In 1996, Joni Garcia made a decision that would shape not just her future, but also leave a lasting impact on the Wichita community. She became the proud local owner of The Maids franchise, bringing a nationally recognized name into a deeply rooted, locally driven mission. Nearly three decades later, her story is a testament to what it means to be locally owned and operated, and how meaningful that truly is.
"Wichita has always been home for me, and owning this business has given me the chance to give back in ways I never imagined."
A Calling to Serve the Community
For Joni, the decision to open a business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship. It was about service. She was searching for a way to connect with people in a meaningful way, by providing a service that could bring comfort and peace of mind to families throughout Wichita. The Maids gave her that opportunity, and she ran with it. From the beginning, Joni built her business with the goal of giving back to the family oriented, friendly city she calls home.
Challenges That Shaped the Journey
Like any longtime business owner, Joni has weathered her fair share of storms. From finding employees who match the care and heart required in this line of work, to dealing with unreliable equipment and vehicles, the challenges have been many. But perhaps the toughest has been the unpredictability of the economy. Recessions, rising costs, and evolving customer needs have tested her resilience time and again. Through it all, her unwavering commitment to her team and her customers has helped her push through and thrive.
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Building a Business With Heart
Joni’s approach to business has always gone far beyond the bottom line. One of the moments she holds dear was receiving the People on Your Side Award from KAKE TV in 2002. She’s also proud of her work with Starkey, where her business was named an Outstanding Community Employer. Her team’s warmth and dedication shine in stories like that of Joyce, a beloved team member known for her infectious positivity and sunny smile as she folded laundry each day. For Joni, people have always been at the heart of it all.
Giving Back Through Action
Community involvement isn’t just a side note for The Maids Serving Wichita, it’s a central part of who they are. Joni’s team donated services to the Salvation Army Open Door program for years and continues to support Cleaning for a Reason, providing free cleanings to cancer patients when they need it most. She hires locally, works with local vendors, and makes a conscious effort to pour back into the same community that has supported her business.
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Living Out Her Values Every Day
Honesty, responsibility, and accountability guide every decision Joni makes. These values define how her business interacts with customers, employees, and the wider community. They’re not slogans or marketing tools, they are the very foundation of her operation. As she looks ahead, her focus remains on maintaining those values while improving, evolving, and staying connected to what matters most: people.
Leadership Rooted in Service and Strength
For aspiring business owners, Joni offers insight only experience can provide. Be ready for the ups and downs. Hire people who care. Care for them in return. Take care of yourself, and remember that leadership is shown in action, not just in words. Above all, remember why you started.
Joni Garcia’s story is what the Locally Owned and Operated Certification is all about. Her unwavering commitment to the Wichita community, her people first mindset, and her dedication to running a business with integrity are exactly what we celebrate through this recognition. The Maids Serving Wichita may be part of a national franchise, but under Joni’s leadership, it is a true local legend, rooted in heart, built with purpose, and devoted to making a difference one home at a time.
