By Les Ong on August 29, 2025
In the heart of Champaign, Illinois, a former paramedic has found his calling in an unexpected place – keeping commercial properties spotless. Michael Galey, owner of Galey Services LLC, has built a thriving business that reflects his commitment to quality, personal service, and community pride.
Michael’s journey into commercial property cleaning began with a simple observation during a drive through Champaign-Urbana. “I was looking around and thinking, ‘Man, people just don’t pick up their trash. This town looks terrible,'” he recalls. That moment of frustration sparked an idea that would transform his career and life.
After years of working for other companies and feeling unfulfilled, the Ridge Farm native decided it was time to take control of his professional destiny. “I got tired of working for someone else and making them rich,” Michael explains. “I wanted to control what I did every day and control my business and my family’s income.”
What sets Galey Services apart in the commercial cleaning industry is Michael’s hands-on approach. Unlike larger companies that deploy crews to handle multiple properties, Michael personally handles every job. “It’s just me,” he says with pride. “When I go and do the properties, I know it’s getting done the way it’s supposed to be done and the way the client wants. There’s more attention to detail when I do it myself.”
This personal commitment to quality has resonated with his clients. Operating with minimal equipment – a 14-foot utility trailer, a golf cart, grabbers, and trash cans – Michael covers commercial parking lots and properties throughout Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding areas within an hour’s drive.
Michael’s business philosophy centers on the power of personal connections. His first major break came through an unexpected encounter with a former colleague from his paramedic days. “I just happened to run into my buddy that I used to be a paramedic with,” Michael remembers. “He told me his wife had just taken over her dad’s property business, and they gave me seven properties right out of the gate.”
This serendipitous meeting launched Galey Services and reinforced Michael’s belief that people do business with people they trust. Since starting in March 2024, he has grown his client base to nine properties, generating steady income while maintaining the work-life balance he values.
Michael’s business model emphasizes stability through contract work. Rather than operating on a call-by-call basis, he secures annual contracts with property management companies. This approach provides security for both parties – clients get consistent, reliable service, while Michael enjoys predictable income and the opportunity to build lasting relationships.
“I like contract work because it gives me steady income,” he explains. “And if I’m not doing something correctly, it gives me an opportunity to correct it and fix it instead of just being told ‘we don’t need you anymore.'” This contract-based approach includes 30-day notice periods, ensuring both parties have time to address any concerns professionally.
Currently working just two days a week – Monday and Thursday mornings and evenings – Michael has created an efficient schedule that allows him to serve his clients while maintaining time for family and personal interests.
While Michael handles the day-to-day operations, Galey Services is truly a family affair. His wife Katrina, who has her own successful career, serves as the company’s HR consultant and bookkeeper. “I’m like, ‘Babe, can I do this?’ and I ask her advice on business decisions,” Michael shares.
During summer months, his 12-year-old son Michael Jr. joins the team, learning valuable work ethics while earning spending money. The family is also celebrating a major milestone as they prepare to send their daughter Valerie to college in Georgia.
Michael credits his wife as the transformative force in his life. “Meeting her has just been everything,” he says. “She makes me want to wake up every day and be a better person, a better man, better dad. She pushes me to keep growing the business and encourages me.”
Beyond business success, Michael and his family are committed to giving back to their community. They regularly donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and are preparing to volunteer with the Salvation Lighthouse, a local organization that helps those in need.
This community spirit extends to Michael’s appreciation for Champaign itself. He particularly values the city’s diversity and cultural richness. “My favorite thing about it is the variety and diversity here in town,” he explains. “We have people from every culture, every nation. That opens up a world of different cultures, different foods, different personalities and traditions.”
Looking ahead, Michael envisions measured growth for Galey Services. His five-year plan includes acquiring equipment to increase efficiency and potentially expanding to handle additional contracts. However, he remains committed to maintaining the personal service that defines his business.
“I don’t want a big multimillion-dollar-a-year business,” he states. “I like spending time with my family. I want to keep it manageable and maybe hire a couple of people eventually, but I want to be able to pay them well.”
Michael’s journey from paramedic to business owner reflects a deeper truth about finding purpose and fulfillment. After years of feeling directionless, he discovered that running his own business gave him the sense of purpose he had been seeking. “When we started this business, that’s when I felt like I had some purpose and control over my finances, my life, my family life.”
This sense of purpose extends beyond financial success. Michael takes pride in improving the appearance of commercial properties throughout the Champaign-Urbana area, contributing to the overall attractiveness and professionalism of local businesses.
For property managers and business owners seeking reliable, personal commercial cleaning services, Galey Services LLC offers the perfect combination of competitive pricing, consistent quality, and personal attention to detail. Michael’s commitment to excellence, backed by comprehensive insurance and professional contracts, ensures peace of mind for clients throughout the Champaign-Urbana area.
Ready to experience the difference that personal service makes? Contact Galey Services LLC today at (217) 390-4424 or visit GaleyServicesLLC.com to discuss your commercial property cleaning needs. Discover how Michael’s attention to detail and commitment to quality can enhance the appearance and value of your commercial property.
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