Service Business Selector Matrix
Not all service businesses are created equal. This matrix scores 25+ business types across 8 critical factors to help you pick your winner.
Scoring System:
5 = Excellent | 4 = Good | 3 = Average | 2 = Below Average | 1 = Poor
Target Total Score: 30+ out of 40
The Master Matrix
| Business Type |
Startup Capital |
Cash Flow |
Scalability |
Exit Multiple |
Competition |
Regulation |
Remote-able |
Learning Curve |
TOTAL |
| Commercial Cleaning |
5 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
34 |
| Painting (Commercial) |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
33 |
| Landscaping |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
31 |
| Mobile RV Repair |
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
31 |
| Pest Control |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
31 |
| HVAC Service |
3 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
28 |
| Plumbing |
3 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
27 |
| Parking Lot Striping |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
31 |
| Dumpster Rental |
2 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
31 |
| Pressure Washing |
5 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
32 |
Top 5 Winners (Detailed Profiles)
1. Commercial Cleaning (Score: 34/40)
Why It Wins: Recurring revenue, minimal regulation, easy to systematize, can run remotely.
✅ Pros:
- Predictable monthly recurring revenue
- Low startup costs ($5-10K)
- No special licenses required
- Night work = no customer interaction
- Easy to hire and train staff
❌ Cons:
- High competition in major metros
- Lower exit multiples (2-3x SDE)
- High employee turnover
- Thin margins if not managed well
INSIDER TIP: Focus on medical offices and banks. They pay more and never cancel.
2. Commercial Painting (Score: 33/40)
Why It Wins: High margins, project-based pricing, minimal equipment needs.
✅ Pros:
- 50-60% gross margins
- $20-50K average project size
- Repeat commercial clients
- Can subcontract everything
- Strong exit multiples (3-4x)
❌ Cons:
- Seasonal in cold climates
- Need good project management
- Insurance costs can be high
- Cash flow gaps between projects
3. Pressure Washing (Score: 32/40)
Why It Wins: Lowest barrier to entry, fast cash flow, easy to learn.
✅ Pros:
- Start with $3K equipment
- Get paid same day
- No licensing requirements
- Residential & commercial mix
- Add-on services (sealing, soft wash)
❌ Cons:
- Very seasonal business
- Lots of weekend work
- Physical labor intensive
- Low barriers = high competition
Businesses to Avoid (Score Under 25)
- Roofing: High insurance, dangerous, weather dependent
- Moving Companies: Terrible margins, high damage claims
- Residential Cleaning: High churn, low prices, difficult clients
- Lawn Care Only: Too seasonal, race to the bottom pricing
- Pool Service: Limited geography, technical knowledge required
The Remote Operation Test
Can you run it from Bali? Rate each business:
| Business |
Remote Score |
Why |
| Commercial Cleaning |
5/5 |
Night work, systematic routes, minimal owner presence needed |
| Painting |
4/5 |
Project managers handle sites, owner does estimates via video |
| Landscaping |
3/5 |
Seasonal issues require presence, design work needs site visits |
| HVAC |
2/5 |
Technical issues need owner expertise, emergency calls problematic |
Quick Decision Framework
Answer These 5 Questions:
- Do you have $50K+ to invest? → Go for HVAC or Plumbing
- Want purely passive income? → Laundromat or Car Wash (not on this list)
- Need cash flow in 30 days? → Pressure Washing or Cleaning
- Planning to sell in 2-3 years? → Pest Control or Painting
- Want to work remotely? → Commercial Cleaning wins
Action Steps
- Pick 3 businesses that scored 30+
- Call 10 operators in each (this week)
- Ask: "If you ever thought about selling, what would it take?"
- The one with the most motivated seller wins
© The Blueprint System™ - Service Business Selector
Next: See Document #6 for owner approach scripts