Boring Businesses That Make Money, From Real Podcast Episodes

Laundromats, vending, cleaning, storage and more: ideas and real operators from startup podcasts, filterable, each citing its episode. CSV included.

By Startup Seeds Editorial Team · Updated · 173 rows from 5 podcasts

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What is included: Ideas and businesses whose name mentions an unglamorous, asset-light or trade-style category from our list of about fifty terms (laundromat, vending, cleaning, storage, lawn care, junk removal and so on). The match is on the title only.

All 173 rows

Showing 81 to 120.

  1. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Service

    A business that provides comprehensive gutter cleaning and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, The Sweaty Startup: How to Start a Local Service Business (Greatest Hits) (Jan 13, 2025)

  2. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Professional Pet Waste Removal Service

    A service dedicated to cleaning up pet waste in residential yards and public spaces.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, The Sweaty Startup: How to Start a Local Service Business (Greatest Hits) (Jan 13, 2025)

  3. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Teeth Cleaning Boutique Description: - A dental boutique offering quick, no-frills teeth cleaning services without the full dental exam.

    A dental boutique offering quick, no-frills teeth cleaning services without the full dental exam.

    Source: My First Million, Five +$10M Ideas (from a guy who's done it 3 times) (Jan 10, 2025)

  4. IdeaE-commerce

    Vending Machines for Unique Products and Experiences

    This startup sells and markets specialized vending machines that offer unique products, such as cotton candy or motorcycle helmet cleaning services, capturing attention through social media.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 86: How to Cash in from Other Companies’ Email Lists (HoldCo Bros) Ep. #86 (Nov 1, 2024)

  5. IdeaSaaS

    Automated Scheduling App for Trash Bin Cleaning Services

    A mobile app designed to help trash bin cleaning services manage customer bookings and optimize routes efficiently.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 82: How to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business from Scratch. Ep. #82 (Oct 23, 2024)

  6. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Trash Bin Cleaning Equipment Rental Service

    This business offers a rental service for specialized trash bin cleaning equipment for individuals and small businesses.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 82: How to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business from Scratch. Ep. #82 (Oct 23, 2024)

  7. IdeaSubscription

    Bookkeeping Subscriptions for DIY Business Owners

    A subscription service offering office hours where business owners can ask bookkeeping questions and receive guidance while managing their finances.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, $70 an Hour from Home? How to Start a Bookkeeping Side Hustle (Greatest Hits) (Oct 3, 2024)

  8. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Pumpkin Pickup and Recycling Service

    This service offers customers the option to have their used pumpkins picked up after the season for recycling into animal feed and compost.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 73: Porch Pumpkin Profits: Behind the Scenes with the Industry’s Founder. Ep #073 (Oct 2, 2024)

  9. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Test Clean Service for Home Cleaning Businesses

    Offer a service that conducts test cleans for home cleaning companies to vet potential contractors before hiring.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 69: How to Make Millions with a Home Cleaning Business. Ep #069 (Sep 23, 2024)

  10. IdeaAgency

    Pressure Washing Upsell Toolkit for Service Providers

    A toolkit designed for service providers to help them easily upsell pressure washing services alongside their primary offerings.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 630: 630: How this College Student’s Side Hustle Brings in $10k a Month (Sep 19, 2024)

  11. IdeaEducation

    Window Cleaning Sales Pitch Refinement Tool

    This tool helps window cleaning businesses craft effective sales pitches and strategies based on successful techniques used by top performers in the industry.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 630: 630: How this College Student’s Side Hustle Brings in $10k a Month (Sep 19, 2024)

  12. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Custom Cleaning Services for Vacation Rentals

    A specialized cleaning service focused on the unique needs of Airbnb and vacation rental properties, ensuring high-quality service and guest satisfaction.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 64: Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064 (Sep 11, 2024)

  13. IdeaAgency

    Laundromat Equipment Financing Solutions

    Offer tailored financing solutions specifically for laundromat owners to help them acquire modern equipment and upgrade their facilities.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 58: How to Start a Laundromat with 40% Net Profit Margins. Ep #058 (Aug 28, 2024)

  14. IdeaAgency

    Laundromat Franchise Model Development

    Create a franchise model for laundromats that includes branding, operational guidelines, and support for franchisees to ensure consistent quality and profitability.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 58: How to Start a Laundromat with 40% Net Profit Margins. Ep #058 (Aug 28, 2024)

  15. IdeaSaaS

    Laundromat Modernization Software Platform

    Develop a software platform that provides laundromat owners with tools for management, customer engagement, and operational analytics to modernize the laundromat industry.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 58: How to Start a Laundromat with 40% Net Profit Margins. Ep #058 (Aug 28, 2024)

