Rose turns sideline hobby into a full-time business – The Star Beacon

CONNEAUT Tony Rose of Conneaut hopes to clean up in his new retirement job.

Rose is owner of NorthSide Soft Wash, a business he launched this year. Its a power wash system that blends environmentally safe products and dialed-down power to provide an effective scrubbing experience while reducing the risk of damage to surfaces, he said.

It will not etch siding, fencing or decks, Rose said. It gets better results. (Soft Wash) kills algae and doesnt just blow it away.

Rose has power washed houses in the area as a sideline for years. When he recently retired from Farrell Insulation, he decided to make his pastime a full-time venture.

Ive got to keep busy, he said. Ive been power-washing homes for a long time. I thought maybe there was a little market for it. So few people were doing it.

Plenty of study preceded the decision to embark on a new business, Rose said.

I put a lot of thought and research into it, he said. I already had half (the equipment) I needed.

Born in Kentucky, Rose said he has lived in Conneaut pretty much all of my life. City residents are supporting one of their own, helping to keep the fledgling business busy.

Im booked up for the next two or three weeks, he said recently.

So far, his calendar has been completely occupied with Conneaut-area clients.

Conneaut has been very good to me, he said. Ive never had to leave the city (for work).

To date, NorthSide has tackled only residential projects. That will change soon, when he gives the Hampton Inn in Austinburg Township his first commercial customer a good cleansing.

Rose generally works alone, but if necessary he can count on a friend and a grandson for help.

On average, Rose says he needs only two or three hours to make a small, ranch-style home sparkle.

I try to book two homes a day, he said.

NorthSide Soft Wash is fully insured, provides free estimates and stresses customer service, Rose said.

I will walk around the house with the homeowner to make sure they are satisfied, he said. I charge an honest, fair price.

Ideally, people should have their decks and siding power washed every two years, Rose said. Looking at a house or fence every day, owners dont see their property getting dirty and dingy.

They get used to it, Rose said.

Recently, windows have been added to the NorthSide repertoire.

It has worked out perfectly, he said.

Wendy DuBey, Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, said she was excited to see NorthSides start-up.

The Chamber was happy to welcome NorthSide Soft Wash as a new member this year, she said. Before opening his business, Tony did extensive research to find the best results to clean home exteriors, businesses, fences, decks, driveways, sidewalks, trailers, and campers affordably.

Rose considers himself fortunate, offering a service that is personally satisfying.

I enjoy doing what I do, he said. I take a lot of pride in my work.

For more information, contact Rose at 440-265-6407.

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Rose turns sideline hobby into a full-time business - The Star Beacon