Veteran chooses second career as small-business owner over retirement

Former Air Force pilot, Vietnam veteran and commercial pilot Leo Henderson likes to work. He likes it so much he has spent his time building his business from the ground up instead of retiring.

Absolute Janitorial Services has served Utah County since 2004. The company offers commercial cleaning services to include everything from general office cleaning to more-detailed work such as carpet shampooing and window washing.

Beginning in May 2015, Absolute acquired its first federal contract and has since continued to service over 10 federal contracts. Henderson also expanded into contracting with the state of Utah and has been awarded six state contracts. His company has nearly tripled its size in the past year.

During the past year and a half, Henderson worked directly with the Small Business Development Center at Utah Valley University. The SBDC helped Henderson write a business plan, create financial projections, prepare loan documents and pitch for funding.