Like many professionals in the cleaning industry, Jeff Cutshall didn’t set out to become a carpet cleaner or an instructor. His career began in the early 1980s with floor care work, stripping and waxing VCT, before carpet cleaning entered the picture almost by accident.
That accidental start turned into a lifelong career built on hard lessons, technical mastery, and a deep belief in education. From early trial-and-error (including one unforgettable wool carpet disaster) to becoming an IICRC-approved instructor in 2002, Jeff’s journey reflects what many technicians experience—and what proper carpet cleaning training can prevent.
In this instructor spotlight, Jeff shares how education transformed his career, the technical and customer service skills that separate great technicians from average ones, and why bilingual training plays a critical role in the future of the cleaning and restoration industry.
Q: How did you first get started in the carpet cleaning industry? What led you from doing the work to teaching others?
Like many in this industry, I didn’t plan on becoming a carpet cleaner—it found me. I started in the early 1980s doing floor care, stripping and waxing VCT, and took on carpet cleaning almost by accident. The first year was a tough learning curve, but it sparked a long-term career.
Just a few months after I started cleaning carpets, I completely ruined an entire home full of wool carpet. (I hope that customer isn’t reading this!)
I eventually started my own business while also working part-time for a large janitorial company. Although I worked hard and took pride in my results, taking my first IICRC class in the late ’90s was a real eye-opener. I realized how much technical knowledge I was missing and how critical education is to consistent, professional results.
After being introduced to Jon-Don by Steve Toburen, I began teaching the Value-Added Service class and discovered a real passion for helping others. With guidance from another mentor, Bill Yeadon, I became an IICRC-approved instructor in 2003.
I never set out to teach, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.
Q: What’s a common mistake you see technicians make early in their careers, and why does it happen?
One of the biggest mistakes I see is a lack of proper training, both technical and customer service related.
Many technicians don’t fully understand carpet types, cleaning principles, basic chemistry, or the range of cleaning methods available. Instead, they rely heavily on trial-and-error or hands-on learning—which can be frustrating, inconsistent, and expensive.
My philosophy is simple: if you’re going to make a living doing something, you might as well be the best you can at it. Proper carpet cleaning training builds confidence, consistency, and smarter decision-making in the field. It also makes technicians far more valuable to their employers and opens the door to real career advancement.
"If you’re going to make a living doing something, you might as well be the best you can at it."
Q: From your experience teaching CCT and UFT, what technical habits separate great technicians from average ones?
Correctly identifying the fiber you’re cleaning is one of the most critical skills a technician can develop.
Early in my career, I made the mistake of cleaning upholstery using the same products and techniques I used on carpet. Most wall-to-wall carpet is synthetic, but upholstery is a completely different world. Technicians are far more likely to encounter natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, silk, blends and especially rayon, which can be extremely challenging.
Cleaning these materials like synthetics is a recipe for damage.
While burn tests may rarely be needed for carpet identification, they’re incredibly important for upholstery. Taking the time to inspect the fabric, pretest in an inconspicuous area, and clearly communicate expectations with the customer can prevent costly mistakes.
Q: You’ve taught value-added skills focused on creating “Customer Cheerleaders.” How important are communication and service skills?
They’re absolutely critical and often overlooked.
When I taught the Value Added Service class at Jon-Don, we emphasized that over 80% of how customers judge a job has more to do with their experience with the technician than the technical work itself.
Customers aren’t just evaluating results, they’re evaluating YOU.
Strong communication and customer service skills lead to higher income, better reviews, more referrals, and a job that’s both more enjoyable and more profitable. When technicians focus on the customer’s emotions and experience, everyone wins.
Q: You teach technical courses in both English and Spanish. Why is bilingual instruction important?
Most students who attend my Spanish-language classes speak some English, but learning complex technical material in a second language often leads to memorization rather than understanding.
There’s very little technical cleaning education available in Spanish, and many technicians don’t realize that the IICRC currently offers some courses and exams in Spanish. Learning in their native language allows technicians to truly understand the material, pass certification exams, and gain confidence.
That certification makes them more valuable to their employers and opens doors to higher earnings and long-term career growth.
Q: What do you hope students walk away with after taking your class?
I want students to see that carpet cleaning and restoration can be excellent career paths.
When done correctly, this work allows technicians to earn a good living and take real pride in what they do. My goal is for students to leave with renewed confidence, stronger decision-making skills, and a belief that their daily work can be both easier and more enjoyable.
Q: When you’re not working or teaching, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy traveling with my family and have lived on a Caribbean island and visited many countries. Those experiences have shaped how I see the world and helped me think differently.
I’ve also developed a passion for learning languages. Being able to communicate in another language allows for deeper connections and a greater appreciation for different cultures. It’s been both humbling and incredibly rewarding.
Ready to Level Up?
Train with Jeff Cutshall
Jeff Cutshall’s carpet cleaning training focuses on building strong technical fundamentals, confident decision-making, and professional communication in the field. Jeff brings decades of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to professional education into every class he teaches.
If you’re looking to strengthen your technical skills, improve customer communication, or build a long-term career in carpet cleaning, explore Jeff Cutshall’s upcoming CCT, CCMT, and UFT courses on AG Pro Training.
Learn from Experienced Carpet Cleaning Instructors with AG Pro Training
AG Pro Training connects cleaning and restoration professionals with experienced, industry-respected instructors who teach more than just certifications—they teach real-world decision-making.
With hundreds of upcoming classes available nationwide, AG Pro Training makes it easy to find IICRC certification training by course type, instructor, location, or format. Students also gain access to exclusive group and early-bird discounts not available elsewhere.
Whether you’re new to the industry or refining your skills, the right carpet cleaning training can dramatically impact quality, efficiency, and income.