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Fall Protection Anchors

Those using Rope Descent Systems are required to have anchors identified and certified as an acceptable anchor point. These anchors are supposed to be capable of supporting 5000lbs.

Types of Pressure Washers - A Guide to Understand Ratings and Equipment

If you’re looking to rent or purchase pressure washing equipment for use at home, you should understand the basics before going into a store to purchase the machine.

5 Credit Mistakes That Can Cost You A Business Loan

Your credit may play an increasingly important role in your options for 2021 and beyond. Lenders are increasingly requiring good credit, among other qualifications, so maintaining good credit may be key to a thriving business in the future.

Needs and Wants

Human behavior isn’t arbitrary; the more we can understand what drives human decision making, the easier it is to navigate employee management and sales success.

What A Customer Is Worth

What is the price that a customer is worth? Ever since we started our companies, the big goal has been to get as many customers as we possibly can. But, we never really stop to think about what one single customer is worth in a lifetime.

Your Business Is a Tree

This article is not meant to bash people who have a utilitarian view of their businesses. Everyone has different reasons for starting a business and I don’t fault anyone who has the talent to tap into a specific market...

6 Jokes About Employees You Wish You Did Not Hire

Every manager and owner hired some employees they wish they never hired. To make light of – and also put light on – hiring losers, I now give you a special gift...

From Bucket Bob to a Million Dollar Look in 8 Steps

Branding offers one of the Lowest Effort yet Highest Result marketing strategies - for the long term.As Jeff Bezos says, "Branding is what people say about you when you're not in the room."

Adaptability in the COVID-19 Era

It’s likely that we all remember our Scary COVID Moment when it hit us that COVID-19 was real, and it was going to be a big deal, for a long time. Then came the even scarier thought of what it could potentially do to our work.

Why Do Pressure Washing Companies Use Water Reclamation?

Because water is such a precious resource, pressure washing companies provide water reclamation services to keep local watersheds clean, reduce the impact on the local water supply and meet environmental standards.

3 Simple Tasks To Get Your Business Lender Ready

Whether it’s the opportunity to buy a failing competitor or the chance to expand your business as customer demand returns, you’ll want to be ready for what may be ahead. Being able to access capital when you need it can give you the flexibility you need to respond to this rapidly changing environment.

Having Stock in Your Company

Most people that have stocks, actually have pieces of a lot of different companies. But we all have our very own companies. We have unlimited earning potential, and we are in complete control of our return on investment.

Do You Find Value in Efficiency?

We often think of business growth in terms of making more money than we did last year. However, what if you could make the same amount of money as the previous year, yet work 10-15 hours less per week? Would you consider that a success?

4 METHODS to AVOID HIRING SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Window cleaning companies can use one kind of pre-employment personality test that gives owners and managers a quick, easy way to avoid hiring substance abusers – e.g., alcoholics and drug abusers – and other bad characters.

2 Important Factors You Must Have to Build a Business or You Will Fail

As a window cleaning business owner, you have probably noticed that for some it’s getting more and more challenging to do business especially in these times, and only a few will ultimately survive in the short term and even less in years to come.

Unbroken, So Far

I need to be real with myself. Maybe I only have a few years left of this. Until then, I accept my human fragility, and resolve to be more careful. I am devoted to window cleaning until I decide not to be. I am unbroken, so far.

Safety in a Toolbox - How to Increase Work Culture and Compliance

Toolbox Safety, also known as Toolbox Talks are short 5-10 minute safety briefs on day-to-day safety procedures. They are used as short reminders of safety concepts that employees should have received during training.

Why Respirators are Necessary When Pressure Washing

The Covid-19 pandemic has made us all much more aware about the need for wearing masks and respirators. However, this need is not new for the pressure washing industry. It’s just a safety need that many companies do not implement most of the time.

Bouncing Back

So 2020 has not been a great start for most of us. There has been more uncertainty and confusion than any other time that I can remember. But the good thing about this whole situation, and everything that’s going on now is that it’s just temporary.

What is Your Superpower?

The important thing for you to do as an owner, is to identify what you do well and what you do not do well. In other words, what is your superpower and what is your Kryptonite?

3 Pre-Employment Tests - Help Your Window Cleaning Company Hire the Best

By Michael Mercer, Ph.D., a business psychologist, consultant, and speaker. He created the 3 “Forecaster™ Tests.” These pre-employment tests are used by window cleaning and other companies to assess job applicants.

Health and Safety

We focus so strongly on the safety of our teams, but how much are we focusing on their health? With the onset and speedy progression of the Corona virus (COVID-19), We have to broaden our safety mindset to health and safety.

The Email Blast Goldmine - Are You Participating In This Cash Cow?

If you’re not using email marketing, you are missing out on a powerful opportunity to generate revenue anytime you want – like tomorrow! - provided you are doing it correctly.

