The Route To Revenue

Mike Walker & Ben Magee

At The Route to Revenue, we believe recurring revenue is the engine that drives freedom, stability, and growth in home service businesses. Our mission is to share real, practical strategies from entrepreneurs who are in the trenches not theory, not hype. Too much misinformation is being spread in our industry, and it's holding business owners back. We're here to change that. Through open conversations, real-world experiences, and proven tactics, we want to help fellow home service entrepreneurs cut through the noise, build recurring income they can rely on, and create businesses that last. Together, we can move the industry forward, one clean route to revenue at a time.

  1. 6d ago

    The Goal That Scares You Is Probably the Right One

    What if the reason you're not growing your home service business fast enough is that your goals aren't big enough? On this episode of The Route to Revenue, Ben Magee and Mike Walker break down why entrepreneurs should set goals that feel uncomfortable, even unrealistic — and then reverse-engineer the numbers needed to make them happen. Using the $1 million revenue goal as an example, they discuss average revenue per stop, daily stop targets, customer acquisition, route density, retention, profitability, and the operational systems required to scale a recurring revenue business. Ben and Mike also get candid about the difficult days that come with entrepreneurship, including the moments when they questioned whether building their businesses was worth it. They talk about staying motivated through setbacks, creating SMART goals without letting "achievable" become an excuse to think too small, and turning a written goal into an actionable business plan. They also discuss route optimization, customer retention, hiring ahead of demand, revenue targets, profit margins, and why revenue is for vanity but profit is for sanity. If you're building a home service business, recurring revenue business, bin cleaning company, lawn care company, pest control business, pool service, or another route-based service, this episode is packed with practical ideas for setting bigger goals and creating a realistic path to reach them. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiffyBin/ 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greencancleaner/ 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Pick a goal that scares you, do the math, and start building the path to make it happen. Subscribe for more conversations and strategies on building a successful recurring revenue home service business. #HomeServiceBusiness #RecurringRevenue #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #HomeServices #RouteToRevenue

  2. Aug 6

    A Listener Said We Were Wrong... So We Called Him LIVE

    What happens when one of your listeners publicly disagrees with you? Do you double down, change your mind, or invite them onto the show? In this unique follow-up episode of The Route to Revenue, Ben Magee and Mike Walker receive a surprise callback from listener Chris Gentry after a spirited Facebook discussion about a hot topic from the previous episode: Should you ever fire customers because they're outside your ideal service area? Instead of avoiding the debate, Ben and Mike put Chris on the podcast for an honest conversation about route density, customer retention, profitability, pricing, and the responsibilities that come with building a recurring revenue business. It's a candid discussion that shows there isn't always one right answer, only different approaches based on your business goals. Along the way, they revisit the math behind building a million-dollar home service business, discuss why some neighborhoods are worth investing in for years before they become profitable, and explain why new operators shouldn't be too quick to cut customers simply because servicing them is inconvenient. If you own a recurring revenue home service business, whether it's bin cleaning, lawn care, pest control, pool service, pressure washing, or another route-based company—this episode offers valuable insight into balancing customer service with smart business decisions. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiffyBin/ 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greencancleaner/ 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Have a different opinion? We'd love to hear it. Join the conversation on Facebook or visit our website to share your experience building a recurring revenue home service business. Every successful operator has a different path and sometimes the best lessons come from respectful disagreement. #RouteToRevenue #HomeServiceBusiness #RecurringRevenue #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #RouteDensity #CustomerRetention #ServiceBusiness #BusinessGrowth #BinCleaning

