I Was Beat to the Perfect Side Hustle | While I Focused On My Business

Have you ever had a brilliant idea, or wanted to bring something to market in your area? Then someone else goes ahead and brings it to life before you do? It can be a mix of emotions, right? But hey, kudos to anyone for taking the initiative and making it happen. That's something to be excited about, especially if you are friends with the guy making it happen!
It can be exciting to see your friend's business or side hustle thrive. In this case, the idea has some serious upward potential! Especially if it is properly marketed - it's all about how you advertise and who you target.
Even though a friend may beat you to the punch with a great business idea or side hustle, it doesn't mean you can't explore other unique business ideas that you're passionate about. The world is full of opportunities, and who knows, maybe your next big idea is just around the corner.
In my case, I was actively building my own business and doubling down on what is already working in my dumpster and storage business - Instead of trying something new, like a mobile trash can washing business.
But like you saw in this video, we still are developing storage around the shop, and finally got an awesome concrete pad to start building our storage units on! It's all about growing the Rolling Operations brand and service offerings! It's even better if those services cross over!
Even better, Trevor is building this as a side hustle to start, and because it's a subscription service, it can slowly grow into a full-time business - great for him and the customer!
So, keep supporting your friends, stay positive, and keep that entrepreneurial spirit alive. Your time will come! Maybe your community could use a Mobile Trash Can Washing Business?

[@trymerckremodelingrepair4554]

Hope his trash can cleaning business goes well. I have seen mixed reviews on whether it can be made profitable. I think you should invest and bring his company underneath your companies umbrella. Even if you kept it a friendly agreement rather than an official business transaction. I think you could both prosper.

[@rollingops]

Yes, I have seen it fail in other areas as well. I definitely think it needs to be advertised properly, and ran like a tight ship to maximize roi. But I fully intend on promoting Trevor's business however I can, even if that just means sub advertising. But there is enough overlap that it may be beneficial for us to "team up" in a way! I'm always up for opportunities!

[@MikeD1199]

I stumbled on the existence of trash can cleaning as a business about 4 months ago . I was buying a used dump bed from marketplace . The bed was located at a small scale aluminum bed and trailer fab shop . The owner had 2 brand new F550s he was custom building trash can washing bodies on . Apparently his customer was doing quite well in this business , operating the trucks in the Youngstown , Ohio area .

[@cubedmack]

I was wondering if you could use a flatbed truck instead of a trailer.

[@MikeD1199]

@cubedmack the trucks I saw being built, were A purpose built flat bed body . No reason it wouldn't work on a flat bed truck .

[@rollingops]

Yea, I've also seen some purpose built flat beds, I believe I saw someone with a hay bail bed conversion once as well!

[@ToddyRackz]

I do concrete for a living, those guys did good quality work thru and thru. You got one of the good ones

[@rollingops]

Seems to be! Otherwise, this comment section would be roasting them like some of the other videos you see online!

[@lonestarcollectiblezcom2602]

Hey Clayton, another side hustle that might make sense for equipment rental would be adding some scissor lifts to your fleet, easily park them inside your building and add to your list of growing services! Enjoyed the video, thanks and keep hustling! Brian

[@rollingops]

They are definitely on my list. Selfishly for my own use as well lol

[@FlatThunder]

Nice progress on the storage facility! 👍😁 Dad always like to have a an extra space formed up in advance for any extra concrete runoff; sidewalk extensions, small pads, etc

[@rollingops]

Right! Thanks for watching 👀

[@lw305]

Did this in Florida for awhile. For sure the best route to go is building your own trailer. Smallest one built for you is roughly $65,000. If he adds a suction he could do commercial work for dumpsters at $100 - $150 a pop or the compactors up to $500 each. Tight routes are the only way to turn a profit in the business. Some do same day service that the garbage collection is which leads to delays. Best way to go is day after service. You can get done a lot quicker and have tighter routes. Another possibility is going to the garbage collectors themselves and cleaning bins at their storage area before they get sent to new clients.

[@rollingops]

Oh I like that last tid bit of a tip! But I agree, tight routes will definitely be key to success

[@ontariodrone379]

Love the content as always. Excited to see your building go up. You should have Trev be sure he goes around to commercial businesses as well offering to power wash their dumpster pads as well. Get any of that moolah he can get from that rig!

