photo: Michael Formosa; Founder and Proprietor of BufferBoys
Fourteen years ago, Michael Formosa started his deep cleaning business as a one-man-van operation. His commitment to quality and his passion for customer service has been the driving force which led to the growth of BUFFERBOYS.
This company has a two-fold mission. The first is to represent and distribute the world-famous Kirby brand of cleaning systems. This is the very brand about which Warren Buffet had famously said “While the Kirby product is more expensive than most cleaners, it performs in a manner that leaves cheaper units far behind (‘in the dust,’ so to speak),.. If you want the best, you buy a Kirby.”
The second is to offer an unparalleled level of cleaning services, which are based on the cleaning advantages unique to the Kirby brand.
Logically, then, if you want the best cleaning service, you go to BufferBoys.
N ow operating 4 vans for deep cleaning jobs and another 2 for sales, Michael explained that “BufferBoys offers superior cleaning services, with expertise and specialised equipment for carpets, curtains, sofas and mattresses. In addition, we are also the local agents for the Kirby Home Cleaning System and cleaning supplies,” he proudly added.
BufferBoys’ beginnings can be traced to Michael’s student days at the Downside Boarding School in the UK. Wanting a summer job to earn some money in between semesters. “I was on the lookout for something in sales and delivery and landed a position with Kirby. I rose up the ranks within the company and three years later I opened my own Kirby branch in the UK,” Michael recounted.
BUFFERBOYS use the Kirby Home Cleaning System in conjunction with their in-house natural biodegradable cleaning agents to clean, restore and sterilise upholstery, mattresses, fabrics, carpets and curtains effectively
Michael had to relinquish his career path to return to Malta to be with his mother, who was unwell at the time. True to form, as he had brought his Kirby system with him, he used it on his mother’s sofa, mattresses, carpets and curtains and she was so impressed with the results that she told his aunt, who then asked him to do the same at her place. Michael recounted “In no time my aunt recommended me to family and friends and within a month I needed my sister’s help to manage the increasing workload. And BufferBoys was born.”
As local agents for the product, BufferBoys use the Kirby Home Cleaning System in conjunction with their in-house natural biodegradable cleaning agents to clean, restore and sterilise upholstery, mattresses, fabrics, carpets and curtains effectively. “The Kirby is scientifically proven to remove physical dirt, dust mites, germs and bacteria”, Michael proudly explained.
It is highly recommended for hotels to sterilise their mattresses at least once every 2 years – as not doing so could gravely affect the health of their guests – especially so to those that suffer from dust related allergies
The company also employs a separate process to clean and care for leather. BufferBoys offer their deep cleaning services to domestic as well as commercial clients, which includes offices, hotels, rental apartments and yachts. “Our services come with scientific certification, where we take samples before and after the cleaning has been carried out and test the samples scientifically at a local laboratory.
This means that our clients can be fully confident about the cleaning results. It is highly recommended for hotels to sterilize their mattresses at least once every 2 years – as not doing so could gravely affect the health of their guests – especially so to those that suffer from dust related allergies. We also provide the certification to attach to the mattresses themselves and to display at the reception desk,” Michael said.
BufferBoys is keen to establish long-term relationships with its clients, offering value-added packages on maintenance agreements. “Many of our clients use our services regularly, also because they have experienced great relief from asthma, with a proven reduction of allergens as a result of our deep cleaning operations,” Michael stated.
Many of our clients use our services regularly, also because they have experienced great relief from asthma, with a proven reduction of allergens as a result of our deep cleaning operations
Yacht owners and operators are equally pleased with the BufferBoys cleaning system as they remove the dust and grit through the Kirby system and then require less shampoo and water than their competitors. “Since the amount of water we require is reduced, we do not soak the upholstery and everything will be dry within the hour,” he added. The Kirby System is renowned for its powerful cleaning performance and durable construction and is the only deep-cleaning system of its kind – with the results to prove it.
The Kirby’s cutting-edge vibration technology, coupled with a very powerful suction mechanism shakes the dirt out of the fabric. “Regular vacuum cleaners rely on straight suction or roller bars, but this does not remove the dust embedded in the upholstery. All it does is push 89 percent of the dirt further into the fabric and then it washes on top of the dirt that the vacuum leaves behind. Within two weeks a carpet cleaned this way will be dirty again as the dust embedded in the fabric will return to surface.
The Kirby is scientifically tested to deep clean and provides very different results,” he explained. The Kirby brand has been on the market for over 100 years and is a family-business, originating in the United States and spanning back 6 generations. “Without Kirby, the only other means of genuinely ridding a carpet of embedded dirt and particles which find their way into the fabric is through vigorous beating,” Michael said with conviction, adding that BufferBoys sell the Kirby Home Cleaning System for domestic as well as commercial applications. “We show prospective clients how to use the equipment and all its attachments and offer them a 10-day free trial of the Kirby, without any obligations. In the vast majority of cases, this is enough to secure the sale,” he added proudly.
Our process is guaranteed to remove odours and sterilise carpets
BufferBoys prides itself in providing a service beyond selling the equipment. The company shows its clients how to make the best use of the system. Kirby systems are protected by a three year warranty and the manufacturer is committed to keep stocking parts for 40 years.
In addition, BufferBoys employ an engineer who is specialised in Kirby repairs and restorations. “We have recently restored a 27 year old Kirby and it still works perfectly!” Michael proudly told us.
BufferBoys also offers a restoration service for quality rugs, particularly hand-made Persian rugs. “Washing these rugs can cause significant damage, so we first deep-clean them with the Kirby system, we deep wash using our range of natural products and use professional equipment to dry them thoroughly. Our process is guaranteed to remove odours and sterilise carpets,” Michael said. BufferBoys also works closely with the local leading specialist in Persian carpets for mending and restoration requirements.
Michael’s passion for BufferBoys also extends to the company’s employees. “We retain employees in-house and do not outsource the work to third parties. Our team offers a high standard of professionalism and we consider our employees like partners. I am very proud of the work environment we created,” he added.
The BufferBoys team is respected and well paid, earning both a wage and a commission, which is not common in the industry. Michael explained that he wants to retain his professional team and empower his employees. “This is a key value for me and it explains our low employee turnover. The team is passionate about their job; they have a great attitude. This is what has earned BufferBoys its over 900 entirely positive social media reviews,” he proudly explained.
All new team members at BufferBoys start out as apprentices before moving on to cleaning. The company offers its employees the opportunity of growth and advancement, with more senior and experienced team members being promoted to run and manage their own BufferBoys cleaning van. Michael is focused on further consolidating their current market base as well as the Kirby brand and is eager to see the company grow with more cleaning vans available to meet customer demand.
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