Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning would like to wish a happy anniversary to all our friends and colleagues! On November 2 2009 I washed my first house, by myself as "Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning"! In four short years I have seen such a wonderful growth and blessing in my business, most notably my wonderful wife, Tonya Burke has been able to leave her job (2011) and work with me , making this a true family business!
If you are just beginning your business, or are in your "formative years" , just hang in there! While I'm a true believer that God has truly blessed us, I also believe that "He helps those who helps themselves." We have worked hard, kept a goal in focus, and plugged ahead no matter what obstacles have been thrown in our path.
There have been plenty of trials along the way, but keep your nose to the grind stone and you will find success! The tools, knowledge and training available here at SWS can help to cut years off your success curve! A lot of people look at our projects and think we're somehow cut from a different cloth, have a different business model, etc., but the simple facts are this...in November 2009 I bought a pressure washer as a way to feed my family....not a a "business dream" or part of a huge plan...but literally as a way to put food on the table.
In the past four years, I've worked.... like a dog. I still put in multiple 24 hour shifts in some weeks, I give up vacations, weekends, time off....and I wouldn't have it any other ways. God has given me a second chance at a business life, and I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity He has placed in my path!
I don't mean this post as a vehicle to brag about success...far from it! I simply want to use this post as an inspiration to everyone out there. You can do what ever you set your mind to, even in a crappy cheap market like Florida, where everyone owns a pressure washer and the "market" rates are literally half of what my northern compatriots charge. Hang in there, plan your work, and work your plan! I'm not sure what "success" looks like, but if its being happy, comfortable, and in control of your own destiny, then I am truly successful!
Thank you AC, SWS, Tonya Burke, and my Spray Wash Family for your unique parts in making my business what it is today. And above all else, glory be to my Heavenly Father for the opportunities, lessons and blessings He has given me in the past 4 years!
If I can ever help you with technical advice, motivation, planning or just a little pep-talk, feel free to call, email or message me. I do get overwhelmed sometimes, but I will get back to you ( it may just take a day or two!)
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 02:58:34 AM
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 03:03:23 AM
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 03:07:51 AM
Hank Timmermann said
Nov 3, 2013
Ray,
Thank you for posting this. We have always drawn value from your posts and insights. Even though I've never spoken to you on the phone I consider you a friend.
Hank
Ron Musgraves said
Nov 3, 2013
Thats Great Ray
John Orrico said
Nov 3, 2013
Ray,
Congradulations to both Tonya and yourself, you guys deserve everything you have earned.
John
Michael Hickey said
Nov 3, 2013
Ray you deserve all the success you are having. You inspire all of us with your posts and comments. Having met you at Softwashapoolooza last year I know you are a really nice guy as well. Continued success to you, Tonya and family. (just keep posting)
Doug Rucker said
Nov 3, 2013
Congratulations Ray and Tonya....
Matt Jennemann said
Nov 3, 2013
Congrats Ray hard work always pays off! Be safe and god bless.
Jeff Thompson said
Nov 3, 2013
Very inspirational Ray. Stories like yours and others remind us that when there is a will to succeed, success is inevitable.
AC Lockyer said
Nov 3, 2013
Love being on this journey with you dude! Congrats.
AC
Gregg Giordano said
Nov 3, 2013
Ray,
Coming from someone new to this community, your message is clear and very much appreciated. Even though we may know this, it is nice to hear from others and be reaffirmed that were headed in the right direction.
Your post is much appreciated, congrats on your successes and much more in the future.
-- Edited by Gregg Giordano on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 08:36:49 PM
John Aloisio said
Nov 3, 2013
Congrats Ray you deserve it for all you efforts
Dan Dykstra said
Nov 4, 2013
Congrats Ray, you and your business are great inspiration to many of us here on this forum.
Shaun Harton said
Nov 4, 2013
These posts are very inspiring for someone who is just about to launch on this Revolution called Soft Washing. I was unable to make it work this year, but I have 4 to 5 months to come out strong and prepare for the spring. It is posts like this and the general care and concern that I see on this forum that really gives me the the piece of mind that is needed to be successful and take that leap of faith that I read about all the time on this forum. I have never met any of you yet, but I am really looking forward to the day that I can set down and talk to you guys. God bless you Ray for the inspirational post and God's speed.
