Not long after leaving St John's College in 2024, Max Hampton made a call that changed his direction completely. Originally set on a pathway into building and carpentry, Max stepped away after realising it wasn't for him. What started as a simple weekend side hustle soon became something much bigger. "I was cleaning driveways and windows on the weekends," he says. "Then I realised I could make triple my weekly wage as a builder in just two days, doing something I actually enjoyed." That realisation was the turning point.

Getting started

Max launched MJ Pressure Limited as a small, hands-on operation. Like many businesses, it didn't begin with a big plan, just a willingness to give it a go. But getting started wasn't instant. "It took me three weeks to build up the courage to go and knock on doors," he says. "When I finally did, I knocked on one door and made $250 in two hours. That blew my mind." From there, momentum built quickly.

Building the business

Today, MJ Pressure Limited offers a wide range of exterior cleaning services, from residential house washing and driveways through to commercial work. Max now employs a team of four and runs the business full-time. "My role is making sure everything keeps moving and that my team is looked after," he says. "At the end of the day, it's on me to make sure they get paid. If you work for me, you're family." A typical week is demanding. 

"Monday to Sunday, 5am to 6pm. It's long hours, but that's the point. The more time and effort you put in, the better the results you get out."

Learning fast

Like any new venture, the challenges have come quickly. "The biggest one right now is finding people who can maintain high standards across everything we do," he says. "It's like a sports team. You want people who show up in every part of the game, and who are putting in the work behind the scenes as well." One of the biggest surprises has been how little formal background matters in business. "It doesn't matter what's on your CV when it comes to sales. It really comes down to two things, consistency and mindset."

A different kind of motivation

For Max, motivation isn't something external. "It's something you feel. For me, a lot of it came from people doubting me. That gave me a reason to go out and prove it could work." He also sees risk differently to most. "A lot of people hear the word risk and shy away from it. I look at it as opportunity. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. If you fail, you learn."

The St John's influence

Looking back, Max says his time at St John's shaped more than just his education. "I wasn't the perfect student," he admits. "But the teachers who respected me made a big difference." He credits staff like Matua Tim and Angela Daysh for the support they showed during his time at school. 

That respect goes both ways. It's the same in business now. Clients want respect and guidance, and I expect trust in return.

Advice for current students

If there's one message Max would pass on to current students, it's simple. "Just start. It doesn't matter what you have or where you're at. The more you do something, the faster you learn and grow."

Looking ahead

Max is focused on continuing to grow the business, while also starting to think about long-term opportunities beyond it. "I'm looking at getting into property soon. That's something I see as a pathway to building long-term wealth." For now, though, the focus remains on building what he's already started. "The most rewarding part isn't the money, it's the freedom. I'm building something for myself, and that's what matters."

Max's journey is a reminder that there's no single path after school. With initiative, consistency, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, opportunities can come from the most unexpected places.