Betting on Yourself: Nick Listorti on Growth, Grit, and Getting Uncomfortable
In a return to the Grit Won’t Quit studio, Nick Listorti, owner of Get Wet Powerwashing, shares what it means to truly bet on yourself—and win. Now in his fifth summer running the business, Nick opens up about personal transitions, professional risks, and the relentless mindset that keeps him pushing forward.
From Ocean County to Monmouth County: A Bold Move
This season marks a pivotal shift for Nick: relocating from Ocean County to Highlands, NJ. What began as a personal move turned into a strategic business decision to expand Get Wet Powerwashing into Monmouth County. Although Ocean County operations are still thriving—largely fueled by referrals and repeat clients—Nick saw untapped potential in his new backyard.
“I wanted another challenge,” Nick explains. “Ocean County kind of runs itself now. But up here, I see opportunity. I see space to grow.”
That meant stepping out of his comfort zone. New town. New customers. New competition. But for Nick, discomfort is part of the game—and part of the reward.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Powerwashing is a competitive space, but Nick knew his business brought something different. While many companies offer basic exterior cleaning, Get Wet Powerwashing provides hot water washing, window cleaning, paver sanding and sealing, and a reputation for elite-level service.
“No one around here does all that,” he says. “I don’t just want to be another guy with a hose. I want to offer something no one else does—and do it better.”
And he’s not waiting for business to come to him. From hyperlocal marketing and social media to strategic networking events and partnerships, Nick is actively building his name in Monmouth County.
Embracing the Seasonality—and Extending It
Like many exterior home service businesses, Get Wet Powerwashing experiences a natural seasonal ebb and flow. But Nick refuses to let winter slow him down. By adding landscaping, patio repair, and snow plowing services, he’s building a more resilient, year-round operation.
New hires with landscaping experience have allowed him to offer patio leveling and prep work alongside paver sealing. He’s also partnered with trusted landscapers in both counties, using a team-first approach to expand services and share marketing costs.
“If I win, they win. If they win, I win,” Nick says. “We help each other grow.”
Commercial Clients and New Horizons
While residential work remains the foundation of the business, Nick has recently stepped into the commercial arena. A standout project? Powerwashing one of the biggest restaurants in Long Branch—Rooney’s—during a tight morning window before service began.
Through connections in his personal life and consistent relationship-building, Nick turned a chance meeting into a long-term client. Now, he’s leveraging word-of-mouth and stellar execution to gain even more traction in the commercial space.
A New Mindset for a New Market
Nick quickly realized that success in Monmouth County would require more than just great service—it would demand a shift in branding and messaging. “Up here, it’s more sophisticated,” he says. “People don’t want gimmicks. They want elite, professional service.”
That meant retiring his fun but casual “Want to Get Wet?” shirts and leaning into the image of a high-end, reliable company. From polished video content to professional branding, Nick is meeting his new market where they are.
“This is my area now,” he says. “And if someone else lands a job here, it’s because I didn’t do my job first.”
Final Words of Encouragement
When asked what advice he’d give others thinking about taking a leap, Nick is clear:
“If you only dip your toe in the pool, you’ll never jump all the way in. Just do it. Take the risk. Your body will acclimate.”
That mindset is exactly what has fueled his transition and growth—along with long hours, smart partnerships, and the willingness to get uncomfortable for something bigger.
Nick ends the episode with a heartfelt reminder to listeners:
“You are valued. You are important. And you are loved.”
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
