Thinking of going to Softwashapolooza in 2014, wondering how this has helped you guys - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thinking of going to Softwashapolooza in 2014, wondering how this has helped you guys

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Hi Chris,

I'm happy to share my experience.

I went to SoftWashapalooza West in August 2013. I bought a used truck, wrapped it, bought AC's truck mounted skid, got AskTheSeal certified, Master business certified, Authorized 5-star, bought 60 gallons of Green Wash - and never looked back. When I jump in -- I jump in.

I've since paid for my investment 5 times over. Next year I anticipate tripling my business - easily. The advice I've received, not only from AC, but the dozens and dozens of pros on these forums - is seriously invaluable.

His training is more than just how to spray a chemical - it's entire business counseling. I've implemented all of AC's marketing tips, and constantly reach out to everyone here for advice, and share my own successes and "what didn't work" stories as well.

2 caveats and what I believe are truths in any business -

1. You have to spend money to make money. I can vouch that what I invested in this business was money well spent. I made $2200 today with a $12/hr helper in my 1 truck.

2. You have to work hard and pound the pavement, nothing comes easy and you have to devote yourself to getting the return. Don't cut corners.

Dan Dykstra · Senior Member

I agree with Brandon, Was in the softwash business before I went to Softwashapolooza 2013. I was abe to take my business to a higher level thanks to AC and the rest of the pro-staff that were at the event. I will continue to go back year after year for this event.

Zach Maynard · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

I have not gone to Palooza (but am in January) I had a consultation from AC a few months ago. A lot of what we went over is what is gone over at the event. My business has grown 6 times over what I did last year and I plan on moving in that direction next year. The event is a no brainer.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thanks for the information.

What about you other guys, any advice or opinions of how this information has helped or changed your business?

Thanks.

Eric Owen · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Chris,

My Biz is on the right track for I'am still a owner operator now over ten years and what I learned at 2013, Palooza and my investment
in a skid, truck wrap,etc has made a difference in the short time that every thing as come together. I'am looking forward to 2014, Palooza, and will hire one to two men next year if all goes according to plan. So make the move and don't get caught up in the
"Paralysis of over Analysis"

Craig Harrison · Sophmore Member

Hey Chris,

Nice to see you here! Just AC's marketing plans and tips are worth the trip. I haven't been to the Softwashapalooza but have taken his seminars. AMAZING. It is one thing to learn how to correctly clean in a niche market and another to learn how to grow and protect your market share. AC is one of the most dialed-in people I've ever had the chance to meet. His advice is spot on and made to give you an advantage at every corner. You will come away with a new look and many advantages to use over your competition.

With just a couple of AC's marketing tips that I've applied to my Restoration business we are doing an additional $1,000+ per month!

Oh. and I'll be there! What other reasons do you need?? :) I'll have some hard water remover, BARC and other F9 chems!

Danny Cronauer · SoftWash Systems Certified

Edited.

-- Edited by Danny Cronauer on Sunday 24th of November 2013 10:50:33 AM

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thanks Guys.

Craig, any chance of you teaching the hard water stain removal there in Orlando?

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Great information guys, Thanks.

I would like to hear from more guys and how it has changed your business, feel free to type a lot if you need to.

These would make great testimonials.

Thank You.

Ray Burke · Community Member

I've been trying to figure out the best way to answer this thread. Since I am Pro staff, I don't want to appear as I'm pimping or shilling for the event. Many of you know my story and of seeing my testimonial video. I didn't get into soft washing as a way to make a mint, I got into cleaning as a way to feed my family and not lose my house.

As far as training is concerned, SWS is hands-down the best in the industry. However above and beyond the classroom training there's certain magic that happens between the members. after meeting other professionals there, I realized that rather than just "buying myself a job", I could create a true business. I could fund retirement, I could have a good income, and a comfortable life through soft washing. Intangibles like that are hard to teach in class, but you meet numbers that are walking the walk and talking the talk and realize it can be done.

It's also great to meet other professionals to share successes and failures with. At least once a week I speak to someone involved with SWS, give them a tip, ask them a question, or just rap about business in general. That's a strong powerful network to have.

You'll get a roadmap to success at SWS, whether you follow it is your choice. And nobody is saying it's the only proven map to success either. My personal map is a collage of few different paths.

I washed my first house in November 2009 as spray wash exterior cleaning. Four years later I have two full-time trucks, a part-time night crew, my wife was able to leave her job and work with me, and I have eight employees, some full-time some part-time. Could I have been successful without SWS? I'm sure I could have, but it sure is nice to have a network of other professionals who are in various stages of their career development to be a part of your team!

-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 24th of November 2013 06:24:25 PM

Craig Harrison · Sophmore Member

Chris Chappell wrote:
Thanks Guys.

Craig, any chance of you teaching the hard water stain removal there in Orlando?

I'll have to ask AC but I'm sure there will be some time that I can do some basics

Ray Burke · Community Member

And add to my earlier post, SWS-palooza is where I finally realized that I could get off the wand… And proceed to really grow my business. In my first year of business I grossed around 80k, 2nd was 150, 3rd was 280, and this year we'll be over 400. I now work less physical labor each day( but probably work longer hours). We keep around 25-35% as owner benefits .

In all honesty, I'm probably reaching saturation in my market, and we are now looking at expanding with a branch office in another market area. I've met people through SWS who are already doing that, so now I don't have to reinvent the wheel!

And again I can't stress enough how much the fellowship helps. I guess I have some knowledge to offer... But still after every event I feel like I've come away learning more than anyone else! We hang out at night, swap ideas, talk shop, and rap about business.

Life is good, and God is great.

