Brandon Carnicle is the CEO of AZ Power Wash Pros, a local business providing pressure-washing services in Phoenix. “We love helping our community keep their properties looking their best. We offer a range of exterior cleaning and maintenance services for commercial and residential properties that cover everything from pressure washing and window cleaning to parking lot sweeping and line striping.” Learn about Brandon Carnicle…
Follow at: @azpowerwashpros
Hometown: Phoenix
First job: I was always an entrepreneur at heart. As a young child, I would make crafts and sell them door-to-door to my neighbors. I also started a service rolling out trash cans on trash day throughout the neighborhood. However, my first “real” job was quite a surprise. When I was 15, my parents ordered takeout from our local Chinese restaurant. To my surprise, my mom came home not just with dinner but with the news that I now had a job working the counter at the restaurant. I had no idea she had arranged this, but it was a great experience.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: I love spending time outdoors and exploring Arizona. One of my favorite activities is hiking. Arizona has countless trails leading to breathtaking destinations like Camelback Mountain, Superstition Mountain, and Sedona.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment is undoubtedly becoming a father to my two wonderful children and building a life and business with my best friend and wife, Tanya. Our daughter, now 13, and our 10-year-old son bring immense joy and purpose to my life. One of the reasons I consider this my greatest accomplishment is the balance we’ve managed to strike between our personal and professional lives. It’s no small feat to nurture a family while also growing a business, and I’m proud of the teamwork and dedication Tanya and I have shown. Our partnership has been the cornerstone of our success. We complement each other’s strengths, support each other through challenges, and celebrate each milestone together, whether it’s a personal achievement or a business victory.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I overcame was bootstrapping my business from scratch, starting with no knowledge of how to run a company. When I first embarked on this journey, I had a vision and a passion for providing high-quality exterior cleaning service, but I quickly realized that passion alone wasn’t enough. I had to learn how to turn my vision into a successful business. In the beginning, I faced numerous challenges. I had to figure out everything from business planning and financial management to marketing and customer service. It was overwhelming, and I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Each mistake felt like a setback, but I learned to view them as valuable lessons.
Someone who inspires you and why: One person who has always inspired me is Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. I deeply admire and strive to emulate his wisdom, resilience, and leadership in my life and business.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: My advice to someone pursuing a career in the exterior cleaning industry, especially if you’re thinking about starting your own business, is rooted in the lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Embrace Continuous Learning: When I started my business, I did not know how to run a company. I made plenty of mistakes, but each one was a valuable lesson. Read books, attend workshops, seek advice from mentors, and never stop learning.
- Be Resilient and Adaptable: Building a business from the ground up is tough, and you’ll face many obstacles. Resilience and adaptability are key. Remember, each challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve.
- Value Teamwork: You can’t do everything on your own. Building a strong, dedicated team is essential for success.
- Stay Passionate and Dedicated: Passion is what drives you, and dedication is what keeps you going.
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Running a business can be all-consuming, but it’s important to balance your work with your personal life. Spending time outdoors and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Arizona with my family helps me recharge and stay grounded. Ensure you make time for yourself and your loved ones to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Your business exists to serve your customers, so always prioritize their satisfaction. Provide high-quality products and exceptional customer service, and build strong relationships with your clients. Happy customers are your best advocates.
Favorite quote: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”—John Muir
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: People might be surprised to know that I hate public speaking. Even though I hold training events in the industry throughout the year and have done many public interviews, I still get extremely anxious whenever I speak in front of a crowd. I’ve had to confront it regularly because of my role, but the nerves never quite go away. I’ve learned to manage the anxiety and push through it, but I always look forward to the moment it’s over. It’s a surprising aspect of my personality, especially considering how often I must present and speak publicly in my work.
What makes someone fabulous: I believe what makes someone truly fabulous is a combination of passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. It’s about making a meaningful contribution and inspiring others through actions and values.