Brandi Harper

This edition of AWC Magazine we are interviewing Brandi Harper. She owns a company called Haylo and she’s truly “A Most Interesting Person!

How a Squeegee Handle Became a Life-Saving Tool on September 11, 2001

Artifacts now on loan to New York City’s National September 11 Memorial and Museum tell the story in ways that words cannot...

Mister Jerry: A Minneapolis Window Cleaning Legend - Part 2

Jerry’s long career consisted of about 90% commercial and storefront jobs. The biggest cities, he said, had a lot of Jewish window cleaners, many of whomcame here from Poland. In the 1950s, he was in his twenties...

An App For Window Cleaners by Window Cleaners

There is more to accurate estimates than counting windows. The time to clean different window types needs consideration. Factors like access and condition need consideration, to get an accurate estimate.

7 Power Washing Marketing Tips for a Post-Pandemic Market

As the nation begins to open back up and the pressure washing industry starts returning to work full force, we are probably not going to return to business or life as we knew it for a while. However, there is a silver lining.

How to Keep Your Business Credit Rating Strong During Turbulent Times

No matter what your window cleaning business’ financial situation is, now is the time to put some attention on your credit to ensure it doesn’t suffer.

Brand Management - May 2020

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, and it’s especially helpful to get it right when you start your business. Branding produces that "gut-feeling" about a company.

Running Business in a New World

The debate has started in our industry on whether or not you are essential. And if you choose to stay home, or choose to go out and clean, there’s quite a bit that’s changed over the past few weeks...

Pricing Principles You Should Know

Most window cleaning business owners operate in the dark when it comes to pricing our services. When it comes to research, most don’t do it. It’s time to shed some light on the mysterious and elusive topic of pricing.

5 Resources for Businesses Experiencing Financial Challenges

As COVID-19 impacts your business, it’s important for you to know that there are resources available to help you, whether you’re looking at your financing options or simply want a little advice on what to do.

Mister Jerry: A Minneapolis Window Cleaning Legend - Part 1

Meeting Jerry, and learning his early history. Jerry was born in Minneapolis. In the mid-1950s, when he was in his mid-twenties, after getting home from Korea, Jerry got into professional window cleaning right away.

How to Build a Business You Can Sell Someday

Even if you don’t foresee selling for 10 years or more, the actions you take and habits you create now will not only make your company a more appealing investment down the road.

The Lack of Labor

Well, it ain’t what it used to be. I’ve heard this said about a lot of things, but with labor, it’s 100% true. No matter how long you’re in business for labor will always be your biggest thorn.

Does It Make Sense to Expect an Employee to Work as Hard as an Owner?

It’s an eternal question on the minds of both techs and the business owners who are still on the glass: Is it appropriate for an employee to be expected to work as hard as their employer?

IWCA Convention

Pictures from the IWCA Convention

Brand New or Seasoned Expert?

You hold in your hands one part of the most complete and effective tool ever devised to reach independent wealth with virtually no risk, and the least amount of time or money in your own window cleaning business by utilizing the principles in these Business Builder articles.

Selling with Packages

Are you selling with packages? If you’re not you should. It’s absolutely the best way that you can sell your services to your customer.

Are You a “Reactor” or a “Responder”?

Pride, a lack of business acumen, and poor customers service can keep business owners from being as successful as they can be.

Why I love the IWCA Convention

The IWCA unquestionably helped to open my eyes at my first convention in 2000. With the formal Safety training, there was finally a sense of professionalism that had been missing within the Window Cleaning industry.

PWNA Convention Pictures

A few pictures from the latest PWNA Convention.

99% Check Their Mail This Way - And I’d Bet Big Money You Do Too!

When you are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to mail your sales message, you want to make sure that everybody who receives your letter will at least open the envelope.

Don’t Just Accept Credit Cards - Use Them in Your Business Too

There are many perks to using business credit cards that can help your window washing company get ahead. Let's see how your business can benefit.

Phebe and Sarah Van Der Meer

This edition we interview a cool couple in Dallas, Texas. They own a business called Dutch Shine Maintenance Services and we introduce to you Phebe and Sarah Van Der Meer.

Tribute: April 1991 Safety and Training Committee Report

This article pays tribute to the IWCA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the 2020 IWCA Convention in Georgia.

Building Value

Let’s take a look at why building value is the best way to sustain and grow your business even if you’re a newcomer on the block.

No One Cares About You

This is a hard truth to except, but the reality is that your business either survives or dies because of what you do. And no one else can care as much about it as you.

Is Your Company Built to Handle a Capable Crew?

Bad interview upon bad interview. Poor candidate upon poor candidate. It seems like there’s no end in sight, until there is, finally.

