Brian Winch calls it “America’s Simplest Business.”
What started as a side hustle way back in 1981 has now grown into a $650k a year operation.
So what does Brian do?
His company picks up litter from parking lots. Sadly, it’s still an essential service (boo litterbugs!), but has very low startup costs and Brian says you can earn $30-$50 an hour doing this on the side.
What prompted Brian to pick up the phone and ask property management companies if he could handle their litter picking contracts?
“I decided I liked my job but I couldn’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life and I wanted more,” Brian said. In just a few months he was earning more part-time in this side hustle than he was at his full-time job.
It’s freelancing — brick-and-mortar style.
Tune in to hear how Brian landed his first clients, how he priced his service, and how he scaled the business to remove himself from the day-to-day trash pickup.
With the decent pay, hours that fit around most day jobs, minimal start-up costs, and no prior experience necessary, it’s a side hustle success story that’s worth checking out.
Download the Free PDF Highlight Reel:
Subscribe to The Side Hustle Show on iTunes!
Subscribe to The Side Hustle Show on Android!
Subscribe to The Side Hustle Show via RSS!
Or use the player app above to listen right in your browser.
Sponsors:
- Freshbooks.com – Start your 30-day free trial today!
- DesignCrowd.com – Save up to $100 on your next design project!
Learn:
- How Brian come across the idea for litter picking and cleaning parking lots.
- How he scaled his business (Back in 1981 before internet marketing).
- His “Warm calling” tips when calling potential clients.
- His target markets and where to find them.
- The pros and cons of litter picking as a side hustle.
- How the unsociable hours of this side hustle allowed Brian to fit it around his day job.
- Brian’s #1 tip for Side Hustle Nation.
Links:
- CleanLots.com | If you want to check out Brian’s book, you can access it through either the CleanLots link above or my affiliate link at no extra cost.
Download the Free PDF Highlight Reel:
What happens when you decide to do this, and you underprice the current contract holder, gain the contract when the other expires, and you go out to clean AT NIGHT, and the former, now angry, contractor comes and threatens your life and livelihood? Wondering how many of these jobs have mob connections and protections, even in GOOD/SAFE areas.
My work isn’t that interesting! Contractors win/lose business all the time. It’s the nature of the business. I’m sure there’s more money to be made by the mob in more profitable industries.
This is the cheapest startup business anyone could start
That I know of.
Hi,
Links: CleanLots.com
is a dead link;(
Sorry for the trouble Thomas, it’s working for me now. Maybe too many side hustlers overloaded the site!
As the saying goes in the UK: “Where’s there’s muck, there’s brass.”
It just goes to show that you don’t have to chase the hippest and sexiest ideas to have fulfilling work and make money.
Well done, Brian.
That’s a new one to me Godfrey — I like it though! Thanks for sharing :)
Brian,
Thanks for sharing this excellent info.
Where are you based? State/Region/Province/Country?
Do you think there are any limitations on this business regarding certain US States or Parts of Cities based on YOUR experience and 30 years of operating this business?
You’re welcome, Kevin.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
This business will work in any North American city. You have the choice as to where you wish to work.
This is an interesting idea. I made sure to click your affiliate link for the referral Nick. Brian, I am looking forward to learning more from your site and potentially your information products. Thank you both!
Thanks Aaron. Contact me if I can be of further assistance.