How This Entrepreneur Turned Trash Collection Into $23K Monthly Revenue
Who is Osvaldo Rocha?
Osvaldo Rocha, founder of Trash and Go, LLC, hails from a background in public accounting and culinary arts, and launched his entrepreneurial journey inspired by the need for an innovative approach to valet trash services in apartment complexes. He grew up in a humble environment and currently balances his full-time accounting role with managing his company, which he established after identifying inefficiencies in traditional trash collection services.
What problem does Trash and Go, LLC solve?
Trash and Go, LLC solves the inconvenience and hassle of residents disposing of their trash by offering a reliable and personalized door-to-door valet trash collection, ensuring cleanliness and enhanced property value for apartment complexes.
How did Osvaldo come up with the idea for Trash and Go, LLC?
Osvaldo got the idea for Trash and Go, LLC when he moved to an upscale apartment complex that offered valet trash services, a concept he found intriguing and new. His initial stint working part-time for a large valet trash company exposed him to inefficiencies and inspired him to think about how he would run the business differently. He began researching and calculating the costs, realizing the significant profit margin between what he was paid and what the company charged.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic left Osvaldo and his wife working from home with little physical activity, reigniting his interest in the valet trash industry. He spent time continuously thinking about how he could improve the service. In May 2020, leveraging his accounting background, he decided to invest a small amount of money to establish his own LLC, Trash and Go. Initially, he faced numerous rejections, which were discouraging, but he learned the importance of perseverance and seizing unexpected opportunities.
Osvaldo's journey underscores the value of persistence, learning from industry flaws, and the willingness to start small but dream big. Each obstacle taught him resilience and adaptability, crucial traits for any aspiring entrepreneur.
How did Osvaldo build the initial version of Trash and Go, LLC?
Osvaldo Rocha built the initial product for Trash and Go, LLC, by leveraging available tools and minimizing upfront costs. In just one hour, he created a logo, designed a website, and ordered business cards to lay the foundation for his business. Early on, Osvaldo used a basic tech stack involving simple flyers for marketing and standard office software for business setup, and spent approximately $600 to get started with essential items like trash bins and carts. Despite numerous rejections, he persisted, eventually landing his first contract after nearly a year of effort. The development phase was challenging, requiring innovation and personal sacrifice as he juggled his accounting job while manually performing trash collections and continuously refining the service based on customer feedback.
What were the initial startup costs for Trash and Go, LLC?
- LLC Formation: Osvaldo spent $300 to set up the LLC.
- Marketing Setup: He spent $250 to get the logo and other marketing materials.
- Trash Bins and Carts: An additional $3,000 was spent on trash bins and the trash cart for the property.
How did Osvaldo launch Trash and Go, LLC and get initial traction?
Word of Mouth and Personal Networking
Osvaldo Rocha kickstarted Trash and Go, LLC by leveraging his personal network and existing contacts. A significant turning point came when a regional manager, whom Osvaldo had encountered the previous year, reached out to see if he was still providing services. Osvaldo seized the opportunity, hastily creating a logo, a website, and business cards—all within an hour. By delivering a competitive bid and offering services at a low price, he managed to secure his first contract.
Why it worked: Personal connections can significantly impact initial business traction. A prior meeting with a key decision-maker and Osvaldo’s prompt and professional response helped secure the first deal quickly.
Metrics:
- First contract obtained after approximately 100 rejections.
- Managed to keep initial costs low, investing roughly $300 in setting up the LLC.
Persisting Through Rejections
Despite facing around 100 rejections, Osvaldo didn’t give up. He initially prepared a flyer and visited various properties to pitch his services. After numerous attempts, his patience paid off when he landed the first contract almost a year later due to the spontaneous follow-up by a regional manager.
Why it worked: Persistence is critical when establishing a new business. Despite initial discouragement, continuing to push forward helps founders be in the right place at the right time.
Metrics:
- Took nearly a year to land the first contract.
- Personal outreach and distributing flyers resulted in building initial awareness, paving the way for future opportunities.
Family Involvement and Sacrifices
Osvaldo incorporated his family to handle operational challenges, especially with timing conflicts. His mother helped with servicing one property while he managed another. This allowed him to meet the demands of both his accounting job and his budding business, despite challenging working hours.
Why it worked: Involving family provided trustworthy and low-cost labor, crucial for maintaining high-profit margins and ensuring service quality in the early stages.
Metrics:
- Increased the number of serviced properties from 1 to 6 within a few months.
- Sacrificed personal time and convenience to maintain operational consistency and reliability.
Low-Cost Marketing
Osvaldo did not spend money on traditional marketing. Instead, he relied on word of mouth from satisfied clients to expand his customer base. This organic growth was further supported by the company’s strong service delivery and innovative offerings, like notification services for residents.
