Carlos Gonzalez of EBC: The Life,the Legend, the Legacy - Part 4 - Wash On!
Editor’s Note: Since starting this series on Carlos Gonzales of EnviroBio Cleaner (EBC), he has received private messages from people around the globe who’ve been encouraged by his story. That was part of our hope for this piece, and we at J. Racenstein are honored to be the first to share it. If you have not read the first three parts of this series, I highly recommend going back and doing so. You can find parts 1 (His Family’s Legacy) and 2 (A New (Out]Look on Life) here, and part 3 (Taking on the World) here.
Part 4: “Wash On!”
Carlos’s story is an inspiration, and so is Carlos himself. Anyone who follows “Los” on social media has likely seen his encouraging posts. In fact, his slogan – “Wash On” – has taken a life of its own, and now graces the heads, equipment, and bumpers of cleaning contractors’ vehicles across the U.S. and beyond.
“Wash on” was a term Carlos began using with hopes of creating a universal statement to strengthen the bond of the pressure washing industry. “It’s a term that connects us. It cuts through the industry politics. It reaches beyond the trade associations. It surpasses any specific product. It has no agendas, no biases. It’s just a code of encouragement for who we are as a trade.”
The term “Wash On” has become a symbol of brotherhood. It’s a code term that the average citizen may not understand, but industry members know what it means. “It’s just a simple approach to uniting a complicated, often political industry.” And it’s a term that is growing around the globe
Spreading Positivity
“Wash On” has also become a way that Carlos can spread encouragement and give back to those in need.
Giving back is important to Carlos, but not just because the industry has allowed him to do incredible things.
“My inspiration does not come from EBC or my power washing days. My inspiration is from remembering that I walked into this industry stripped down emotionally, physically, and mentally. It’s remembering that I looked death right in the eyes many times, and I feel very fortunate to have turned around, walked away, and managed to carve out a decent living without a lot of baggage in my life. “
Carlos has come a long ways from his days as a homeless alcoholic on the streets. But he uses his past as a checkpoint: “Stay humble, stay in my lane, don’t boast, don’t take anything for granted.”
Today, Carlos uses his success and his journey to encourage other entrepreneurs to grow in positivity every single day.
“Thousands of ordinary people are trying to make a go at this industry, all with their own stories. If a homeless guy can turn his life around like I have, then so can they. That’s the message I really want to plant with readers. No matter who you are, what your background is, or what got you into this industry, it’s a good industry and you can make a pretty decent living if you are willing work and make some sacrifices.”
