OUR TEAM

 

We are a small family owned business, keeping the carpets of the Central Coast looking their best for nearly 5 decades! We understand that having strangers in your home or business can be stressful, so put a name with a face and meet the team that makes it all happen!

Bobby Kounanis

Cleaning Engineer

Cleaning Experience

I started cleaning carpets as a summer job back in 2010 and it turned into a career and passion of mine. Throughout the years I’ve been able to train with the leading experts of the industry to further develop my skills as a Cleaning Engineer. 

What motivates you in your work/role with Pioneer Carpet Cleaners?

Definitely our customers and our team. I enjoy cleaning carpets but it’s the incredible individuals I work for and with that keep me going in this industry. I’ve known many of our customers for years now and it’s an honor to be a part of their lives and being able to help them to have clean and healthy homes and businesses. It’s also satisfying removing challenging spots for them, particularly those that other cleaners weren’t able to. 

I appreciate being a part of a team, along with my wife, that cares so much about our customers, each other, and constantly growing as individuals. 

What activities outside of work bring you joy in life?

I enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking, camping, scuba diving, backpacking, and spending time with my family.

Industry Education

  • IICRC Carpet Cleaning

  • IICRC Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning

  • IICRC Odor Control

  • IICRC Color Repair

  • IICRC Carpet Repair & Reinstallation

  • IICRC Water Damage Restoration

  • IICRC Journeyman Textile Cleaner

  • IICRC Journeyman Water Restorer

  • IICRC Master Textile Cleaner

Howard's Family

Howard Butlar

Cleaning Engineer

Background

I began my carpet cleaning career in May of 2015 upon my return to the Central Coast. i was raised primarily in San Luis Obispo until moving to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2007 to live on and operate a coffee farm with my parents. I married my wife Alisha in 2010, who was also from the Central Coast. While I enjoyed living in Hawaii, an opportunity opened up to move back to California, which is when i joined the team at Pioneer Carpet Cleaners. I have two young children, Harper and Oliver.

What motivates you in your work/role with Pioneer Carpet Cleaners?

I find my work as a Cleaning Engineer to be satisfying, seeing real results from a job completed. The ever changing circumstances of each job keeps me mentally and physically engaged in the work that I do. I constantly endeavor to learn more about the trade in order to continue to provide the best results possible.

What activities outside of work bring you joy in life?

I enjoy spending time with family and working on projects, be it vehicles, electronics, or even furniture. I grew up spending much of my time skateboarding and playing music, but having children has shifted my priorities and time for personal endeavors. I do look forward to supporting and participating in my children’s interests as they get older.

Industry Education

  • IICRC Carpet Cleaning

  • IICRC Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning

  • IICRC Odor Control

  • IICRC Color Repair

  • IICRC Carpet Repair & Reinstallation

  • IICRC Water Damage Restoration

  • IICRC Journeyman Textile Cleaner

  • IICRC Journeyman Water Restorer

Carrie Kounanis

Director of Customer Care

Business Experience

My father founded Pioneer Carpet Cleaners back in 1967. I started working for the company when I was just a child, riding along in the carpet cleaning van, helping out with miscellaneous office tasks, and occasionally even answering the phones. I took on more responsibility as a teenager, which eventually led to playing a much more active role in the company while I attended Cuesta College and Cal Poly. I graduated with a teaching credential and a B.S. in Child Development but continued to work with the company as I greatly enjoyed working with my family and my boyfriend (now husband). The rest is history!

What motivates you in your work/role with Pioneer Carpet Cleaners?

Definitely the people. We have such loyal customers, people who have supported our family for decades! It’s an honor to work with our customers and we’re always looking for ways to provide them with the best service possible. I’m also grateful to have such an amazing, talented team to work with to inspire and challenge me. I love working with my husband Bobby, even though it means that our off-work time is filled with discussions about carpet and upholstery cleaning! My father has been such an extraordinary person to learn from, with his decades of practical experience in all aspects of the industry! 

What activities outside of work bring you joy in life?

I enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. I also love cooking, spending time with my family and our pets, and reading.

Shelby Garcia

Customer Care Specialist

Background

I was born on the beautiful Central Coast to a family who considerably values the importance of being excessively clean and organized.

Obviously, due to the great importance that my family placed on good cleaning and organizational skills, I joined the Pioneer Carpet Cleaning team during my early teenage years excited to learn more about the cleaning industry and refine my novice customer service skills. I now work as a Customer Care specialist and take pride in being part of a company that goes out of its way every single day to accommodate each and every customer’s unique needs and circumstances to the best of its ability.

Working with the many friendly and loyal customers of Pioneer Carpet Cleaners, I learn something new every day and love all of the lively discussions that I am able to have with the people that call into the office. It is alway a learning experience when someone calls or e-mails a new question that i am unsure of, as it gives me the chance to gain some new insight from our knowledgeable and experienced cleaning engineers.

Harold Lossing

Founder and Master Cleaner

Background

I was raised in rural Montana. I moved to San Luis Obispo as a teenager and started Pioneer Carpet Cleaners in 1967.