[@rollingops]

That's a great idea, because those pads can get really nasty!!

[@bobbg9041]

Bottom feed the waste tank with a shut off at the tank add a t drain in the center and a one way valve and y so you can pump into the waste water tank stop the backflo, empty the drain line shut the tank off and have a drain hose to drain it into a clean out outside a business or home with a pump. My house has a clean out outside to snake my sewage line without doing it from my basement I could easily take the cap off stuff the drain hose in it and flush out my sewage line.. really handy if your houses sewage line backs up or gets clogged, no reason to track a sewage machine into your house. Question is pricing the service i think 45 to 50 bucks a house is fair once a year or when called do 1-4 cans and 10 bucks each extra and rig a system to do other trash cans from inside the house with the same machine. You can put all the trash bags into a trash can at home but they always get filthy stuff gets past the bag. A little extra to sanitize and remove the smell. I'm looking at this as a retired person thinking this is a nifty way for an old guy to make a fair living. Very little physical work. Deffently a needed service.

[@kylegrimm]

I always loved this idea. I definitely kicked it around about a year ago. Excited to see how it goes! Also.. excited to watch the progress of the storage facility build.

[@rollingops]

I'm stoked for both as well, will enjoy seeing his progress, but def nervous for this storage build

[@donjohnsonlivesgood]

I'd mount this setup on a box truck with two (2) bins that could work in tandem since many people own two trash bins. Doing them individually is too time consuming at one address, whereas two of them can be done in the same time frame. As well, the "final" rinse would be done in a similar bin layout to contain that "waste" throwoff. It also has the panels of the box to meet your advertising/marketing needs. Make it look similar to a "trash truck" to pose that in the consumers mind that it is an ancillary part of their trash services. the filling of the tanks, as well as emptying, can be done by simply running the piping up into, and down and out of the box. It would also help to shield from colder climates by allowing insulation of the wet component machinery without becoming unsightly to the consumer. you could have a secondary entry point in the back of the box near the cab to allow for the operator to go inside the water containment areas if need be. Lot's to consider there, but doable nonetheless.

[@rollingops]

Great points! I'll pass them on to him! I've seen some pretty slick box truck setups as well!

[@jjremovalservices7418]

That business model has been started here in OK. They do 1 time, Monthly or Quarterly servicing. Side pieces towards the front to block the "unpleasant sight" of grey water would be good for advertisement banners, etc. I wish him the best of luck, it can work and take off. It's just all about advertising the service options

[@rollingops]

100% agree, thanks for letting us know someone else is making it work!

[@brianharrington1729]

Outstanding work by Trevor. I agree with the advertisement on the truck and maybe place some side walls with advertising on the trailer. Really cool.

[@rollingops]

I thought so as well!

[@kjstutzman7692]

That is really a great idea! Congratulations to Trevor for creating that prototype! (Get him to start a KZbin channel as well for his new adventure) A couple of ideas to share …. When I was in my Townhouse, the HOA forced us to use these garbage cans as well as square Recycle Bins! In my opinion those recycling bins got sticky dirty faster cause most recycle the drink cans. So might want to add that as a possible another job. The “”Gray Water” …. Would it be possible to filter the gray water and use for another cleaning round? Then dump gay water at end of day? This was great idea …. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@MAXCODumpsters]

Awesome watching things coming along! Excited to see how the storage lot works out for you guys.

[@rollingops]

Thanks man! It's always something!

[@johnstanzione4406]

Concrete looks good. How many yards total and how thick does the design call for? Don’t wait too long before cutting control joints. Concrete is guaranteed to do two things… get hard and crack. With the can cleaning machine I’d either get a pump sprayer for cleaning solution or set up another hose and wand with a foam canon. I’m surprised you haven’t bought a steam cleaner for yourself, I finally bit the bullet about a year ago and it’s been a great investment. It gets used everyday for my trucks and equipment, just easy and convenient and the steam paired with a foam wand my trucks always look great. Keep up the good work

[@rollingops]

Thanks for the tip! Joints were cut next day! It was deeper on the edge than in the center, but I believe it was roughly 30 yards? Thanks for the tip on the steamer, I could definitely make use of that!