  3. Jul 30

    How to Build a $1 Million Home Service Business

    Every home service business owner dreams of building a million-dollar company, but very few ever stop to calculate what it actually takes to get there. In this episode of The Route to Revenue, Ben Magee and Mike Walker break down the numbers behind a $1 million recurring revenue business. They simplify the math into actionable daily, weekly, and monthly goals, showing how pricing, recurring customers, average ticket value, and route density all work together to create predictable growth. Along the way, they dive into why focusing on recurring revenue beats chasing customer count, how pricing decisions dramatically affect profitability, and why setting ambitious goals creates better business outcomes. The conversation also takes an unexpected turn into one of the industry's biggest debates: Should you ever fire customers who fall outside your profitable service area? Whether you're working toward your first $100,000, your first $500,000, or chasing seven figures, this episode gives you a practical framework for building a scalable home service business based on measurable numbers instead of guesswork. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🔗 Instagram: instagram.com/spiffybin 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🔗 Instagram: instagram.com/greencancleaner/?hl=en 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ #RouteToRevenue #HomeServiceBusiness #RecurringRevenue #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #ServiceBusiness #RouteDensity #BusinessSystems #MillionDollarBusiness

  4. Jul 23

    Why Smart Home Service Businesses Plan for Winter Before Summer Ends

    Most home service businesses don't fail because they have a bad summer. They struggle because they aren't prepared for what comes next. In this episode of The Route to Revenue, Ben McGee and Mike Walker break down how successful recurring revenue businesses prepare for seasonal slowdowns long before winter arrives. From cash flow planning and staffing decisions to equipment maintenance, marketing, and customer communication, they share the systems they've developed after years of building profitable home service companies. Whether you're in trash bin cleaning, lawn care, pest control, pool service, pressure washing, or another recurring revenue business, these principles will help you protect profitability, avoid panic, and build a business that stays strong through every season. If you want to stop reacting to slow months and start planning like a mature business owner, this episode is for you. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Seasonality doesn't have to control your business. The strongest home service companies don't simply react when revenue slows down. They prepare months in advance by building cash reserves, strengthening their systems, maintaining their equipment, and communicating clearly with both customers and employees. Long-term success isn't about avoiding slow seasons. It's about using them strategically so your business comes back stronger when demand returns. #RouteToRevenue #HomeServiceBusiness #RecurringRevenue #BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusiness #BusinessSystems #HomeServices

  5. Jul 16

    The Customers You NEED to Fire to Grow Your Business

    Growing a home service business isn't just about getting more customers. It's about keeping the right ones. In this episode of The Route to Revenue, Ben and Mike break down one of the toughest lessons every entrepreneur eventually learns: not every customer is worth keeping. From recognizing red flags and protecting your team's morale to creating clear customer expectations and improving profitability, this conversation explores how saying "no" to the wrong customers creates room for the right ones. Whether you operate a bin cleaning company, lawn care business, pressure washing company, pest control service, pool service, or any recurring revenue business, these lessons will help you build a healthier customer base, stronger systems, and a more profitable operation. If you've ever wondered whether it's time to fire a customer, this episode gives you a practical framework for making that decision with confidence. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Building a successful home service business isn't about saying yes to everyone. It's about creating clear expectations, protecting your team, and serving customers who value what you provide. The strongest businesses aren't built by keeping every customer. They're built by making intentional decisions that create healthier relationships, better operations, and sustainable long-term growth. #RouteToRevenue #HomeServiceBusiness #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #RecurringRevenue #CustomerService #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #BusinessSystems #ServiceBusiness

  6. Jul 9

    How to Build a Home Service Business That Lasts | Brannon Fowler

    Building a successful home service business isn't about buying the biggest truck or chasing every opportunity, it's about making smart decisions that fit your market, your resources, and your long-term goals. In Part 2 of our conversation with Brannon Fowler, founder of Trash Can Cleaners, we dive into what new operators should prioritize when investing in equipment, how to succeed in both small and large markets, and why the future of the home service industry presents more opportunities than ever before. Brannon shares practical advice for entrepreneurs starting with limited resources, explains why recurring revenue businesses continue to attract investors, and discusses how private equity is beginning to reshape the industry. Whether you're building a trash bin cleaning company, pressure washing business, lawn care service, pest control company, or another recurring revenue home service, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make smarter decisions and build a business designed for long-term success. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🔗 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🎯Connect with our Guest, Brannon Fowler 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trash-can-cleaners 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Success in the home service industry isn't about having the biggest truck or the most expensive equipment—it's about making smart decisions that fit your market, your goals, and your resources. Brannon's insights show that long-term growth comes from understanding your customers, staying adaptable, and building a business with intention. As the industry continues to evolve and new opportunities emerge, the entrepreneurs who focus on strong fundamentals, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth will be the ones best positioned for lasting success. #HomeServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #RecurringRevenue #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #RouteBasedBusiness #TrashCanCleaning #PressureWashing #LawnCare #PestControl #PrivateEquity #ScalingBusiness #Leadership #BusinessPodcast

