Ep. 242 | Maximizing Profits with Minimal Effort: The Remote Cleaning Business Model with Johnny and Sergio

In the latest episode of the Etsy Seller Success Podcast, I sat down with Johnny Robinson and Sergio Silesky to discuss their entrepreneurial journey. What started as a modest window-cleaning business in Orange County turned into a seven-figure enterprise, followed by the creation of an education platform empowering others to start their own businesses. Let’s dive into their story and the lessons they shared.

The Spark: From Best Friends to Business Partners

Johnny and Sergio’s friendship began in seventh grade, where they bonded over shared experiences as the smallest kids in class. Years later, their entrepreneurial partnership was born out of a spontaneous idea to start a window-cleaning business. Armed with $150, a few supplies from Amazon, and a shared drive to succeed, the pair launched J&S Window Cleaning, which later rebranded as Orange Window Cleaning to reflect its Orange County roots.

This venture grew from a small operation to a million-dollar company, ranking as the top-rated window-cleaning business in its market. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—Johnny and Sergio had to navigate college, internships, and the realities of corporate life before fully committing to entrepreneurship.

Pivoting to a Scalable Model

As their window-cleaning business thrived, the duo noticed a recurring bottleneck in the industry: staffing. They also realized that the demand for house-cleaning services was even greater and more adaptable to other markets. With these insights, they founded “Mary and a Mop,” named after Johnny’s mother, who they successfully retired from her grueling Uber driving schedule.

This business model leveraged independent contractors—cleaners who already had the necessary equipment and training—to fulfill jobs, allowing Johnny and Sergio to focus on marketing and operations. In their first month, the company generated $12,000 in revenue with $4,000 in profit. By the second month, they hit $20,000 in revenue and never looked back.

The Birth of Home Service Academy

Inspired by their success, Johnny and Sergio launched Home Service Academy to teach others how to replicate their business model. What sets their program apart is its focus on creating a “remote house-cleaning business.”

Participants learn to:

1. Use independent contractors instead of traditional employees, reducing overhead costs.
2. Develop systems to secure leads through cost-effective advertising.
3. Scale their operations from anywhere in the world.

In less than three years, their education platform has empowered countless entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses in markets big and small.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Start Lean: Johnny and Sergio launched their first business with just $150, proving you don’t need a fortune to get started.
2. Leverage Local Demand: Even small markets can support substantial businesses. One of their top clients, based in Omaha, Nebraska, now generates over $100,000 per month.
3. Solve Real Problems: Their success lies in identifying pain points—such as lack of reliable cleaning services—and solving them with scalable systems.
4. Embrace Challenges: While their model reduces some traditional headaches, it still requires managing people and maintaining quality service—an aspect that rewards perseverance.

A Model for Flexibility

What makes their approach especially appealing is its compatibility with various lifestyles. Whether you’re working a corporate job, staying home with kids, or traveling abroad, this model offers the flexibility to build a business remotely.

Final Thoughts

Johnny and Sergio’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and strategic thinking. They’ve shown that anyone can build a successful business with the right systems, even without prior experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about their business model, you can follow them on Instagram at Johnny and Sergio or visit their website at Home Service Academy to access a free course.

For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories and actionable tips for scaling your Etsy business, follow the Etsy Seller Success Podcast  on your preferred podcast platform.