2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Eduarda Alves, E Alves Cleaning Service, Inc.

“This company stands out for its resilience, consistency, and ability to deliver under pressure in an often overlooked trade. In an industry where construction cleaning is undervalued and under-budgeted, they continue to raise the standard, proving their work is not just the final step – but a critical part of every project’s success.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate, and what path brought you to your current role? I started in cleaning and naturally moved into construction projects, where I saw how important the final stage really is. No matter how great the build is, it’s the cleaning that brings it to life. I built my company by showing up, working hard, and proving that what we do matters – even when it’s often overlooked.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I’m most proud of building a company that consistently delivers under pressure, even in unstructured conditions. We walk into active job sites with no clear plan for our scope, multiple trades still working, and tight deadlines – and still get the job done right. Earning repeat business in those conditions speaks for itself.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? My experience in the field has been my biggest influence. The best advice I’ve followed is to stay consistent and let the work speak. In this industry, you’re not always recognized – but if you show up, deliver, and stand behind your work, people remember.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of commercial real estate? Projects are moving faster, expectations are higher, and timelines are tighter – but cleaning is still treated as an afterthought. That needs to change. There’s a real opportunity for GCs and architects to start planning for cleaning as part of the process, not at the end. When that happens, project quality improves across the board.