Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Newbie - Advice appreciated

Brandon Vaughn · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Welcome Bryan!

I'll give you my humble advice that I wish someone had told me 13 years ago when I became a biz owner...

Buy the book - "The E-Myth: Why Most Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It". Link here

Depending if your end goal is a 1-truck owner/operator business and be in the field every day, or be a multi-truck business owner - this book is hands down (for me) the best business book out there. Sometimes people get too caught up in "What's the cheapest, best soap, what's the best equipment", all the technical side of things, and neglect what is to me the most important part: How do keep my business growing?

Most customers don't care what soaps you use, or how shiny your equipment is. View your business like a box on a shelf. What really sets you apart.

Read the book, write a business plan. Write down goals. Create a marketing strategy. 20% is how to do/price the work, 80% of the rest for us technicians is to learn how to run a business. It's a whole new skill set for the majority of us.

For what it's worth, I've grown from a 1 truck company to a 6 truck company in just under 4 years, and I owe the majority of that to what I learned during training that I paid $1000 for. ;)

Some day I plan to be 30 truck company!

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brandon Vaughn wrote:
For what it's worth, I've grown from a 1 truck company to a 6 truck company in just under 4 years, and I owe the majority of that to what I learned during training that I paid $1000 for. ;)

Awesome. :) I'll look into training and order the book now. Thanks Brandon.

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

"Is there training available (that's not $899) that would help me learn"

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I know a, um "guy" that'll teach you for a discount of only $889 !

Doug Rucker · Vender

I have a Hands On/Class Room 2 Day training school here in Houston that is $750.00 or an online school that is $349.00 (as of now). I also offer continuing training to my students via text/email/phone at no extra charge for as long as you need.

I highly recommend the Dual Roof Pump system at PowerWashStore.com....IMO it is the best value out there for what you are wanting to do.

Fred W · Guru

$349 with access to the teacher vs $899 and you're on your own.
Easy pick.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I've seen your videos about that dual pump rig, Doug. Looks great. I wonder about the skid version and the tall vertical tanks. I like the small footprint, but I'm thinking they're too tall to access easily in the back of my 4x4 truck. (and I'll definitely look into your training)

Eric Schnaible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Great post Brandon.
Bryan if I were you I would call Doug ASAP.

mrsparkle · Member

Hey Bryan Doug offered great advice with the system he suggests, I bought my first system from RHG and it was also terrific, the best money I spent in 20 years in the business. Read what many of the veterans in the business have done to better there business such as Brett, Doug and Ray just to name a few....they know there stuff .
7GPM at 100 Psi is the first pump I would buy personally.
Good luck Bryan.

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Also have at least 2 pumps, 1 for backup etc. My setup has a quick change out design so I can swap pumps in about 2 minutes tops

Backup fuses, relays, pressure switches etc all with quick connects so virtually no down time

-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Saturday 14th of November 2015 11:41:18 AM

Brandon Vaughn · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I also recommend making the trip to Softwashapalooza upcoming in January. I'll be there teaching some classes along with Pat Clark and John Aloisio. We don't get paid for it, but we enjoy helping new businesses out like we were helped in the beginning.

It was the first Softwashing event I attended about 2.5 years ago ($1000 back then). Now it's $399 for 3-day hands on class. Each year they get better and better. Hope to meet some of you guys there as well!

SprayWash · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brandon offered you some very sage advice. I too have been in business for only six years and I wish I had spent more on training and less on trying to figure it out myself. I also believe training is an ongoing thing, I often attend training sessions and spend money each year to learn new techniques and keep improving my business (though many people here would consider me to be a "know it all "already 😀).

Much like Brandon I too was a pro staff member for AC Lockyer. Softwashapalooza is a great event where you'll meet lifelong friends. That event does focus primarily on soft washing, but I think for a complete education you need to avail yourself to all of the tools in The cleaning arsenal. Doug Rucker's school has launched the careers of many a great cleaner and it's very hands-on and personalized. Doug is very modest and he won't "toot his own horn" this but he is also The president of The United Association of mobile contract cleaners, the cleaning industry's largest trade association.

Another option is "agent clean University". Agent clean is a cleaning franchise that also offers education to nonfranchise members. you can find information about them on line and chances are they'll be hosting a school somewhere close to you in the near future.

Also please take some time to fill out your signature with your contact information and a little about your company so we know where you're located.

