Why Mr. Can Clean Started Local Legends
I statrted Mr. Can Clean – a pressure-washing company – with zero experience in pressure washing. None. Turning it on terrified me. My sister connected me with a few blue-collar guys working under the Second Narrows Bridge. They showed me how to handle the machine. But I hadn’t bought the $8000 Easy Kleen pressure-washer from Bin Wash Systems. I couldn’t afford it.
The engine on my cheaper unit came unmarked. What the blue collar guys told me was correct – start with the choke open, then close it once it’s on – but due to the lack of markings, he had shown me it backwards. And I’m a visual learner. For the first month, I ran the pressure washer with the choke fully open. Then it failed. When we pulled out the spark plug was pitch-black, slick with fuel. Thankfully, we didn’t have many customers yet.
I mentioned it to my friend, Shant Seropian of Bayroot Landscaping. He replaced the spark plug without hesitation. Then he did it again. But I guarantee he would’ve done it even if he didn’t know me. That’s who he is. And now – I could do that for someone else.
Another early problem I ran into in the first months of Mr. Can Clean: how do you find customers? I asked Jamie and Connie Fay at End of the Line General Store if I could place my business cards by the coffee counter. I had known Jamie since I can remember. My mom, Mrs. Alden, taught him in Grade 6 at Upper Lynn. But even all that history I was surprised when he said yes. My business cards at End of the Line? And by the coffee window? And, they insisted on paying for their own garbage can cleanings. Jamie still keeps a close eye on the bins – especially the one near where his customers sit. When it needs cleaning, I get a text.
They weren’t just helping a friend’s garbage cleaning service. They were shaping something larger. They had done the same thing with hundreds of other local business, artists, events, and causes. They turned a run-down, dimly lit corner store into a community anchor. Thousands now pass through their doors each week—to see local art, grab a coffee, post something on a real, physical and welcoming community board. That kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. They made that.
Shant’s company, Bayroot Landscaping, maintains a property on my street. On the days they visit, I’d pull out my driveway to clean garbage bins and wave at his crew at my neighbours. I knew the next morning Shant would be there, his giant smile bouncing down the street as he double checks everything. That’s someone who takes pride in his work. That’s someone who
We started Local Legends because we wouldn’t be here without businesses like End of the Line and Bayroot Landscaping. But also many others.
This project is our thank you. A recognition from Mr. Can Clean, from a small garbage bin cleaning service that started with guesswork, fear, and blankly staring at hoses, to the people and businesses who gave us a chance.
