027: I Made $1.2M a Month Selling Crime Scene Cleanup

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—Welcome to a special episode where we unravel the incredible story of Bio-One Inc. and its founder, Nick-Anthony Zamucen. Today, we'll explore the principles that transformed a simple act of compassion into a multi-million dollar crime scene cleaning empire.—
—In the heart of today's episode, we'll focus on three essential principles that propelled Bio-One's success: Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship, Adaptation and Learning, and Resilience and Mental Toughness. Nick's journey started with a small act of kindness and led to building a business that changes lives in the darkest moments.—
—Let me introduce you to Nick-Anthony Zamucen and how he built a multi-million dollar crime scene cleaning franchise called Bio-One Inc. Nick's story is not about fancy success jargon, but a tale of grit and determination.—

—Nick started Bio-One Inc. over two decades ago in Greenwood Village, Colorado. His company specializes in crime and trauma scene cleaning, dealing with situations that most people wouldn't even want to think about. They clean up after suicides, homicides, undiscovered bodies, hoarding situations, blood spills, meth labs, and more. Essentially, they handle the "What do we do now" phone call.—

—But how did Nick get into this line of work? It was by sheer fate. He was attending a small Baptist church when the pastor asked for help comforting a widow whose husband had taken his own life. Nick and a friend went to her house and were shocked by what they found. The scene was a horrifying mess, and the widow was left to clean it up herself. Nick decided to help, not realizing what he was getting into.—

—Armed with little more than pink dish gloves and a can of Comet, Nick and his friend attempted to clean the gruesome aftermath. It was a chaotic and unprepared endeavor that took them six hours to complete when a professional would have done it in two. Nevertheless, they were trying to assist someone in their greatest time of need.—

—That experience sparked an idea in Nick's mind. He wondered if families across the country were facing similar situations when tragedies occurred. And that's how Bio-One was born.—

—Nick eventually started franchising Bio-One, and today, they have over 90 franchises nationwide. Franchising, as Nick will tell you, is a unique beast with its own set of challenges and regulations. But for Nick, it was a way to expand his brand and help others build their businesses.—

—Bio-One has handled some of the most devastating incidents in recent history, from mass shootings to disease outbreaks. They're the company people call when they don't know who else to call, and their motto is "Help First, Business Second."—

—Nick believes that business is not just about profit; it's a spiritual game that affects every aspect of your life. It can be a rollercoaster, with highs and lows that test your mental fortitude. He's learned that controlling your emotions during the tough times is crucial to survival in the business world.—

—In Nick's eyes, Tony Robbins is a mentor and a source of inspiration. Both Nick and Tony had challenging upbringings but chose not to let their past dictate their future. They believe that life's challenges are opportunities for growth, and they both share the philosophy that the past doesn't equal the future.—

—Today, Bio-One continues to grow, adding two to three new franchises every month. They plan to cap out at around 150 franchises, making it accessible for many entrepreneurs to join their mission of helping communities during their darkest times.—

—Nick's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: Remember why you started in the first place. In the face of challenges, it's easy to forget your initial motivation and seek the illusion of security in a corporate job. But Nick's story reminds us that striving for greatness and living a life that others can only dream of is worth every hardship along the way.—


—Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Bio-One's remarkable rise and learn how these principles can transform not just businesses, but lives. Let’s now explore the three key principles that have contributed to the company's remarkable success and provide you with actionable insights on how to apply them to your own business.—

Principle 1: Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship—

—Nick's journey began with a simple act of compassion. He saw a widow in need, faced with a horrifying cleanup task after a tragedy. Instead of turning away, he chose to help. This act of empathy laid the foundation for Bio-One Inc., a company that's not just about profit, but about making a positive impact.—

—Applying it to your own business.—

—Identify Your Purpose: Take a moment to reflect on why you started your business. What problem are you solving, and how are you making a difference in people's lives?—

—Embrace Empathy: Show genuine care for your customers and their needs. This builds trust and loyalty, making your business more than just a transaction.—

—Principle 2: Adaptation and Learning—

—Nick's early days at Bio-One were far from perfect. He and his friend tackled gruesome cleanup tasks without proper equipment or knowledge. They made mistakes, but they also learned valuable lessons. Nick's willingness to adapt and improve was key to his company's growth.—

—Applying it to your own business.—

—Continuous Learning: Stay open to learning from your experiences, whether they're successes or failures. Invest in training and development for yourself and your team.—

—Feedback Loop: Encourage feedback from customers and employees. Use it to refine your processes and services.—

—Principle 3: Resilience and Mental Toughness—

—Running a business is not a smooth ride. Nick emphasizes that business is 20% mechanics and 80% psychological. Maintaining mental toughness during challenges is crucial. He stresses that it's not the events that matter, but how you respond to them.—

—Applying it to your own business.—

—Mindset Mastery: Develop resilience by practicing positive self-talk and focusing on solutions, not problems.—

—Emotional Control: During tough times, avoid emotional reactions. Instead, take a step back, assess the situation objectively, and make decisions based on facts.—

—In summary, Bio-One Inc.'s success can be attributed to Nick's purpose-driven approach, his willingness to adapt and learn, and his unwavering mental toughness. As business owners, we can apply these principles by finding our purpose, embracing continuous learning, and developing resilience. Remember, success in business is not just about the numbers; it's about the positive impact you create along the way.—


—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—