Michael Wedge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Aloha Bryan, I'm with Ray on this one. I made the mistake myself of painting myself into a SoftWash company and now I'm trying to back peddle into a Roof & exterior cleaning company. There is a huge difference and if given the choice again I would definitely of went to Dougs school. If you want to know all aspects of cleaning, which you should call Doug. SoftWashing has its limitations no matter what you've heard. And everything SWS sales is over priced. Call Paul, Bill or Andy and they will get you squared away.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Michael Wedge wrote:
Aloha Bryan, I'm with Ray on this one. I made the mistake myself of painting myself into a SoftWash company and now I'm trying to back peddle into a Roof & exterior cleaning company. There is a huge difference and if given the choice again I would definitely of went to Dougs school. If you want to know all aspects of cleaning, which you should call Doug. SoftWashing has its limitations no matter what you've heard. And everything SWS sales is over priced. Call Paul, Bill or Andy and they will get you squared away.

Thanks, Michael. That's a great reminder and I've actually considered that. My company name (at this point) will be called Restored Exteriors and will offer "Roof and Exterior Cleaning." I believe that gives me the option of using the right method for the job. So glad that I posted here. Thanks for all the great advice.

I'm in Knoxville, TN by the way.

Diamond Roof Cleaning · Approved Exterior Cleaner

No matter what your business name is you should develop the skills to take the job at hand. Wether it's soft washing or power washing or a combo of both. Like others have stated soft washing is not the end all be all. Do not fall into the trap. Most of the guys who are with soft wash systems own a power washer becuase they have realized that you need one to complete most cleaning tasks.

If I were you I would focus on a great website. A great logo and start marketing your business as hard as you can. The easiest thing in this business is the cleaning aspect. The hardest thing is making the phone ring enough to sustain the business. Good luck and read as much as possible. Also join other forums and read there as well.

Maverick Contracting · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Like Mike DeRosa said making the phone ring is one of the hardest, the other is having not just the employees to handle the work at hand but growing too fast and not being able to keep up thus losing work can also be hard. Besides current employees, you should always be "taking applications " and keeping a rolladex of potential worthy hires. In the painting business we have a small core of full-time employees but get big work spikes and I can call a few independents that I approved already in or borrow from other painting outfits that are friendly if they are slow on work.
This is why networking with peers can be hugely beneficial.

-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Monday 16th of November 2015 09:18:01 AM

Brandon Vaughn · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Diamond roof Cleaning wrote:
Most of the guys who are with soft wash systems own a power washer becuase they have realized that you need one to complete most cleaning tasks.

Mike, I respectfully disagree with your statement. More specifically with the word "most". We use pressure washers on only about 10% of our jobs and mostly as a last resort.

I will agree with you that Softwashing can be oversold as the end all to clean everything, when a PW might be better suited for the task.

However - I can say that the main driver behind my businesses success and growth is by differentiating myself from every other pressure washing company out there.

It's the #1 reason why I've entered markets like multifamily and have been killing it. It's because I SoftWash. No noisy gas engines and my guys don't have the option to crank the handle a blast at a stubborn spot and maybe cause damage or blow out window seals.

I've painted myself as a Softwash company, and have been doing awesome. Only when the need and situation arises do I mention pressure washing to a customer. Which like I said is only about 10% of the time.

Diamond Roof Cleaning · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brandon I sell soft washing even if we are using a power washer. I can tone my machine down with the right tips and have a softer spray that the booster pump. I like the fact we only have to use one hose and one guy for washing.

Like I said most soft wash systems guys own a power washer. Just another tool in the tool belt. Downstreaming is faster than using a 12 volt pump.

Michael Wedge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Well Bryan P.

I think this post should get you started in the right direction all answers were great answers. Question is where do you see yourself taking your business, How much funds are in your start up kitty, How are you going to get the phones ringing and how serious are you. This can be a very expensive hobby, so if your not 100% committed it will eat you alive. Im just going to give you my personal biased opinion and that the term soft washing is a great marketing tool to have in your arsenal. However use it with discretion and be weary about assuming all pressure washing companies are using high pressure as most professionals in the industry have used low pressure way before the term became hip. Also be absolute certain that in No way does the term Soft Washing pertain to SWS businesses only. There are a million ways to skin a cat and there are many ways to accomplish Soft Washing. Call Doug, I guarantee you it will be one of your best investments for your company!

DirtyRoofcom · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Diamond roof Cleaning wrote:
The easiest thing in this business is the cleaning aspect. The hardest thing is making the phone ring enough to sustain the business.

This is 100% true!!!!!

Liberty SoftWash · PWS Vender

SprayWash wrote:
Brandon offered you some very sage advice. I too have been in business for only six years and I wish I had spent more on training and less on trying to figure it out myself. I also believe training is an ongoing thing, I often attend training sessions and spend money each year to learn new techniques and keep improving my business (though many people here would consider me to be a "know it all "already 😀).

