Chris Kolakowski, a Marine Corps veteran, founded Sergeant KleensWell, a property maintenance business in North Carolina. Emphasizing visual content, he leverages social media to enhance his brand and attract clients. With a five-year plan to expand into educational resources and supplies for the industry, Chris encourages authenticity in marketing efforts.
When Chris Kolakowski transitioned out of the Marine Corps, he knew he wanted to build something of his own. Today, he’s the face behind Sergeant KleensWell, a premier property maintenance business in North Carolina. But Chris isn’t just cleaning roofs and driveways—il he’s cleaning up on social media, too.
In a recent episode of the Carolina Content Creator podcast, Chris sat down with us to discuss the intersection of blue-collar grit and digital marketing.
The Business of “Vanity”
Chris describes the exterior cleaning industry as being “90% vanity.” Whether it’s a moldy shingle roof or a stained driveway, people want their homes to look as good as new. Chris realized early on that in a visual business, you need visual proof.
By leveraging “before-and-after” photos and time-lapse videos on TikTok and Facebook Reels, Chris turned “Sergeant KleensWell” from a local service into a digital brand. The results speak for themselves: Chris recently landed a massive post-construction cleaning contract in Charlotte simply because a general contractor stumbled upon his TikTok feed.
The 39-Minute Struggle for 18 Seconds
One of the most relatable moments of the interview was Chris’s deep dive into the “blooper reel.” While viewers see a polished 18-second “Happy New Year” greeting, the reality was a 39-minute battle with scripts, camera shyness, and the inherent awkwardness of talking to a lens.
“It’s never not going to be awkward,” Chris admits. His advice for other business owners? “Grab a camera and just start talking.” His viral blooper reel—which gained 11,000 views in just one week—proves that audiences value authenticity just as much as a clean driveway.
The 5-Year Strategy: From Service to Supply
Chris isn’t stopping at residential cleaning. His five-year vision includes opening a physical supply shop to sell custom-made trailer and truck skids, chemicals, and parts to other pros in the industry. He aims to transition from a local service provider to an “educational guru,” helping the next generation of property maintenance entrepreneurs get their start.
Chris’s Quick Tips for Service-Based Creators:
- Just Hit Record: You don’t need a Hollywood budget; you just need to start.
- Use the Right Tools: Chris relies on TikTok’s internal tools and CapCut for quick, effective edits.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: In industries like cleaning, the visual transformation is your strongest sales pitch.
For more details, links to Sergeant KleensWell’s website and social media profiles are provided. https://sksoftwash.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCk2_mFAPkOo1uhUmxJsNSSA https://www.facebook.com/share/1LEBBe8sRp/ https://www.instagram.com/sgtkleenswell/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sgtkleenswell
Want to see the transformation for yourself? Follow Chris and Sergeant KleensWell on social media or visit their website to book a service.
Are you a North or South Carolina content creator with a story to tell? Reach out to the Carolina Content Creator podcast to be featured in an upcoming episode!
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