From the streets of the former Soviet Union to the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, Jacob Sukhorukov brings us an entrepreneurial tale that speaks to the heart of aligning business with personal values. Jacob's journey is one of resilience and adaptation, moving from the food industry to nursing before discovering his true calling in the world of softwashing. Hear how an unexpected encounter with his wife, Anya, set him on a path that would redefine his career and life goals, culminating in the creation of a business that cherishes independence and community ties.

Jacob's story takes a fascinating turn as he identifies a niche in the soft washing industry, a revelation sparked by a simple YouTube video that Anya found. It was a risky pivot that required a leap of faith and meticulous planning but ultimately paid off by transforming a commercial endeavor into a thriving residential service. Learn how Jacob overcame skepticism, embraced innovation, and kept client relationships at the center of his business model, ensuring exceptional service and cultivating a robust client base through genuine community engagement. Tune in for a conversation that not only shares business wisdom but also offers a blueprint for harmonizing work with life’s greater goals.

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Peter Kogler's journey is nothing short of inspiring—imagine moving from Austria to Canada and finally setting roots in Seattle, all while building a thriving cleaning business from scratch. Peter takes us through his personal trials and triumphs, including a heartfelt story of rekindling love on a Father's Day call that led to remarrying his wife, Linda. Their partnership not only flourished in love but also in business, as they navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and blended family dynamics.

Venturing into the world of soft washing during the tumultuous COVID era, Peter shares how the right partnership can make or break a business. Linda's support has been pivotal, helping to balance multiple business ventures and life’s complexities. Together, they dream of expanding into a five-star company and planning for a future of travel and cultural exploration, with Quebec's charm as a backdrop to their aspirations.

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What if you could transform your life's trajectory by embracing a family legacy? That's exactly what Andrew Wilburn did, and he’s sharing the fascinating journey that began in 2018 when he leapfrogged from a stable job into the entrepreneurial world of soft washing, driven by the footsteps of his father. From the golf course to the work site, Andrew's story is a rich tapestry of family, business, and passion. He opens up about how the freedom of entrepreneurship allows him to spend quality time with his wife and three children, and how he’s fostering a love for golf in his son, Clay. Andrew’s insight into maintaining strong family bonds while running a successful business is both inspiring and practical.

From working in luxurious estates with extravagant car collections to creating a sustainable and rewarding work culture, Andrew’s expertise extends beyond the ordinary. He uncovers the secrets of managing large residential projects and the intriguing financial maneuvers of the affluent. As a Top Gun instructor, his passion for teaching shines through as he empowers others in the industry. The episode wraps with insights into achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family and ensuring employee satisfaction. Andrew's journey is a testament to the power of combining personal values with professional ambition, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams with purpose and dedication.

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Ever wondered how a family business can thrive through generations while adapting to modern techniques? Join me, AC Lockyer, as I sit down with Graeme Palmer from Palmer Trade Supplies and Palmer Co. Scotland's Limited, a company with deep roots stretching back to 1932. This episode promises to unravel the intriguing history and evolution of this third-generation business, starting from window cleaning and decorating to becoming the UK's new distributor for SoftWash Systems. Graham shares captivating insights into their journey, combining traditional values with innovative approaches like rope access and soft washing.

This episode is not just about business—it’s a celebration of balancing professional and personal lives while pursuing passions. From skiing and golfing in Scotland to embracing cultural shifts in Florida, Graeme's story highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us for a rich conversation that not only offers a glimpse into the world of a multi-generational cleaning business but also emphasizes the joy found in aligning work with family and individual passions.

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What happens when two brothers trade the grind of corporate life for the freedom of entrepreneurship? Randy and Roger Kaikula's journey from a trucking career and corporate roles to founding Tiki's SoftWash in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is a compelling tale of adventure, cultural heritage, and new beginnings.

The Kaikula brothers' story is not just about business; it's a vibrant narrative about embracing their Hawaiian roots through strategic branding and redefining their careers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by their father's entrepreneurial spirit, Randy and Roger transformed a casual conversation into a game-changing venture, using innovative platforms like YouTube to gain confidence and discover opportunities. Their journey highlights the power of personal choice and the impact of a well-crafted brand identity, manifesting in a Tiki-themed mascot that resonates with customers.

From mastering the nuances of soft washing to navigating the competitive Californian market, Randy and Roger have faced challenges head-on, all while integrating family into their business lifestyle. They share their experiences with regulatory changes, the importance of proper training, and the benefits of collaboration with local competitors. This episode is brimming with valuable insights and personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to take control of their career paths and explore the rewarding potential of entrepreneurship. Don't miss the chance to learn from their successes and consider the possibilities of building a lifestyle business.

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Skyline Cleaning Service's Isaac LaRonge takes us on a captivating journey through the evolution of his family business in Madison, Wisconsin. With a background in software engineering, Isaac chose to embrace his family's legacy, showcasing the incredible adaptability and growth of Skyline over 45 years. We explore Isaac's personal life and interests, from weightlifting to disc golf, and his ventures like Madtown Sluggers, painting a vivid picture of a dynamic individual who's woven his personal passions into his professional narrative.

The heart of our discussion centers on how Skyline expanded from a janitorial service to a multi-faceted cleaning company, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to meet customer demands. Unravel the story of embracing exterior cleaning and the pivotal decision to incorporate SoftWash Systems—a game-changer that spurred significant business growth. Isaac shares insights into the strategic decisions that fueled this expansion, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in business.

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In AC Lockyer's conversation with Robert and Chantal Casias, discover how they turned their varied backgrounds into entrepreneurial success with San Diego Softwash. Chantal shares her journey from the RV sales floor to dental assisting, eventually leading marketing and management efforts, all while harnessing her family's deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit. Bob reflects on how his father's perfectionism in the framing business instilled in him a relentless work ethic and goal-driven mindset. Together, their paths merged to create a thriving soft washing enterprise, sparked by a chance conversation with family friends.

The journey of building a lifestyle business that supports family aspirations and adapts to the high-cost environment of San Diego is no small feat. We explore Chantal's transition into a full-time mom role while still contributing to the business, highlighting the balance between personal goals and business responsibilities. The challenges and strategies of scaling their soft wash company amidst San Diego's economic landscape are discussed, alongside their vision for expansion and future growth. Tune in for valuable entrepreneurial tips and the inspiring story of how Bob and Chantal navigate their unique path to success.

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Matt Gour, the entrepreneurial spirit behind My Soft Wash Guys in Nokomis, Florida, joins us to share his remarkable journey in the soft washing industry. With a keen eye for opportunity, Matt transitioned from his home and window cleaning business to soft washing, seizing the chance to introduce a new profit stream. His strategic upselling from window cleaning and invaluable lessons from SoftWash Systems courses have propelled his business forward, even in the face of natural challenges like hurricanes. Through his conversation with AC Lockyer, Matt reveals his tactical decisions during tumultuous times and how these experiences have underscored the importance of proper tools and strategies.

A compelling segment of this episode is our exploration of the metaphorical and literal aspects of "breaking a leg," where reassessment and strategic slowdowns pave the way for better outcomes. Sharing personal stories, we look at the unexpected lessons learned during a tropical storm in Florida and how these moments have shaped decision-making processes. This narrative aligns with the concept of transitioning from an owner-operator to an owner-manager mindset, which Matt experienced after an injury forced him into a period of reflection and growth.

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