The BBQ Cleaner, Episode #111

The BBQ Cleaner

Today’s guest is Jeffrey Krentzman, the owner of The BBQ Cleaner and the host of the podcast, “Mind Your Pucking Business.” Jeff looks to help future entrepreneurs start their own BBQ grill cleaning business by arming them with a proven turnkey business model.

Jeff knew that he wanted his own business early on, but wasn’t sure what direction to go. He was an avid reader of the “International Franchise” magazines, which is where he first heard of the Ovenu cleaning franchise business (based in Europe). Jeff saw an opportunity to bring the concept to the United States. A few months later, he launched his business.

A decade later, he has over 265 locations across the country. Listen in for some great takeaways about launching a franchise, what it’s like running a business with a nationwide presence, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

  • Learn more about Jeff Krentzman and the BBQ Cleaner [3:58]
  • Why Jeff launched his podcast, “Mind Your Pucking Business!” [6:30]
  • The best piece of advice Jeff wants aspiring entrepreneurs to know [10:34]
  • What it’s like running a business with a large nationwide presence [13:02]
  • What has catapulted the growth of the BBQ Cleaner? [14:52]
  • Can you launch a BBQ Cleaner franchise as a side hustle? [16:20]
  • The biggest reason Jeff’s locations have seen so much success [17:33]
  • What using The BBQ Cleaner looks like for customers [19:31]
  • How to open your own BBQ Cleaner franchise [20:25]
  • The biggest lesson Jeff has learned as an entrepreneur [21:15]
  • Where Jeff got bit by the entrepreneurial bug [22:09]
  • Learn more about Jeffrey’s podcast, “Mind Your Pucking Business!” [23:43]
  • What’s up next for Jeffrey Krentzman, the next big thing? [26:19]
  • What Jeff did that put him in the right mindset for success [27:41]

Learn more about Jeff Krentzman and The BBQ Cleaner

Jeff graduated from college in 2002 and the job market was non-existent. He had always wanted to start his own business, so when he came across a European company that was cleaning ovens, Jeff decided to run a six-month pilot test of the model in the US. It was successful but took off when his customers started asking him to clean their grills. Now, he’s turned it into a franchise model across the US and Canada.

The best piece of advice Jeff wants aspiring entrepreneurs to know

In Jeff’s Senior Year in high school, he wrote in his yearbook, “If you don’t believe in yourself, you don’t believe in anything.” You need to not only believe in yourself but also believe in and be passionate about the product you’re selling. People will be able to read through you if you don’t care about your product or service.

Secondly, don’t give up. The vast majority of entrepreneurs have all failed at some point before seeing success. You have to keep plugging along. And when you’re your own boss, you have to manage your time wisely.

The biggest reason Jeff’s locations have seen so much success

Though Jeff fully believed he’d be successful, he never thought his business would take off as it has. They realize continuous growth every year. Because of demand, their local growth is on autopilot, and they’ve never needed to run an ad. Why does he believe they’ve seen so much success with the franchise model?

Firstly, they don’t charge ongoing fees. Each franchise location gets to keep everything they make. So if they make $1,200 a day doing grill cleaning, they keep it. Most traditional franchise models have to pay ongoing franchise fees or royalties. With The BBQ Cleaner, if you open your own location, you simply pay a startup fee.

Secondly, BBQ cleaning is a niche market that isn’t hyper-competitive, unlike, say, a carpet cleaning company. Most of their locations are the only ballgame in town, which is a big advantage. The demand for the service takes off.

Can you launch a BBQ Cleaner franchise as a side hustle?

Most people launch a franchise as a side hustle. When you keep your full-time job, you minimize the risk of starting a new business. Then you build it to a point where you can leave your real job. Or, you can hire someone to do the work, keep your real job, and simply have extra money coming in.

Interested in owning your own The BBQ Cleaner franchise? Jeff shares that they provide everything you need for a startup fee of around $50,000. You’ll see an ROI on your investment fairly quickly, which is why the success rate is so high.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Jeffrey Krentzman

Bio

I started The BBQ Cleaner in 2009 and it has now expanded to over 265 locations across the country. We provide people with everything they need to start their own grill cleaning business. I also host a weekly podcast, Mind Your Own Pucking Business, which focuses on hockey but also small business and entrepreneurship.

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.

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