How to Separate Yourself From The Competition - Otherwise Known As The Articulated Sales Argument

To rise above the rest, demand the highest prices for your services, and be known as the best company to do business with in your area, you MUST learn how to separate yourself from the competition.

Carrie Guenther

This edition of A Most Interesting Person, rather than AWC asking questions we decided to let one of our writers AKA Window Ninja explain herself. Here is her story.

Preparing For Winter

The main thing is to enjoy the fruits of your labors during the winter slowdown and remember the busy season is right around the corner.

Client Diversity Increases Marketability

When you’re in someone’s home, you have to be adaptable to whatever that person is like. If you aren’t, it’s just awkward, and nobody likes awkward.

Ladder Transfer

When an employee uses a ladder to gain access to an upper level certain OSHA rules are in place besides those that would be required when working from the ladder.

The Power of Choice

The price is right. The art of the deal. Whatever phrase you use to describe it, closing deals is vital to a company in the service industry.

In Defense of Employees

The fact is that most people who have a job cleaning windows are going to be “employees”. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Huge in Review

In 2019, the Huge Convention put on its 7th annual event and it reached a whole new level of success. Here is the official review of the 2019 Huge Convention!

When Everyone Was Going Right, I Decided To Go Left…

...and built a 7-Figure Storefront Empire!

And it all started by understanding 3 very simple steps…

Alan Karr

This issue we talked to Alan Karr from Canada. See how previous employment helped him launch his window cleaning business.

The Value of Networking Events

One thing that stands out to me about attending any event is the networking. To me the networking is a major reason to attend an event.

Clients who are Elders – Advice From the Field

Try to keep in mind that in many cases, elders are isolated and lonely, and they seem to watch loads of News TV. I think this leads to anxiety and trust issues when dealing with unfamiliar workers in their homes...

Noise Hazards

The difficulty on the surface is how to determine how many decibels is too much. And this hazard is unlike other hazards where the negative effects are seen relatively soon.

Get Past Your Block

Nothing brings productivity to a halt like a mental block. Hitting a rut while on the job is frustrating, and can lead to issues in both your professional and personal life.

Did You Hire an Employee or a Window Cleaner?

All owners of window cleaning companies have been there. You are doing a final walk-through of a job and you start noticing "mistakes"... You feel the veins in your temple start to throb…

Are you a member of IWCA?

A lot of people think the IWCA is all about safety, safety, safety or is it just about high rise.... well that is not exactly true.

Train Your Brain

Today we are going to Train Your Brain. It really is the first area of success for any business. And not just in the beginning, but throughout your entire window cleaning career.

Gabriel Gutierrez

In this edition we go to the hot state of Arizona and interivew small business owner and fellow window cleaner Gabe Gutierrez. He has been at it a long time and we think he is A Most Interesting Person.

Mentorship

The problem is finding the right mentor for your needs that can help you grow. Not all mentors are going to be equal so how do you find what you need.

Cleaning Windows in Thailand

My glass cleaning jobs in Thailand fell into my lap because of Thai friends. My main job was in the small river town of Phetchaburi, Thailand, and the numbers were as follows...

Bucket Buddy and Hog Handle

This month we are featuring a window cleaner who like many before him has turned inventor out of necessity of solving problems.

To Helmet or Not to Helmet - That is The Question

Many companies are adopting the wearing of helmets while performing high rise work. Is this just an image thing? Does it make one safe? Is it OSHA required?

Roof Cleaning Market Profitability

Marketed correctly, roof cleaning can be a particularly profitable service. That’s because those ugly black streaks are not only unattractive, they are downright destructive and need to be removed for the health of the roof.

Seller’s Stage

The exterior cleaning industry has traditionally been a “word-of-mouth” industry. While Facebook and Google have made it easier to be found, quality referrals often yield the best results when it comes to sales.

The Landscape of Window Cleaning is Changing

Are You One of the 72% Not Keeping Up?
The question to you is: Are you evolving with the changing landscape of business? Are you ahead of the curve, with it, or behind it?

Flashback

We at the Magazine decided to go back to 1990 and rerun an article that was in the Jan-Feb Edition about the Man himself Rod Woodward. I appreciated that we wrote out his goals for the industry and its interesting to reflect and see just where we have been and how far we have come.

Keeping Up With the Competition

See in any industry or walk of life vendors reach out to what are called influencers. These are the popular people that others seem to flock to they have a following so what they say has to be the truth. Sometimes it is and sometimes it is not.

Is all Science Conclusive?

While I am in favor of the IWCA and its Glass Committee doing glass research I do find some of its science and conclusions drawn to be premature at times.

The Middle Child

In this new series of article Carrie, the Window Ninja, shares her unique take on window cleaning. Enjoy!

2019 IWCA Convention Highlight

Check out some of the highlights from the IWCA Convention in San Diego, CA.

IWCA is Safety

Safety was huge at this years 30th Anniversary IWCA Convention.

