Scotty Steam Clean

Scott Ferguson: Full Circle

By Matt Solis, Editor

Scott Ferguson started working in the carpet cleaning industry in the late ’80s, but he ended up taking a two-decade detour in order to follow a completely different passion. “I started as a carpet cleaner in 1989, but I left in 2000 to become a full-time firefighter, which I did for 20-plus years before recently retiring,” he explains. “Being a firefighter was an incredible experience and I was part of some amazing moments. Although I worked at an urban Bay Area fire department, we would also participate in Strike Team deployments to wildland fires all over California. In 2017, my engine was deployed to the Tubbs Fire and I was fortunate to be able to help rescue and evacuate residents, fight fire, and save property in my hometown of Santa Rosa.”

Scott cherished his time as a first responder, but he eventually decided it was time to return to the field that initially spoke to him when he was a 19-year-old college student looking for work. “I wanted something that would fit my schedule and offer better wages, so when I saw an ad in the Contra Costa Times for a carpet cleaning assistant, I decided to give it a shot,” he remembers. “It wasn’t long before I realized it was a great fit. It allowed me to work around my school schedule and make more money than my previous jobs.”

Today, as owner of Scotty Steam Clean, Scott says his favorite parts of his job are interacting with customers and experimenting with the industry’s latest equipment and procedures. “I love meeting all kinds of customers. It doesn’t matter if they live in big houses or mobile homes, it’s just interesting to talk to them for a while and provide them with great service. I also just really love carpet cleaning. There are lots of tools and techniques to try, so I get excited by figuring out how to give our customers the best possible cleaning services.”

A lifelong resident of Sonoma County, Scott currently lives in Santa Rosa with his wife, Sheeda, where he appreciates the daily variety that the region offers. “I love the weather here because it’s not too hot or too cold,” he says. “Also, living in Wine Country is pretty cool. I actually come from a family of winemakers, and even though I didn’t continue on that path, I appreciate the beauty of this place and all the amazing wineries and restaurants.”

Outside of work, Scott’s favorite thing to do in his free time is hit the open road for some two-wheeled excursions. “Bike riding is my number one hobby,” he affirms. “I do a lot of cycling with my wife, and I also go mountain biking by myself pretty often.” Scott also likes catching up with his son, who works in the wine industry, and his daughter, who is attending her last year of college.

When it comes to a personal or professional philosophy, Scott underlines the importance of taking control of your own destiny. “I like the phrase, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss,’” he offers. “If you want something to happen in your life, you have to stay active and keep grinding. That’s exactly how I approach things every day.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite band?
A: Pink Floyd.

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?

A: I’ve read almost everything that Stephen King has written multiple times.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I’d go to Italy and France for the history, architecture, culture, and food.

Q: What’s your favorite Bay Area winery?
A: Kenwood Vineyards. I like their connection to Jack London.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: Eat a bowl of soup while watching “The Godfather” or any movie that I’ve seen a bunch of times.