Spencer Clays and Northwest Pro Wash: A Success Story

Jul 26, 2024

Spencer Clays and Northwest Pro Wash

Introduction

  • 26-year-old Spencer Clays started Northwest Pro Wash.
  • Turned it into an $8,000/month cleaning business.
  • Sponsored by National Business Capital.

Business Background

  • Started two years ago after college.
  • Initially did driveway and gutter cleaning before focusing on roofs and gutters due to prevalent moss in the Northwest.

Revenue and Profit Margins

  • High profit margins: around 90%.
  • Basic tools and zinc treatment required.
  • Typical jobs: minimum $200, average $400.
  • Larger jobs can go up to $1,000 depending on factors like moss amount, roof steepness, and square footage.

Marketing and Brand Awareness

  • Importance of online reviews for trust.
  • Initial jobs: did his dad's house, went door-to-door for more work.
  • Leveraged pictures and videos for social media ads.
  • Facebook ads as a fast way to gain visibility.
  • Focus on specific offers rather than generic discounts.

Starting Costs and Tools

  • Low entry cost: started with a 2003 Toyota Corolla and a few hundred dollars for tools.
  • Used a Home Depot credit card for initial purchases.

Facebook Advertising Strategy

  • Understanding cost per lead and conversion rates.
  • Targeting homeowners, typically over 35, with specific offers.
  • Importance of testing multiple offers to find what works.

Tools and Equipment

  • Basic tools: brush, ladder, some cleaning chemicals (e.g., zinc, laundry detergent).
  • Can expand to include window and solar panel cleaning equipment.
  • Low initial cost for equipment.

Consistent Customers and Ongoing Revenue

  • Importance of continuous leads and jobs.
  • Utilized online resources for business setup and learning.
  • Plans to keep the cleaning business as a side hustle while focusing on other ventures like YouTube and coaching.

Employee Payment and Hiring Plans

  • Considered keeping the business small and focused on other projects.
  • Previous experience with hiring, typically paying around $25/hour or a percentage per job.

Pricing and Customer Engagement

  • Pricing strategy based on job feel and market demand.
  • High-quality social media presence crucial for standing out.

Insurance and Business Logistics

  • Business license, general liability insurance around $100-150/month, business bond.
  • Steps to ensure coverage for roof work.

Tips for New Entrepreneurs

  • Research local market needs and start small.
  • Craigslist as a resource to see local service demands.
  • Importance of testing and adjusting strategies.
  • Invest in business gradually, based on revenue.

Personal Coaching and Mentoring Experience

  • Investment in coaching to fast-track business knowledge.
  • Emphasized the importance of market understanding and pricing.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to get started and recognize the vast potential for success.