The Story Behind the National Cleaning Expo
How One Contractor’s Vision United an Entire Industry
In 2007, Ron Musgraves founded the National Cleaning Expo (NCE) — a grassroots movement that forever changed the pressure-washing and exterior-cleaning industry.At that time, contractors across the country had little access to organized training or national networking. Musgraves brought together 28 contractors nationwide to host regional roundtables, many taking place simultaneously. These weren’t vendor-driven trade shows — they were contractor-led educational events, focused on real-world learning, professionalism, and collaboration.
The message was simple: when contractors share knowledge, everyone grows.
The First National Cleaning Expo: Prattville, Alabama
The very first National Cleaning Expo was held in Prattville, Alabama, marking the start of a new era of professional education and unity.Among the key figures from those early days were:
Tony Shelton, Kory Finley, Jeff LeCours, Russ Spence, Scott Stone, and Paul Kassander.
Their combined efforts helped shape a culture of ethics, learning, and cooperation that still defines the NCE today.
Everett Abrams: The Spark That Started It All
Before the NCE was formally created, Everett Abrams — known as “The Wizard of Wood” — was already teaching through the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) and pioneering the national roundtable format. His educational approach inspired Musgraves to take the concept coast-to-coast.Carlos Gonzales and the Rise of UAMCC
From that success came a new chapter. Carlos Gonzales founded the United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners (UAMCC), transforming the NCE’s grassroots momentum into a national nonprofit organization.Through cooperation and shared outreach with the NCE, UAMCC.org became the largest nonprofit in the exterior-cleaning industry, growing to more than 8,000 members nationwide.
PWNA Partnership and Industry Growth
From 2008 through 2010, the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) partnered closely with the National Cleaning Expo to expand its membership and reach.During this period, Musgraves and the NCE team promoted the PWNA nationally — using the Expo’s coast-to-coast events to reintroduce contractors to the association’s training, certification, and mission.
By 2010, the PWNA achieved record-breaking membership numbers — more than 400 active members, the highest in its history. That same year, Ron Musgraves was honored with the PWNA’s highest award for his outstanding efforts to rebuild and promote the organization through national outreach.
2010: Myrtle Beach — The Industry Unites
In 2010, the National Cleaning Expo made history by bringing the PWNA, UAMCC, IKECA, and IWCA together under one roof at the Myrtle Beach National Convention.For the first time, leaders and contractors from every segment — pressure washing, kitchen exhaust, and window cleaning — gathered in one place, creating true industry unity.
2011: Charleston — CETA Joins the Movement
In 2011, at the Charleston, South Carolina National Convention, the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) officially joined the effort.Roy Chappell, founder of CETA, addressed contractors live for the first time in an open forum — bridging manufacturers, distributors, and service professionals.
A Coast-to-Coast Tour of Education
Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, the National Cleaning Expo hosted events and roundtables across America —Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, New Orleans, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Greenville (SC), Raleigh (NC), Charlotte (NC), Atlantic City (NJ), Pittsburgh, Chicago, Milwaukee, Kentucky, and Nashville.
Each stop provided hands-on training, business education, and the kind of networking that changed the way contractors learned and grew.
Honorable Mentions
Several individuals who made invaluable contributions to advancing the industry have since passed away, but their influence continues to shape it today:Larry Hinckley, Russ Spence, Robert Hinderliter, and Dave Olson.
A Legacy That Lives On
From its founding in 2007 to the historic unification events in 2010–2011, the National Cleaning Expo proved that education and unity could transform an entire trade.Leaders like Ron Musgraves, Everett Abrams, Carlos Gonzales, Kory Finley, Tony Shelton, Jeff LeCours, Scott Stone, Paul Kassander, and Roy Chappell — along with pioneers such as Larry Hinckley, Robert Hinderliter, Dave Olson, and Russ Spence — built a legacy rooted in professionalism, respect, and collaboration.
Learn More or Get Involved
Explore the continuing legacy of the National Cleaning Expo and the organizations it helped unite:
NationalCleaningExpo.com PressureWashingInstitute.org PowerWashNetwork.com ProPowerWash.com UAMCC.org PWNA.org CETA.org IWCA.org IKECA.org