[@mattdibble1950]

I’d recommend wrapping the water tanks with insulation and you could route your exhaust from your engine to release there gas under the tanks to add radiant heat to the water tanks

[@dariosidler387]

Wrap the water bins with an insulated tarp of some sort and put your business name on the tarp. Love the idea not gonna lie, good for you.

[@davidhildebrand3071]

Works great in west Texas!! So great that a trailer set up for 2 cans cost anywhere from 35 - 50k

[@rollingops]

That is awesome! I'm not sure what he has invested in it, but I believe significantly less because he assembled the trailer with components himself

[@BentIronBins]

Nice never seen that before i always find it a pain cleaning them so my wife usually does it 🤣 would just have to flush the water out of the pump pretty quick during winter it would freeze pretty quick. Good luck to your buddy.

[@rollingops]

Seems like the ladies will be the target audience for sure!

[@myservicearea]

I have been in the can cleaning business for 4yrs and you're buddy is being smart about his business. I say this because he built his trailer. I personally believe you should crawl before you walk with this business because it takes time to make it. Let me know if I can ever answer any questions.

[@rollingops]

I appreciate you letting me know! I'll pass it on to him as well!

[@Largepapa2]

It is very hard unless you are in a very big market and you are doing pressure washing and window cleaning at the same time.

[@rollingops]

Yea, def seems like they could overlap well to help

[@Spiff178]

Built my own rig..bizz takes time and patience!

[@rollingops]

Nice! Seems that way

[@scrapper1988]

Nice to see him doing the trash can business properly with the proper equipment and not just a pressure washer and pooring the water down the drain(which in uk is illegal) A good reoccurring business.

[@rollingops]

Yep! It's a slick setup

[@rollingops]

You're from the UK?

[@scrapper1988]

@@rollingops greetings from somerset uk 🇬🇧

[@rollingops]

@@scrapper1988 that's awesome!

[@shadowstorm1742]

During the winter when he can’t go out and clean trash cans he should use a trailer and go pick up the cans and bring them to a storage spot to clean and let them dry and drop off and then just up the price for those months or weeks

[@BEARSMIX]

I make decent money doing this as a side hustle here in Alaska during the summer months; this is a huge business is the UE

[@MIGHTYX2010]

Good content. Thanks for the video

[@rollingops]

Glad you liked it!

[@TimFant-cm9wc]

Mount the pump on top of ur waste tank , that way it clears the line every time

[@rollingops]

I'll let em know! Thanks!

[@matthewferguson2515]

I don’t really see this being in demand. Efficiency is going to be hard to do bc he will have to be time after the can is emptied and the customer puts the trash in it. Or he will be pulling bags out and putting them back in. The cx is not going to notice it is cleaned. It will be hard to get a route density down.

[@VanishDumpsterRental]

Seen these popping up around my area. Seems similar to weekly residential trash pickup. Without the dump fees, and initial purchase of buying the bins. my area charges $50 monthly for weekly trash pickup, gotta go out 4x a month, vs cleaning 1x a month for $30. Seems bin cleaning is the more profitable service and less work!

[@rollingops]

I had the same thought as well! Overhead should theoretically be less.

[@VanLoweLawnCare]

I tried to start this in my area. It didn't go well. I did give a free clean to one of my lawn customers who thought it was a good idea. But it just didn't pan out.

[@rollingops]

I'm sorry to hear that, it seems this business definitely does well in some areas better than others! Don't know until you try.

[@charlesamara3532]

Theres a company in Foxboro Mass doing pretty good with the can cleaner

[@rollingops]

Hoping the same for him!

[@doctorithelp]

I would add driveway washing to the services with the hose reel just need a plate cleaner

[@rollingops]

Yea, it's a mint all in one setup potentially

[@user-bt8un4sq8n]

He needs to get that water hose off the intake on his pressure pump when you are pulling off a buffer tank like he is that line needs to be 1.5 non collapsible suction line he will burn that pump up if he doesn’t

[@rollingops]

I'll share this with him!

[@hunterharrington6490]

Hope he kills it! I think if he markets it right and goes after HOA’s like he was saying he will do great! Really curious if he built this or had it built?

[@rollingops]

You can buy these pre built or assemble a setup yourself. I believe he got the hopper lift seperate but matched up his own motor, tank and heater setup that he mixed and matched.

