Eddie’s Story: From Cover Cleaner to Operations Manager

Suzanne Whitton • April 9, 2018

Eddie-Lawrence Kalule started working for Rapid Clean back in 2002, providing cover cleaning at one of our first sites. Very quickly he was spotted as being a reliable, hard-working employee. When the original cleaner didn't work out we were straight on the phone to Eddie.


It was a 'key job' meaning that he could continue studying at college, whilst supplementing his income during hours that suited him.


A man is cleaning a carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

 

Shortly afterwards he was given a new role as Specialist Cleaner; by then he had completed his college course, affording him more flexibility. Eddie remembers long treks to Wales where he would carry out upholstery and carpet cleans in the cinemas that Rapid Clean was servicing at the time.

Becoming a Full-Time Employee 

 

Despite his initial reluctance to go into full-time work, when Eddie was offered the role of Contracts Manager in 2004, he took it. He made a great start, being awarded the title of Contracts Manager of the Year in 2005. This award was give to the Contracts Manager with the best retention rate; something that Eddie was, and still is, passionate about.


"My secret to a high retention rate is good relationship with both the customer and my cleaning staff. Without motivated cleaners, you cannot have happy customers. Whatever promise I make to my customers, I ensure it is fulfilled and encourage my staff to follow the same process."


Eddie is Rapid's longest standing employee, one who truly models our ethos of wanting to promote from within. In the 19 years that he has been with Rapid, he has worked his way up from part-time cleaner to Operations Manager. He is respected and liked by his cleaning operatives and is a valued member of the management team.

This is what our Managing Director, Jeff Whitton, had to say about Eddie:


 “I remember recruiting and training Eddie way back in our early days at Rapid. He was an excellent cleaner back then – reliable, conscientious and hard working. It has been a pleasure to work with Eddie over all these years and see his career develop. He is a real asset to Rapid and a great guy.”

A man in a suit and tie is smiling for the camera.
Work for Us
By Suzanne Whitton June 10, 2026
Compliance with the latest National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2025 is now mandatory across all healthcare environments. From GP surgeries and care homes, to hospitals and clinics, maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards is essential for infection prevention, patient safety, inspection compliance, and public confidence. At Rapid Clean, we work closely with healthcare facilities to ensure cleaning programmes fully align with NHS requirements. Using the NHS cleaning policy template, we conduct regular audits and collaboratively determine cleaning frequencies and methods through the Functional Risk (FR) category system . Our teams are fully trained in accordance with NHS guidance, including COSHH regulations and the hierarchy of controls , giving healthcare providers peace of mind that their environments are cleaned safely, effectively, and compliantly.
June 8, 2026
Learn how hybrid working is changing office cleaning requirements and why flexible cleaning is essential for maintaining workplace hygiene and consistent standards.
June 1, 2026
Discover why consistency is essential in commercial cleaning services and how reliable cleaning standards support workplace presentation and business operations.
 Podium of 1,2,3 with star being placed on number 1
By Jess White May 27, 2026
We are delighted to announce the Rapid Superstar for Q1 2026, alongside a number of fantastic nominees and runners-up who have all demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism.
May 26, 2026
Discover what gym members expect from cleaning standards and how professional cleaning services help maintain a safe, hygienic, and high-quality fitness environment.
May 18, 2026
Discover how professional healthcare cleaning supports infection control, patient confidence, and calm, well-maintained medical environments.
More Posts