We recently connected with Carl Wassberg and have shared our conversation below.

Carl, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I took was deciding to reinvest heavily into professional-grade equipment for The Timber Revival Co. much earlier than most small exterior cleaning companies typically would. When I first started the business, I realized quickly that many companies in this industry try to grow by keeping overhead low and using basic consumer-level equipment. The risk I took was going the opposite direction.

I made the decision to invest in higher-end commercial soft-wash systems, professional surface cleaners, and specialized equipment designed to clean efficiently while protecting surfaces. At the time, it was a significant financial commitment for a young company, and there’s always uncertainty when you’re putting that much back into the business instead of playing it safe.

My reasoning was simple: if I wanted to build a company known for quality and reliability in the Terre Haute area, I needed the tools to deliver professional results every single time. Better equipment allows us to clean more effectively, work more efficiently, and most importantly protect customers’ homes and properties from damage.

Looking back, that investment was absolutely the right decision. It allowed us to produce higher quality work, take on larger and more complex projects, and build a reputation that customers trust. Today, those early investments in equipment are a big part of what allows The Timber Revival Co. to deliver consistent results and continue growing in our community.

Carl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Carl Wassberg, and I’m the owner of The Timber Revival Co., a veteran-owned exterior cleaning company based in Terre Haute, Indiana. My path into business ownership has really been shaped by a background in service, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

Right out of high school, I joined the United States Marine Corps, where I served for eight years and completed four combat deployments. The Marines taught me the importance of discipline, leadership, and attention to detail. Those lessons stayed with me long after my military service ended and continue to influence how I approach both my career and my business today.

After leaving the Marines in 2014, I attended Indiana State University and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management. That education gave me a deeper understanding of risk management, safety procedures, and operational efficiency—skills that translate directly into the work we do in exterior cleaning.

Today, I continue serving my community as a police officer and K9 handler, a role that requires a high level of responsibility, trust, and commitment. Working in law enforcement reinforces the same values that shaped my time in the military: integrity, accountability, and doing things the right way even when no one is watching.

The Timber Revival Co. was built on those same principles. I started the company with the goal of providing professional exterior cleaning services that focus on quality and proper techniques rather than simply using high pressure and rushing through jobs. Many people don’t realize that exterior cleaning is a specialized process. Using the wrong methods can cause significant damage to siding, roofs, concrete, and wood surfaces.

Our company focuses on using the correct approach for every surface, including professional soft washing systems and specialized commercial-grade equipment designed to safely remove organic growth, oxidation, and buildup. Early on, I made the decision to reinvest heavily in higher-end equipment and industry-proven systems so we could deliver better results and operate more efficiently. While that was a risk for a young company, it ultimately allowed us to provide a higher level of service and take on larger residential and commercial projects.

Today, The Timber Revival Co. provides a full range of services including house washing, roof cleaning, concrete cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and brightening, deck and fence restoration, monument cleaning, and fleet washing. Our goal is to help property owners restore curb appeal, protect their investments, and maintain clean, professional-looking properties.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built in the community. Being a veteran-owned local business means a lot to me, and we take pride in serving Terre Haute and the surrounding areas. The majority of our growth has come from word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers, which tells me we’re doing something right.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that when they hire The Timber Revival Co., they’re hiring a company that values professionalism, reliability, and quality workmanship. The same principles that guided me in the Marine Corps and continue to guide me in law enforcement are the same principles that drive our business every day.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner is actually my wife, Kaitlyn, so The Timber Revival Co. is very much a family-run business. Kaitlyn and I first met while we were both out with mutual friends at a birthday dinner. At the time, neither of us could have imagined that years later we’d be building a business together.

As our relationship grew, so did the idea of creating something of our own. When I started The Timber Revival Co., Kaitlyn quickly became a big part of the operation. While I handle much of the field work and technical side of the exterior cleaning services, she plays a major role behind the scenes helping manage customer communication, scheduling, and the day-to-day organization that keeps everything running smoothly.

Like most small businesses, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than people realize. Having a partner you trust to help navigate the challenges and growth of a business makes a huge difference. Kaitlyn has been incredibly supportive throughout the process and has helped turn what started as an idea into a growing local company.

Building The Timber Revival Co. together has been one of the most rewarding experiences for both of us. At the end of the day, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about building something meaningful together while serving the community we live in and taking pride in the work we do.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe our reputation has been built on a combination of quality work, reliability, and word-of-mouth referrals. In an industry like exterior cleaning, the results speak for themselves. When someone sees the transformation of a home, driveway, or building after it’s properly cleaned, it makes an immediate impact. That kind of visible result naturally leads to neighbors asking questions and customers recommending us to others.

Another big factor has been our commitment to doing the job the right way. Early on, I made the decision to invest in professional-grade equipment and industry-proven cleaning methods instead of relying on basic pressure washing equipment. That allows us to use the correct process—like soft washing for delicate surfaces—so we can safely remove organic growth and restore surfaces without causing damage. Customers appreciate knowing their property is being treated properly rather than just blasted with high pressure.

Consistency has also played a huge role. Showing up when we say we will, communicating clearly with customers, and delivering the same level of quality on every job builds trust over time. My background in the Marine Corps and my work in law enforcement have both reinforced the importance of accountability and professionalism, and those values carry directly into how I run the business.

At the end of the day, our reputation has really been built by our customers. When people trust you enough to recommend your company to friends, family, and neighbors, that’s the best validation you can get.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetimberrevivalco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetimberrevivalco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Timber-Revival-Co-61576086873834/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl0311
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-timber-revival-terre-haute-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/the-timber-revival-co-terre-haute-in/
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Image Credits

Carl Wassberg