[@hunterharrington6490]

@@rollingops looks like a great job of putting all this together. I’ve see this similar set up on the back of a truck where you could do two cans at a time. I feel like he will do great with this. Now you just need a trash service and work a deal for him to clean your cans for the customer a few times a year. Lol

[@bobbg9041]

14:53 the water should be over the axles, also i think you need to beef up the trailer hitch system looks kinda weak for what your doing.

[@TheLawnist]

Have at least 1 or 2 companies running a couple rigs that i just started seeing in my area earlier this year or last year.

[@rollingops]

Must be working alright if their still operating!

[@kerryshambach2220]

Need a solution for catching the waste water when washing the exterior of the can. You can use a portable hazmat catch basin and then dump it into tub of your machine. You know the inside may be nasty but it’s the outside of the can that the customer and the public will see.

[@daleplant5275]

Some models have a better hopper that allow you to use a power washer setup where all the water (steam) is captured.

[@danerasmussen6468]

People don’t dump trash on the outside of their can

[@joshedwards6205]

He should get a reusable fire extinguisher or other pressurized sprayer instead of the standard spray bottle.

[@rollingops]

Yea, him and I talked about that. A weed sprayer would go a long way.

[@FrankKriticos]

I’d imagine when he shows up to wash a can that there will be garage in the can. I guess he will have to empty the can and then put the trash back in when he’s finished?

[@rollingops]

The best bet is to do it in the afternoon after someone's garbage pickup, or the morning following. At least, that's what I've heard from others that do it

[@lifewithjmwe9113]

Hey I wanted to see how your friend is making out with that business. I’m sure right now it’s slow but as spring gets here and the heat picks up it should be busy. What does he charge per bin to wash and roughly a start up cost. I think there would be a need for this service in the area I live in. Thanks

[@ProXPowerWashing]

He should put tanks over the axles instead of the front of the trailer. Since those are the heaviest things when Full.

[@BobbyJackBland]

tanks full = 4000 pnds @ 250 gallons per tank i agree move the tanks!

[@rollingops]

Yea, but only one tank will ever be full. When the other one is half empty, it drains into the other....? Right? So at no point is either one really more than half full at the same time

[@eddiebailey6250]

Needs scented soap probably 10 more for the customer to choose from. Remember as guys trash cans are smelly its a trash can. Woman is your targed customers. If the scent could last for 3 or 4 weeks that would be great and incourage repeat business. Just my 2 cents. Also getting a contract with trash service would go a long ways.

[@rollingops]

Not a bad idea, let them shop the scent like their in a candle store.

[@BentIronBins]

I was actually just thinking further on this. Would it not be a better idea to invest in a bunch of containers so you could exchange for dirty ones and clean them in a warm shop then those would be exchanged for dirty the next day. Your not spending extra on hauling a heavy trailer around. Just a thought i have all kinds of useless thoughts floating around in my head 🫤

[@rollingops]

Kinda hard to do that way because there are 4-5 trash companies in the area, all of which provide them the can.

[@BentIronBins]

@@rollingops ah ok 👍

[@TitleistGolf13]

Couldnt he just find the correct ratio and bulk purchase rubbing alcohol and treat the water resevoir? The freezing temp with that is well into -50 deg mark then can operate at really any temp

[@rollingops]

I think that def is an option, I wonder if that would damage the machine or cans any? But I don't see why it would. I'll have to ask him.

[@yota87truck]

I want my garbage can cleaned but definitely not monthly. Seems excessive. I’d go for a bi-annual or maybe quarterly plan.

[@rollingops]

Understandable, definitely a preference thing

[@Evanxkenders]

is ur skid high flow? if so have you ever considered getting a mulcher for it?

[@rollingops]

It is! But there are only a few out there that have a mulcher small enough for this machine! I'm def looking for one, for this machine and even the mini!

[@icetimeconstruction382]

Actually they don't need more water less water the strong the concrete is

[@rollingops]

Probably right. I'm not sure what they were yelling at the truck driver, just heard water a couple times

[@djpmatchbox]

should filter the water and reuse it and have to refill the tank only to add water

[@rollingops]

Interesting idea to filter it. I'm sure that could be done easily!

