goal is legacy to build something I can pass on to my kids and continue growing so that others can succeed alongside me.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business from scratch with no prior experience is tough, and I had to learn everything the hard way. In the beginning, I struggled with not knowing the “business side” of things contracts, payroll, taxes, and just figuring out how to price services correctly. There were times when cash flow was tight, and I had to choose between paying myself or making sure my employees got paid. I always chose my team.
Another challenge was balance. Running a business means you’re on 24/7. In the early days, I was doing the cleaning myself, then going home to send invoices, chase payments, and plan schedules. There were sleepless nights and moments I wondered if I’d made the right decision.
On top of that, there’s always competition and people who doubt you. I had to build trust one client at a time, prove myself through hard work, and stay consistent.
But honestly, those struggles shaped me. Every setback forced me to get sharper, more organized, and more disciplined. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of keeping faith in the process. Looking back now, I wouldn’t trade those obstacles, because they pushed me to grow into the business owner I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about RC Commercial Cleaning ?
RC Commercial Cleaning is a San Diego–based company that I started back in 2018, and we’ve recently expanded into the Inland Empire as well. We provide full-service commercial cleaning everything from janitorial services and day porters for office buildings, to hotel housekeeping, Airbnb turnovers, property porter services. We also take on specialized residential jobs like move-out deep cleans and post construction clean ups.
What we’re really known for is reliability and consistency. A lot of companies can clean, but not everyone can be counted on to show up, deliver the same level of quality every time, and communicate openly with clients. That’s where we stand out. My team is uniformed, bilingual, and fully trained to handle different environments with professionalism. Clients trust us because they know when RC Commercial Cleaning is on the job, it’s going to get done right.
What sets us apart isn’t just the services we provide it’s the culture we’ve built. We treat our clients like partners, not just accounts. We listen to their needs, we’re flexible, and we go the extra mile. And I carry that same mentality with my team. They’re not just employees, they’re part of the company’s growth and success.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. Our name carries weight now we’re known for showing up, solving problems, and keeping spaces clean and professional so our clients can focus on running their own businesses.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that RC Commercial Cleaning is more than just a cleaning company. It’s a brand built on hard work, trust, and opportunity. We don’t just clean spaces we create environments where people can work, live, and thrive.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, one thing I’d like to share is that we’ve recently gone through a rebrand. We’re still the same company at the core, but we’re evolving and positioning ourselves for the next level of growth. The new branding represents the energy and vision we have for the future of RC Commercial Cleaning.
We’re also expanding our services. In addition to our current offerings, we’re planning to roll out Junk Removal cleaning in the near future. For us, it’s about making life easier for our clients by becoming a one-stop solution for their property needs.
At the end of the day, RC Commercial Cleaning is built on growth, adaptability, and staying ahead of the curve. I’m excited about where we’re headed and grateful for the support from our clients and community who’ve trusted us along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_commercial_cleaning/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rapido-cleaning-services-san-diego-2
- Other: n2-pubmanager-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/13838525/Aug_2025_Metro_South_San_Diego_Real_Producers.pdf
