When you think of startup businesses, it’s usually about tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Well financed venture-backed companies have spawned numerous unicorn companies. People use their products and services on a regular basis. However, there are other overlooked lucrative opportunities in so-called “boring” businesses. They provide the necessary services that people don’t want to do themselves.
There are many businesses that may lack a pedigree, but offer good solid services, and a nice income for its owners. Most other people may shy away from these businesses. But for people with or without a college degree, who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves, and are not a fan of sitting in an office all day long, the following businesses provide an opportunity to build wealth. Here are five such businesses that you may want to take a look at.
You’d be surprised. Businesses like cleaning, junk removal, pressure washing, laundromats, and pest control offer a path to significant wealth. Don’t let others discourage you. Their low entry barriers, steady demand, and high margins make them attractive for hardworking individuals willing to embrace tough less glamorous work. By focusing on essential services and scalable models, entrepreneurs can turn these overlooked industries into thriving enterprises and financial freedom. Additionally, many of these businesses won’t likely be taken over by AI.
Please be advised, the money mentioned in the piece can range a wide gamut depending on a number of factors. Earning potential varies based on location, initial money invested, finding the right workers, the ability to scale, and execution. Also, the term ‘boring’ isn’t fair. For a person who starts a business, and it becomes a success, that company is their beautiful darling child.
Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services
The kids make a mess. People will always spill things on the carpet. In the business world, the white-collar big shots leave the conference room with wine stains on the carpet. Cleaning services are a relatively recession-resistant business, with consistent demand from homeowners, businesses, and property managers. The low startup costs, often just cleaning supplies and basic marketing, make it accessible. Repeat clients provide stable revenue. Entrepreneurs can scale by hiring teams and securing commercial contracts. It sounds easy, but there will be a lot of sweat and tears to get the business up and running.
Cleaning is often seen as unglamorous, labor-intensive work, deterring those chasing trendier ventures. Many underestimate its scalability and profitability, assuming it’s a low-skill, low-reward job. According to industry insights, cleaning business owners can earn approximately $55,700 annually on average, with top performers scaling to six or seven figures by expanding into commercial contracts or specialized services like carpet or window cleaning. Profit margins typically range from 10-20%, depending on scale and efficiency.
Cleaning business owners in the U.S. earn an average of $120,000–$128,000 annually, per ZipRecruiter. With a small new business, revenue can start at around $35,000–$60,000. Top performers scale to six or even seven figures by expanding into commercial contracts or specialized services like carpet or window cleaning. Profit margins typically range from 10–20% for established cleaning businesses, but can reach 20–30% or higher with operational efficiency and in residential niches, per Aspire.
Junk Removal Services
One person’s junk is another’s gold. Junk removal caters to homeowners, businesses, and construction sites needing to dispose of bulky or unwanted items. The business requires minimal startup costs. You’ll need a truck, basic equipment, and some marketing materials to get attention. Recurring contracts with businesses or real estate firms can boost revenue. The physical nature of the work and the perception of dealing with “trash” make it unappealing to many. Additionally, some fail to see the potential for niche services, like eco-friendly disposal or recycling, which can command premium prices.
Junk removal businesses can be a ‘gold mine’ generating $50,000 to $150,000 annually for small operations, with profit margins of 20-30%. Larger firms with multiple trucks and crews can earn $500,000 or more per year, especially with commercial contracts.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a low-cost, high-margin business that serves residential and commercial clients looking to clean driveways, siding, decks, and parking lots. The equipment is affordable, starting at $1,000-$3,000, and the work can be done solo or scaled with a team. High demand in areas with seasonal weather changes adds to its appeal.
The simplicity of pressure washing leads many to dismiss it as a side hustle rather than a scalable business. The need for physical effort and outdoor work also deters those seeking office-based or tech-driven careers. Pressure washing businesses can earn $40,000 to $100,000 annually for solo operators, with profit margins of 30-50% due to low overhead. Scaling with additional equipment and employees can push revenues to $250,000 or more.
Laundromats
Here’s a business where you don’t do the work yourself. Your customers do it for you. Laundromats provide a semi-passive income stream, as customers do most of the work, loading and unloading their clothes in the washers and dryers. They require an upfront investment in machines and real estate or leasing a space. Their cash-based model and low staffing needs make them highly profitable. They’re also recession-proof, as laundry is an essential service.
The initial investment, around $100,000 to $500,000 can be a barrier of entry. Many also underestimate the potential for passive income or fail to modernize outdated laundromats for higher profits.
Laundromats can generate $50,000 to $300,000 in annual revenue, with net profit margins of 20-35% after expenses like utilities and maintenance. Well-managed facilities in high-traffic areas can exceed $500,000 in revenue.
Pest Control Services
No one likes bugs. Pest control is a high-demand, recession-resistant industry serving homes, businesses, and institutions like schools and restaurants. While certification is required in most regions, it can be obtained through short training programs rather than a college degree. Recurring service contracts ensure steady income.
The idea of handling pests is unappealing to many, and the need for certifications, though minimal, may seem daunting. The industry’s lack of “sexiness” also means it’s rarely highlighted in entrepreneurial discussions.
Pest control businesses can earn $50,000 to $200,000 annually for small operators, with profit margins of 20-40%. Larger firms with subscription-based models for commercial clients can generate $500,000 to $1 million in revenue.
Why These Businesses Are Underrated
In many upscale neighborhoods, parents push their children to go to college, even if it’s not right for them. For some families, skipping college and working in junk removal or pest control seems like you couldn’t hack the real world of business. These “boring” basic businesses are often ignored because they lack the allure of high-tech startups or creative industries. Social perceptions of manual labor, coupled with a cultural bias toward white-collar or digital careers, discourage many from pursuing them.
Additionally, the initial physical effort can deter those seeking quick, glamorous wins. However, their low competition, essential services, and scalable models make them ideal for driven entrepreneurs with or without a college degree.