For example, my carpet cleaning wands alone cost over $7000. We run the Devastator and Zipper wands. Both wands are designed and manufactured by actual carpet cleaners. Considering the best selling and most common wand in the carpet cleaning industry retails for under $400 (AW029) our investment in wands is substantial. Is it necessary? For me absolutely. The air flow of the wand and swivel head on the wand make it a true gem.
The swivel head allows me to clean carpet which would be inaccessible with a conventional wand (underneath dressers and beds) and the overall design of the wand allows for maximum air flow which increases the water retrieval rate and in turn leaves your carpets dryer.
For me these things are important. But not for every carpet cleaner. In fact, I would say very few carper cleaners in Vancouver share my enthusiasm and passion for carpet cleaning or the equipment used to clean carpet.Simply put, their are many carpet cleaners in Vancouver that have sub par or dated equipment. Does that make them bad carpet cleaners? Absolutely not if they have a true passion for cleaning carpet. Unfortunately very few do. Does that mean that they never will? Passion can be inspired. It only takes one flame in a dark room to be able to find your way.
Let me tell you about Grant Beaverstock. For me he was an urban legend until our paths crossed online. Back in 2012 I read on the forums about the blind Albino carpet cleaner from Australia who started out with very humble beginnings. Not to mention disabilities that would sideline most and most certainly dissuade them from the aspiration of becoming a professional carpet cleaner. But that's not Grant.
Grant owns a carpet cleaning company in Australia. Like me, he is an owner operator. Grant started cleaning carpets of friends and family part time using a residential Bissal Green machine. The challenge and social nature of the job inspired him to start his own company and clean carpets for a living.
His thorough knowledge of chemistry (yes chemistry is a VERY important part of carpet cleaning) and his ability to learn on the fly and seek others guidance has allowed him to pursue and excel in the carpet cleaning industry. Grant now has over 100 5 star reviews and is booked solid day in and day out. This is no easy feat by any measure.
Of course this was not without challenge. Grant is legally blind and he cannot drive. But like all obstacles in life, if there is a will there is a way. Passion, determination and skin thicker then a kangaroo's hoof allowed Grant to find a creative solution to get him and his equipment where he wanted to go.
Grant made arrangements with a local Taxi company to transport him and his equipment to each job site. And in the carpet cleaning industry, the setting up and breaking down of equipment at each job site takes a considerable amount of time. I use a portable to clean high rises and places where a truck mount cannot go. Do I like using my portable? No. It is very labour intensive and transporting all the equipment to and from the job is often more work then the job itself. To take a taxi to a job and load and unload your equipment in someone else's van multiple times a day is no easy feat.
But then again, one would only do this if they had passion, determination and drive for what they are doing.
Not to mention that Grant's portable are a far cry from what typical industry standards. To say that he tinkered with them to maximize performance would be an understatement. He has modified and created the dream portable set up that can run tools that truck mounts use. Once again, Grants passion for carpet cleaning shines through.
Another example of passion and excellence can be found on his Facebook page here. Like a true proud craftsman, Grant showcases his work. And he has lots of it. With almost 1k photos/mobile uploads and videos he is one of the most prolific carpet cleaning posters I have seen. He is proud and it shines through.
Grant is a testament to the human spirit. Grant light continues to amaze me and most certainly inspires me, but also made me thank full for what I have. And best of all, Grant is one hell of a carpet cleaner and I say without fear, the best carpet cleaner in Whyalla.