Sooo… I used to date a guy who ran a carpet cleaning business, and he occasionally did pressure cleaning on the side with a rented machine. I helped with both, and really saw good potential in pressure washing. He was not terribly interested in expanding that side of the business, though, just did it when he caught a good fish. I have, several times, considered getting into it but have always had other projects that I ended up working on instead. I bore quickly and realistically will end up handing this to my younger brother once I get it up and running.
I am wrapping up a project right now and am seriously considering making a proper go of it in the spring. I’ve been idly reading through this amazing resource for awhile, and figured it was time to join up and send my appreciation. I’ll be reading and learning (and saving cash!) for the next few months.
I have a small SUV that can only tow 1500lbs - so my setup will be a small trailer. I don’t mind spending good money to get started, and my only goal my first year will be to break even and learn a lot. From just what I have read here already, I have some ideas in mind but I have a lot more information to go through and let perk in my head.
Anyways, hello! If anyone has any good threads they really think a newbie should read while they’re figuring things out before getting started, I’d be very appreciative. You guys are so knowledgeable and awesome! Many thanks!
Hi @lisalizajohn, I am the resident chemist…no really, I am a chemist, I make pressure washing soaps, among other things. I came on here to learn, wound up settled a few debates, now it’s just fun to watch the forum. I’ve never pressure washed in my life, which means I don’t know how my chemicals are being used. I learn a lot by reading, and every now and then ask a question. It’s a fun place, but for heaven’s sake please use the search bar before you post a question that’s been covered 100 times. The “men folk” don’t take kindly to answering the same questions over and over.
One of the best things you can do RIGHT NOW is find a minority business development center and meet with them ASAP to start a plan. You can get assistance with loans and all kinds of stuff if you are a registered minority business. You can also get government/state work and be highest bidder and still awarded the job!
It’s not unreasonable to expect a profit in our world even in your first year, but I dig that you have reasonable expectations.
This sentence alone puts you ahead of 90% of the ding dongs that join our industry.
Keep reading and you’ll know everything you need to know to get started. If you need to know more it’s here.
Like @SchertzServicesLLC said your local SBA, SCORE, or small business development office can help you hit the ground running with government contracts you can sub out, but win virtually every time with a woman owned business certification. (bonus if it’s run by successful entrepreneurs, university located offices you should ask about credentials. Usually it’s staffed by some professors and students who get credit despite zero real world experience.)
I wish you the best of luck! Where are you located?
Oooh la la! If he doesn’t have the periodic table down verbatim or some equivalent don’t settle for that dummy! Jk I’ve never taken a chemistry course in my life and I’m a catch.
Wow, thank you guys for the warm welcome! I certainly like the feel of the place. Glad to give the local chemist some female solidarity =p. I got a science degree a lifetime ago, always love seeing a woman in the sciences =)
I’ve done quite a lot - I love figuring out new things, getting things up and running efficiently… I am not afraid of hard work, but I prefer to work very hard for awhile so I can play hard for awhile.
I live in Miami, but have a home in Orlando as well, and currently spend a lot of time on the road tracing the Florida coast. Part of the reason I am looking to change direction this time is because I want more nights at home, but I’m not opposed to traveling for a big job.
I am so grateful for the advice about getting in as a woman owned business. I will spend some time figuring out my best options for support getting started. The idea of having some work right out of the gate is very appealing.
You guys are great, thanks again! Oh, and not to worry, I hate looking dumb so asking questions without searching is not something you’ll have to worry about with me =p
So, I have my first (possibly?) dumb question! I figure I’ll hide it here because it’s not urgent in the least - I won’t be purchasing until at least February. But here goes just the same…
So, I will almost definitely be purchasing an 8gpm/3000psi unit. That means, by rights, I’d be able to use a large SC. I don’t think that’s the route I’m going to go, though - I think I’m going to go with a Whisper Wash Classic. That means I have some options - I’m fairly sure I’m going with the four tip bar. That part was relatively easy, since I think I’m going to be doing my purchasing from PressureTek, and that’s how they sell their Classic. What they don’t seem to offer is this: https://whisperwashonline.com/product/whisper-wash-classic-19-with-white-brush/
On that page, the white brush is described as an upgraded heavy duty brush, that is more durable than the standard brush. Elsewhere on the Whisper Wash site (https://whisperwashonline.com/product/whisper-wash-classic-hd-white-brush-assembly/) there is a white brush assembly that is described as just being longer, to protect the spray bar tips from hitting the ground on uneven surfaces. I’m not sure which of those two descriptions are accurate.
I have not yet called the folks at Whisper Wash to inquire, and I can’t find any reference to the white brush on this site. I can only assume that it’s not a terribly useful upgrade if the Pressure Tek folks don’t stock it, and no one here has mentioned it, but I’m curious just the same. Anyone familiar?
