16 Year-Old Starts a $4,500/Month Pressure Washing Business

Most people wait until they’re done with school to start a business, but Ole Burns started his pressure washing business while he was still in high school. A few months later, this 16 year-old is already making making money.
Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/UpFlip to get 50% off your first Keeps order!
Even though he’s young, Ole isn’t new to professional cleaning. He’d already been doing exterior cleaning for about a year and a half when he started his power washing business, Burns ProWash, in the spring of 2022, as a way to make more money and get real-world experience. Fast-forward to summer 2022 and he’s achieving both of those goals, all while attending online high school classes.
Today, Ole is sharing his advice for how to start a pressure washing business from scratch. Since he’s a teenager, Ole didn’t have a huge savings to draw from to get started. We’ll find out how he got the money to start his business and how much he spent to get up and running.
He’ll also share advice for entrepreneurs of all ages on how to grow your power washing customer base quickly and what systems he uses to manage his business and workflow. Along with that, he’ll share his ultimate goals for his power washing business and what steps he’s taking now to grow his revenue in the future.
If you’re looking for a profitable business with a low barrier of entry, pressure washing is a great option, and Ole’s insights will help you get started the right way. Make sure to check out our past interviews with pressure washing business owners, too:
21 Year Old Starts a $120,000 Monthly Pressure Washing Business ►
• 21 Year Old Starts a $...
$200/Hour Pressure Washing Business (17+ Years and Still Going Strong) ►
• $200/Hour Pressure Was...
Resources
burnsprowash.com - Find out more about Burns ProWash
elementor.com/ - Free WordPress website builder
www.upflip.com/blog/how-to-st... - Complete step-by-step guide to start a pressure washing business
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Why Ole Chose This Business
2:00 Tips on Managing Monthly Expenses
2:33 Inside Look to Ole’s Work
3:50 Challenges of a Teen Entrepreneur
5:40 How To Get Your First Customer TODAY
7:00 Deep Dive Into Equipment
9:12 Tips on Finding the Right Insurance
10:20 Ole’s Previous Experience
11:21 Tricks To Seeing More Profit
13:26 The Importance of a Website
14:47 MUST-HAVE Tools
15:36 Tips on Proper Clothing
16:41 Blitz Time with Ole!
17:45 You NEED These To Start
19:27 Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing
20:24 Customers LOVE When You Do This!
21:55 How To Double Your Revenue
22:22 Systems and Processes
24:02 How To Maximize Your Exposure
24:46 How To Overcome Struggles
25:24 Tips and Tricks To Writing a Business Plan
26:40 Growing into a Full Time Business
28:23 Living Up To Expectations
29:49 Ole’s Vision for the Future
#pressurewashingbusiness #powerwashingbusiness #howtostartapressurewashingbusiness

[@UpFlip]

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/UpFlip to get 50% off your first Keeps order. Check back on Alex’s progress in future videos!

[@shekirashekirahereiam3716]

My son is 14 . He told me he wanted to start this business and i didnt know how or even possible at his age. Thank you for this interview. This is very inspiring and I will show him this young man

[@aidanwoods3052]

Encourage him to go all out

[@AviationAngler]

I'm 14 and also doing this me and my friend have done a few jobs so far and we are now saving to expand the business

[@mvelasquez179]

I wonder if anyone can do this? Maybe it depends on the population and so on.

[@ninetyyfiive]

If you guys have a cash app I'm willing to send a few bucks and I run my own pressure washing business if you need any help

[@calebandrew7661]

I’m glad you’re encouraged you to support your son’s ideas. Parents tend to underestimate what their children are capable of. A mother’s support for her son’s dreams will make him both more confident in his decisions and more likely for him to succeed. In his future business owners will be the ones who become rich, not employees!

[@erickm7140]

As a pressure washing business owner, I absolutely admire Ole’s hustle. However, a surface cleaner or turbo nozzle shouldn’t be used on a wood or composite deck. Chemicals do most of the work and can be soft washed after to minimize risk of damage to any surface. Also, have to be aware of surrounding vegetation and aware of where water runoff goes.Pre wet, rinse during and after job is completed. Once again, I respect the hustle and admire what he’s doing at such a young age so keep it up Ole.

