Cleaning the Windows, All the Way to the Bank!

I've always been fascinated with watching people clean windows. In fact, my curiosity got the best of me many years ago when I decided to give it a try.

My first step was to go out and buy a professional grade window squeegee. It all had to all be in the quality of the tool. Surely there couldn't be much talent needed. Was I ever wrong!

I spent hours wetting down our rear patio sliding glass door. And I spent even more hours trying to get the water removed without a streak or a mark. I worked so hard that I developed calluses and blisters. Water on... water off. We had the cleanest patio door in the entire city.

Eventually the process started to make sense and I could squeegee water off a window like a ballet dancer floats across the stage. Not only could I clean our own windows far beyond my wife's expectations, but others would probably pay me to clean theirs. I was obsessed with clean windows.

I decided to advertise in the local newspaper with a small ad. "Window Cleaning, Done Right!" Another one was "Weekends Are For Windows." This was just going to be a little side venture for extra spending money.

The telephone started to ring. People needed my expertise! It was great!

Of course, my prices were more than reasonable. At that time in 1987, I charged 45 dollars for 3 hours of cleaning. Shortly after my "depute" as the local "window cleaning guy," business started to flow in at an alarming rate.

Yes, I quickly raised my prices based on what I felt was needed to support the family. As you are probably guessing, this lead me to eventually operate the business on a full time basis.

I ran that cleaning business for 3 years until the demands had me working 3, 24 hour work shifts, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays also cleaning floors and carpets.

I realized that I needed to either hire help, or sell the business. I chose the latter.

What did I learn from that particular business venture? I learned at a young age that in order to succeed at anything you must be dedicated and focused. I also learned that if you are offering a service that's needed by the public, and it's something that you enjoy, the income will take care of itself.