At Merry Maids of Durham, we believe a clean home is the first step toward a stronger, healthier community. Our owner, Fred Surgeon, was raised in nearby Greensboro, North Carolina, where he learned the value of hard work and service from his family. His grandmother cleaned homes, his father cleaned commercial buildings after teaching school during the day, and Fred himself grew up accompanying his father on cleaning jobs as young as four years old. That family legacy inspired Fred to eventually own and operate eight Merry Maids locations, including the Durham office, which he proudly purchased from ServiceMaster in October 2015.

 

Fred's connection to the Durham area runs even deeper. His cousin, Jerry Surgeon, managed the Durham Merry Maids office for five years before transitioning to leading Sweet Valley Ranch, Fred’s 300-acre working farm and corporate headquarters in Fayetteville.

 

Today, the Durham office is guided by Saddie Lowry, a longtime member of the Merry Maids family who started as an office assistant in Durham and rose through the ranks to oversee operations across all of Fred’s locations. Saddie also lives in the area, ensuring that our service to this community is personal, not just professional.

 

As a proud minority business owner and a North Carolina A&T State University graduate, Fred Surgeon’s commitment to community service, tradition, and opportunity is reflected in everything we do at Merry Maids of Durham.

 

Merry Maids of Durham is proud to be part of the Sweet Valley Ranch Gives Back Program, founded by Fred and Anita Surgeon in 2021. With Sweet Valley Ranch, we have helped raise over $220,000 for local charities, including more than $100,000 donated to Habitat for Humanity to help provide safe, affordable housing for needy families.

 

Sweet Valley Ranch is more than just our home office — it is a community landmark, with attractions like Dinosaur World, 350 animals from five continents, Farmhouse Retreat cabins, and tiny homes that provide unique getaways for families. All Merry Maids customers in Durham receive special discounts for Sweet Valley Ranch attractions and overnight stays at the Farmhouse Retreats, creating even more ways to thank the families we serve.

 

We are also proud to offer a special discount to Duke University and Duke Hospital employees, recognizing the incredible contributions they make to the Durham community every day.

 

At Merry Maids of Durham, we don't just clean homes — we honor tradition, strengthen community, and invest in the families who make Durham such a special place.