[@jsandy1994]

Erick, so for decks it just chemicals mainly and then spray it with a hose after the chemicals have done the work?

[@erickm7140]

@@jsandy1994 Hi Joshua, depends on the deck, wood decks are treated very differently than trex decks. Also, depending on the generation of trex, you may have to find out what brand and chemicals you can and cannot put on a deck as some may void the warranty. Trex is much easier to softwash and may need a light scrubbing. Wood decks need to be treated with sodium metasillicate (if pre-stained) or sodium percarbonate then rinsed off, and followed up with oxalic acid (wood brightener) and then rinsed off. Charge accordingly as wood is more labor intensive.

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

My gf pressure wash my deck with her mouth xd

[@user-km5kj8xh1x]

What kind of profits / spending should I expect? His kid spends 2 k and earns 4k so he's only clearing 2k. I'm not impressed

[@aurafangz3635]

I was just about to comment on that.

[@zensational.]

I appreciate how much the interviewer legitimately respects and admires, a 16 yr old. Its refreshing to see someone not talk down to younger people, instead of being egotistical and "holier-than-thou" mentality people get with being older. I think those people are just deeply insecure to see someone younger working hard and succeeding.

[@UpFlip]

We should all lift our younger generation. Inspire them to reach higher than we ever did! 👊

[@zensational.]

@UpFlip yeup definitely! Genuine mutual respect, goes a long way. 🙏

[@GrowWithWill]

Earning $4,500 a month as a 16-year-old is crazy! Also, listen to Ole folks, grind it out but stay in school! Thanks for this video, UpFlip!

[@UpFlip]

No problem Grow with Will. Thank you for the feedback. 😀It can be very beneficial to listen to elders. This young man has a bright future ahead. What type of content would you like to see more of on the channel?

[@julieanders763]

School doesn't teach things you will actually do in life

[@lGameChangers]

@@julieanders763 facts

[@jd2161]

why? Itll take years for him to make 4.5k a month after school not to mention the debt. Thats old school thinking. If hes making 4.5k at 16, he will probably be making over 10k a month by 30. How many jobs pay that just because you have a degree? BS thinking. School is a trap when youtube is free

[@edbohemier9785]

@@UpFlip how about some artistic creative types of businesses- sculpture ,fountains ( that’s a big biz) rare plants , koi ponds - wood working ,carving -all by younger people starting out , nice channel

[@MilaRoseCo]

I love that he started his own business because of watching this channel 🙌

[@UpFlip]

Our favor part...

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

I bet you have an onlyfans thats the only thing girls can think of by starting a business xd

[@garyosborn3168]

I'm digging this channel. Reminds me of my business. I started with 500$ and closed my 1st year last year at 270k gross. We are a mobile fleet maintenance company. I wished I would have known how simple it was 10 years ago when I was 21-22. Anyone on the fence needs to make the jump. You won't regret it

[@benlifanov2198]

Is that really true bro like no bullshit can you actually make up to 200k a year I’ve seen so many mixed videos some people say no gurus make it out to be like there getting 1k a day but in reality it’s not like that could you please shed some light for me bro

[@Greenhelix5]

What exactly is a mobile maintenance fleet?? And what kind of stuff do you maintain?

[@shiftn2gear]

Following 😊

[@anacfonseca8292]

awe I love his spirit.. I'm definitely sharing this with my boys !! way to go !!! Congratulations!

[@curiouslyt2123]

My fist month legally. Get used to the terms, off the books and on the books. Hell feel a lot less shy when talking about how well he’s done before he took his business legally and all on the books. 😊

[@strauss7151]

Glad to know that this channel is inspiring people to start their own businesses. This young man has a very bright future awaiting him.

[@UpFlip]

We love that our videos are an inspiration to others as well Strauss. 😀👍 It's great to work with business owners from all over and hear their different stories. This young man was amazing and so motivated. Please let us know what other types of content you'd like to see on the channel?!

[@strauss7151]

@@UpFlip Just keep showing a wide variety of non sexy businesses that are often ignored by the startup, software-focused media.

