We were lucky to catch up with Michael Watkins II recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the Pressure Washing marketing industry is the rise of AI-powered systems and automation, especially around lead follow-up, review generation, and customer reactivation. At The Code Chasers, we’ve been leaning hard into this because it’s not just a buzzword — it’s the future of scaling small home service businesses.
Let me give you a real example.
A Pressure Washing contractor we worked with in Florida was struggling with inconsistent leads. He’d get a few jobs from Facebook or referrals but had no real system — just a cell phone, word-of-mouth, and maybe a Google Business Profile he hadn’t touched in months.
When we came in, we didn’t just run some Facebook ads and call it a day. We built him an entire automated ecosystem: AI text/email follow-up for every new lead, automated reminders and review requests, a Google-optimized website, and a streamlined booking flow. His response time went from 2–3 hours (or forgotten follow-ups) to instant, 24/7 lead nurturing — and his close rate nearly doubled in 30 days.
This trend — using AI to replace manual follow-up, scheduling, and even sales — is changing the game, but not everyone is ready. That’s the biggest concern. A lot of contractors are nervous about “robots” running their business. They think it’s impersonal or too tech-heavy. But the truth is, the guys who don’t adapt will get left behind by those who scale smart.
The opportunity is massive: the average pressure washer doesn’t have time to chase every lead or update SEO every week. That’s where we come in — combining marketing strategy with automation to free them from the truck and help them build real businesses, not just jobs.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Michael Watkins II, and I’m the founder of The Code Chasers Digital Marketing, a marketing agency that helps Pressure Washing contractors grow their businesses with smart systems, strategic ads, and SEO that actually works. I started learning digital marketing in Middle School, teaching myself how websites rank on Google, how to build funnels that convert, and how small business owners could use automation to save time and close more jobs. While most people my age were focused on school or sports, I was deep into learning the systems behind scaling service businesses — and turning that knowledge into real results.
What pulled me into the Pressure Washing space specifically was how underserved it is. These are hardworking contractors who know how to deliver amazing service, but often struggle to keep a steady flow of leads or build long-term systems. They’re wearing every hat — from technician to salesperson to admin — and that grind isn’t sustainable. The Code Chasers helps fix that. We build full-scale growth systems that include high-converting websites, local SEO, automated AI follow-up, Facebook Ads, and more. It’s not just marketing — it’s about giving contractors back their time and helping them scale smarter.
What sets us apart is our one-client-per-city policy and our performance-driven mindset. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter strategies. We work closely with each client, track KPIs, and constantly optimize their marketing funnel for better results. Every contractor we work with has a tailored system built for their goals, their city, and their ideal customers. Our clients aren’t just getting leads — they’re getting booked jobs, glowing reviews, and a business they can step back from one day.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the impact we’ve had. One client went from struggling to keep a full schedule to hiring a crew and expanding his service area. That’s the kind of transformation we aim for. If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and The Code Chasers, it’s this: we believe small businesses deserve enterprise-level systems. With the right strategy and tools, any Pressure Washing business can dominate their local market — and we’re here to help make that happen.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the biggest tests of resilience for me has been building The Code Chasers while still in high school. Most people don’t realize how hard it is to grow a real business — with clients, systems, and deliverables — while juggling classes, homework, and graduation requirements. I’d watch other agency owners or marketers who had full days to work on their business, travel to conferences, or network without restrictions. I remember feeling frustrated that I couldn’t do that yet. It felt like I was always running uphill with limited time and energy.
But at some point, I had to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do — like working full-time hours or traveling to meet clients — I asked myself: What can I do with the time I have? That question changed everything.
I started blocking out early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings to study, build funnels, take discovery calls, and train myself on CRM tools, SEO best practices, and Facebook Ads. I wasn’t always the most available, but I made sure that when I was available, I delivered real value. That consistency helped me build credibility, even at 17.
That period taught me how to work with intensity and discipline, and it’s why The Code Chasers has such a strong foundation today. I didn’t have unlimited time — but I had a strong “why” and a determination to build something real. That resilience is still a big part of how I operate today.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
At The Code Chasers, we don’t just run ads or build websites and disappear. We have a vested interest in every Pressure Washing business we work with — because when our clients win, we win. That mindset is at the heart of how we keep in touch and foster real brand loyalty.
We see ourselves as growth partners, not just service providers. From day one, we’re involved in more than just the marketing — we’re helping shape the long-term vision for their business. We hold monthly or bi-weekly strategy calls with every client to review performance, update KPIs, and make sure they’re hitting their goals. If leads are slowing down, we fix it. If their Google Business Profile needs review generation, we build a plan. We’re constantly optimizing, tweaking, and evolving their system.
Clients also get direct access to us through text, email, and their own CRM we provide. Whether it’s sending monthly reports, automating follow-ups, or launching a new local campaign — we’re always plugged in and proactive.
Loyalty comes from results, but it also comes from partnership. When a client feels like they’re not just a number — but someone we’re genuinely invested in — they stick with us. And that’s what we aim to build every time: a long-term relationship where we grow alongside their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecodechasers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmikewatkins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmikewatkins/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realmikewatkins/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RealMikeTX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecodechasers
