Scaling Smart: How ResponsiBid and Other Softwares Are Redefining Tech for Cleaning Companies
Welcome to Season 4 of the Five Door Media Podcast! We’re kicking things off with an episode that sets the tone for a tech-forward future in home services. This season, we're sitting down with the minds behind the platforms that power cleaning companies. And there was no better guest to start with than Curt Kempton, founder of ResponsiBid, a quoting and sales automation software that’s changing the way cleaning companies operate.
Curt didn’t start as a software engineer. He started as a window cleaner. And it’s that boots-on-the-ground perspective that makes his insights so valuable. In this conversation, we unpack what he’s seeing across the home service industry, how AI is being adopted (and misused), and what separates companies that scale with tech from those that stall.
A Shift in Mindset: Software as a Strategic Hire
One of the biggest shifts Curt has seen in the past 12-18 months is how cleaning companies view software. It’s not just a convenience anymore; it’s a non-negotiable part of scaling. And more owners are starting to see it that way.
"You used to need a clipboard, voicemail, and a handshake. Now you need an entire tech stack and the willingness to rethink what you're capable of."
Curt reminds us that you can now run a million-dollar operation with a lean team, but only if your systems can carry the load. From content marketing to phone answering to quoting, the smartest businesses are using software to do the heavy lifting so their people can focus on what people do best: relationships.
Don’t Just Add Tech, Use It Intentionally
One of the most powerful themes from the episode was the distinction between adding automation and using it well. Curt has seen two types of companies when it comes to technology:
Those who overdo it: automating everything, publishing AI content that feels robotic, and turning off customers in the process.
Those who underdo it: ignoring tech completely, stuck in old habits, or fearing change.
The sweet spot? Using technology to free up human energy, not replace it. ResponsiBid is a great example of that. By allowing teams to automate consistent quoting, follow-up, and scheduling, they free up sales representatives to focus on real connection and upselling.
AI Is Still in Diapers. Use It Wisely.
Curt shared his take on AI’s place in our industry. We’re still in the early days, and while the tools are powerful, they’re only as good as how you use them.
AI thrives in creative spaces and behind-the-scenes tasks: follow-up emails, content generation, customer service transcripts. It struggles when it’s forced to operate like a person.
Curt offered a practical example: AI-powered phone answering that can gather customer details, pivot based on the conversation, and trigger quotes or tasks directly into your CRM. That’s where AI shines: when it’s invisible, helpful, and fast.
But he warns: if you let AI speak for your brand without human oversight, or publish unfiltered AI content, you’ll lose the one thing your customers crave most - authenticity.
The Most Scalable Companies Do This
Want to know what the fastest-growing companies are doing with ResponsiBid? Here are a few themes:
Using smart quoting automations that let any team member deliver a perfect quote, not just the owner.
Automating the decline journey to win back lost jobs with empathy and timing.
Integrating ResponsiBid with CRMs, postcards, and AI phone tools to create complete sales ecosystems.
In short: they’re creating systems that are fast, friendly, and scalable.
Common Mistakes: When Tech Becomes a Barrier
Curt also shares the biggest mistakes he sees: software overload and impersonal automation.
Some owners adopt every shiny tool and end up with a fragmented, confusing system. Others blast AI-generated content and emails that lack soul.
The fix? Keep your tech stack tight. Make sure every automation supports your customer journey. And above all: never trade speed for authenticity.
ResponsiBid’s Evolution: From Quote Widget to Sales Powerhouse
When ResponsiBid launched, it was a simple quote tool for websites. Now it’s evolved into a dynamic sales funnel that integrates with your CRM, calendar, and team, allowing customers to quote themselves, choose add-ons, and schedule the job with precision.
But the biggest shift? ResponsiBid now helps sales representatives close more effectively. From quoting in the field to identifying hot leads in a neighborhood, it's a complete sales toolkit designed for real-world use.
Education Is the Software Company’s Job
Curt closed with a powerful reminder: it’s not enough to sell software. You have to teach it. That’s why ResponsiBid, and many other softwares, now offer onboarding coaches to help new customers download their brains and turn messy pricing into automated magic.
Software should serve the business owner, not the other way around. That’s the ethos behind everything Curt builds.
Final Takeaway
If you're overwhelmed by technology or unsure where to start with automation, remember this: smart systems don’t replace you, they amplify you. The right softwares give your customers a better experience and gives you more freedom.
Watch the full episode to learn how to grow your cleaning business the smart way, with tools that actually work for you.