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

@@strauss7151 shut up your dad sells avon

[@d.c.williams787]

It's always nice when your parents support your dreams... I didn't have that when I started. I had to prove them wrong, now they back me up. Great video

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

Nobody cares and i didnt ask.

[@d.c.williams787]

@@keyboardwarrior1233 Damn.. your life sucks that bad huh 😅

[@crowbrocaw]

This was a through and well executed interview thank you for going so in depth and being transparent

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for the kind words ;)

[@timbohouston]

He asks a lot of good questions

[@alancongratssoonyoullhead5273]

Hi there, Thanks again for doing this, you inspired thousands of new people 👍🏼

[@reyesbiz101]

Keep "bending the rules" man! That's what makes us different and unique. Most people don't think like entrepreneurs. I'm not saying cut corners, I'm saying we will do what needs to be done to go after our dreams. Sometimes that means "bending the rules". It only seems like you're bending them to critics, you're just cracking the code to wealth is all and they wish they thought of it 💯

[@Everythinghighend_]

Good stuff glad to see success from young guys

[@UpFlip]

Yes, he's a true inspiration for younger generation and not only!

[@Pablomcdubbin]

I've been addicted to this channel lately, I've been watching every day. Id love to see a plumbing company one

[@UpFlip]

Its on our list ;) We'll be interviewing someone on podcast soon!

[@Pablomcdubbin]

@@UpFlip i will download castbox just to tune in and check out your other podcasts

[@garrettlittle185]

Just bought my first little pressure washer setup this week glad to see a kid my age succeed in this business gives me lot of hope and the video gave a good amount of tips to start.

[@UpFlip]

That's great to hear, Garrett Little! With the right direction, you will definitely go places. Please feel free to browse through our videos for more inspiration and value. Best of luck! :)

[@mikeevansgutierrezcasanas6234]

This is great and so many of us doing a pushing a business through started that way. Those numbers look alright but it could be way better for sure. Wish best of luck for this young entrepreneur.

[@Everythinggutter]

Another great video. Best part is how simple you keep it. Great inspiration for the younger generation👍

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate you tuning in! Thank you! ☺️

[@mileshirst593]

Good luck with your growth Ole!

[@oleburns374]

Thank you so much!

[@thewalkingmiracle8410]

Congratulations on starting your own business so young. Keep pushing forward on it. I started at 34.

[@shaydzforlyphe9693]

Love how the young man doing his thing.

[@cellinadavis3134]

I love seeing the youth prospering and flourishing. Congratulations!

[@actuallyrealcover]

This kid is killing it. He's got a lot of success.

[@berndtslawncare4906]

Love the video and your content

[@thursday4267]

Awesome video. Keep at it Ole! Also the sponsored ad for Keeps for pretty funny.

[@ericmcpherson1478]

Great video! Great to see young kid making his way in business! Outlandish purchase - probably nothing, I usually don't splurge on something like that.

[@anthonyhodapp3804]

Great job 👏 young man

[@noahgarcia3545]

Good interview and good luck on ur biz young man!

[@UpFlip]

This is very nice of you Noah. Thank you. 😀💓We think he will go far. What type of businesses would you like to see featured on the channel in future videos?

[@noahgarcia3545]

@@UpFlip you’ve already touched on a few businesses that I loved. A window cleaning biz would be good.

[@NickVetter]

This guy is grinding! I would say focusing in setting up the right systems to bring in customer and repeat business now will pay off a ton once he get out of school so he is ready to grow his team. Especially getting those reviews flowing in!

[@oleburns374]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback very much.

[@calebandrew7661]

Exactly. Scaling is key. Got to build systems for more clients. Do you run your own business?

[@TheContentExchange]

@@oleburns374 Get some content going Ole! You are a badass.

[@rdpowerwashing]

Facts!

[@edbohemier9785]

@@oleburns374 your the man Ole , so proud of your success ( I’ve only worked for myself my whole life ) covid and BLM riots destroyed my biz now I’m looking for another to start , thanks for the inspiration- wondering how is it going now for you ? You can go as far as you want in this life all you need is to want to , best of luck -

[@conradsteinweg8578]

Smart young man. You are doing great.

