Cornelius and Connie Delight

“Keep it clean and bright with Dutch Delight.”

Cornelius and Connie Delight started Dutch Delight commercial cleaning in Salt Lake City, after moving from the Netherlands.

In 1951, CBM Pros was created. Actually, it wasn’t referred to as CBM Pros until recently. In 1951, Cornelius and Connie Delight moved from the Netherlands with their two young children to Utah. Once, they had gotten to Salt Lake City “Connie landed her first house cleaning job on Salt Lake City east bench”. Working for only a dollar an hour “word quickly spread about the Dutch woman’s abilities and she gathered a list of clients.” Dutch Delight was born. 

Hard work and dedication came from this young couple as the business grew, and more kids were welcomed into their family. Cornelius took over the “hard working” jobs, while Connie “took calls during the day and we rented a (cleaning) crew.” Eventually, jobs were available to family members and members of the community. 

In 1955, Dutch Delight continued to grow. Cornelius had been working at Hill Air Force Base. After 3 years of working there, the family decided to move the company to Layton, which took place in their garage for 20 years. In 1976 the company moved to an old convenience store on North Main in Layton. “Several years later, that space was too small, prompting a move” to 27 s Main.

 At this point, Dutch Delight was a walk-in store for customers to purchase cleaning Dutch Boy and Dutch Maid products. Connie notes; “Garbage cans, glass cleaners, vacuum cleaners, and vacuum repairs can be arranged for at the store as well, while even carpet cleaning is augmented by carpet sales that include installation.” 

As customers were going to the store to buy products, the commercial cleaning part of the business was also very busy. Back then, business ranged from Brigham City to Provo, Utah. “That includes the Federal Buildings in both Ogden and Salt Lake.” Cornelius says proudly. 

Cornelius and Connie were very successful in their business. Cornelius stresses, “Success hasn’t come easily. It all came by hard, hard work– with the help of the American free enterprise system.” 

CBM Pros may not be called Dutch Delight anymore, but the company is continuing to grow in the success that Connie and Cornelius started. 

While Cornelius and Connie were busy with their family and the business, you’re probably wondering if they had any free time or if they did anything fun. Even though they were busy, the couple and their family were able to enjoy themselves and some free time. Connie and Cornelius both enjoyed music and ballroom dancing. They both sang in a Dutch choir that would perform around the state. They both participated in their church and in the community.

Source of article and picture: Deseret News