  16. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Residential Laundry Pickup and Delivery Service

    Launch a residential laundry pickup and delivery service that collects laundry from customers homes and returns it clean and folded the next day.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 58: How to Start a Laundromat with 40% Net Profit Margins. Ep #058 (Aug 28, 2024)

  17. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Eco-Friendly Junk Recycling Facility

    A facility that processes junk removal items to recycle and donate usable goods, reducing landfill waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 54: How Two Teenage Brothers Built a $900k Junk Removal Business with No Money. Ep #054 (Aug 19, 2024)

  18. IdeaEducation

    Cold Calling Training Program for Sales in Vending Industry

    Create a training program focused on teaching effective cold calling techniques specifically for professionals looking to enter the vending machine business.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 35: How to build a 7 figure vending machine business by finding the best locations. Ep. #035 (Jul 4, 2024)

  19. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Door-to-Door Pine Straw Cleaning Service

    A mobile service offering on-the-spot pine straw cleaning for residential roofs, providing convenience and efficiency for homeowners.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 32: Roasting and Grading 9 of Your Business Ideas! Ep. #032 (Jun 24, 2024)

  20. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Commercial Dog Waste Management for Communities

    Offering specialized dog waste management services for homeowners associations (HOAs) and commercial properties, including regular cleanup and maintenance of dog waste stations.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 614: 614: Scaling a Local Service Business: Multi 6-Figures in Pet Waste Removal (Jun 20, 2024)

  21. IdeaSubscription

    Pet Waste Removal Subscription Service

    A subscription-based service that offers regular pet waste removal from residential yards, ensuring a clean outdoor space for pet owners without the hassle of doing it themselves.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 614: 614: Scaling a Local Service Business: Multi 6-Figures in Pet Waste Removal (Jun 20, 2024)

  22. IdeaEducation

    Pet Waste Removal Training and Certification Program

    A training program that provides aspiring dog waste removal business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful operation, including best practices and marketing techniques.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 614: 614: Scaling a Local Service Business: Multi 6-Figures in Pet Waste Removal (Jun 20, 2024)

  23. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Expansion of Junk Removal and Moving Services into New Markets

    A business that expands existing junk removal and moving services into larger markets by leveraging established brand reputation and operational expertise.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 28: Q&A: Taking junk removal from $1M to $10M by opening a 2nd location, plus more! Ep. #028 (Jun 10, 2024)

  24. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Recurring Revenue Cleaning Service

    A cleaning service that focuses on establishing long-term contracts with clients for regular cleaning schedules, ensuring stable income.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, Side Hustle Showdown: Freelance vs. Agency (Greatest Hits) (Jun 6, 2024)

  25. IdeaAgency

    Virtual Assistant Services for Cleaning Companies

    This service provides virtual assistants specifically trained to handle administrative tasks and customer service for cleaning businesses.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, Side Hustle Showdown: Freelance vs. Agency (Greatest Hits) (Jun 6, 2024)

  26. IdeaSaaS

    Automated Lawn Care Scheduling Tool

    Create a software tool that automates scheduling and routing for lawn care service providers to optimize their daily operations.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 610: 610: How a Teenager Built and Sold a 6-Figure Lawn Care Business (May 23, 2024)

  27. IdeaMarketplace

    Local Lawn Care Service Marketplace

    Create a platform that connects local lawn care service providers with homeowners needing yard maintenance.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 610: 610: How a Teenager Built and Sold a 6-Figure Lawn Care Business (May 23, 2024)

  28. IdeaAgency

    Billboard Advertising Data Analytics Service

    This service provides detailed analytics and insights for billboard advertisers, enhancing their ability to measure ad performance and optimize future campaigns.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 608: 608: How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (May 16, 2024)

  29. IdeaMarketplace

    Billboard Co-Hosting Platform for Passive Income Generation

    This business connects property owners with billboard advertisers, facilitating a passive income stream for both parties by leveraging unused land for advertising space.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 608: 608: How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (May 16, 2024)

  30. IdeaAgency

    Local Billboard Advertising Agency

    This agency specializes in creating and managing billboard advertising campaigns for local businesses, ensuring their ads reach the right audience effectively.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 608: 608: How to Start a Billboard Business: $30k a Month Part-Time (May 16, 2024)

