Life & Work with Fahed “Derf” Batshon of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fahed “Derf” Batshon

Hi Fahed, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been bartending for 25 years. When the pandemic hit, I had no way to provide for my family as I was collecting $300 from EDD a week we boarded up the bar that I work at due to the riots going on in 2020 and Covid, the city gave us a grant to beautify the boards. I had my friend who does graffiti come out and do a mural on the boards. He got paint all over the ground, and the landlord complained to the owner of the bar, and the owner came to me and told me to get the paint off the ground And told my wife, I was going to get a pressure washer because I had just researched it online how to remove paint from concrete. She explained to me that we didn’t know if I had a job anymore due to the pandemic and advise me to hire somebody. I hired a guy and he charged me $80 for 30 minutes of work. I was blown away and I thought to myself I could do that too. So I started studying like crazy watching hours of YouTube two weeks later, I bought my own little machine. I was afraid to even start it as I’m not very handy with stuff like that. I started out doing small jobs and one day my friend, who owned a restaurant asked me to clean the sidewalk in front of his restaurant, a few months later he bought another restaurant and I started doing that one.I told him if he can guarantee me one years worth of work. I can go out and buy a machine that actually has the capability of bringing hot water to the situation. He agreed. Fast-forward four years as of yesterday and now I tow around a $30,000 pro Power washing trailer. As of now, I still manage the bar, but my main passion is now my own business.! I absolutely love it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This job Varies just like the US economy. It’s more of a luxury to have things washed. Every situation is different so it’s hard to have employees do the jobs without you being there because of my high expectations and standards getting jobs is not easy but due to 25 years in the bar business, I know a lot of people which is helps me continue growing over the years.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I teach my crew to go above and beyond for all customers. I get my satisfaction from when my customers smile and just are blown away by the transformation of the property. We go the extra mile. That’s what I pride myself on . I’m most proud of how far I’ve come It has allowed my family to sustain a lifestyle, which is fun and full of memory making. I could not sustain our lifestyle with just working at the bar after the pandemic

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I sure did. I had to pivot and it sound that I enjoyed not going to bed at three in the morning and having more time to be with my family I love bartending, but it’s not the best lifestyle especially if you’re raising a family with three children I’m 49 years old and my youngest is three. I have a seven year old 13 year old as well.

Pricing:

• $275 per hour plus supplies like soap and fuel We work fast and efficiently as a bring an assistant to help me get the job done as quick as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Derfspressurewashing.com
• Instagram: Derfspressurewashing
• Facebook: Derfspressurewashing