Much like Brandon I too was a pro staff member for AC Lockyer. Softwashapalooza is a great event where you'll meet lifelong friends. That event does focus primarily on soft washing, but I think for a complete education you need to avail yourself to all of the tools in The cleaning arsenal. Doug Rucker's school has launched the careers of many a great cleaner and it's very hands-on and personalized. Doug is very modest and he won't "toot his own horn" this but he is also The president of The United Association of mobile contract cleaners, the cleaning industry's largest trade association.

Another option is "agent clean University". Agent clean is a cleaning franchise that also offers education to nonfranchise members. you can find information about them on line and chances are they'll be hosting a school somewhere close to you in the near future.

Also please take some time to fill out your signature with your contact information and a little about your company so we know where you're located.

^^^1000 % agree

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I too am a former roofer and still run a consulting business also, so you have a jump start on most guys.

Brandon's advice is very sound, as is everyone's who has responded. I will give you one piece of advice....Why not attend multiple shows and trainings and learn a variety of techniques and products. I personally lean towards SWS, for various reasons, but I welcome advice and input from all aspects of the business. We use a variety of products and procedures in my daily business operations, and I learned all of it from various classes and experience.

It will all boil down to how you want your company to run and what image your want for your business. The deciding factor is....what kind of work do want to do and who is you target customer. In the end you are selling yourself and your company, and your personal sales techniques will determine you companies success. Like most guys will tell you..the cleaning part is usually the easiest.

Hope this helps and feel free to call whenever.

Fred W · Guru

John Aloisio wrote:
Why not attend multiple shows and trainings and learn a variety of techniques and products.

I fully agree though I personally lean far away from SWS.

I recently received a call from someone wanting to get into soft washing. I advised him to visit as may different soft wash companies as he could. Each of us has our own techniques and personal experiences. Learn the good and bad at each and build your own way from it.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Thanks so much for the great advice, everyone. I'm glad I've got some time to learn more before I launch. I'd appreciate any input you all might have on this initial concept for the company name & branding. One thing I'm wondering is if the company name sounds too much like a construction company.

Fred W · Guru

Brandon Vaughn wrote:
Diamond roof Cleaning wrote:
Most of the guys who are with soft wash systems own a power washer becuase they have realized that you need one to complete most cleaning tasks.
Mike, I respectfully disagree with your statement. More specifically with the word "most". We use pressure washers on only about 10% of our jobs and mostly as a last resort.
I will agree with you that Softwashing can be oversold as the end all to clean everything, when a PW might be better suited for the task.
However - I can say that the main driver behind my businesses success and growth is by differentiating myself from every other pressure washing company out there.
It's the #1 reason why I've entered markets like multifamily and have been killing it. It's because I SoftWash. No noisy gas engines and my guys don't have the option to crank the handle a blast at a stubborn spot and maybe cause damage or blow out window seals.
I've painted myself as a Softwash company, and have been doing awesome. Only when the need and situation arises do I mention pressure washing to a customer. Which like I said is only about 10% of the time.

I whole hardheartedly agree with Brandon here. With all due respect to Mike & Mike I too have painted myself as a "Soft Wash" company and am doing AWESOME. Sure, I own a pressure washer and in fact just bought a new set up.....but honestly I ONLY use a pressure washer for flat work and that's it. So far I have found nothing else that I need a pressure washer for.

As a "Soft Wash" company I stand out from the crowd.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

This thread is why I spend more time at NSWA than anywhere else. So many different approaches and different ideas that work from guys who have made it work. There are some smart guys here who ALWAYS offer good advice.

I started roof cleaning/soft washing thinking we could make it without a pressure washer. It wasn't long before I added a cold water machine, then a hot water unit. We use both pretty much 50/50. They only way I could go after the commercial side was to be able to clean things cold water won't clean and be able to offer a complete package of soft washing as well as pressure washing. Being in a small city with more rural in between the three larger cities means we need to offer as many services as we can. It has worked well since we can clean everything at the home or business.

I have posted before how much I appreciated the help I got from Mike Derose when I first started. I wanted to build my own set up so one day he said build it, don't worry about what it looks like and go spray some roofs. That was before the dual tank system from the Power Wash Store. All of us have evolved and built new systems year after year. My new box truck is my 5th build in as many years and with the new proportioner will see another rebuild.

One small thing that is big. I notice when you write your website it is always lower case. Write it so it can be read easily. Our brains see a bunch of letters. When you capitalize it reads similar to a sentence and easier to remember.