Learn How to Protect Plants and Shrubs When Soft Washing

When the bleach used to kill organic matter on the roof runs off onto the landscaping, it can also kill the plants and trees. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to protect plants and shrubs when soft washing.

Update on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed by Congress in a hurry late last year, and the IRS ans tax preparers have been working to digest some of the more thorny issues created by the tax overhaul. Here are the latest answers to some of the most commun questions...

You Too Can Build a $250,000 Business Model Faster and Easier Than You May Think!

Hello Again! It’s Jim DuBois with WindowWashingWealth.com. Today we are going to imagine two different business revenue models. What it takes to build it, how it may look, and the challenges you will face.

IWCA Glass Research

Jeff Klass co chairman of the IWCA Glass Committee was quoted at this years 2019 IWCA Convention as saying- “Safety saves lives Glass Research saves livelihoods”. That’s such a true statement. The issue of glass damage and window cleaners being blamed for it, can have very serious consequences on the bottom line of a business.

Ettore Ledgeez

Uses of the Ettore Ledgeez Squeegee

WFP Link: Control at Your Fingertips

You can now use your smartphone to control your pump.

Stack Ladders

There are some serious safety concerns with stack ladders that have to be adhered to besides the normal concerns of ladders like ladder angle, unstable base and unstable top.

Winter Maintenance

Cold weather creeps in and many of the specialty services that you or your company normally offer simply don’t sell in the cold winter months. So, what are some ways you may look to get through that dip in revenue or in some cases how do you survive?

Get Your Small Business Off The Rocks

Every small business eventually hits a rough patch. Here are some ideas to get things back on track...

How a Broke, 19 Year Old Skinny Farm Boy from IN Built a Seven Figure Window Cleaning Business

I was a skinny, broke, and eating on $3 a day. Just a kid trying to make it in life after packing my VW bug and moving from IN to NJ after I had just quit college. I had no clue what the heck I was going to do next. None!

David Wells and Ryan Tolmich

These guys make it work and have a lot of fun in the process. Readers meet David Wells and Ryan Tolmich and they own a company called Sunco Window Cleaning.

Looked Down Upon

The service industry has caught a bad rap. If you are reading this, you are most likely in the service industry. You have experienced the stereotypes.
See what Joe has to say about this.

Understanding Routine and Non-Routine Cleaning Procedures

When contracting to clean glass a contractor must understand the type of cleaning that they will be performing in order to protect themselves from liability.

Towel Viper

Innovation, Innovation, Innovation! This edition of Tools of Trade takes a look at Towel Viper.

4 Easy-to-Make, Easy-to-Fix Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now

Correct these four easy-to-make/easy-to-fix mistakes - and you could see improvements in your incoming customer flow, customer satisfaction, and the effectiveness of your marketing spend.

Safety Manuals

You receive a call from the project manager stating that they need to see a copy of your safety manual. "Uh, sure we will get that right over!" Now the panic sets in. "What do they mean my safety manual?”

WINTER PRESSURE WASHING TIPS

Pressure washing during the winter can present some special challenges. Here is our list of our top Winter pressure washing tips to help you avoid some rookie mistakes.

Become Debt-Free

Here are five tips personal finance experts recommend to lower your debt burden.

Building A Super-abrasive Compound For Restoring Coated Glass

SACs are Polishing Compounds which are based on a homogenous mixture of certain super-abrasive dry powders and a thick liquid carrier...

Success or Failure More Warning Signs To Watch For - And What To Do About It Part 2

Businesses come and businesses go. You must always keep your radar or attention on your business even if it is in auto-pilot mode. In fact, perhaps even more so. You need to know your numbers, know the ‘vibe’ your employees are putting out to your customers, and consistently be ahead of or at least staying with the curve of changing times.

Sheila Smeltzer

This issue we interview Sheila Smeltzer in North Carolina. She tells us how she got in business and why she remains passionate today.

The Samurai

Interview with Jared Martinez of Aztec Innovation

The Gunslinger

Interview with Richie Blue of Maykker Products

Falling Objects

OSHA’s 1910 General Industry Standard has this to say about falling objects while engaged in Rope Descent Work-

Six Ways to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Soft Wash Pump

Chemical pumps are designed to withstand some exposure to chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, but precautions must be taken due to the corrosive nature of the chemicals. Regular preventative maintenance can maximize the lifespan of your soft wash pump.

Elements of a Good Business Partnership

While good partnerships are strong, they can be hard to make. Here are some elements that good business partnerships require...

Developing Products for Maintaining, Restoring, and Protecting Glass Coatings

11 Warning Signs Your Window Cleaning Company May Be Failing - And What To Do About It - Part 1 of 2

Kiril Topalov

This Issue we talk to Kiril Topalov from Seattle Washington, he owns Skyscraper Window Cleaning.

