Welcome to the interview series with Jesse Samberg. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brian Winch, the founder of Winch Enterprises and creator of Cleanlots – America’s Simplest Business. Brian started his parking lot litter cleanup business in 1981 as a side hustle and grew it into a six-figure business over the course of 40+ years. Despite starting with little money, no special skills, and only a high school education, Brian’s determination and hard work led to his success. In this interview, Brian shares his journey, the challenges he has faced, and his plans for the future of his business. Let’s dive in and learn more about Brian’s inspiring story.
Interviewee Name: Brian Winch
Company: Winch Enterprises
Intervirew Host: Jesse Samberg
The Interview
Let’s get started. First, we’d like to know more about how you started your business journey
Brian Winch : I started my parking lot litter cleanup business in 1981 as a side hustle and grew it into a six-figure business of 40+ years. I started with little money, no special skills and a high school education. My dad was the inspiration for me wanting a side business. He was a janitor who supplemented his income from a few side gigs of his own. I recall him cutting grass in summer, shoveling snow in winter and cleaning up litter debris outside a shopping plaza. He had taken me along to assist him a few times when I was a kid growing up. I was 21 when I decided to duplicate his litter cleanup gig. Just as I was starting up he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 61. I pressed on more determined to succeed. I quit my job several weeks after beginning once I started making more money from my gig than my job. I recruited an army of cleaners to assist me with the cleaning. We grossed 0ver $700.000.00 last year doing nothing other than cleaning up litter. I realized that this business was a great opportunity for some people, so I created Cleanlots – America’s Simplest Business. It can be found on my website along with other business building products. https://www.cleanlots.com. I offer free coaching as my way of giving back and honoring my dad.
Reflecting on your business history, what stands out as the single greatest challenge you’ve successfully navigated, and how did you overcome it?
Brian Winch : I had no prior business or marketing experience. I had to learn from reading many books and publications from multiple sources. Remember, in 1981 there wasn’t an internet to easily find information. There are still many great resources provided by banks and government agencies.
Businesses often face ongoing challenges. What does your business consistently grapple with, and how do you tackle these challenges head-on?
Brian Winch : I grapple with technology. I do my best to get along, but outsource much of it to people who know more than I do. Surround yourself with a great team.
Can you share with us the most unforgettable story involving a customer or client? What made it memorable, and what lessons did you draw from the experience?
Brian Winch : One of my many students who bought my book shared that he had grown his parking lot litter cleanup business from a side hustle into a thriving business operating in over 38 states. I learned that I derived tremendous satisfaction and joy in sharing my opportunity (affordably) with other people across the country. I learned that I could coach people on subjects that I myself had to learn when I started decades earlier.
Looking ahead, what are your current plans for your business when you retire?
Brian Winch : The great thing about being self-employed are the options you have for retirement. I plan on continuing to work but fewer hours as I enjoy what I’m doing. Some point in the future I plan to sell my business to someone who shares my vision.
Navigating the small business landscape can be both challenging and rewarding. Can you share a bit about the specific hurdles you’ve encountered in areas like sales, marketing, and adapting to changing customer trends?
Brian Winch : I learned that people buy the benefits of your product or service. What’s in it for them? Before the internet I advertised my service in the telephone directory Yellow Pages. That’s how my prospects could find me. You don’t need to be everywhere but only where your prospects can find you (in search). It’s important to build a brand so you can stand out from your competitors. Who are you and what makes you different?
Leaders Perception magazine would like to thank Brian Winch and “Winch Enterprises” for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
Interested in connecting with the host of this interview series? Feel free to reach out to Jesse Samberg on LinkedIn: Jesse Samberg’s LinkedIn Profile