This as-told-to essay draws from a discussion with Brian Winch founder of Clean Lots. The account has been adjusted for brevity and flow.

Growing up I observed my parents labor intensely to provide for our household. What people now label side hustles was simply daily life for them as they took on extra shifts to cover expenses.

Being one of three sons we joined in once we reached our teens. Thus it felt natural when my father suggested we rise before dawn to remove debris from commercial parking areas.

Although some young people might resent such tasks I was raised differently. My parents accepted their circumstances without bitterness and I came to enjoy the quiet mornings the sunrise and the satisfaction of leaving a lot spotless for arriving customers.

Most of all I valued the time spent with my dad a bond many twelve-year-olds cherish.

My father motivated me to create a straightforward company

My father Joseph Winch arrived in Calgary as a World War II refugee from Poland. He had worked on the kill floor of a meatpacking facility laid railroad tracks and served as a hospital orderly.

When I turned twenty-one he passed away abruptly. I never had the chance to share that I was thinking of following his example while my peers chose different paths.

Grieving yet determined I contacted property owners to offer cleaning services and founded Winch Janitorial Services which evolved into Winch Enterprises.

Today I operate Clean Lots and also write to teach others about what I term Americas Simplest Business. In an era dominated by technology this work stays beyond the reach of AI since no machine can yet search every corner for stray cigarette butts or debris in tight spots.

Some forty-five years on I take pride in the path I built while honoring my fathers example instead of other options.

My relatives work with me

After several years in the janitorial field where I ensured every scrap was cleared and owners learned of new graffiti overnight my twin brothers joined the effort.

Each contributed his skills one handled forklift work during cleanups while the other managed bids and client outreach.

We expanded revenue past seven hundred thousand dollars annually. Collaborating with my brothers has strengthened family ties over time rather than straining them.

Unexpectedly I also sense my father nearby during shifts. At times I hear his voice in my thoughts urging me to step in a certain direction. Once I followed it and discovered a lost wallet. What began as an odd feeling became a reminder of his lasting influence.

I aim to guide others toward success in this uncomplicated field

After establishing my own operation I chose to mentor people building similar ventures. One Chicago high school teacher started his service for summer income and with partners extended it across multiple states.

These experiences showed me that the true inheritance from my father and now from me centers on service to others rather than the litter itself.