Bucket Harness

The issue is there hasn’t been many options to secure the bucket to prevent the bucket from going to the ground if a handle broke. That’s what’s so exciting about our colleague Adam Gaulin President and CEO of Rope-A-Dope Windows Inc. has created.

Measure App

This edition of Tech Ages is going to focus on an App that can be used on the iOS platform called Measure.

Are You Rescue Ready or Need Rescuing?

Imagine if you were on a jobsite and your or your co-worker was in full fall arrest hanging on the side of a building in your harness . . .

What now?

Why Roof Cleaning Is Important

Did you know those ugly black streaks on roofs are not only eyesores, they are downright destructive? Left untreated, those streaks will literally eat away at shingles until the only remaining option is to replace the roof.

Tax Planning Time

Now is the ideal time to schedule a tax planning session. Your 2017 tax return outcome is still fresh, and it's early enough in the year to take advantage of the numerous tax law changes taking place in 2018. Here's a brief overview of some of the new tax issues that you need to plan for now.

The Science of Coated Glass and Its Maintenance

Whereas soft coats are applied after the glass comes off the ribbon and has attained room temperature. Soft coats are created "offline" in a vacuum. Hard coats were historically first, and are still more durable then soft coats. Although the latter is much less soft these days, the name has stuck. Many different formulas have recently been used.
What are coatings made of?

The 60-25-15 Rule?

Hello. Jim DuBois here again from WindowWashingWealth.com. Continuing from the last Business Builder article, there’s always something to talk about when it comes to marketing your window cleaning company, whether commercial, residential, or high rise. And maintaining your company’s revenue is not always an easy walk in the park. So, what is this 60-25-15 Rule?

Craig Hendzel

This issue we interviewed Craig Hendzel for Lakewood OH. He’s a cool dude and been in the business along time. Enjoy his story.

JHA Safety App

The JHA Safety App helps provide employers with easily identifiable hazards on a jobsite and then auto-populates a PDF JHA form for you taking into account all the OSHA standards that apply.

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE

This year, IWCA is going to be promoting several of the OSHA initiatives for 2018. We encourage you to actively participate in these programs.

Big Announcements!

Have you ever wanted to know more about Pressure Washing Equipment? How about the pressure washing industry? Well this year two of the big names in the Pressure Washing Industry are combining resources to bring one large show under one roof.

It’s Postcard Time

BUT...before you start sending postcards and ads all over town, there are still some more steps you need to address.

What is Coated Glass and Why Do We Care?

If we look closer at coated glass we learn that it is a rather finely tuned masterpiece of metallic compounds. Which are sprayed on when the glass is moving down the bath of molten tin, or evaporated on in a vacuum.

Spring Has Sprung! Is Your Faucet of Profit Just Dripping, or Worse… Turned Off?

We are pointing out the most common business building mistakes that window cleaners all over the world are making in their business building efforts. Not only will you discover major mistakes, but you will also learn how to avoid them or prevent them from occurring again within your business.

Jeffrey Scott

This month we interview Jeffrey Scott from Wisconsin, who comes from a family of window cleaners.

Ettore

Luke Stenner AKA Luke the Window Cleaner talks to us about Ettore

Markate- The All In One Tool To Manage Your Business

Work-Life balance is increasingly harder to juggle, and becoming even more difficult to keep them separate. Most of us small business owners are constantly on the go, only dreaming of a way to manage your business with one simple, easy to use app—well dream no more!

OSHA 1910 23 Ladder Safety

One of the most dangerous tools that we have on our truck is a ladder. In fact, this tool has seriously injured more people in our industry than any other tool. Yet, its often a tool we don’t take the time to train employees or even ourselves on.

X Jet

What’s an X Jet?
An X Jet is a nozzle that is placed at the end of a high-pressure wand to achieve to results.

You Can Be a Surface Technician-Consultant

The IWCA Glass Committee has taken on a new project for 2018 called “Window Cleaner Chronicles”. It will be a complete database of glass related surface defects and contaminants that window cleaners see in the field, complete with photos, and a brief description of the field observation. The list of field observations however is not brief. Here is a list the members of the committee has gathered so far.

Goal Setting and Marketing? Who Has Time For That?

The 3-part series called Marketing Mistakes Window Cleaners Make has come to an end. As part of the WindowWashingWealth.com’s continued Business Builder series, we are going to change gears this issue and talk about how you SHOULD be approaching your goals and marketing now that we are in full swing for 2018…

Josh Thompson

This month we sat down with Josh Thompson with Thompson Touch Window Cleaning. His company is in NJ/NY and he is a real go getter. Be sure to tune into AWC TV to watch our interview with Josh. Enjoy...

