A Squeaky Clean Business

Mark & Leonor put the right window cleaning tools in your hands. Local recognition in Canada.

A squeaky clean business: After a few years of living in a high-rise condo downtown you start to notice things about the building you may have never even realized. For example, cleaning the outside of a high-rise condo window. One day, I was driving into my parking lot and saw a man raised up high into the sky cleaning windows from what looked like a hanging balcony that was lifted a few storeys up into the air. I wondered how long it would take someone to clean an entire buildings set of windows and it dawned on me why my building only cleans theirs twice a year.

My excitement for this month’s feature is due to my curiosity about window cleaning. I am featuring Beautiful View: The Window Cleaning Store, and when I found out this store, which has only been open for a few months, was in the Emery Village BIA I was quite thrilled to be able to ask all my questions about window cleaning to the store owner, and professional window cleaner himself, Mark Strange. Strange was a window cleaner for over seven years before he realized that his passion for teaching and his ability to clean windows for the rest of his life was not going to be entirely possible. With the help of his wife who not only supported him opening a store but also designed the entire layout herself, Mark is in business and was happy to talk. Needless to say, the windows are streak free and clean as a whistle. His teaching skills are tested with every customer who walks into his store. Strange not only has used every product, he knows exactly what would suit the customer the best and wants the customer to be prepared.

He has a test window where he shows the customer the right way to use the product and the best way to get a streak free clean in the quickest amount of time. I think I was one of the worst students, as I did not realize how technical cleaning windows are.

The store is a speciality-cleaning store, but you don’t have to be a professional to use the equipment. Anyone who cleans their household windows or even their car, if you do a lot of do-it-yourself car washes, could use Mark’s products and expertise. With a wide range of window cleaning products and even some videos to show you how to use them the store is for everyone.

It is located right at 1805 Wilson Avenue, unit 107. If you are interested in getting the best value for your money and want to learn the right way to clean a window, check out Beautiful View: The Window Cleaning Store near you! 

Also see:

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands

Window Cleaning Skills DVD Competition

A nonchalant Mark, gets to the TV section.

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands

Mark & Leonor put the right window cleaning tools in your hands. Click to enlarge.

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands.

Once upon a time... Back in May 2007, my wife and I were getting my father's condo cleaned up so it could go up for sale. My wife handed me a shower glass squeegee and instructed me to clean the windows. I couldn't believe how great the windows turned out compared to cleaning methods I tried in the past. Suddenly an idea came into my head. "Hey, I could actually see myself doing this for a living." So with some professional tools in hand and a fist full of advertising fliers, I made it a reality. 

Fast forward to 2012. As I began to wonder about the future of my window cleaning business and asking myself, "how much longer do you want to clean windows?" I had another idea come into mind. With my experience as a window cleaner and love of tools, (Check out Tool Talk With Mark The Window Cleaner on YouTube) it seemed to make perfect sense to morph the business into being a supplier to the trade. 

Now as a participating member of the windowcleaningresource.com community, I got to see first hand of what a successful window cleaning supplier should be when it comes to putting the end customer first. Chris Lambrinides and Alex Lambrinides are a hard act to follow but they have been great with giving advice, sharing their own stories of when they first started, all so that I can get set up right on the supplier side of things. 

So with a plan in place and loads of support from family, friends and others in the trade, my wife and I set the machine in motion. From finding the perfect location in Toronto, to designing a workable store in a shop space we could afford, we were going to have our work cut out for us. My wife Leonor did all the design work and I can't believe what she was able to accomplish with 400 sq ft. One of the things that we think will help us stand out is that all the product is out in the open where customers can see, feel and even test out before they leave the store. 

Beautiful View window cleaning store opens to the public today! Click to enlarge.

Now many are probably wondering how much it costs to set up something like this. Well all I can say is for you to think of a dollar amount, adding about 10% contingency and then just when you feel comfortable with that kind of investment, DOUBLE IT! Oh yeah, and everybody needs to get paid up front when you start out. 

Next comes the joy of finding out just how tight those margins are when selling window cleaning supplies. I'm afraid it's nothing like traditional retail. The manufactures will give you 'list' pricing and tell you that you get X% off that. The problem is, no one in the industry is selling at 'list' pricing. To stay competitive you must lower it down a fair bit. But you've paid X amount regardless, along with cost of shipping (free in some cases with larger orders), importing fees and taxes. Haha, it's almost laughable how quickly you see profit being chipped away from your merchandise. 

Kid in a candy shop anyone? Click to enlarge.

So what keeps one going forward in this super tight profit game? Well for me it's accepting that this is a long term investment and as long as I put the right attitude behind it and continue with my desire to help other business folk by putting the right tools in their hands, I believe it will pay off big in the long run. 

