Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Brannon.
Hi Mitchell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in a close-knit Christian family alongside my parents and three older sisters. Being homeschooled gave me the flexibility to begin working early, and I spent much of my time learning hands-on skills through our family business, Integrity Blinds and Shutters and other self employed individuals. That experience laid a strong foundation in trade work, customer service, and problem-solving that would later shape my career.
After high school, I attended Greenville Technical College while working at Marco’s Pizza, where I met my soon to be wife, Page. We got married in April 2022, and just one month later I received my A&P license and began working as an aircraft technician at GSP. While I was grateful for the opportunity, the long hours and often demanding night shift schedule led me to rethink what I truly wanted long-term. I realized I didn’t want to spend the next 40-50 years trading valuable time for a lackluster paycheck – I wanted to build something of my own.
That mindset shift pushed me to dive deeper into financial education, investing, and entrepreneurship through countless books and online research. The turning point came when a client of Integrity Blinds and Shutters asked about having their outdoor vinyl shades cleaned – something no one locally was offering. Seeing the gap in the market, I decided to step in and create a solution.
With no prior experience in the field, I reached out to industry professionals and was eventually connected with Old Glory Washing Solutions, a company in Florida that specializes in shade cleaning and exterior services. In September 2025, I traveled there to train and learn firsthand. What started as a simple idea quickly expanded into a much larger vision.
Today, that original concept has grown into a fully operational exterior cleaning business offering vinyl shade cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, surface cleaning, and window cleaning. From knowing almost nothing about the industry to running a complete, professional-grade operation, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
As my wife and I prepare to welcome our first son in May 2026, I’m more motivated than ever to continue building a business that not only serves our community well but also creates lasting freedom and opportunity for my family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most worthwhile things, there’s been a fair share of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles was simply starting in an industry I had little to no experience in. Outside of basic cleaning at home, I had never done pressure washing, soft washing, or professional window cleaning. There was a steep learning curve, and at times it felt overwhelming trying to understand the equipment, techniques, and best practices while also making sure I was delivering quality results to paying customers.
Another major challenge has been learning to balance it all. I still work long hours as an aircraft technician, often on night shifts, while my weekends are dedicated to building my businesses – growing a fleet vehicle maintenance side hustle and, more importantly, continuing to develop Carolina Surface Pro. At the same time, my wife and I are preparing to welcome our first child.
This season of life has required real sacrifice – giving up free time, sleep, and comfort in order to lay a strong foundation. It’s not always easy, but it’s purposeful, and every bit of effort now is an investment in the future I’m working to create for my family.
There were also the normal uncertainties that come with starting something new – investing money into equipment without guaranteed returns, figuring out pricing, building a customer base, and learning how to market myself effectively. Stepping into the unknown always brings a level of risk and self-doubt.
That said, each of those challenges has played a role in shaping the business. The obstacles forced me to learn quickly, stay disciplined, and lean into growth. Looking back, it wasn’t smooth – but it’s absolutely been worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Carolina Surface Pro is an exterior cleaning company focused on delivering high-quality, detail-oriented service for both residential and commercial clients. We specialize in a range of services including pressure washing, soft washing, surface cleaning, window cleaning, and vinyl shade cleaning – an area that originally sparked the creation of the business.
What sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way. In an industry where it’s easy to prioritize speed over quality, we focus on proper techniques, the right equipment, and attention to detail to ensure every job is done safely and effectively. Whether it’s protecting delicate surfaces with soft washing or restoring heavily soiled concrete, we approach each project with the same level of care and professionalism.
Built on a strong Christian foundation, values such as honesty, reliability, and clear communication are central to everything we do at Carolina Surface Pro. Having come from a large company environment where I often felt like just another number – and where the average worker had little to no voice in decision-making – I’m passionate about building something different.
My goal is to create a business that shows genuine respect to both customers and future employees alike – something I believe everyone deserves. We don’t just aim to complete a job; we strive to deliver an experience that customers can trust and confidently recommend to others. That mindset has been a driving force behind the growth and direction of the brand.
One thing I’m especially proud of is how Carolina Surface Pro has developed from a simple idea into a fully operational, professional-grade business. From investing in the right equipment to continuously learning and improving our processes, everything has been built with long-term quality and sustainability in mind.
More than anything, I want people to know that Carolina Surface Pro is a business that genuinely cares about the work we do, the results we deliver, and the people we serve. We’re not just cleaning surfaces; we’re helping homeowners and businesses take pride in their properties and maintain them at a high standard.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a high-risk person – I tend to take a calculated and measured approach. From the beginning, I’ve tried to minimize unnecessary risk by maintaining my full-time job as an aircraft technician while building Carolina Surface Pro on the side. That steady income has allowed me to grow Carolina Surface Pro in a more stable and sustainable way, without putting my family in a vulnerable position.
That being said, there has still been a significant level of risk involved. I’ve invested a considerable amount of time, money, and resources into building the business – purchasing equipment, training, and committing countless hours outside of work to get things off the ground. There’s always uncertainty when you’re stepping into something new, especially without guarantees of immediate or even long term success.
For me, risk isn’t about taking big leaps without a plan – it’s about being willing to step into the unknown with preparation and purpose. It’s about balancing faith with responsibility, and trusting that the effort you’re putting in today will create opportunities tomorrow.
As the business continues to grow, there will likely be a point where taking a bigger step – transitioning into it full-time – becomes the next calculated risk. When that time comes, I want to be in a position where that decision is backed by both preparation and confidence.
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