Tucker Rinse Bar

Tucker has announced their new Rinse Bar. This over the top rinse feature spreads the water evenly over the surface being covered allowing for confidence and speed on the glass. It’s no surprise that Tucker has developed this technology as Tucker long ago released an over the top spray solution.

Window Cleaning Accountability with RFID

SmartCAT and RFID Wall Tags increase visibility into window cleaners’ accountability by documenting when they arrive, depart and what they clean at a client’s facility.

Chemical Labels

A very common thing to do in service industry is to buy chemicals in the bulk.
So how does an employer continue to save money while meeting this requirement?

Tip Replacement

Water being forced thru a small orifice is abrasive and over time the water will bore out a wider hole in a metal tip than it was designed. This is why a person should replace the tips on pressure washing devices regularly.

Protecting Glass Surfaces During Construction - Why and How?

It is a familiar scene to window cleaners everywhere. After receiving a request for a post construction window cleaning job and visiting the job site, it becomes quickly apparent that the glass surfaces were never protected by neither the window installer, the general contractor or the various trades working adjacent to glass surfaces.

Is Your Window Cleaning Company Also Guilty of These Marketing Mistakes?

(#3 in a 3-Part Series)
Window cleaning business marketers don’t have much margin for error. We tend to be extremely busy, and short on time and resources. There’s often no cushion for us to fall back on especially in the lean winter months. One marketing mistake and we can be near a financial crisis.

Luke and Reanna Stenner

Who hasn't heard of Luke The Window Cleaner?
In this issue of A Most Interesting Person we interview Luke and Reanna...

Ionic Protector Tube

As your walking around a job site evaluating the Hazards that exist one that you should be especially mindful of is overhead power lines. This edition of AWC we are featuring the New Ionic Protector Tube. The base section of this Pole has been given an electrocution safety rating up to 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC and is an excellent option when you have identified electricity in your Job Hazard Analysis.

3 Business Headaches the Best Field Service Software Can Solve

To succeed in today’s ultra-competitive window cleaning market, you must have a great understanding of customers’ preferences and expectations, which have risen to new heights thanks to the “Uberization” of customer service. With consumers forming opinions about businesses faster than ever, service professionals must provide the “Grade A” experience consumers demand from the get-go.

Electrical Hazards

Every year tens of thousands of people are injured or killed from electrical shocks or contacts in the United States. Employees are exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires and explosions. It is essential to understand that electricity is lethal for us and how we can save our lives.

Learning About Chemicals

Most things in and around us every day are acidic. Even we are acidic. Most people’s skin sits at about 5.3 on the pH scale (acidic). The air we breathe out, CO2 is acidic. Most dirt particles are acidic. The most pH balanced thing we deal with every day is water, that sits at about the pH neutral 7. I bet when you were back in school and sitting in a science, chemistry or math class you where thinking "When I am ever going to need to know this?" Well now that you are in a business that uses chemicals you may be regretting not paying more attention.

Forward to the Field

Through the years the IWCA and the Glass Committee have been very dedicated in their pioneering efforts to educate and support our Window Cleaning Community/Industry. The benefits of membership include the immediate benefits of the practical information uncovered by true scientific research.

More Marketing Mistakes To Avoid - Which One Is Your Window Cleaning Company Guilty Of?

Continuing from the last Business Builder article, marketing is the life-blood of any window cleaning company, whether commercial or residential. And it’s not always an easy walk in the park. Fact is, marketing mistakes will happen and are often unavoidable, especially if you are a new aspiring window cleaning entrepreneur. You’ll make many mistakes as you build your window cleaning business, but don’t let marketing be one of them.

Soren Samuelsson

Soren Samuelsson is the founder of Sorbo Products. He has developed four products that are unique and are helping to revolutionize the window cleaning industry. A few years ago, if someone had told me that there was going to be a 48" squeegee developed, I would have expected to see it as part of a circus act, not a tool which could actually be used professionally. Likewise, his determination to make it possible to reuse rubber - that is, to shave off strips of rubber, to create a new sharp edge, rather than simply tossing it out, is nothing less than revolutionary.

Sky Genie Bosun's Chair

This month we are highlighting the “New” Sky Genie Bosun’s Chair. A bosun's chair (or boatswain's chair) is a device used to suspend a person from a rope to perform work at height. Originally just a short plank or swath of heavy canvas, many modern bosun's chairs incorporate padded seats as well as clips for hanging tools and other safety features.

Are You Doing Too Much?

BUSY? Being a single business owner or even with a partner there are a lot of daily tasks when running a business. No matter what business you are even if you have an office manager there are tasks that can be off set.

The importance of a documented Safety Plan

Benefits of a Good documented safety plan.Protects the employees’ well-being. Reduces the amount of money paid out in: Health insurance benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits and wages for temporary help.

