The 6-Figure Side Hustle Cleaning Up Parking Lots (Greatest Hits) - The Side Hustle Show Recap

Podcast: The Side Hustle Show

Published: 2026-03-09

Duration: 41 min

Summary

In this episode, Nick Oloper interviews Vladimir Hernandez, who transformed his side hustle of cleaning parking lots into a six-figure business. Vladimir shares his journey from inspiration to success and the practical steps he took to grow his venture.

What Happened

Vladimir Hernandez began his side hustle, LitterFreeLots.nyc, in 2018, motivated by the desire to earn an extra thousand dollars a month. The idea came while exploring various ways to make money and discovering the concept of a trash-picking service. After reaching out to Brian Winch from Clean Lots, who encouraged him, Vladimir felt confident to dive into this entrepreneurial venture. He noted the low startup costs and minimal specialized skills required, which made it an appealing option for him.

His initial steps involved establishing himself as a sole proprietor and setting up a business checking account. He then began canvassing local parking lots to connect with property managers. After a professional approach and a well-prepared pitch, he secured his first contract by impressing a manager who was looking for a dedicated service to keep the lot clean. This led to more opportunities, including additional locations that needed litter cleanup, showcasing the demand for his service and the importance of making a good first impression.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How did Vladimir Hernandez get the idea for his parking lot cleaning business?

Vladimir stumbled upon the idea while looking through Nick Oloper's website, where he found an article about trash picking services. Intrigued by the potential, he reached out to Brian Winch from Clean Lots to assess if this type of service could work in his area. Brian's positive feedback, indicating that such services work anywhere with parking lots, encouraged Vladimir to take the leap.

What were Vladimir's first steps in starting his cleaning business?

After gaining confidence from his conversation with Brian Winch, Vladimir established himself as a sole proprietor and opened a business checking account. He then took the initiative to visit local parking lots, identify property managers, and pitch his cleaning service. His professional approach and preparedness, including business cards and flyers, helped him secure his first contract.

What challenges did Vladimir face in securing his first clients?

Initially, Vladimir faced the challenge of competing against tenants who were doing their own cleaning. However, when he began his service, he quickly demonstrated the value of having a dedicated professional, which led to tenants expressing their satisfaction with the improvements. Building rapport and trust with property managers was also essential for securing more contracts.

How did Vladimir determine how much to charge for his services?

To set his pricing, Vladimir walked the properties to assess how long it would take to clean them. He monitored his time and calculated rates based on the frequency of service the clients desired. This methodical approach allowed him to provide a competitive price while ensuring his time and effort were adequately compensated.

What does the future hold for Vladimir's cleaning service?

Vladimir's business has grown into a six-figure venture since its inception in 2018. His success has opened doors to additional locations and opportunities. By continuing to focus on quality service and client relationships, Vladimir aims to expand further and potentially explore new markets within the cleaning industry.