The Six-Figure Side Hustle for Cleaning Parking Lots - Side Hustle Nation

      Side Hustle Nation is focused on enhancing your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that share this vision. If you sign up or make a purchase through our partners’ links, we may receive compensation—without any additional cost to you. Learn more. This week's guest began his side hustle aiming to generate an extra $1,000 a month. Four summers later, it has transformed into a six-figure business!

      Blademir Hernandez, a listener of The Side Hustle Show, was motivated by Brian Winch’s story in episode 266 to launch his venture. Brian successfully built a $650k annual business focused on litter pickup and parking lot cleaning—an endeavor Blademir felt he could pursue as well. Blademir reached out to Brian to discuss the idea before seeking local property managers to offer his litter-picking service.

      This narrative exemplifies the potential that arises when one draws inspiration from a successful business model and implements their own strategy. Tune into The Side Hustle Show interview to learn how:

      - He found his initial customers

      - He priced and sold a local lot sweeping service

      - Blademir has expanded his business

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      The Motivation for Starting a Parking Lot Cleaning Business

      "I was browsing your website when I found the 99 ideas for making extra money, and that’s how I discovered the trash-picking service," Blademir shared. Curious, he explored further and read the article that featured episode 266 with Brian Winch. In that episode, Brian explained how he developed his litter-picking operation into a $650k business and noted that anyone could embark on this path, earning between $30-$50/hour in their free time. "I felt confident that I could do it," Blademir said.

      He reached out to Brian to get his opinion on whether a similar cleaning service would succeed in Blademir’s area. Brian responded affirmatively, stating it could work "anywhere with parking lots." That was all the encouragement Blademir needed. With parking lots available in his region, he resolved to start his business. (Brian also offers a guide on how to get started.)

      Launching the Parking Lot Cleaning Business and Securing Initial Customers

      Blademir mentioned that he began operating as a sole proprietor, opened a business checking account, and directly sought out lots to clean. He drove around his neighborhood, engaging with tenants in apartment buildings, businesses in commercial lots, and plazas with parking facilities. Blademir asked tenants for the phone numbers of the lot managers.

      When he connected with a manager, Blademir introduced himself: "Hi, my name is Blademir, I’m a local vendor, and my company specializes in cleaning up litter and debris from parking lots. Would you be interested in that service?" His first customer was a plaza close to home. After calling the manager, he arranged an in-person meeting. It turned out the manager oversaw eight other locations as well. Blademir expressed his willingness to help, marking his first paid job. There was no existing cleaning service for the lot; tenants had been handling it themselves. Consequently, they were delighted to see Blademir arrive and tackle the cleanup.

      Pricing the Parking Lot Clean-Up Service

      To determine pricing for his first job, Blademir stated, "I walked the property and considered how long it would take me to sweep the lot." After assessing the area and doing a mock sweep, he estimated it would take 15-20 minutes to clean. He multiplied that time by the number of days the manager wanted the lot swept to establish a monthly rate. "Initially, I aimed for $35/hour, estimating the monthly cost to be around $450-500," he explained. Blademir questioned if it was a valuable use of his time but, eager to gain experience with his first customer, he decided to proceed. He submitted a proposal to the manager, who quickly signed and returned it.

      Startup Expenses

      Blademir's initial costs included:

      - Legal fees – He registered as a sole proprietor using LegalZoom.

      - Equipment – He acquired a blower, push broom, rake, and a Litter Licker litter scooper.

      Logistics and Cleaning the Lots

      To fully sweep the lots, Blademir needed to work when no vehicles were present, which meant cleaning either late at night or early in the morning. This flexibility made it an ideal side hustle, fitting in before or after his regular job. For the actual cleanup, Blademir primarily uses a blower to gather trash and debris. He then employs a rake and his Litter Licker to collect the trash and dispose