[@attilah]

Great video as usual, great to see a Washingtonian teen's business ;-) All the best you'll make it! My outlandish purchase would be a CNC to compliment my woodworking hobby, and I know upfront I'd not have that much time to spend with it as I'd like...

[@zen7112]

starting a pressure washing business but I'm on hold atm. Connections are a pain in the ass, I've had to spend a small fortune getting all the right connectors for my pressure washer, extended hose, and 18" surface cleaner. Not to mention quick connectors on the equipment and a shut of valve. Make shore you think about your connectors and test your setup all connects up before going on a job.

[@scratchinjack608]

It is almost as if he ought to get his GED and jump in full-time. I will say 4500 per month is a start (and just making it) in the upper north-west.

[@Hfh415]

He will be financially good by the time he is 25👍🥇

[@UpFlip]

He sure will be!

[@oleburns374]

That’s the plan!

[@projectb3117]

@@oleburns374 Do you use warm water?

[@edbohemier9785]

@@oleburns374 my biggest question is do you get any “ push back “ on using the clients water ? Adding to their water bill ? Hope you see this

[@LonestarCivilian]

this kid is going to do big things !!

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

Hes a big mf

[@andysilva3603]

He seems so mature at 16. I was the opposite 😂😂

[@sal8372]

Great vid. Go kid!

[@Kreonkreon]

Just bought my first pressure washer and surface cleaner this week hoping to start this coming week

[@UpFlip]

That's great! Best of luck! 👊

[@dictionplacement5467]

once seeing the house and all.. please. I mean sure quit school and get experience. but think this guys set for life already

[@jamesweldon8118]

Kid is gonna be a winner

[@UpFlip]

Definitely!

[@oleburns374]

Thank you!

[@ElevationToTheMoon]

The latest outlandish purchase I've made is a 24k piece puzzle. It's something I have never bought before but it was worth it because I'm really enjoying it. I also love books, so that would help me a lot

[@WeirdyBeardy]

Huh

[@josephderosa5402]

It's great to see young men and women who have the drive to get out and start their own business no matter what kind it is

[@UpFlip]

100% We love it! Do you have any business ideas you'd like to start?

[@invincibearofficial]

My outlandish purchase: recently got a new job and ordered 5 cases of spruce tree flavored soda as a reward. It tastes exactly how a Christmas tree smells.

[@oleburns374]

I love that.

[@iybAnonymous-_-567]

Yessss new vid

[@Earlydoors272]

Alright now this one I can believe. Gotta love a Swede named Ole! Great kid!! Wish him the best!

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Hope you watch our other content and find value in them. Any business you want to see next? ☺️

[@Earlydoors272]

@@UpFlip how about someone who started making t shirts and stickers etc in their house and now have their own shop? Or something like that

[@jkgv1740]

Great personality.

[@jesseestrada321]

Another awesome business breakdown. Nice work. Who does your thumbnails? They look great.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for the kind words, we have in house designer!

[@junea6617]

Gotta love the kid salute to him

[@UpFlip]

Ole is awesome! Thanks for showing love, June. 😊

[@mileshirst593]

Upflip can you do a follow up with Stephen Rogers @ NW Softwash. That interview was awesome!

[@UpFlip]

Yes, we're planning to do that soon!

[@iybAnonymous-_-567]

Waiting for another vid Sunday

[@UpFlip]

Its every Monday :)

[@t.allennailconcepts]

My 12 yr old and I learned how to pressure wash around our house during the shut down. We both enjoyed it. I thought about the 2 of us doing a side hustle but thought it might be odd for a woman. I have a successful business that keeps me inside, I'd love to work outside a few days a week!

[@isoxhesy]

It's not odd that ur a woman wanting to power Wash 😂, just go for it!

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

Successful business thar keep you inside ? Lmaoo let me guess you have an onlyfans..thats the only thing girls do these days 😆

[@t.allennailconcepts]

@Keyboard Warrior 🤣 Um, no. I have had a salon for 25 years. If I had an onlyfans, I'd have to pay them to watch.

