In 1980, Bob Whitlock began his search to form a new business. He was a real estate broker at that time; however, mortgage rates hit an astronomical 22% causing the market to fall inactive. Having a young family to provide for, Bob started searching ads in the newspaper hoping to spark ideas for a business he could start on his own. He came across a listing for a Self-Contained Pressure Washing Van called Wash On Wheels, WOW for short. Bob decided he should purchase the van with the intent to start a business washing semi-trucks, farm equipment, parking lots, etc. At the same time he was starting this new venture, he was also raising hogs on his farm. Shortly after purchasing the van, he was delivering a load of hogs to a customer in Cincinnati when he found himself in a conversation with another farmer. Bob talked about his new business and how he planned to use his newly purchased van and pressure washing unit when the farmer started telling Bob about his son-in-law and how he uses a similar pressure washing unit to clean Grease Exhaust Systems in commercial kitchens. Interested in this concept, Bob arranged a time to accompany this person on his next cleaning job to get a clearer picture of the process. Amazed by the potential this industry of Cleaning Hood Systems for Indiana Kitchen Fire Suppression had at the time, Bob decided he was going to focus his attention on building a similar company he would run out of Connersville, Indiana and that was the moment Whitlock’s Pressure Wash was formed. Bob was the President & CEO of Whitlock’s Pressure Wash from 1980-2013.
In 2011, at the age of 70, Bob knew he needed to come up with an exit plan for Whitlock’s Pressure Wash. His kids were all grown. His wife had already retired from her teaching career and he was ready to spend more time with his wife, kids and grandkids, not to mention, his lake house. Bob also knew he didn’t want to continue putting in the required time at his office to keep his business on top. He didn’t want to close down the Indiana Kitchen Fire Suppression business he worked so hard to build and he also didn’t want to let down the employees that were like family to him and had helped his business grow successfully over the past 31 years. Bob started talking with a few competing companies about purchasing Whitlock’s Pressure Wash. After several meetings and countless conversations, Bob wasn’t satisfied with the results he was getting from these other companies. Around that time, his oldest son approached him one day about a young man he had come to know and thought would be a great choice for a successor. After a few conversations and a ride along, Bob decided that hiring Doug Bradley as his new Sales Manager with the Intent to Purchase Whitlock’s Pressure Wash was the right choice. Over the next 18 months, Bob worked side by side with Doug teaching him everything he knew about the industry and mentoring him on the do’s and don’ts when it comes to running a small business.
On January 1, 2013, Doug Bradley purchased Whitlock’s Pressure Wash. Over the next 12 years, he continued to grow the business, adding fire protection services to their realm of work and keeping every employee that started with him other than a few that retired during that time. He even kept the name Whitlock’s Pressure Wash all the way through the end of 2025. After 45 years under the name Whitlock’s Pressure Wash, Doug had decided to change the name to focus more on the company’s Indiana Kitchen Fire Suppression services as he looked to expand his brand into neighboring states. In 2026, Bradley Fire & Environmental Services was created. Although the company’ name has changed, its commitment to the customers has not. Bradley Fire & Environmental Services will continue to provide superior services in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan for Fire Protection, Kitchen Exhaust & Hood Cleaning, Filter Exchange, Indoor Grease Trap Cleaning, Sandblasting, and, yes, Pressure Washing Services. With over 25 employees, possessing over 200 years of combined experience, Bradley Fire & Environmental Services is ready for future growth. How can we help you?