RestoredExteriors.com

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

BlueRidge wrote:
One small thing that is big. I notice when you write your website it is always lower case. Write it so it can be read easily. Our brains see a bunch of letters. When you capitalize it reads similar to a sentence and easier to remember.
RestoredExteriors.com

Good word. Thanks. The URL does look better that way.

I plan to do soft wash but I do want a pressure washer some day when I can afford it. These are built here in town and with my logo on the side of the tank I think it would get some attention. :)

Brandon Vaughn · Approved Exterior Cleaner

This is a really good thread. I also like how everyone has their own methods and no one vehemently stomps up and down that their way is best. There are many, many different ways to skin a cat (clean crap) and to me, it all comes down to how well you market and brand yourself.

Personally that's why I chose to align with SWS. Not because I think their skids, or chems are the best out there, but because I believe in the national network and the marketing they do waaay more. I still check out other people's equipment and methods, go to other classes offered by UAMCC, do ridealongs with other business owners - cause like John said, it makes you a better cleaner, better businessman and gives you insight into how to better compete in the marketplace.

A suggestion with your logo Bryan - do some research on roof cleaning logos and pressure washing logos. Search google, copy or print out each logo, and place it on a board along with yours - does it stand out? For what it's worth, we see a lot of roof/sparkling houses logos out there.

One thing I love about logo's like Cajun's is that they STAND OUT! Makes people sit up and take a closer look. :) Makes me even a bit jealous... I know mines not the best!

Fred W · Guru

Brandon Vaughn wrote:
This is a really good thread. I also like how everyone has their own methods and no one vehemently stomps up and down that their way is best. There are many, many different ways to skin a cat (clean crap) and to me, it all comes down to how well you market and brand yourself.
Personally that's why I chose to align with SWS. Not because I think their skids, or chems are the best out there, but because I believe in the national network and the marketing they do waaay more. I still check out other people's equipment and methods, go to other classes offered by UAMCC, do ridealongs with other business owners - cause like John said, it makes you a better cleaner, better businessman and gives you insight into how to better compete in the marketplace.
A suggestion with your logo Bryan - do some research on roof cleaning logos and pressure washing logos. Search google, copy or print out each logo, and place it on a board along with yours - does it stand out? For what it's worth, we see a lot of roof/sparkling houses logos out there.
One thing I love about logo's like Cajun's is that they STAND OUT! Makes people sit up and take a closer look. :) Makes me even a bit jealous... I know mines not the best!

My way is the best!!!!!!MY WAY!!!!!!

I personally feel SWS could do immensely well with the national branding and going after the national accounts. It's one of the smartest moves in the industry. Not saying I started the thought process for him.....but I did bring it up to him and he did invent soft washing....so.
I have had calls asking about SWS (as I'm sure we all have) and I always advise watching your step around AC and SWS...."Stay away from the kool-aid" kinda thing.....but in the end I still advise people to join his forum. Even though I think AC is a horrible business person there is a ton to learn form his board and the pro's on there like you Brandon.

I want to find a few days and travel to other areas and run with a few of you and would invite others to run with me. We can all learn from each other and how each of us approaches this business. Mark my words.....I will be at three trucks this year and some of it has to do with this forum and even SWS board and the UAMCC....believe it or not I even learned from the RCIA (sure, it was all negative but still....:}

Thanks for the kudos' on the logo Brandon but yours is awesome just the same. If we both drove by someone at 50 MPH it would be VERY easy to know what you do while I would just look cute. For me I am working on the "brand". I feel like I'm doing well because people see my shirt in a store and approach me. The little caricature is warm and inviting.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brandon Vaughn wrote:
A suggestion with your logo Bryan - do some research on roof cleaning logos and pressure washing logos. Search google, copy or print out each logo, and place it on a board along with yours - does it stand out? For what it's worth, we see a lot of roof/sparkling houses logos out there.
One thing I love about logo's like Cajun's is that they STAND OUT! Makes people sit up and take a closer look. :) Makes me even a bit jealous... I know mines not the best!

Good thought on the logo. Nobody here has that kind of logo, so I feel ok about it, but it does need some refinement.

Yes, I'm jealous of Cajun's logo too. I tried to figure out a way to have a mascot, but I'm in East Tennessee. It'd have to be a hillbilly, or a redneck, or a mountain trout! Hmm..."Hillbilly House Wash" ??

And Brandon...thanks SO MUCH for recommending the E-myth book. I'll send you a PM when I finish it, but it's been a great read.