AC Lockyer said
Nov 4, 2013
Shaun Harton wrote:
These posts are very inspiring f iss Soft
just about to launch on this Revolution called Soft Washing. I was unable to make it work this year, but I have 4 to 5 months to come out strong and prepare for the spring. It is posts like this and the general care and concern that I see on this forum that really gives me the the piece of mind that is needed to be successful and take that leap of faith that I read about all the time on this forum. I have never met any of you yet, but I am really looking forward to the day that I can set down and talk to you guys. God bless you Ray for the inspirational post and God's speed.
Shaun,
If your going to give it some effort to launch in spring, dont miss Softwashapolooza.
AC
Shaun Harton said
Nov 4, 2013
Im trying to get the time off work AC to make it happen, but I dont know if my work is going to let me. I really want to be there too. Hopefully its in the cards.
Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning would like to wish a happy anniversary to all our friends and colleagues! On November 2 2009 I washed my first house, by myself as "Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning"! In four short years I have seen such a wonderful growth and blessing in my business, most notably my wonderful wife, Tonya Burke has been able to leave her job (2011) and work with me , making this a true family business!
If you are just beginning your business, or are in your "formative years" , just hang in there! While I'm a true believer that God has truly blessed us, I also believe that "He helps those who helps themselves." We have worked hard, kept a goal in focus, and plugged ahead no matter what obstacles have been thrown in our path.
There have been plenty of trials along the way, but keep your nose to the grind stone and you will find success! The tools, knowledge and training available here at SWS can help to cut years off your success curve! A lot of people look at our projects and think we're somehow cut from a different cloth, have a different business model, etc., but the simple facts are this...in November 2009 I bought a pressure washer as a way to feed my family....not a a "business dream" or part of a huge plan...but literally as a way to put food on the table.
In the past four years, I've worked.... like a dog. I still put in multiple 24 hour shifts in some weeks, I give up vacations, weekends, time off....and I wouldn't have it any other ways. God has given me a second chance at a business life, and I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity He has placed in my path!
I don't mean this post as a vehicle to brag about success...far from it! I simply want to use this post as an inspiration to everyone out there. You can do what ever you set your mind to, even in a crappy cheap market like Florida, where everyone owns a pressure washer and the "market" rates are literally half of what my northern compatriots charge. Hang in there, plan your work, and work your plan! I'm not sure what "success" looks like, but if its being happy, comfortable, and in control of your own destiny, then I am truly successful!
Thank you AC, SWS, Tonya Burke, and my Spray Wash Family for your unique parts in making my business what it is today. And above all else, glory be to my Heavenly Father for the opportunities, lessons and blessings He has given me in the past 4 years!
If I can ever help you with technical advice, motivation, planning or just a little pep-talk, feel free to call, email or message me. I do get overwhelmed sometimes, but I will get back to you ( it may just take a day or two!)
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 02:58:34 AM
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 03:03:23 AM
-- Edited by Ray Burke on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 03:07:51 AM
Ray,
Thank you for posting this. We have always drawn value from your posts and insights. Even though I've never spoken to you on the phone I consider you a friend.
Hank
Ray,
Congradulations to both Tonya and yourself, you guys deserve everything you have earned.
John
AC
Ray,
Coming from someone new to this community, your message is clear and very much appreciated. Even though we may know this, it is nice to hear from others and be reaffirmed that were headed in the right direction.
Your post is much appreciated, congrats on your successes and much more in the future.
-- Edited by Gregg Giordano on Sunday 3rd of November 2013 08:36:49 PM
Congrats Ray you deserve it for all you efforts
Shaun,
If your going to give it some effort to launch in spring, dont miss Softwashapolooza.
AC
Im trying to get the time off work AC to make it happen, but I dont know if my work is going to let me. I really want to be there too. Hopefully its in the cards.