2017 National Convention

In 2016 the UAMCC held the most successful industry convention to date. With just under 60 presentations, hands on training sessions and demonstrations, the revealing of the organizations new safety trailer, an after-hours kitchen exhaust demonstration, and tons of networking by the hundreds of contractors, there was an obvious question left after those 3 days. Could it be topped?

Mechano-Chemical Scratching by Asperities

The IWCA and the Glass Committee have learned from the studies done by Penn State that the surface of window glass is very different from other glass. This matters to us as Window Cleaners because as it turns out window glass surfaces are much more prone to mechano-chemical wear.

Is Your Window Cleaning Company Guilty Of These 12 Marketing Mistakes?

You’ll make many mistakes as you build your window cleaning business, but don’t let marketing be one of them. Marketing is the life-blood of any company, but it’s not always an easy walk in the park. Fact is, marketing mistakes are often unavoidable, especially if you are a new aspiring window cleaning entrepreneur.
Here, we will point out the most common mistakes that window cleaners all over the world are making in their marketing efforts. Not only will you discover the major mistakes, but you will also learn how to avoid them or prevent them from occurring again within your business.

Jason York

This edition of AWC magazine we sat down with Jason York Co-Owner of EZ Window Cleaning based in Wisconsin. In addition, to being the co-owner he also is the 2017 IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association) President. Only 28 people have ascended the ranks to President of the IWCA and it is arguably the highest achievement a person in our industry can achieve. What makes Jason an interesting person is his incredible drive to make the industry better and that he doesn’t come from a high-rise background.

Orbit Releases an Inexpensive Water Meter

The purpose of this article is to allow end users to voice their opinion of a product without leading questions or input from the manufacturer or AWC. The manufacturer has agreed to allow feedback about their product to be published "Uncut and UnBiased"

Wipes! Wipes!

QuoteFlare

You run a business, so you’ve read the books and articles, watched the videos, and listened to the webcasts looking for answers. Ways to increase sales, decrease costs, improve systems, and most of all, increase profits. You’ve heard the basics: Make a good impression - Do one thing and do it well -Effectively communicate your message - Make incremental changes and measure the results - Keep good records - To grow you must delegate - and how bout, Learn from your mistakes. But how can you implement any of these theoretical ideas into your real business?

Pump Controllers and why use one

The benefits of water fed pole systems have been widely recognised for many years - in particular the safety of the operator who can clean windows several storeys high from the ground. Across the world water fed pole is a much used and trusted tool of the professional window cleaner.
Carrying the right equipment providing a full capability, plus know-how of when and where the right use of kit is important. By detailing all the options that people have, we can see the why, where, what, when, and how each option could have it benefits: Doing this, in turn, identifies the alternate set-ups that have their own benefits. The Operator then is empowered to increase their efficiency, which reflects in higher hourly rates

Site Assessments and Work Plans

by Stefan Bright

There has been a lot of chatter regarding the new OSHA regulations as they seem to be very specific to the window cleaning industry. The new Walking and Working Surfaces Subpart D Regulations pertain to fall hazards, portable ladders (and fixed) falling object hazards and training. Every professional window cleaner in the USA is exposed to some type of all 4 of these topics on a daily basis.

Green and Black Gold

There’s gold in them there hills! Well maybe not the hills but certainly on sides of houses and on roofs. Yes, this work has been so plentiful that well, it’s just like gold!

Target Date Fund - My Retirement Plan: A Look Under the Hood

Rather than choosing a mix of stocks and bonds to create a diversified portfolio, you can select a single fund designed to have the right combination of assets based on when you plan to retire — your "target date." How do I know if I have this option available?

“Surfaces that Scratch”

An Update on IWCA/Glass Committee Funded Research Conducted by Penn State University
Have you ever cleaned a window and then lightly ran a dry fingertip across the dry clean glass? If you make a practice of doing this in public you will definitely get attention. But you will also learn something. You will discover how the surface of even brand new glass can be quite different from one window to the next.

What Should A Company Be Doing With The Approaching Summertime Lull To Ensure A Great Fall

Just because your prospective audience is on vacation or is spending money anticipating the back to school rush, doesn’t mean you and your organization should be twiddling your thumbs - especially when it comes to marketing and building revenue. Though business may be slower, keep in mind, a lot of people are also home, or working, and not on vacation, with plenty of cash flow just wishing they were poolside. Why not give them a reason and some relevant information and offers to help them make an informed decision to hire you today?

Scott Ehrenkranz

My grandfather Henry Ehrenkranz, started the business in Houston, in 1947. He found a small window cleaning business that was for sale called University Window Cleaners. At the time he was working for his family window cleaning business, International Services based in Newark, New Jersey.

Gutter Tool

This month’s Tools of the Trade was submitted by an AWC Magazine subscriber and I thought it valuable enough to show to our readers even though usually we have product reviewed by three or four cleaners.

What Is Your Close Ratio?

