When most people think about starting a business, trash cans probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. But for friends JonReed and Keegan, they saw an opportunity to provide a service their community could really use, and JKCleans was born.

The business started with a simple idea: help neighbors by taking care of one of the dirtiest household chores. Instead of leaving homeowners to deal with grimy garbage and recycling bins, the two friends do the hard work for them.

The name JKCleans came naturally by combining the first initials of JonReed and Keegan, creating a business that's as straightforward as the service they provide.

Cleaning a trash bin is much more involved than simply spraying it out with a hose. Every bin begins with a thorough rinse before being coated in soap using a foam cannon attached to a pressure washer. After another rinse, cleaning chemicals are applied to break down stubborn grime. Once the chemicals have had time to work, the pair uses the pressure washer to remove built-up debris before climbing inside the bin to scrub away any remaining residue by hand. A final rinse and deodorizer leave each bin looking and smelling fresh.

Like many new entrepreneurs, JonReed and Keegan have discovered that running a business comes with unexpected challenges. One lesson they've learned is that door-to-door marketing takes patience. Since many homeowners aren't home during the day, it often takes several stops before they find someone interested in their service.

Of course, it's not all hard work. The friends say one of the best parts of owning the business is getting to spend more time together. Whether it's cooling off with the occasional spray from the pressure washer on a hot day or riding their scooter and bike while hauling equipment between jobs, they've found ways to make the work enjoyable.

Their advice for other young people who want to start a business is simple: stay dedicated. They believe commitment is what separates a good idea from a successful one.

Looking ahead, JonReed and Keegan aren't focused on becoming the biggest company around. Instead, they're committed to two goals: serving their community with a valuable service while earning a little extra money along the way.

To schedule a garbage or recycling bin cleaning, residents can call or text Keegan at 920-664-3513 or JonReed at 920-247-9070. You can also follow JKCleans on TikTok at @jkcleans1 to see their work in action.