Benjamin DeSomer launched his new business, Iron Path Services, earlier this year.
By Emslie Kenall
This past March, Benjamin DeSomer established a new business, Iron Path Services, with the goal of meeting unfulfilled needs in the valley. From house cleaning and junk removal to portable karaoke nights, DeSomer seeks to aid the community in any way he can.
Throughout his life, DeSomer, 25, has held over 40 jobs within eight different industries. He has done everything from truck driving, mechanics, junk removal and the service industry to working within the jail system.
DeSomer is licensed in teaching English as a second language and has spent the past few years learning Portuguese and Spanish. He is also an avid writer, currently working on a cookbook and planning to publish his first novel later this year.
Desomer described himself as someone who is not anchored in one passion but in the principles of problem-solving and community-building. He loves to learn from the different people he meets and tries to help wherever he can.
Upon his arrival to the Methow Valley eight months ago, he noticed a variety of needs that weren’t being met, prompting him to create Iron Path.
His initial plan was to run a junk removal company, but as the idea developed over time, he decided to add more services. After briefly considering scrap metalling and quickly “scrapping” the idea, he decided to utilize his husband’s cleaning skills and offer them to customers as well.
Then conversations with a UPS store regarding how to provide the community with paper shredding turned into plans for a secure paper shredding system. TikTok provided him with the idea of installing ATMs and vending machine.
Relying on trust
DeSomer runs this business with his husband, Adrian. Their motto is “a path forged in trust,” as they strive to create a reliable and local company that takes the community seriously.
If a customer can’t pay the full price, he is willing to negotiate with them. If he is unable to complete a job safely and effectively, DeSomer refers customers to those who can.
The main services he offers include: junk removal, cleaning, secure paper shredding, installing and maintaining vending machines and ATMs, and selling firewood, fire starters and refurbished items.
However, he is open to any potential job or service that is needed.
When carrying out junk removal, DeSomer tries to reuse things as much as possible. He will sanitize and donate anything that is still in good shape and turn non-salvageable wooden furniture into firewood that he sells at half-price.
All relevant information about costs is listed under the “pricing” page of their website (www.ironpathservices.com/). He aims for full transparency about all fees and taxes before a job is agreed to. Customers can get a free quota on his website for a cost estimate and service assessment.
As a fun, unofficial service, Iron Path also offers karaoke. DeSomer brings the equipment, sets up and takes down, and acts as a host. There is also the free addition of a red carpet for attendees to walk on in an effort to enhance body positivity and community confidence. While some of these will be filmed and posted on social media with customers’ permission, DeSomer said that the purpose is not publicity but to showcase the beauty in everyone.
Three percent of Iron Path Services’ profits and 100% of the donations they recieve go towards the Methow Valley. On their site is a Google form where people can submit needs or causes that they believe are important to the Methow. An “investment tracker” on the website showcases what these purposes are and how much has been raised for each. DeSomer has already established goals to fund schools, local businesses, community outreach, and volunteering efforts.
Business so far
Initial steps to create Iron Path included buying a business license, taking a marketing course and replacing his car with a bright, red truck named Eloise. After a few months of preparation, Iron Path has been up and running for about five months.
So far, they have taken on five jobs: four junk removal jobs and one move-out (an unofficial service). Through these jobs, DeSomer diverted 850 of the 15,000 pounds of junk he hopes to divert from landfills by the end of this summer. The total included kids’ toys they sanitized and donated to Room One.
As he is still new to the community, much of DeSomer’s work so far has been outreach. That has included maintaining Iron Path’s social media, passing out business cards and meeting new people.
Overall, DeSomer has learned that in small towns, “if you go to do something, you do it with intention.”
For more information, visit the website, call or text (509) 883-7231 or email leads@ironpathservices.com. Other ways to contact them or get information, such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, are listed on their website.
