Focus on Window Cleaning

JIM GONZALEZ

The Deal: Focus is on window cleaning service

EDUCATION: High school graduate; cosmetology school graduate.

FAMILY: Married. Wife Toni and three children: Lisa, Jennifer and Matthew. Five grandchildren.

CAREER HISTORY: Bank teller, U.S. Army, insurance sales, hairdresser, salon owner for 20 years, bartender, and now window and blind cleaner for the last 20 years.

FIRST JOB: Paper delivery route

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Queens, New York

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? Johnny Carson

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING ULTRASONIC BLIND & WINDOW CLEANING ? I started out with a request from my wife and her sister to clean windows for one of their housecleaning clients. From Windex and paper towels, to trucks and the latest equipment 20 years later. My son, Matt, and I do all of the work.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DECISION YOU'RE WRESTLING WITH NOW? When can I get away for a couple of weeks to go somewhere where it is warm.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? Fuel cost and lack of competition in the blind cleaning side of our business.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? We are in new workplaces every day, which are some of the most beautiful homes in the area. Working with my son every day and being of service to wonderful folks.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Sparkling windows and blinds.

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO? At your service.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? There are more dirty windows and blinds than we could ever get to.

WHAT'S THE WORST? Not everyone with dirty windows and blinds has called us yet.

WHO WAS YOUR MENTOR? Mark Wilmot, owner of a big blind cleaning business in Seattle.

WHAT BUSINESS BOOK DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND? WHY? "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber--common, effective business advice.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Listen to good music and talk radio. I take a cruise whenever possible, golf and hang out with my wife.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT? Being in the same business and still doing well after 20 years.

WHAT'S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU? Be fair and upfront when dealing with people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO ENTER THIS FIELD? Come on in. It's a terrific business.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? Keep on working until I turn the whole deal over to my son Matt, the best window and blind cleaner I know.