Timothy Zysk ⋅ Reno, Nv, NV U.S. Navy Reserve, Commander ⋅ 30 years served

Spelling Steam correctly would be a good start. In other words, polish yourself first like you promise to polish the floors for others. Go back to school and get at least a 2 year degree, then decide is a steaming career is what you really want..

jonathan spivak ⋅ Bethany Beach, DE Coastal Cuisine, Inc ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Heath
First of all thanks for your service to our country. I have 20 plus years of experience owning restaurants and there is a substantial need for competent steam cleaners. We would have our locations cleaned twice a year at an average cost of $550. That equated to $3,300 per year for my three units. If you have 100 units made up of independent restaurants, school cafeterias, country clubs, nursing homes and eldercare facilities, colleges and universities. Chain restaurants, basically any commercial kitchen you can make a good living. There is competition in the Spartenburg SC area as well as Ashville,NC and some of them may be looking for employees. Not saying you have to start that way but it is an option. You need working capital to begin on your own and require clients willing to sign on with you immediately. I have identified a number of your competitors already and believe with the growth of consuming meals in restaurants and away from homes this field is being under served by available steam cleaners. If you want to discuss it any further please feel free to email me and I'll try to answer any question you may have.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

Check the yellow pages and business listings in your area and see if there are other companies doing the same thing. That way you will know if you have any real competitors and if so, see if you can get a job with them to learn what clients use that service. If there are no other businesses in your area, start a Sole proprietorship and start marketing your services. Business cards are cheep and a small tri-fold brochure will also help. I'm willing to help create something for you if you can send me more specifics. tomlinsonjk@aol.com

I will need your resume, photos of you powerwashing something (or pretending to do the work). Stats on the equipment you use. Stats on the percentage of germs killed, etc. Also, any city codes that require or regulate this type of service.

Sarah Bates ⋅ Fallbrook, CA Palomar Community College ⋅ 25 years experience

Marketing is the answer. Here's a few things you can do. First, if you want to form your own one-man company, seek out a SCORE organization near you and make an appointment with one of their members. SCORE is made up of successful retired business people who volunteer to help get new businesses on their feet. Second, and you can do this in the meantime. Find out what type of license you need to do this work. A licensed contractor–even for power washing–is a sign of integrity and honesty. Third, get some business cards printed. Vistaprint.com does them free if you let them but their logo on the back. Fourth, write (yes write) a brief letter explaining your services, include references, and prices if you have them. Send the letter with your business card inside to every painter, remodeling contractor, landscaper, fast food restaurant–the people who would employ you as a sub–within driving distance of your home. Make sure these people know you are a vet. If you need help with the letter, contact me directly at jsbates2@sbcglobal.net and I will write it for you free of charge. I am a freelance writer, author and writing tutor. Good luck! Get in touch if you want help with the letter.