Have you noticed that you are talking less and less to humans? Heck, I’m a people person and even I’m enjoying people-less business transactions. For example: I use the ATM almost exclusively now… I don’t talk to a bank teller unless I have to. I use the self checkout lines at the grocery store for speed… skipping the human lines almost every time. I use touch screens at my favorite restaurants to have my order placed before the server gets to my table. I always check amazon.com before I consider buying anything in person.

OSHA Update

Industry Update Article
Prior to 1991, the use of rope descent equipment for window cleaning and other work at heights applications in the USA was for the most part, considered illegal. This was due to the fact that the equipment was not addressed by any regulatory or standards body. If not for the efforts of 40 or so professional window cleaners and the early founders of the IWCA, OSHA would not have held a public hearing in September, 1990 to determine the feasibility of using rope access equipment for building maintenance, particularly professional window cleaning.

Benefits of Continuing Education

Regardless of the industry, whether you own your own business or work within a large or small company, continuing education is not only encouraged, but often times required in order to keep moving forward in your career growth potential.

The Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

Window cleaning professionals who own their own businesses often earn great rewards for their hard work, but they also face risks that regular employees don't. From disasters to unpaid invoices, to legal issues and retirement... entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. Some days you may lose sleep thinking about how tight financially the winter will be. Then it’s not over when you wake up to tackle the spring season. With the stresses and responsibilities, you might not get a good night’s sleep until summer. So is it worth it?

5 Around Marketing

Spring has arrived and no doubt you have your marketing strategy in full force. When I first started my business in early 2000 I didn't have much money for marketing. I was relying on word of mouth for the most part. However, the speed at which word of mouth was working to ramp my business wasn't happening as quickly as I wanted. I started doing what is now termed as 5 Around Marketing and it remained one of the most effective methods of marketing we ever did.

Jeff Beigel, James Brady

This edition of the A Most Interesting Person focuses on the jobs people were doing before they got into window cleaning. My first story I hooked up with Jeff Beigel in Northbrook Illinois. Before he became one of the top Fish Franchisees in the country he had a successful life doing other things. I also caught up with NYC Fireman James Brady. He has been on the force for 15 plus years and was looking for a second job and he came by it kind of unexpectedly. Enjoy reading their interviews!

Screen Tool

We want to know how window cleaners feel about tools of the industry not distributors or manufacturers who, well......might be biased. We send tools out to window cleaners for review and then report to you their findings "Uncut and Unbiased"

Doing Windows

What I like about the window cleaning business is the feeling of freedom. You can be out and about for many hours a day and I find it a real joy to be outside, even when the weather is not so great here in Scotland. I like to keep delivering good quality service and have happy customers. Having a reliable app that makes it simple and straight forward to keep the records up to date on-the-go allows me to focus on satisfying work: Doing Windows.

Why Conduct Regular Safety Meetings?

Why does the International Window Cleaning Association recommend conducting safety meetings on a regular basis with your management and employees?

Choosing the Right Equipment

Probably the most common add on in the window cleaning business is pressure washing and this section will highlight tips and tricks and information that will help you when making pressure washing decisions.

Preparing to Sell your Business

You are, no doubt, a skilled professional window cleaner. But as a business owner, you have also invested a significant portion of your life building and maintaining the business…not just cleaning. Rightly so, you probably have an emotional attachment to it. So, to say goodbye in a sale it may feel like you are losing a member of the family and if those emotions are left unchecked, they can have a real dollar impact on the outcome of your business sale. As much as possible, you need to find ways to remain objective, making a good business decision.

Why Online Reviews Matter … and How They Can Fuel Your Business

Consumers are increasingly relying on the information that they find on Google and in online reviews to evaluate and choose businesses just like yours. In fact, according to research conducted by BrightLocal, 88% of people trust online reviews written by other consumers as much as word-of-mouth.

Vickie Couture Head

Our search for interesting people this edition takes us to Orlando Florida home to A-1 Orange Exterior Building Services and its owner Vickie Couture Head. Her story spans three generations of window cleaners and this makes her “A Most Interesting Person.” Here is her story.

Moerman Fliq

The customer factor

Technology is all around us. Are you familiar with the software's and apps available to help you run a more successful operation?

Final Rule for Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protection Systems

Every issue we will highlight a safety aspect of a window cleaners business. We hope to bring you a variety of topics that will help keep you safe on the job.

Is Adding Pressure Washing Right for You?

SEP-IRA

Ok you have made some money in your business now what. This section of the magazine will highlight everything money form the start to retirement.

Residential Business Growth For Idiots Dummies?

This section is dedicated to ideas that you can incorporate in your business to make it better.

Mike and Kelly Sanders

Each Issue we highlight someone from the industry that we find most interesting. It could be the way they come into the business, how they run a successful business or something really cool they have done. We hope you enjoy it!