Words: Rob Anspach

For some, legacy is about wealth or family names carved into a building. For me, legacy started with a vacuum and a bucket of cleaning solution.

I started my journey in an industry most people overlook. Carpet cleaning isn’t glamorous, and no one wakes up dreaming of getting their hands dirty. But it was quite an honour and has an honesty to it. People entrusted me with their homes, businesses and spaces. I gave them my best in return. That’s where legacy starts – with integrity, with giving your best, even when no one’s watching.

When I first started, I didn’t know a thing about legacy. I focused on getting clients, keeping them happy and staying afloat. But every home I walked into and every carpet I cleaned taught me more about human nature than any business course ever could.

Here’s the thing about people: They remember how you make them feel. Sure, they’ll call you because they need their carpet cleaned, but they’ll keep calling you back if they trust you. Carpet cleaning was my first taste of building relationships and understanding that it’s the connection with people that matters. When you run a small business, you quickly learn that people buy from those they know, like, trust, and with whom they feel safe. And guess what? That’s a legacy, too.

I spent 19 years in that business. By the time I sold it in 2014, I had learned something priceless: Legacy isn’t built overnight. It’s not about one significant achievement. It’s about consistency, showing up every day, and doing the right thing, even when it’s tough. That’s the foundation of everything I did then, and it’s the foundation of everything I do now.

The shift from carpet to marketing

In 2001, I took my first step into the field of marketing. At first, it was just a side hustle: helping fellow business owners and giving them advice on how to build relationships with their clients and attract new ones. The more I did it, the more I realised this was where my passion truly lay.

You see, I had figured something out. Marketing isn’t about flashy ads or slick sales pitches. It’s about stories. It’s about connecting with people, helping them see the value in what you offer and making them feel part of something bigger. And just like with carpet cleaning, marketing is about trust. If people don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. That’s why I shifted gears. I wanted to help businesses build trust with their customers. I tried to help them create their own legacies.

The transition wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Eventually, my side hustle grew into a full-fledged marketing, consulting and publishing company. Along the way, I learned that my job wasn’t just to help people market their products or services, it was to help them build their legacy.

Many entrepreneurs I have worked with focus on the wrong things. They chase after the cheap clients, the ones who cause the most hassle, and forget that real success comes from building relationships with people who value what they do. One of my Rob-isms is this: “The cheaper the client, the more hassles involved.” That’s not just a catchphrase – it’s a truism I’ve learned time and time again.

A lot of entrepreneurs get caught up in the day-to-day grind. They’re focused on making money, hitting goals and getting by. But the truth is, if you’re not thinking about your legacy, you’re missing the big picture. What are you building? What are you leaving behind? And how will people remember you when you’re gone?

Whether writing a book that captures your story, creating a brand that reflects your values or building relationships with your customers, it’s all about legacy, about creating something that lasts. When you focus on attracting the right clients who see the value in what you do, that’s when you start building a legacy. That’s when your business becomes more than just a money-making machine – it becomes something meaningful that will last.

Why legacy matters

Why does legacy matter? Why should you care about what you leave behind? Because legacy isn’t about you. It’s about the people you impact. It’s about the clients you serve, the employees you mentor and the community you uplift. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others, even after you’re gone.

When I was cleaning carpet, I didn’t know I was building a legacy. But looking back, I realise that every interaction, every client I helped was a small step toward something more significant. Legacy is about consistency. It’s about showing up daily and doing the work, even when it’s hard. It’s about making choices that align with your values and your vision, and it’s about helping others do the same.

Legacy isn’t just for big businesses or successful entrepreneurs. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or someone just starting out, you have the power to create a legacy. It’s not about how much money you make or how many clients you have – it’s about the impact you have on others. It’s about the relationships you build and the values for which you stand.

A longer version of this article first appeared in Cleanfax.