If you were a carpenter as your vocational trade, you wouldn't only have a circular saw in your truck.... You'd also have a sawzall, jigsaw, undercut saw, etc. Cleaning is the same way, make every tool out there available in your aresenal!

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thanks Ray, those were great posts.

I like reading success stories like this as this is not only motivation for me but other people that read this thread.

Any other great success stories out there?

Thank You guys.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Is there a list of the classes posted yet?

I would like to see what classes will be offered for the event.

Thanks.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Click on the big softwashapalooza logo up top. Then scroll down and you will see the list of classes being offered.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

I forgot to say Thanks Michael, thank you for the info.

I read the list of classes that will be held.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

No problem chris. I hope everything worked out with your son.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

We got lucky and no major brain surgery with stomache surgery this time.

We found out it was a severe migraine headache that was causing his pain, vomiting, sensitivity to sound, light and temperature.

The hospital tried a lot of different medications while we were in the hospital since thursday of last week and got lucky and found a medicine that controlled the migraine and things slowly got back to normal.

We brought him home Sunday afternoon and he is doing better, he did not go to school today as he had another headache but not a bad one but had medication for it and it went away so no more stressing about headaches for a while now.

It really hurts seeing him in so much pain, I wish I could take his pain so he would not be hurting, he has been through enough in his life with all his surgeries, I hope he goes a long time now without pain.

Thanks again Michael.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Wow Chris, I was unaware of your sons condition. Glad there is some relief. Praying for complete healing though.

AC

Zach Maynard · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thats tough Chris, I'm glad he has some relief now.

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Good to hear that it is better. My wife and I have made several trip to children's hospital with my three year old in the last two years, so I can imagine the stress.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

Some years it is a trip or two, some years it is up to 3 surgeries for the same thing, major brain surgery and stomache surgery for his Hydro Encephalitis so we just never know.

Now it is also migraine headaches which have very similar symptoms to add to the things we watch out for.

I just keep on praying and praying for his pain to go away when this happens.

I wish there was some kind of permanent surgery but so far there is none, it is a life long condition.

Thanks again guys.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Chris Chappell wrote:
Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

Some years it is a trip or two, some years it is up to 3 surgeries for the same thing, major brain surgery and stomache surgery for his Hydro Encephalitis so we just never know.

Now it is also migraine headaches which have very similar symptoms to add to the things we watch out for.

I just keep on praying and praying for his pain to go away when this happens.

I wish there was some kind of permanent surgery but so far there is none, it is a life long condition.

Thanks again guys.

Pray God gives you all strength!

AC

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

I was hoping that I might be able to still make it but now it looks like I might not be able to after the ER, hospital and meds bills.

Maybe I can get a lot out of the modules and make it the following year.

With all that is offered at Softwashapolooza East, are there modules online that have the same classes except for the hands on things?

Thanks for the info guys.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Chris depending on what part of your business you want to grow or expand. There are modules that will help you in different areas. Go to the certifications page on softwashsystems.com.

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

I'll be attending my 3rd softwashapalooza. You can only learn so much from modules. You will gain most knowledge from networking from other guys. By gaining more experience/knowledge you will gain more profitable business quicker. I would recommend going and knocking on some doors and pick up some extra business - work later - do whatever it takes to get the event.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

It looks like I can afford to attend the event, need to book an airplane now and see what I can find on short notice.

I will check the threads for people arriving to possibly share a cab.

Thanks guys, I am very excited about attending this event!

I really need to make a big difference in my business this year for many different reasons and I am hoping this will help a lot.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

I had a question about the labs, it shows 4 labs on each day.

I would like to go to each of the labs but how long are they?

Will each lab be offered several times or can you only pick one of them?

Thanks.

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

The labs are pretty much the afternoon and the morning is spent on whatever track you are on.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

I got the plane ticket, I am arriving at 11am on Wednesday and leaving at 10am on Sunday.

John, are each of the 4 different labs going to be repeated that day so I can attend all 4 of them or is it only 1 you can go to, that is what I don't understand.

Thanks.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Was a thread started for the guys flying in to share cabs? I did not see a thread.

Thanks.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

softwashsystems.activeboard.com/t56172768/share-a-ride-from-airport-mco-to-event-center/

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

you attend each one listed for that day and then so on for each day after.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

Thanks John, all of those labs sound great.

Chris Chappell · Freshmen Member

AC Lockyer wrote:
softwashsystems.activeboard.com/t56172768/share-a-ride-from-airport-mco-to-event-center/

Thanks AC.

Vic Irish · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Brandon Vaughn wrote:
Hi Chris,
I'm happy to share my experience.
I went to SoftWashapalooza West in August 2013. I bought a used truck, wrapped it, bought AC's truck mounted skid, got AskTheSeal certified, Master business certified, Authorized 5-star, bought 60 gallons of Green Wash - and never looked back. When I jump in -- I jump in.
I've since paid for my investment 5 times over. Next year I anticipate tripling my business - easily. The advice I've received, not only from AC, but the dozens and dozens of pros on these forums - is seriously invaluable.
His training is more than just how to spray a chemical - it's entire business counseling. I've implemented all of AC's marketing tips, and constantly reach out to everyone here for advice, and share my own successes and "what didn't work" stories as well.
2 caveats and what I believe are truths in any business -
1. You have to spend money to make money. I can vouch that what I invested in this business was money well spent. I made $2200 today with a $12/hr helper in my 1 truck.
2. You have to work hard and pound the pavement, nothing comes easy and you have to devote yourself to getting the return. Don't cut corners.

Brandon,

This was an excellent post.

The thread is 10 pages long, but I just printed page 2, and am hanging it on my wall, because you said it all.

Thank you for sharing with us! By the way, the part I bolded and turned red is a real attention getter without the fancy font <grin>...