We sat down with successful media executive and Founder David Gargani to hear the origin story of Advanced Can Cleaners, his company that takes care of dirty bins in Westchester County, New York.
Westchester County, New York
AdvancedCanCleaners.com
Hope you enjoy!
What Were You Up to Before Can Cleaning?
For over 25 years, I’ve worked as a commercial TV editor. In that time, I’ve collaborated with powerhouse brands such as The NFL, ESPN, History Channel, Nickelodeon, Animal Planet, Lifetime, and more.
My work has won Emmys, Independent Spirit Awards, a shared British BAFTA, and a Super Bowl Ad. All this work was completed for the two production companies I own and operate with my partners, starting in 2001.
Today, I continue that work as a freelance editor, while also creating social media content that helps educate and inspire the next generations of editors.
What Inspired You to Start a Can Cleaning Business? How Did You Get Started?
Why did I choose to start a can cleaning business? The cable TV landscape has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. With a rise in streaming and social media content, traditional TV promotion is in decline. The editing and visual effects industry that used to have software with six-figure barriers of entry is now being completed with equally powerful free software.
With fewer projects and a lower-cost workforce, media professionals like myself have been squeezed.
I started my can cleaning business as a second form of income to supplement my freelance editing career. Having always been entrepreneurial and always dreaming of starting a local business, this new endeavor fits perfectly into my lifestyle.
I’m excited to channel my marketing and business skills in a new field with tremendous growth potential. I’m also excited to serve my community in a way that makes me feel more connected to my friends and neighbors.
How Did You Come Up with the Name Advanced Can Cleaners?
How did I choose the name of my company… To be honest, it just needed to sound cool! I think “Advanced Can Cleaners” sounds like someone who is using the best technology in their field.
What Is a Day in the Life Like for You?
My can cleaning business is only just beginning. So a typical day right now involves taking the trailer out for 2-3 hours to clean cans for my family and friends in order to shoot social media content. I then come home and continue working as an editor for my clients. Then after 4p, I’m back to my fatherly duties, taking my kids to sports and music activities. I have a Advanced Can Cleaners “to-do” list a mile long, and I spend my evening trying to tackle at least one task a night.
How Have You Found Developing Your Business So Far?
So far, developing my business has been exciting!! I’m learning new skills in online marketing. I’m using my creativity to make relationships with local businesses to drive sales. I’m learning how to clean garbage cans quickly and efficiently! And after having a desk job all my life, it’s refreshing to work outdoors, in my community.
Where Do You Want to Take Your Business?
In the next 3 years I’m hoping to have two trailers and at least 1 -2 employees. I expect my sales to gross over 100k in year 2 and 300k in year 3. And when I dream at night, I imagine a company that I will someday hand down to my kids.
What Has Been Relatively Easy for You?
Marketing! It’s what I’ve been doing as an editor for years, so it’s easy to apply those skills to a new business.
What Challenges Have You Encountered?
Time!!! Time is my biggest challenge. Setting a google business site, setting an instragram, linking Meta and Facebook advertising, creating t-shisrts, business cards, lawn signs, door hangers… Everyting takes so much time and there’s so little in the day. I’m rushing to get the business operational as fast as I can.
For Someone New to the Industry, What Advice Would You Give Them?
I’m far too new to the industry to give any advice at this point. My only advice would be to contact you guys, Garbage Can Cleaning. You did an amazing job building the trailer and giving me a head start.
For Someone with Dirty Cans in Your Area, How Can They Hire Advanced Can Cleaners?
For someone to hire me, they only have to go to AdvancedCanCleaners.com. Thanks to the website you helped build and Jobber on the back end, it’s very easy to sign up new customers.
I just started advertising across Facebook and Instagram, so I’m hoping new customers find us there as well.
