Chris Szetela, Founder of Maid VIP
Locally Grown. Ethically Operated. Unapologetically Premium. How a local Westlake High grad reimagined the cleaning industry—by bridging the gap between high-end homeowners and the Conejo Valley’s top independent domestic workers.
Maid VIP wasn’t born in a corporate boardroom. It was born right here in Thousand Oaks, in a bedroom just like yours while working a job I absolutely hated.
Back in 2015, I watched my own house cleaner struggle. She was hardworking, detailed, and kind—but she was fighting a losing battle. To compete with the rock-bottom prices of big tech apps, she felt forced to undercut her own rates, barely scraping by despite doing physically exhausting work. I realized that the 'Budget App' model was broken: it drove prices down by sacrificing safety and quality.
It broke my heart. I saw firsthand that the cleaning industry was viewed by many as "cheap" or "meaningless" labor. But I knew the truth: House cleaning is a skilled trade. It is tough, demanding work where professionals navigate daily physical hazards to create sanctuary for others. I knew the Conejo Valley deserved better. Homeowners in Westlake Village and Spanish Hills didn't want the cheapest cleaner; they wanted the safest one.
I decided then and there to use my background in SEO and Digital Marketing to flip the script. I didn't just want to build a brand; I wanted to build a movement that elevated the entire industry. My mission was simple: Create a closed network of the top 5% of independent cleaning professionals in the 805 & 818, verify their insurance, audit their background, and connect them with homeowners who value peace of mind.
Most cleaning companies compete on one thing: being the cheapest. We refuse to play that game. When huge "Wall Street" cleaning apps drive prices down, the people who suffer are the cleaners. They are often forced to work 2 or 3 jobs just to put food on the table, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and high turnover.
Maid VIP was built to break that cycle. My main focus has always been simple: provide a living wage that allows our teams to increase their profitability without fear of being undercut. We don't hire 'staff.' We partner with Business Owners. Every cleaner referred by Maid VIP is an independent professional running their own micro-business. Unlike the gig apps that take a massive cut, our agency model ensures that the majority of your fee goes directly to the service provider.
Why this matters to you: When a cleaner is earning a premium market rate, they take pride in their work. They aren't rushing to a second job; they are focused entirely on your home. By supporting independent pros, we attract career-level talent that would never work for a minimum-wage franchise.
We are transparent about the fact that Maid VIP might be the most expensive quote you receive. That is by design.
When you choose us, you aren't just paying for a service; you are investing in a higher caliber of professional. We refer independent cleaners who have priced themselves at the top of the market because they deliver top-tier results. Your investment ensures that the professional entering your home:
We aren't a franchise planting a flag in a profitable territory. This is my home.
I was born and raised right here in Thousand Oaks. I walked the halls of Westlake High School, started my higher education at Moorpark College, and finished my studies at Cal State Northridge (CSUN).
This community raised me. Whether it's supporting local charities or simply knowing which neighborhoods struggle with Santa Ana dust, my commitment to this area runs deeper than a bottom line. When you book with us, your dollars stay in the community, supporting local families and independent entrepreneurs.
Proudly founded in Thousand Oaks and serving our neighbors in the Conejo Valley since 2015. (844 Masterson Dr).
When you spend a dollar with a big national chain, that money often leaves the state to pay franchise fees or corporate shareholders. When you spend a dollar with Maid VIP, it stays right here. It supports local families, fuels our local economy, and allows us to support the local charities that make our neighborhoods better for everyone.
To my competitors that continually undercut us, do better for your community. For those who are trying to uplift your workers, we see & salute you. Thank you for helping us provide a better life for those who serve you. Thank you for choosing the standard of Maid VIP.
Much Love,
-Chris
It’s simple economics: Valued Pros = Better Cleans. By rejecting the "gig economy" model and partnering with independent professionals who earn premium market rates, we solve the industry’s biggest problems:
Don't gamble with your home. See how our Rigorously Vetted Registry compares to unverified budget apps.
You are right—you can absolutely find cheaper options. But in the cleaning industry, a "cheap" price usually comes with a hidden cost. Often, low rates mean the cleaner is uninsured (putting the liability on you if they get hurt), unvetted, or struggling to make ends meet. Our rates reflect the true cost of connecting you with a legal, insured, and ethical business owner. We sell peace of mind, not just clean floors.
Extremely. Safety is our #1 priority. We do not just run a quick automated check. We conduct multi-state criminal background checks, verify professional references, and conduct in-person screenings. We only register cleaners we would trust in our own homes with our own families.
Yes! While our roots are in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, we have expanded our network to serve trusted clients across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties, bringing the same "homegrown" standard of reliability to the wider region.
There is a common misconception that because cleaning is manual labor, it should be cheap. The reality is that professional cleaning is a skilled trade that takes a real physical toll on the body. We refuse to partner with providers who undercut their own profitability just to be competitive. We believe the independent professionals maintaining your home deserve to earn a sustainable income—so they can work with focus and pride, rather than exhaustion. That is why we facilitate premium market rates.
You’ve heard our story. Now, let us change the story of your home. Call us directly at (805) 380-5586. We’d love to chat about your home.
We didn't just build a registry of house cleaners; we built a network of property care experts.
Because we partner with career-level professionals, the cleaners we refer bring years of verified experience to your home. From delicate upholstery care in Santa Barbara estates to high-traffic commercial sanitation in Los Angeles, the independent pros in our network have the tenure and expertise to handle it all.
View Our Full Service MenuBorn and raised in the Conejo Valley. Proudly serving our neighbors in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, and beyond.
We are proud to bring the Maid VIP standard to three distinct counties. We don't just cover the map; we partner with independent professionals who understand the unique rhythm and lifestyle of each community we serve.
See Our Full Service Area Map A Maid VIP gift card is more than just a cleaning—it is a restoration of time and energy.
Whether it’s for new parents in Westlake Village or a friend recovering from surgery, you aren't just sending a cleaner; you are sending a vetted, insured professional.
A clean home is the ultimate luxury. Share the Maid VIP standard with the people you love.
We believe that inviting a service into your home requires total trust. That is why we don't hide behind corporate jargon. Whether you are curious about our "Fair Rate" philosophy, our rigorous vetting process, or our cancellation policies, we believe you deserve the unfiltered truth. We have compiled a complete guide to help you understand exactly how our referral agency operates.
Read Our Frequently Asked Questions You have read our story, and you know what we stand for.
Now, let us show you what that looks like in your own home.
Stop settling for "good enough." Trade your to-do list for peace of mind—and a clear conscience.
Maid VIP
844 Masterson Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
