Business owner  \\  Making the Cape green with every clean

Jitka Borowick came to the United States in 2003 from the Czech Republic with the goal of becoming fluent in English. 17 years later, she is a highly awarded, accomplished businesswoman with a goal to make the world a little greener. 

Her vision took shape in 2008 when she launched Cleangreen, a small, one-woman cleaning business. She committed herself to turning her start-up into “the very best cleaning company on Cape Cod.” While she was building her business, she was also building a family with her husband Ivan and her daughter Mischa, all while running a business and completing her education at Cape Cod Community College and then at Suffolk University.

Cleangreen’s principles are rooted in this basic philosophy—do no harm to the environment which the Barnstable-based company achieves by using natural, non-toxic products and implementing eco-friendly practices. In the beginning, Borowick set out to realize attainable goals that included an office, company cars and multiple employees. 

One of only eight companies that are verified as a Cape & Islands Green Level II business, Cleangreen has stayed true to its environmentally-friendly mission, employing smart cars and adopting reusable materials, such as bamboo and micro fiber. Her biggest rule, both in her house and in her business, is no paper towels; it’s a rule she says her husband was heartbroken to follow.

Today, Cleangreen employs almost 20 people and was awarded 2014 Business of the Year from the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Since opening for business, Cleangreen and Borowick have been the recipients of countless awards, including “40 Under 40” and Business Woman of the Year from Cape & Plymouth Business. Borowick was named 2016 Small Business Owner of the Year from Cape Cod SCORE. Every year, she seems to add a new accolade to her resume—in 2017, the Community Advocacy Award from Eastern Bank; in 2018, the Alumna of the Year from Cape Cod Community College and a 10 Under 10 award from Suffolk University; and in 2019, the Enterprising Women of the Year Award from Enterprising Women Magazine.

Borowick’s community involvement reaches far beyond her business endeavors, with positions as a board member of both the Barnstable Village Business Association and the Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation. She also served as president of the Business Network International Convergence Team and of the Rotary Club of Hyannis. She is currently chair of the Hyannis Rotary Good Works Board and a trustee at Cape Cod Academy.

While her awards and recognitions pile up, she is proudest of working with women in the business community through the WE CAN empowerment and mentor program. WE CAN is dedicated to empowering Cape-based women through mentoring, information, education, counseling, and networking. Borowick has supported WE CAN for a number of years, most recently serving as the keynote speaker at its 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Luncheon in 2020. 

“As a female immigrant, I understand the many challenges women encounter on Cape Cod,” Borowick says of her position as a woman’s business advocacy mentor. She places a great emphasis on the importance of the relationship she formed with her own mentor, Pam McDermott, owner of McDermott Ventures, who instilled the confidence and belief that Borowick needed to start Cleangreen. 

Borowick shows no sign of slowing down in 2020. Her next adventure combines her passion as a business woman with her drive as a competitive athlete. This spring, she and her husband Ivan are opening a wellness studio in Dennis. Nové, which translates to “new” in Czech. It will incorporate yoga and wellness for athletes  and business professionals looking to balance mindfulness with an active lifestyle. 

When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find Jitka biking, practicing yoga, running and spending time with her daughter, Mischa. 

For more information, visit cleangreencapecod.com!

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