With that said, I would like to thank all the people who have supported me in this project as well as past projects such as the Tool Talk video series and my window cleaning DVD. I will continue in the same mode of sharing, teaching and helping other businesses as best as I can, now via The Window Cleaning Store. 

Mark Strange Beautiful View - Tool Talk

The Window Cleaning Store http://www.thewindowcleaningstore.com is located at 1805 Wilson Ave Unit #107, Toronto, On M9M 1A2

Phone number is 416-748-9393

Hours of operation: 8am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm on Sat. 

Mark strange realizes his dream. Click to enlarge.

"Testing The Waters" - A WFP Guide - Full series

Mark Strange with his latest series from Window Cleaning Resource takes you from the basics, showing you how to set-up your water fed pole system on a budget with his series "testing the waters." Mark, well known for his other tool-talk series guides you through the process to get yourself off the ground. Any experienced WFP user may also pick up a few little tips here & there! Mark is also the author of the "Window Cleaning Skills" DVD, this detailed 72 minute DVD is a must watch DVD for beginners from the basics up. You’ll discover detailed techniques & you’ll be working like a pro’ in no time. Priced to sell, this DVD even comes with a handy on the job guide. Marks’s no-nonsense approach will guarantee this will be one of the best selling DVD’s for window cleaners on the market.

Wagtail Giveaway! + Competition Winners

Giveaway is exactly what we're doing. Just fill in the form below from the trusted & secure email submission form & get a chance to win an 18" & a 14" Wagtail Whirlwind - the newest Wagtail's out there. " So what are you waiting for? If you are a window cleaner just fill in the form below for your chance to win, not one, but two squeegee's, the newest 14" & 18" Wagtail Whirlwinds! The winner will receive an email from me to confirm their postal address. The competition is Worldwide, so don't delay - sign up & be part of more offers to come. You'd be mad not to.



Email Marketing You Can Trust

Yes please, I want the chance to win 2 of the fastest squeegee's out there. No thanks, I'd rather take a running jump. Thanks to "Willie Wagtail" for providing the prizes.

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Congratulations go to Simon Moore of "Ultra Pure Clean" in Somerset, UK - the winner of the DVD entitled "Window Cleaning Skills." Simon says "Nice one - I haven't won anything for about 10 years!" The "Welcome To Professional Window Cleaning" DVD run time is 72 mins and contains the following:

• starter to advanced tool set up
• basic principles of streak free window cleaning
• 5 advanced squeegee techniques for any type of window size or style
• how and when to use a scraper/razor on glass
• using your tools on extension poles for high access work
• examples of specialty tools for tackling hard to reach glass
• what type of cloths work well for detailing glass or wiping up drips
• and so much more...

Those who didn't get the chance to win can always buy their own at this very generous price. See here for details. Thanks to Mark for donating this prize featured in this blog.

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Congratulations also go out to Ian Wilson of "Ian Wilson Window Cleaning" operating in the Portsmouth area. He is the winner of the Ladder Twins featured in last months competition. Ian says "I am very pleased to be the lucky winner of a set of Ladder Twins. Being a regular user of ladders, this very useful safety device will become an essential part of my window cleaning equipment."
Peter says "this product has evolved over the years to what it is today. I believe this is the best ladder stabilizer in the world." That is also the conclusion, through feedback from hundreds of satisfied customers. Laddertwins are covered by patent and have been tested to BS EN131. Peter also advises "I am looking for Distributors in every Country outside Ireland, if interested email me at peterg@laddertwins.com" Thanks to Peter Geraghty for providing the prize.

Window Cleaning Skills DVD Competition

Welcome to this weeks "Give-Away." I have a "window cleaning skills" DVD kindly donated by Mark Strange, author of this detailed 72 minute DVD with a handy quick-guide booklet. You have to be registered for the newsletter to enter. Once done, just email me your interest in being included at karl.robinson@telefonica.net to be entered into the competition. For those that haven't, the sign-up form is at the bottom. If you haven't signed up for the newsletter - you don't get a chance to enter the competition.

What's On The DVD?

"Welcome To Professional Window Cleaning" dvd run time is 72 mins and contains the following:

• starter to advanced tool set up
• basic principles of streak free window cleaning
• 5 advanced squeegee techniques for any type of window size or style
• how and when to use a scraper/razor on glass
• using your tools on extension poles for high access work
• examples of specialty tools for tackling hard to reach glass
• what type of cloths work well for detailing glass or wiping up drips
• and so much more...

Click the pictures to enlarge.

Mark Strange has been a professional window cleaner for the last three years. Having a love for sharing information and teaching others, Mark decided to pick up the video camera in the summer of 2008 and started posting tool review videos on YouTube. Later, Mark and Window Cleaning Resource teamed up to produce the 'Tool Talk' tool review series. Fans of the 'Tool Talk' videos really appreciate Marks unbiased take on the tools he reviews. After twenty years of working for others, Mark is so glad that he started up a window cleaning business, "Beautiful View" in Toronto, Canada and really hopes his tutorial DVD will help other new comers. Can't wait? Buy it here now or at WCR. Also check out Mark's pricing guide & written tips.