[@bensayers6904]

Go for it. Prove a women can do it a be successful at it. 👍

[@christianperezjr6792]

I need some of that keeps! lol

[@bear9107]

Where did the second cleaning business episode go? It just disappeared

[@notbertitropoja3887]

Can you interview electric installations I’m going into that line of work next month

[@brianhleigh]

Have you interviewed seasonal pressure washing start ups?

[@gripitsleekllc5373]

Great book 📚 stay Sleeked. I’m starting with a Ryobi 1600 PSI and an electric generator…cleaning boats 🛥

[@keboi1553]

How are you cleaning anything with 1600 psi

[@gripitsleekllc5373]

@@keboi1553 I haven’t started yet. I’m new to this Keboi. I’ve been watching vids for a month n a half. They say for small boat that’s the perfect pressure. I definitely would not do concrete with that lil baby thing. Lol the Ryobi

[@MrMlbfan6]

You can see it he’s probably still shy but he’s gonna he great .

[@UpFlip]

His future does look bright ;)

[@nateg4236]

Hopefully he continues to learn proper techniques. Because how he turbo nozzles wood and uses a surface scrubber shows its only a matter of time before something is damaged. Pressure is for concrete.

[@edbohemier9785]

Great show , great business and a really nice guy . This man will go far in life and deserves every bit of success he earns , about the FOMO ; in a couple of short successful years he will have his own beach house to entertain the babes in , missing a few beach days now will definitely pay off In the future -WTGB

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! ☺️

[@customersupport9055]

Hey love the content but could you guys venture into other material and businesses other than cleaning and power washing? How about insurance, hospitality, service, arbitrage? Etc etc

[@bensonkachingwe6475]

What equipments do I need to start my own business? Please help Been watching these videos, and I admire how you explain in detail

[@waltermh111]

lol, what business specifically? And this is a motivational channel. Channels that have guides are "All about pressure washing" from the company "All American pressure washing" so you can search by that also. and another good one from a smaller operation but very thurough channel, "Forever self employed" SB Mowing seems to do good landscaping videos if you want that. Doesnt really take much equipment either, start small. Pressure washer, hoses long enough to connect to a persons house water line, chemicals needed (guides will tell you what and what ratio), and thats mostly it. Any extras will just help you do the job better faster. But many people start with the basics and start with basic work.

[@daniea.akinpelu632]

Bodie is going some were great good job homie..........

[@wimikk.]

love how he is driving a acura

[@hoose6391]

Real advantage with support

[@73powerstroke56]

What's inside the black bucket with yellow lid that he uses to soft wash with?

[@philippegarceau]

He is very tall very generous hard worker not a complainer super patient.

[@UpFlip]

That's true ☺️

[@suzaygrenis6044]

I LOVE UPFLIP! Hi this is Suzay and I asked to see more young entrepreneurs building amazing businesses and seeing them grow as confident professionals and more adult than some adults! I like this young'in! Keep showing us more please, UpFlip, thank you so much! I LOVE UPFLIP! Suzay

[@IYNFYL]

I work a full time 40-50 hour/week job and would love to start my own buisness doing something. Just wouldn’t know how with working so much and trying to balance my own

[@MrShark-nh9iz]

Please 🙏 talk small-scale fisheries

[@cordric]

Nice!

[@girvino5524]

Outlandish purchase - Gave up my big city life and bought an old 25 acre farm that needs restoration. Still working on restoring it..

[@bdb7185]

I got to point out he said you mean legally 🤣🤣🤣🤣 instant flip to the next clip

[@top10lifestyles28]

Can you use a 4gpm pressure washer with a 3gpm surface cleaner?

[@paulkevinjackson6158]

Awesome

[@steelpressure]

12:30 BRUH....I was weak

[@bryantreddy3288]

12:26 😂😂😂 what😂😂 that was so left field

[@UpFlip]

Hope you enjoyed it! 😂

[@bryantreddy3288]

@@UpFlip I really did my man . Thanks for the laughs

[@seattleprowash5464]

Nice 👍

[@oleburns374]

Ole from Burns ProWash here. If anyone has any advice for a young entrepreneur like me please leave a comment!

