Riding the Riptide: How John Marsh Overcome Challenges in the Pressure Washing Industry 

How John Marsh Overcome Challenges in the Pressure Washing Industry

In the world of pressure washing and exterior cleaning, few journeys are as inspiring and instructive as that of John Marsh, owner of Riptide Power Washing & Exterior Cleaning in San Diego, California. With six years of experience under his belt, John has turned his entrepreneurial spark into a thriving business.

His story is one of resilience, learning, and adaptability, providing valuable insights for other exterior cleaning business owners navigating the complexities of the pressure washing industry.

From Pizza Deliveries to Pressure Washing

John’s journey into the pressure washing industry started in an unlikely place—as a pizza delivery driver. While working as an electrician trainee, John sought ways to earn extra income and stumbled upon an opportunity that would change his life.

Inspired by conversations with a friend who owned a car detailing business, John discovered the potential of window cleaning and pressure washing. With a few business books, instructional videos, and a lot of determination, he began handing out business cards while delivering pizzas.

This grassroots approach paid off. Soon, John was earning more from his part-time cleaning gigs than from his full-time job. Recognizing the opportunity to control his own destiny, he decided to focus on building a business that could eventually operate independently of his day-to-day involvement.

Lessons from Managing a Big Contract

One of the pivotal moments in John’s pressure washing career came when he secured a lucrative contract with a local car wash. While the contract brought financial stability and steady work, it also revealed significant challenges.

The car wash’s growing demands eventually exceeded John’s capacity to deliver, leading to the loss of the contract. Reflecting on this experience, John identified key lessons that resonate with many business owners:

• Scalability is Crucial: Businesses must be prepared to scale operations to meet growing demands. For John, the inability to scale quickly enough highlighted the need for strategic planning and resource allocation.
  
  

• Diversify Your Client Base: Relying heavily on one client can be risky. When the car wash contract ended, John was forced to rebuild his client portfolio from scratch.
  
  

• Always Be Marketing: During his stable contract period, John paused his marketing efforts, a decision he now sees as a mistake. “You have to keep marketing,” he says, “even when business is good.”
  
  

Rebuilding and Strategizing for 2025

The loss of the car wash contract served as a wake-up call for John. Determined to avoid similar pitfalls, he adopted a proactive approach to rebuilding his business. Here are some of the strategies he has implemented:

1. Delegation and Team Building

John emphasizes the importance of delegation, urging business owners to train employees earlier than they think they should. “Don’t just train one guy,” he advises. “Train multiple people to ensure continuity and build a strong team.”

He recently purchased an additional truck and plans to hire and train new employees to handle lower-risk tasks such as window cleaning and basic power washing. This strategy allows him to focus on high-risk, high-reward projects while preparing his team to take on more responsibilities over time.

2. Leveraging Technology and Marketing Channels

John has reactivated his marketing efforts across multiple channels, including Yelp, Google, Angi, and Thumbtack. He’s also employed a virtual assistant (VA) to manage outreach and coordinate door-knocking campaigns targeting property managers and construction companies.

One area he’s working to improve is tracking the effectiveness of his marketing efforts. By identifying which channels drive the most leads, he aims to allocate resources more efficiently and maximize ROI.

3. Planning for Sustainable Growth

John’s outlook for 2025 is optimistic. He plans to use an upcoming vacation to map out his goals for the year, focusing on areas for growth and improvement. “A lot of business is planning,” he says. “I failed to do enough of it in the past, but I’m committed to changing that.”

Insights for Industry Peers

John’s experiences offer valuable lessons for other pressure washing business owners. Here are some of his top tips:

1. Delegate and Train Early

Waiting too long to hire and train employees can hinder growth. By building a capable team early, business owners can focus on scaling operations and pursuing larger opportunities.

2. Diversify Clients and Revenue Streams

Relying on a single client can leave a business vulnerable. Diversification not only reduces risk but also creates opportunities for growth in different sectors.

3. Stay Consistent with Marketing

Consistent marketing is essential, even during periods of stability. Leveraging multiple channels and maintaining an active online presence can help businesses attract a steady stream of clients.

4. Prioritize Best Practices and Environmental Responsibility

In a market as competitive as San Diego, differentiating through adherence to best practices and environmental compliance is crucial. Riptide Power Washing’s commitment to protecting the ocean and following wash water management guidelines sets it apart from competitors.

The Road Ahead

John’s journey is far from over. As he prepares for 2025, he’s focused on refining his operations, expanding his team, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency. He’s also considering how AI could play a role in optimizing his business, acknowledging both its potential benefits and challenges.

Final Thoughts

For pressure washing and exterior cleaning business owners, John’s story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. His willingness to learn from setbacks and implement new strategies serves as an example for others in the industry.

As John puts it, “With prior proper planning, I believe 2025 is going to go quite well.” His optimism, combined with a renewed focus on growth and sustainability, positions Riptide Power Washing & Exterior Cleaning for continued success in the years to come.

By sharing his journey, John Marsh not only inspires his peers but also reinforces the value of community and shared learning within the pressure washing industry. Through platforms like Pressure Washing Tribe, business owners can connect, learn, and grow together, ensuring a brighter future for all.