Toby Surber is the owner of Ad Astra Softwash, with over 7 years of experience in the industry. Toby’s journey began in retail and roofing sales. One day, he dove into YouTube searching for a side gig and discovered pressure washing and window cleaning. With his background in sales, he knew how to approach people and solve problems.
In the winter of 2017, Toby flew down to Florida, took a class on softwashing, and returned to Kansas City with a clear vision: build a business from scratch. Despite having zero formal business experience—never needing a website or real marketing before—he pressed on, step by step, laying the groundwork for what Ad Astra Softwash is today.
How Ad Astra Softwash Works
When a customer calls with a dirty patio or driveway, Toby and his team get out there fast. They walk with the customer to inspect the area. He checks for any hidden damage from years of neglect. If the surface is sound, he applies a detergent-based cleaner that kills mold, mildew, algae, and other organic growth. Then he rinses it off with pure water. This method, known as soft washing, uses low pressure and a gentle touch that avoids further damage—a safer alternative to the high-pressure methods many people fear.
Toby puts in the effort to make every job perfect. His customers are always happy and amazed by the results.
Tackling Big Projects
Not every project is small. Toby handles jobs ranging from one- or two-hour quick fixes to complex projects that take eight to ten hours or even span several days. He recalls cleaning a concrete tile roof surrounded by water—a project that pushed his team to plan every ladder step carefully. Another standout project was an assisted living facility that took three days to complete. The building, three to four stories tall, demanded a lot of ladder work and strategic planning. These challenging projects highlight the discipline and precision that define his work.
Before he mastered softwashing, Toby was an amateur fighter. A buddy convinced him to hit the gym one night, and that sparked years of mixed martial arts training, even leading him to train in Muay Thai in Thailand for a month. Toby says that experience taught him two key lessons: always keep learning and never give up. The discipline and grit from the fighting world now drive his approach to business. Every day brings new challenges, and he meets them head-on—just as he did in the gym.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
Toby’s best advice for anyone looking to start in this field is simple: work for someone who’s already doing it and spend a couple of months learning on the job. Without proper training, you risk damaging property or hurting yourself because you don’t yet understand how the equipment works. Experience is the foundation of success.
Toby also makes sure his customers know where to find him. You can reach him at AdAstraSoftwash.com, on LinkedIn by searching his name, on Instagram, or on Facebook under Ad Astra Softwash. He keeps a close eye on every detail, even tracking calls with marketing numbers to see what works best.
Toby’s story is one of grit, continuous learning, and bold action. From diving into a YouTube rabbit hole to building a thriving business with no prior experience, he turned challenges into achievements. His safe, strategic softwashing method and his relentless drive make Ad Astra Softwash a name to trust in the Kansas City Metro. His dedication and his journey will inspire others in the local service industry to push forward—no matter how cold it gets.
