Derek Kneeland is a veteran NASCAR Spotter and the Owner of Kneeland Klean, a pressure and soft washing company serving homes and businesses. Derek grew up in Windham, Maine, racing go-karts from the age of eight and later transitioned into Late Model and Super Late Model racing. As a spotter, he works for top teams, including Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series with Kyle Busch, and also spots in the Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Series. Beyond spotting, Derek owns and races his own Super Late Model car in select major short-track events.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [4:01] Derek Kneeland’s hobbies outside of racing: golf, hunting, and outdoor adventures
- [5:38] The value of having a balance between work, family, and personal time
- [8:06] Derek’s move from Maine to North Carolina to chase a career in motorsports
- [19:59] The financial and logistical challenges of running a short-track racing team
- [25:24] Sponsors who support Derek’s racing dreams
- [32:08] How Derek gradually launched his pressure washing startup
- [37:44] Why planning and scheduling are critical for solopreneurs
- [45:06] Mentors, family, and lessons that shaped Derek’s journey
In this episode…
Many driven professionals wrestle with the challenge of pursuing their passion while securing financial stability. How can you build a life around your dream career while still creating a backup plan for the future? Is it possible to balance the thrill of high-pressure work with the steady growth of a personal business?
Derek Kneeland, a veteran NASCAR Spotter and small business owner, shares how he turned his love for racing into a thriving career while launching a pressure washing venture to diversify his income. Derek advises starting small — testing the waters with a limited financial investment — before scaling up with better equipment and systems. He stresses the importance of time management, balancing work and family life, and leaning on mentors and supportive relationships to sustain momentum in both motorsports and entrepreneurship.
In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Derek Kneeland, Owner of Kneeland Klean, about blending a NASCAR career with growing a local service business. Derek discusses building a pressure washing company from scratch, the costs and logistics of running his own race team, and the lessons he learned from mentors and family support.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Rich Schuette on LinkedIn
- Avalan Wealth
- Derek Kneeland: Facebook | X
- SOS Towing on Facebook
- Kneeland Klean on Facebook
- Sebago Lake Properties
- Big Apple
- Silky Sato
- Sumerian Irrigation
- Pierson Heating and Cooling
- Pine State Dump Runners
- Irish Construction
- Jdawgs Property Management
- Maine Metal Buildings
Quotable Moments:
- “Nobody wants to work forever, right? We’re here for a short time, but we’re here for a good time.”
- “If I’m going to do something, I want to try to be the best at it.”
- “The hardest thing to do is doing something you’re not comfortable with and making change.”
- “You can make $1 million and not get a $500,000 loan.”
- “I want to be remembered as somebody that worked hard and was a good person.”
Action Steps:
- Start small when launching a side business: Testing the waters with a minimal capital investment reduces financial risk and builds confidence.
- Invest in the right equipment early: Quality tools save time and ensure professional results as demand grows.
- Balance work, family, and personal projects: Maintaining harmony across these areas prevents burnout and sustains long-term success.
- Seek mentors and supportive relationships: Guidance from experienced peers accelerates learning and opens valuable opportunities.
- Manage scheduling with discipline: Careful planning allows you to meet commitments across multiple careers and personal goals effectively.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by Avalan, a wealth management firm dedicated to personalized financial, business, and investment planning.
We work with select high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and trusts, providing guidance tailored to their unique needs.
From supercar entrepreneurs to music industry entrepreneurs, our team employs proven investment strategies to help them preserve wealth, protect assets, and plan charitable giving.
With an unwavering focus on world-class service, our relationships are built to last generations, helping clients achieve lifelong goals through a thoughtful, consultative approach.
To learn how Avalan can empower you to reach your goals, visit https://www.avalanwealth.com/contact/.