[@bobbg9041]

Custom made 55gallon attachment for commercial food service customers

[@clarklitty7426]

Cool

[@rollingops]

It is!

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopsI feel little kid

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopsI am enjoying myself y’all

[@clarklitty7426]

I am really happy

[@dadams5040]

2 yards is smart

[@rollingops]

Yep! It helps!

[@Mack.of.all.trades]

Is there money in that? Looks like a 10-15k rig. How much can you charge per can? $15? 1000 cans to break even? Minus gas and taxes.

[@rollingops]

Definitely depends on your area. There are some very large multi truck operations around

[@AdamThomas2]

Did he build this or buy this setup pre made?

[@GabrielW2017]

re-use the same water? filter the bigger stuff, the color on the water dosnt really matter?

[@rollingops]

I'm not sure how that would work, but maybe?

[@contactjunior909]

Where did he get his setup?

[@rollingops]

I'm not sure exactly where he go the hopper from, but he pieced together a lot of it. By custom picking the parts of different setups he liked.

[@bobbg9041]

Make us a list of parts.

[@jeffpulkrabek6018]

Jealous is the wrong word brother. Jealousy is for parasites. Envious for about 5 minutes look him in the eye say well done and move on.

[@rollingops]

That's a better way to put it, I 100% agree

[@clarklitty7426]

Tell him that cool

[@rollingops]

Will do!

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopsput me closer

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopsI like this

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopscan you put me slide ways

[@clarklitty7426]

@@rollingopsI am pointing out that big gasoline motor

[@joshwilliams8765]

Put how much per can on some signage 😊

[@rollingops]

I like that

[@someinternetguy2755]

I looked at this business model awhile back but passed on the business model. In talking to the largest trash can cleaning company in the nation. It would require a 5 to 7 year commitment before the business could really become sustainable. It would require several thousand repeat customers to make any real money. For $8 to $10 per can its not worth the investment of time and money It just wasn't for me. With that being said I wish your buddy all the luck in world with his new venture.

[@rollingops]

Yep, it def has its place, and also seems to do better or make more sense in specific parts of the country!

[@squirrelatwork]

What would you charge per can ?

[@rollingops]

He hasn't posted pricing yet! But stay tuned!

[@user-yu6nn7qr5d]

Of course its clean its brand new good grief

[@rollingops]

Wish you had smellavision. Lol

[@user-yu6nn7qr5d]

@@rollingops of course another new word

[@randywilson6869]

How much is a yard

[@rollingops]

What do you mean, a yard of Concrete?

[@nobotious]

looks like he forgot to shut his battery enclosure! oops

[@rollingops]

Ope

[@user-yu6nn7qr5d]

Does anybody care how durty there in side of there garbage cans look like no way

[@rollingops]

There is a market for everything. Don't forget. Someone made millions off of the "pet rock". HOA neighborhoods eat this up. We never said it was for everyone. And there's many companies already doing this and doing very well.

[@user-yu6nn7qr5d]

@@rollingops not complaining of course it's shiny I think the viewers would like to see a garbage can like mine 18 years come out the same as a week old can that's all

[@rollingops]

@user-yu6nn7qr5d I do believe it's more of a "scent issue" for some then it is the actual. Look. But once he's running full force. I'm sure we can find a few customers like that and show an example or 2

[@user-yu6nn7qr5d]

@@rollingops hmm either you keep it in your house or to close to your driveway my can 18 years old ya it has an older but that's what normal people think of course a can stinks

[@daleplant5275]

Less so for regular garbage but where I live we have recycling for organic waste. This is huge in the UK and growing here in Canada and US.

[@jonzimmerman427]

His weight calculations are wrong and he will be overloaded when full of water. He needs a heavier trailer

[@rollingops]

I guess I'm not understanding. If 275gals of water in the front tank is roughly 2300 lbs. As he uses it, it will fill the second tank, and the first tank will be "loosing that weight" - I wouldn't imagine both of those tanks ever being full at the same time. So would he really need more than a 7,000lbs trailer?

[@121hearc]

meh wanna business idea fill swimming pools

[@rollingops]

Fireman side hustle

[@doctorithelp]

I would add driveway washing to the services with the hose reel just need a plate cleaner

[@rollingops]

It definitely could overlap!