How The Hodge's Built a $2M+ Exterior Cleaning Empire (and Made the Inc. 5000 List)

⭐️ Get More Google Reviews On Autopilot — Start Free Today: https://link.reviewharvest.com/yt 🧲 Join our free community for 1-on-1 help getting more customers on Google: https://www.skool.com/10-minute-marketer-6759Clearview Washing has become one of the most respected exterior cleaning companies in the country — but it didn’t start that way. In this episode of The Built Local Podcast, Clay sits down with co-owner Fred Hodge Jr. to unpack Clearview’s 20-year journey from a single missed window cleaning appointment to an Inc. 5000 company serving New Jersey’s most prestigious homes and commercial properties.Fred shares how his family built Clearview from the ground up, how they learned the trade before YouTube existed, and how they evolved into a brand known for elite service, strong culture, and smart marketing. He also breaks down their shift into commercial contracts, high-end residential work, and add-on services like holiday lighting and shrink wrapping — all while keeping a 90–95% employee return rate each year.For any home service owner who wants to scale, hire better, get off the truck, or become a real force in their local market, this episode delivers tactical, proven advice from someone who’s actually done it.About Clearview WashingWebsite: https://clearviewwashing.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearviewwashing/The Process CEO (Coaching by Fred & Christine): https://www.theprocessceo.com/🔥 What This Episode Covers• How Clearview grew from one missed appointment into a multi-million-dollar company• What it takes to break into high-end residential and commercial cleaning• The hiring process that keeps nearly every employee returning year after year• Why LinkedIn is one of Clearview’s secret weapons• How Fred built industry relationships that unlock huge commercial bids• When and why to add services like holiday lighting or shrink wrapping• How Clearview maintains world-class culture as a family-run business• Practical actions any home service owner can take to scale faster⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Meet Fred Hodge00:20 – Clearview’s services & specialties01:00 – Shrink wrap: what it is & why it works02:14 – How Clearview started06:40 – Family roles in the business10:00 – Learning the trade without YouTube12:45 – Early SEO & local marketing15:17 – Social media strategy & LinkedIn power17:45 – Making the Inc 500019:07 – Hiring, culture, and keeping great employees23:00 – Why owners get stuck on the truck26:10 – Clearview’s multi-step hiring system29:22 – Working with a spouse in business35:25 – Upgrading content, branding, and lead gen39:37 – Commercial vs. residential breakdown45:00 – How Clearview earned commercial contracts48:05 – Adding new services strategically51:10 – Fred’s advice for home service owners