Jessica and Chris interview Scott Hoogawind about his trash bin cleaning business in Florida, which became a disaster response service during hurricanes. The episode explores how a simple local business grew into something that serves the community when it matters most.
Welcome to the Local Business Spotlight from Monetize My City, where we uncover how entrepreneurs are building profitable businesses right in their own communities. Each episode we dive into real stories of local business success, sharing the strategies and mindset shifts that actually work. Today we're talking with Scott Hogerwin. He left Michigan to start a trash bin cleaning business, only to see it become a lifeline for an entire community when two hurricanes hit Manatee County. This is a story about how military precision, community spirit, and an unexpected service turned disaster response into a thriving six figure franchise. Let's jump right in.
Welcome to another episode of Monetize My City's Local Business Spotlight. I'm Chris and I'm here with my co host Jessica to share a story that's as unexpected as it is inspiring. Today we're talking about Scott Hoogawind, who moved his family to Florida and launched a trash bin cleaning business. But when two hurricanes tore through Manatee county, that simple business transformed into a critical disaster response service, saving homes, businesses, even police patrol cars. And trust me, this one will change the way you think about what's truly essential in a community. Trash bins and locally owned trash bin cleaning services. Not exactly a combination you'd expect to revolutionize disaster response in Florida. But when two hurricanes hit Manatee County, Florida last year, this cleaning business became an unexpected lifeline for an entire community.
You know what's fascinating about this story? It completely changes how we think about essential services. We're not just talking about keeping things clean. We're talking about emergency preparedness disguised as a cleaning service.
When Scott Hoogawind moved his family from Michigan to Florida in May 2023, he wasn't just starting a trash bin cleaning business. He was unknowingly setting up what would become crucial infrastructure for disaster response.
Let's talk about that equipment because it's pretty remarkable. This isn't your typical pressure washer setup.
Not even close. We're talking about a specialized truck carrying 700 gallons of water, heating it to 200 degrees with another 700 gallon capacity for wastewater recovery. It's basically a mobile industrial cleaning facility.
And that equipment proved absolutely vital during those hurricanes, didn't it?
That's where this story gets really interesting. When those two major storms hit, Scott and his team spent two full weeks doing volunteer work. They helped about 120 houses and 40 businesses, cleaned out flood damage and didn't charge a dime to people who'd lost everything.
The police department story really shows the impact they had. They actually needed a dozer to clear a path Just so Scott's truck could reach the station.
Right, Right. And because of that effort, they saved almost the entire fleet of patrol cars from flood damage. But here's what really gets me. When Anna Maria island was cut off, Scott didn't just sit back. He rented a boat and started ferrying water supplies to stranded residents.
That military background really shows in how they approach everything, doesn't it?
Absolutely. The business itself was created as part of a franchise concept specifically for business owners to support the 92 for 22 Foundation. But it's how they've applied military precision to everyday services that's really transformed the business.
And the timing couldn't be better. With Manatee county switching to once a week pickup, what happens to trash sitting in 96 degree Florida heat for a full week?
That's exactly why their services are becoming essential. And at $25 per cleaning for regular service, they're providing more than just cleaning. They're offering public health protection. And the market has responded. They've grown from a small trash bin cleaning service to a six figure revenue machine.
The Anna Maria City Pier contract really proves their capabilities, doesn't it? Running 1,200ft of hose out there every.
Time and doing such an impressive job that they immediately landed a two year contract after other companies had failed. But what really stands out is how they've become woven into the community fabric. Volunteering at schools, sponsoring sports teams, being active in the chamber of commerce.
So what you're saying is that sometimes the most valuable community assets come in unexpected forms.
Exactly. This is about how Scott brought his unique skills to Florida life. That combination of precision, dedication and service minded thinking. But it's also about how a simple service business can become something much more valuable to a community.
And now they're expanding into new areas. The medical center contract fleet, washing for coastal waste. They're really building something bigger than just a cleaning service.
That's what makes this story so compelling. It's about finding those overlooked needs in a community and applying military grade precision to solving them when disaster strikes. And having those resources and that mindset already in place can make all the difference.
Looking at it that way really changes how we think about local services. Doesn't, does.
And I think that's the real lesson here, that true community service isn't about what you do. It's about how you do it and why you do it. When you lead with integrity and a genuine desire to help, Even cleaning trash bins can become something transformative for an entire community.
You can find their contact information in our podcast notes, and if you're interested in learning more about their services or want to schedule cleaning, definitely reach out to them directly. You can also contact our show producer, Monetize My City, if you'd like to market your local business with their podcasting services.
This has been another episode of the Local Business Spotlight, brought to you by Monetize My City, helping local entrepreneurs turn their communities into thriving business opportunities. Until next time, keep those conversations going, and remember, there's no magic bullet, just consistent action. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next time on Monetize My City's Local Business Spotlight, where we discover the stories behind the success.
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