Jason Proctor of Canology - Trash Can Cleaning Business
How did you get started in the trash can cleaning business?
I was visiting family in the UK and saw a can cleaning company servicing a neighbor’s cans. I thought that it would be a well-received business in California. Life got in the way, and two years later, my wife tried to find someone to clean our cans and couldn’t find anyone, so Canology was born out of that nexus.
How long have you been in the trash bin cleaning business?
Approximately five (5) yrs
What do you think about the trash can cleaning industry?
I was immediately drawn to the fact that it was a system-based, recurring revenue business that could solve a need in the marketplace. I have always been self-employed, and I have found this industry the most challenging in many ways. There was no roadmap for this industry when we launched Canology.
When I started my discovery, I asked my peers what they thought of my idea. 50% of the people said, why the heck would I clean a trash can, the other 50% said, when the heck are you coming to my neighborhood. 1-2% of those that were enthusiastic placed an order.
Things have come a long way, and today, the industry is becoming more and more recognized and, as such, more accepted. The trash can cleaning business is NOT a get-rich-quick endeavor, so folks considering it should have the business acumen and the financial resources to weather the first year or two it takes to reach critical mass.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your trash can cleaning business?
The trash can cleaning industry requires many small transactions to get the business to scale. Each client cycle requires billing, service reminder, service confirmations, follow-ups, and ongoing marketing. The biggest challenge was to find a CRM that could meet the particular needs of this industry. I would say that marketing a brand new sector to an area is a close second.
How are you solving the challenge or challenges you face in your trash can cleaning business?
We developed a CRM that could automate the diverse needs of our business.
What systems are you using to run your trash can cleaning business?
We use our own CRM and use APIs to connect to excellent third-party software. Such as WorkWave for route optimization, Be5Star Review and rating software My Service Area for client analytics, defining our service territory, and evaluating possible expansion areas.
What marketing channel worked the best for Canology?
Our clients typically find us on social media and review sites like NextDoor, Yelp, Google, and Facebook. We also have a referral program where we provide heavily discounted or free service to folks willing to share their experience on social media. We also use Facebook advertising coupled with Pipedrive to help us follow up on the leads.
What are your short-term goals for Canology?
Add additional capabilities to our CRM that can help us leverage our existing client base to improve C2C referrals. Wrap up a business acquisition of a current company in a new service area. Add a new wash truck.
What are your long-term goals for Canology?
Refine our workflows, systematize our operations, and scale the business so that I can step away from daily operations and focus on strategic planning. I am very focused on developing best practices and principles for this industry, which will help new people enter the space without having to experience the challenges we have overcome on our journey.