Welcome back to the Leaning Academy, where we talk about one truck, big profits, baby! If you're considering starting a pressure washing business, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into three critical lessons you need to know when launching your company. These insights come from experience, trial and error, and seeing what actually works in the industry.
A guy named Alex recently commented on one of my videos, saying:
“Thank you for the awesome video! I'm starting a company with a buddy of mine. Super helpful—thank you! What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a new guy starting up?”
Well, Alex, instead of just one piece of advice, I’m giving you three. If you follow these principles, you’ll be well on your way to success. Let’s get into it!
Lesson #1: Focus on Income-Producing Activity (IPA)
Forget about fancy branding, website design, or worrying about the perfect name—those won’t make you money in the early days. Your number one priority as a new business owner is IPA: Income-Producing Activity.
Here’s what that means:
If you’re not actively generating leads, you’re wasting time. You don’t need an expensive CRM—just grab a notebook or use Excel and start tracking contacts and conversions. Action = Income.
Lesson #2: Exposure Over Branding
A lot of new business owners focus too much on their branding in the first year. Here’s the truth: branding means nothing if no one knows who you are!
Instead of spending money on logos, business cards, and vehicle wraps, put your resources into getting in front of potential customers. Knock on doors, make phone calls, run Facebook and Google ads—get exposure first.
Here’s the deal: your first-year goal isn’t brand recognition. It’s cash flow. More exposure = more leads = more sales. And guess what? By year two, you’ll likely want a new logo anyway!
Lesson #3: Start With High-Ticket Pricing
One of the biggest mistakes new pressure washers make is underpricing their services. Let me be clear:
There is no “seniority” in pressure washing pricing. A new guy with a Home Depot pressure washer can charge premium rates if he does quality work.
Charge more than you feel comfortable with. Be willing to lose 50% of your leads—because the ones that stick will make your business profitable.
Why start high-ticket?
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Higher profits allow for better equipment and marketing.
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You avoid competing with low-bid, low-quality competitors.
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You establish yourself as a premium service provider from day one.
Remember, you owe excellence to the craft—not to the cheapest customers. Your job is to deliver top-tier service, and customers will pay accordingly.
Want to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
If you’re serious about starting or growing your softwash business, I highly recommend checking out the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp w/ Aaron Parker | March 21-22, 2025.
This is an in-depth training event designed to help new and experienced business owners master the real strategies for success. You’ll learn from the best in the industry about:
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How to generate leads effectively
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Softwash techniques and best practices
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Pricing strategies to maximize profits
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The systems you need to scale your business
This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to dominate the pressure washing and softwash market. Don’t miss out!
Final Thoughts
Alex, and everyone else thinking about starting a pressure washing business—focus on IPA, prioritize exposure over branding, and start with high-ticket pricing. These three principles will set you apart and ensure your business thrives.
If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe to the Leaning Academy YouTube channel and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss future content. And remember—get out there, take action, and make it happen!
See you at the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp in March 2025! 🚀