  7. Jul 2

    He Turned a Simple Idea Into an Industry-Leading Business | Brannon Fowler

    Every successful business starts with someone willing to see an opportunity others overlook. In Part 1 of our conversation with Brannon Fowler, founder of Trash Can Cleaners, we explore the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the most influential companies in the trash bin cleaning industry. From his background in oil & gas and pressure washing to building one of the earliest recurring-route bin cleaning businesses, Brannon shares the lessons that shaped his success. Discover how he identified an untapped market, built his first truck from the ground up, grew a thriving recurring revenue business, and ultimately made the difficult decision to sell his service company to focus on helping entrepreneurs across North America. Whether you're starting a trash bin cleaning business, pressure washing company, lawn care service, pest control business, or any recurring revenue home service, this episode is packed with practical business lessons on growth, innovation, leadership, and long-term success. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🎯Connect with our Guest, Brannon Fowler 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trash-can-cleaners 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Success rarely comes from chasing the next big idea, it comes from recognizing an opportunity, solving real problems, and continually improving along the way. Brannon's journey shows that building a lasting business requires vision, persistence, and the willingness to evolve. Whether you're launching your first route or scaling an established company, the biggest advantage isn't having all the answers, it's being committed to building something better every day. #HomeServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #RecurringRevenue #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #RouteBasedBusiness #BinCleaning #TrashCanCleaning #PressureWashing #Leadership #BusinessOwner #Startup #ScalingBusiness #ServiceBusiness #BusinessPodcast

  8. Jun 25

    How Top Operators Avoid Costly Breakdowns in Home Service Businesses

    What separates successful home service businesses from the ones that struggle to grow? In Part 2 of our conversation with Jason Proctor of Canology, we move beyond customer acquisition and dive into the operational side of scaling a recurring revenue business. From equipment decisions and fleet reliability to route density, service systems, and avoiding costly mistakes, Jason shares lessons learned from years of building one of the most respected bin cleaning operations in North America. Whether you're running a bin cleaning company, pressure washing business, lawn care service, pest control company, pool service, or any route-based home service operation, this episode is packed with practical insights that can help you reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and build a stronger business. You'll learn why equipment support matters more than price, how to think about growth before breakdowns happen, and the systems successful operators use to keep moving forward. 🎯 Connect with Mike Walker founder of Spiffybin 🔗 Website: spiffybin.com 🎯 Connect with Ben Magee founder of Green Can Cleaner 🔗 Website: greencancleaner.com 🎯Connect with Jason Proctor 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-proctor-526359130/ 🔔 Subscribe on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRouteToRevenue 🌐The Route To Revenue Website: https://theroutetorevenue.com/ Growth isn't just about getting more customers. It's about building the systems, equipment, and support structure that allow you to serve those customers consistently. Jason's experience shows that long-term success comes from making smart operational decisions early, investing in reliability, and creating processes that help your business scale without creating chaos. #HomeServiceBusiness #RecurringRevenue #BinCleaning #RouteBasedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #FleetManagement #PressureWashingBusiness #ServiceBusiness #RouteToRevenue

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

At The Route to Revenue, we believe recurring revenue is the engine that drives freedom, stability, and growth in home service businesses. Our mission is to share real, practical strategies from entrepreneurs who are in the trenches not theory, not hype. Too much misinformation is being spread in our industry, and it's holding business owners back. We're here to change that. Through open conversations, real-world experiences, and proven tactics, we want to help fellow home service entrepreneurs cut through the noise, build recurring income they can rely on, and create businesses that last. Together, we can move the industry forward, one clean route to revenue at a time.

You Might Also Like