Mickey Ferrell, owner of Sudsy House Washing

Raised in a lineage of successful entrepreneurs, Mickey started from the ground up. As a teen, he was imbued with the ethos of hard work and integrity while working alongside his father at his family’s pest-control business. Here, Mickey absorbed the nuances of running a successful firm. And after his graduation from Hickory High School, he not only married his sweetheart, Devon, but also took a more pivotal role in the family business, honing his management skills for over a decade.

But Mickey’s career took a significant turn when he encountered a dilemma that would catalyze the birth of Sudsy House Washing. After a disappointing experience with a house washing company that failed to show up multiple times, Mickey took matters into his own hands and bought a pressure washer. And though the ordeal of personally pressure-washing his house for nearly nine and a half hours was grueling, the effort sparked a realization -- Mickey’s passion lay in hands-on work outside the confines of an office.

Meanwhile, the eventual resurgence of green algae on his home’s siding led Mickey down an internet rabbit hole in search of the most effective DIY house-cleaning methods, where he discovered the technique of ‘soft washing.’ "Here, I found a new career," Mickey recounted, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

“Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses a low pressure washing technique, along with a mixture of algaecides, detergents, surfactants, and water, to safely clean exterior surfaces of organic stains, mildew and algae,” Mickey says.

Sudsy House Washing quickly distinguished itself in Hampton Roads and the Moyock area of North Carolina, where Mickey’s commitment to excellence and his innovative approach to customer service -- including streamlined estimate processes and responsive communication -- set Sudsy apart. "Clients appreciate the convenience and speed of our estimation process," Mickey noted, emphasizing the value of respecting customers' time. “Most estimates can now be done with a quick phone call or by submitting an online estimate request.”

But Mickey Ferrell’s commitment to excellence and meticulous workmanship stands out as the primary reason for his customers’ satisfaction, transcending even the conveniences his service offers.

"I don't want to be second to anybody," he declares. "I like things a certain way and I make sure to leave my clients’ exteriors the way I would want mine to look. I want to get it right the first time. I don't want clients to be dissatisfied in any way. We do have a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but I prefer to take the extra steps to make sure the job is done correctly from the start. We're very thorough. Since we use detergents to clean, we make sure everything is rinsed off properly and thoroughly, especially shrubs and windows. We walk around the house several times to make sure we didn't miss anything. It's important to spend the extra time to make sure the job is done well. We build our reputation on that -- doing things right."

This unwavering commitment has solidified Sudsy’s reputation and driven customer satisfaction sky-high. This satisfaction, coupled with word-of-mouth referrals, has spurred Sudsy’s growth. "The growth is exciting," admits Mickey. "This operation is professional, and I am demonstrating to my team that this work is not merely a ‘dirty job.’ It's a dignified career that can support a family.”

Mickey credits the success and growth of Sudsy to the support of his customers, particularly expressing gratitude toward The Shopper’s readers, who have been among his most loyal supporters. His vision for Sudsy extends beyond financial success. "We’re driven by integrity, not profit. My ambition for Sudsy is for it to earn the community’s respect. We’re committed to upholding our stellar reputation by ensuring that every job we undertake is completed to the highest standards. Our aim is to deliver exceptional service without the hefty price tag."

For Mickey Ferrell, Sudsy House Washing is more than a business; it’s a symbol of his commitment to quality, integrity, and community. As Sudsy continues to expand, Mickey remains focused on ensuring that each job is done with the same level of care and professionalism that he would demand for his own home. With a foundation built on strong values and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Mickey and Sudsy House Washing are set to clean and grow in Hampton Roads for many years to come, one satisfied customer at a time.