[@jbsix]

Your doing great bro 🐐

[@growyourservicebusiness]

Ole you got Facebook or Instagram? I’m 16 also, started a window cleaning business last year making pretty good money. Hoping to add pressure washing and soft washing very soon.

[@blainenshaidvids4672]

Two questions, what is soft washing and how do you use google earth for quotes??

[@swedishfish6505]

Legally? Or.... Love it.

[@thevizualassassin7744]

I would really love to give this business a shot. However, I have nowhere to store all that equipment :(

[@edbohemier9785]

There’s plenty of self storage places or biz zoned areas that will rent you a spot ,you gotta want it .

[@openaircleaning9598]

Turbo on wood is a no no. It splinters the wood. Fan nozzle and go with the grain of the wood.

[@eddieyang1373]

I was thinking about doing this to

[@UpFlip]

We believe in you Eddie. 😀💪👍Have you started a business plan?

[@eddieyang1373]

@@UpFlip thanks! Not yet just doing research and planning and watching lots of youtubers vlogs

[@oleburns374]

Do it!

[@rushinrussian11]

First month legally or....? Great editing haha

[@UpFlip]

HAHA glad you liked it!

[@carpetrecoverynw]

What kind of tip is on that gun in the beginning?

[@THEWATERBOYHOUSEWASHING]

Please don't take the comment negative we all started at this point but I as well As others can give you tips to be successful and be fast. There's all kinds of products you can use on decks and other surfaces. Safe the surface cleaner for concrete throw the turbo in the trash and add a jrod and down stream injector like I said if you have any questions man I'm more then happy to point you in the right direction and can put you in contact with other crews I have helped as well. Keep driving though and be successful.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for sharing your tips! ☺️

[@lathenfrank-mm4ie]

I could not stop laughing when he said legally

[@toffleur18]

Seen this video pop up in my feed multiple times but the kid makes a different amount of money every time

[@UpFlip]

Lol are you sure about that? 😅 Thanks for watching anyway!

[@jorgejuarez908]

Where i can get training? For this job? Iam un Virginia

[@jesusnieto6911]

If I had a son I would be proud to give any amount of money if he's using it for this

[@jordan-pk1nf]

Can you please Interview someone who started a tech startup

[@UpFlip]

Yes, we'll be interviewing someone on podcast this month.

[@ericsoto5554]

I'd love to be interviewed by you for showing ppl that can make it in any part of Washington I live in central Washington and 8 months into buisness ive make 80k and id love to show other 25 year olds that it is possible

[@UpFlip]

Awesome, please email [e-mail].

[@edbohemier9785]

What biz ? Pressure washing ?

[@AirBorn33]

N California it's seems you need a class D38 license for pressure washing to have a full business's so you can change more than $500. And it requires four years of experience to be able to take the test

[@UpFlip]

Is that right, PoHuaiOP? Thanks for letting the community know! Are you also in the pressure washing industry?

[@boomdestroyerneisi4693]

Does anyone know the machine that he runs

[@jonathanmorales1645]

Good luck in cali. You need a contractors license plus a powerblasting license to do this job legally.

[@JohnCena-zp5nx]

No you don’t just a regular business license and reclaim pump to not get the waste water in the sewer and your good to go

[@pablog4852]

you need a contractors license for just about everything. Freakin sucks to start a business here sometimes

[@thebullyexpress6996]

What kind of nozzle is the one you are using on the deck ?

[@LAbaseball100]

it's called a turbo nozzle

[@AlexanderTrotter16]

“Legally?” 😂

[@AirBorn33]

What license besides a business license do you need to have a pressure washing business? Thank You.

[@UpFlip]

That would depend on which state you live in, PoHuaiOP. If you're planning to operate one, please consult with local business lawyers so they can walk you through the requirements and processes. Best of luck! :)

[@izakc.3424]

How was he able to get a contractors license so easy ? Her in my state of California the requirements for any contractors license requires you to have 4 years of experience minimum, which is a limiter for young individuals here who want to start there own business legally including myself I’m a college student and I don’t have time to work for someone for 4 years for each field I want a license In

[@TzUuup]

I got a loan from my mom and payed it back. Best bank ever. Ain't that the truth