Why it worked: Word of mouth is a powerful method of building trust and credibility, especially in service-oriented businesses. It also offers a cost-free way of reaching new clients.
Metrics:
- Achieved a 90% profit margin due to reduced marketing and labor costs.
- Grew to servicing up to 9 contracts in the first couple of years.
By focusing on personal networking, persistence, family involvement, and low-cost marketing strategies, Trash and Go, LLC managed to grow steadily, proving that grassroots efforts can lead to substantial early success.
What was the growth strategy for Trash and Go, LLC and how did they scale?
Word of Mouth
Trash and Go, LLC grew substantially through word-of-mouth. This growth channel didn’t require any direct financial investment in marketing. The strategy revolved around delivering excellent service consistently, which prompted apartment property managers to recommend them to peers. The company's dedication to being meticulous (like doing multiple rounds to pick all trash and dealing with loose trash bags) built a reputation that organically attracted new clients.
Why it worked: Word-of-mouth is powerful because it leverages the trust people already have in their peers. By ensuring exceptional service and precise attention to detail, Trash and Go differentiated itself from larger competitors. The personalized touch and reliability turned their customers into advocates, naturally spreading the word about their services.
Social Media
Trash and Go leveraged social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to build their brand visibility and engage with the community. Though their social media efforts were quite minimal and didn't involve significant expenditure, it supported their word-of-mouth strategy by establishing a digital presence. Check their Instagram profile: [Instagram Link].
Why it worked: Social media provided an additional layer of visibility and credibility. With posts showcasing their operations and behind-the-scenes looks, they engaged their audience and reinforced their brand values. This helped existing customers feel connected and reinforced trust, while potentially reaching new customers through their online engagement.
Networking
Networking with property managers played a critical role in the company's growth. Osvaldo Rocha, the founder, used his initial flyer to pitch the service directly to apartment managers. The direct and personal approach helped land their first few contracts, which were crucial for the initial growth phase of the business.
Why it worked: Direct networking allowed Trash and Go to make a personal impression on potential clients. By meeting face-to-face and showcasing their dedication, Osvaldo could more effectively communicate the unique value his company offered. This personal connection often translated into trust, leading to more property management the contracts and repeat business.
Consistency and Attention to Detail
One of the most significant differentiators for Trash and Go was their consistent service and meticulous attention to detail. The company went above and beyond by dealing with loose bags, picking up ripped bags, and ensuring the property was always left clean. This exceptional focus helped them retain clients and secure recurring contracts.
Why it worked: Consistency and attention to detail created a superior customer experience, which is central to customer retention and satisfaction. By exceeding standard expectations, Trash and Go not only kept their existing customers happy but also made a compelling case to new clients looking for reliable valet trash services. Their actions spoke louder than any ad could, proving the efficacy of their services day-in and day-out.
What's the pricing strategy for Trash and Go, LLC?
Trash and Go, LLC charges $9 to $14.50 per door for their valet trash collection service, without additional marketing costs.
What were the biggest lessons learned from building Trash and Go, LLC?
- Adapt Quickly: Osvaldo had to juggle multiple commitments, including taking meetings behind dumpsters and changing clothes in the car. Being adaptable helped him fulfill contracts despite time constraints.
- Persevere Through Rejection: Osvaldo faced over 100 rejections before landing his first contract. Persistence and resilience are crucial, as success often comes after numerous setbacks.
- Leverage Family Support: By enlisting the help of his family, Osvaldo managed to keep labor costs low and maintain high profit margins, underscoring the value of a strong support system.
- Focus on Quality and Communication: Differentiating his service through excellent communication and a notification system helped Trash and Go stand out. Listening to customer needs and ensuring reliability can set you apart in a competitive market.
- Maintain Financial Discipline: Osvaldo kept expenses low by managing costs, such as insurance and equipment, wisely. Understanding and controlling expenses is vital for maintaining high profit margins.
Discover Similar Business Ideas Like Trash and Go, LLC
This case study follows Brian Winch, who started Cleanlots in 1981 as a side hustle for $250 startup capital and now generates over $500,000 yearly revenue cleaning 150 cities' commercial properties, sharing his experience through his book Cleanlots – America’s Simplest Business (https://cleanlots.com/).
More about Trash and Go, LLC:
Who is the owner of Trash and Go, LLC?
Osvaldo Rocha is the founder of Trash and Go, LLC.
When did Osvaldo Rocha start Trash and Go, LLC?
2020
What is Osvaldo Rocha's net worth?
Osvaldo Rocha's business makes an average of $23K/month.
How much money has Osvaldo Rocha made from Trash and Go, LLC?
Osvaldo Rocha started the business in 2020, and currently makes an average of $276K/year.
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