  31. IdeaE-commerce

    Ice Vending Machines in Tourist Areas

    This business involves placing self-service ice vending machines in high-traffic tourist locations, allowing customers to purchase ice 24/7 without leaving the vicinity.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 579: 579: Ice Vending: $2500/Month in (almost) Passive Profits (Sep 14, 2023)

  32. IdeaPhysical-Services

    On-Demand Pet Waste Removal Service

    A local service that provides scheduled or on-demand pet waste removal for homeowners, ensuring clean yards without the hassle.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 578: 578: Side Hustle Showdown: Sweaty Startups vs. Laptop Lifestyle (Aug 31, 2023)

  33. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Customized Cleaning Service for Busy Professionals

    A cleaning service that tailors its offerings to the specific preferences and schedules of busy professionals.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, How to Start a Business You Care About — With No Business Ideas and No Money (Greatest Hits) (Aug 3, 2023)

  34. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Mobile Car Detailing Service

    A mobile car detailing business that provides comprehensive cleaning and detailing services directly at the customer’s location.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 572: 572: 15 Sizzlin’ Summer Side Hustles (Jul 13, 2023)

  35. IdeaPhysical-Services

    Mobile Pressure Washing Service

    A mobile service that provides pressure washing for residential and commercial properties, helping clients maintain clean and appealing exteriors.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 572: 572: 15 Sizzlin’ Summer Side Hustles (Jul 13, 2023)

  36. Real businessPhysical-Services

    A fencing company

    A business that builds fences and generates leads primarily through Facebook Marketplace.

    Stated in the episode summary (unverified): $2.5 million a year in revenue, with double-digit margins.

    Source: Koerner Office, episode 195: The Smart Way to Start Small and Still Win Big ⏐ Ep. #195

  37. Real businessE-commerce

    Anthony Colloje's Vending Machine Business

    A modern vending machine business operating in the Chicago area, providing snacks, drinks, and other products.

    Stated in the episode summary (unverified): Generated over $50,000 a month within 16 months and surpassed $100,000 a month within two years.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 715: 715: The 10 Best Side Hustles of the Year

  38. Real businessE-commerce

    Anthony Colloje's Vending Machine Business

    A vending machine business that scaled to over $50,000 in monthly revenue within two years by strategically placing vending machines in high-traffic areas.

    Stated in the episode summary (unverified): $50,000 a month in revenue within two years; locations doing $3,500 to $6,500 monthly.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 703: 703: Vending Machine Q&A

  39. Real businessPhysical-Services

    Barbecue Cleaning Service by Jacob Shidle

    Jacob Shidle, a high school student from Ontario, Canada, started a unique barbecue cleaning service in 2021. He goes door-to-door offering to clean customers' barbecues, a service many people don’t actively seek, making it a niche market with great potential.

    Stated in the episode summary (unverified): Jacob earned $12,000 in his first year and $16,000 in his second year, which is impressive for a seasonal, part-time high school business.

    Source: The Side Hustle Show, episode 587: 587: 10 Creative Side Hustles that Make Real Money - Part 6

  40. Real businessPhysical-Services

    Beacon Roofing

    One of the largest roofing companies in North America, focused on providing roofing and related products.

    Source: My First Million, How to get rich with stocks (without math, charts or models)

By podcast

What counts as boring

"Boring" is a vibe, so we made it a rule you can inspect. A row qualifies when its title names one of roughly fifty plain, unfashionable business types: laundromats, vending machines, cleaning, storage, lawn care, junk removal, pressure washing, equipment rental, bookkeeping and similar. The full rule is printed above the list. If your favourite boring business is missing, it is because no episode we have processed named it.

Ideas and real operators in one place

The list mixes two kinds of row, and you can filter between them.

  • Ideas are concepts a host or guest described.
  • Real businesses are companies or operators a guest talked about, with the episode attached. Where the episode summary states a revenue or profit figure, we show it as stated and label it. If the summary says nothing, we show nothing.

We do not estimate, round up or fill in numbers. A figure here is what the extracted episode summary says, which can differ from the guest's exact words, so check the episode before you rely on it.

Why this is a list worth checking

Each row here points to a specific conversation. Listen to hear how the operator got customers, what the work involves and what went wrong.

The CSV contains the same rows as the table, with the show, episode, kind of row and page URL for each, so you can build your own shortlist.

FAQ

Are the revenue figures verified?

No. They come from episode summaries of what a guest said, and the label says so. Treat them as leads to check in the episode.

Why are some businesses shown without a revenue figure?

Because the episode did not state one, or our extraction did not capture it. We leave it blank instead of guessing.

Can I use the data?

Yes. Download the CSV and please link back to this page if you publish anything from it.

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