How Stevenn Grew Northwest Softwash to Six Figures Per Month

Jul 26, 2024

How Stevenn Grew Northwest Softwash to Six Figures Per Month

Introduction

  • Stevenn started Northwest Softwash at 19 with $1,500
  • Currently makes over $120,000/month with 11 employees
  • The business operates in different locations, generating over $1 million/year
  • Each truck can make $1,500 - $2,000/day
  • Encouragement to ask questions and interact

Background

  • Started in 2020, initially as a pressure washing company
  • Switched from pressure washing to soft washing to avoid damaging homes
  • Did not attend college, had various entrepreneurial endeavors (flipping iPhones, renovating RVs)
  • Inspired by his brother who owns a window cleaning company

Initial Budget and Strategies

  • Began with a budget around $1,000 - $1,500
  • Emphasizes using family and neighbors as initial clients to build a base

Business Growth and Profit Margins

  • Monthly Revenue: $120,000 (can dip to $80,000 - $100,000 in winter)
  • Profit Margins: 20-25%, aiming for 30%
  • Overhead: $30,000 - $40,000/month

Difference Between Pressure Washing and Soft Washing

  • Pressure Washing: Uses high pressure to clean surfaces (e.g., driveways)
  • Soft Washing: Uses chemical and soap to clean surfaces without high pressure, causing less damage

Services Offered

  • Started with pressure washing hard surfaces (concrete, fences)
  • Switched to soft washing of siding and roofs, which is more profitable
  • Roof cleaning, including gutter cleaning, is the top service

Advertising and Marketing

  • Emphasis on Facebook, leveraging community groups for visibility
  • Takes before and after photos and posts them in community groups
  • Monthly advertising spend: $10,000 - $12,000
  • Effective platforms: Facebook, Instagram, some Craigslist; TikTok recommended but not used

Building a Strong Team

  • Key traits: Positive attitude, willingness to grow
  • Leadership: Business owners need to support and lead by example
  • Roles: Includes a service manager for quality control and office staff for administrative tasks

Essential Equipment

  • 4 GPM (gallon per minute) pressure washer
  • Surface cleaner for driveways, hoses
  • Recommended brand: Honda

Overhead and Payroll

  • Payroll: $10,000 - $15,000 bi-weekly
  • Employee wages: Assistant technicians at $18/hour, lead technicians at $20/hour
  • Service manager on a salary basis

Daily Operations

  • Averages two jobs per truck per day, with three trucks operating full time
  • Plans to add more trucks for future growth

Sales and Marketing Skills

  • Sales and marketing are crucial for business success
  • Initially learned skills through YouTube

Scaling the Business

  • Importance of having consistent bookings before scaling
  • Need a properly scheduled workload before adding equipment

Tips and Tricks

  • Always provide customers with three service options for better chances of conversion
  • Importance of professional appearance and branding

Final Thoughts

  • Benefits of being own boss vs. downsides (e.g., constant work mindset)
  • Importance of social media presence tailored to your clientele
  • Always look to foster team cooperation and a positive work culture

Helpful Hack

  • Offer customers three different service packages to provide options and increase sales likelihood