Don't forget to sign up for the previous competition: The Ladder-twins Giveaway that was posted last week here. The Wagtail results are released tomorrow!

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Welcome To Professional Window Cleaning

Mark Strange of "Beautiful View" from Toronto, Canada who has released many videos for the window cleaner has just announced the release of his new DVD. Launching in Jan 2010, Mark says -"My tutorial DVD "Welcome To Professional Window Cleaning" is your first step in jump starting your career as a professional window cleaner." "This very affordable DVD covers more range than your average window cleaning tutorial found anywhere else." "You'll learn everything from what tools to buy, how to use a squeegee from the basics, right up to the most advanced techniques." "I'll also show you the latest specialty tools available and methods for cleaning high windows and windows that are located around obstacles." Click the picture above to take you to his website.

3 for 2 - Window Cleaning DVD Unique Offer

Mark Henderson of Window Cleaning Resource UK has kindly agreed to this 3 for the price of 2 offer for a limited time period. Get them while you can! All 3 for £40 +p&p.

What you get:

1. Advanced Window Cleaning Skills DVD
The most comprehensive guide to traditional window cleaning available, An ideal training aid. Learn such skills as; selecting the right tool for the job, minimising detailing, cleaning interior windows, using a scraper blade and the various techniques used for using a traditional extension pole up to a height of 10 metres. Work effectively! Each piece of equipment is explained and shown how it is used on real jobs. Warning: This DVD could seriously transform the way you and your staff clean windows. Normally £19.99+£1.50 P&P.

2. Window Cleaning Essentials DVD
This DVD shows how you can improve your skills as a window cleaner, helping you to work faster and more efficiently hence earning more money. It also offers useful tips regarding organisation, motivation and customer rapport. With the Window Cleaning Essentials DVD you will discover basic techniques and equipment required for novice window cleaners and anyone who might be considering starting their own window cleaning business. How to deal with various types of windows such as leaded and Georgian windows. Hints and tips that will help you avoid common and time costly mistakes. How to stay organised in your work and remain motivated. How to increase your income by improving the efficiency of your technique. An advanced technique is put to the test and the huge time difference is clearly shown, illustrating the effect it will have on your earnings. Normally £19.99+£1.50 P&P.

3. Choosing and Using a Water Fed Pole System DVD
This DVD shows how the water fed pole system works and offers advice for choosing the best type of system for your needs. It also demonstrates how to use a water fed pole to get the best results and contains many useful tips that can save you time and make you money. Normally £19.99+£1.50 P&P.

Buy all 3 securely by clicking the link below (this offer is not found anywhere else on the internet - not even on the Window Cleaning Resource UK website).

OFFER NOW FINISHED!

Jim's DVDs, Podcasts, Gardiner Poles & Booties

Jim Willingham Memorial DVD: DVD contains two Videos which are - Jim's Advanced Techniques and Memorial Video. 100% of the proceeds from this DVD will be split 50/50 between Jim’s two favorite charities; IWCA’s Ronald McDonald House and The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock, Texas. Description of contents below:Willingham’s Advanced Squeegee Techniques (25min) Just two months before he passed away, Jim was filmed teaching all his squeegee and pole magic as he started work on “Willingham on Windows.” What was filmed is wonderful, and can be used to train window cleaners, including:» How to hold a squeegee» The right edge of the rubber» Proper squeegee tension» Time and cost saving techniques» The basic straight pull» Around the Mountain» Pole Work» Sponge work» Deep frames (butt-up technique)» Closing Out.
Jim Willingham Memorial Video (25min) Set to Jim’s favorite music this moving memorial includes photos from his youth, IWCA early days, Jim’s recent sojourns, and quotes from industry members on the impact Jim had on the window cleaning industry. It also features “Jim-isms,” things he used to say that made you think while bringing a smile to your face. The window cleaning industry should never forget who Jim Willingham was, and this video is a fitting tribute to the man who brought the industry together. Price $65.00

Jim can be seen in some of his product videos here. Previous blogs here & here.

Another first from Reach Higher Ground. As the leading distributor of waterfed poles in the US, they are positioned to bring products to market before all others. At the IWCA Trade Show in Atlanta last week, Reach Higher Ground introduced several new sizes of carbon fiber poles from Xtel. Those sizes include 24', 31', and 35' Carbon Fiber Poles. Reach Higher Ground is on tour! - visiting a different state each month during 2009 to bring waterfed technology to the window cleaners and thank many of you who have already invested. March 21st they will be in Bloomington, Illinois with Michael Draper where they will be presenting seminars and doing outdoor demos. Here is a link to the schedule as it develops for 2009. And some pictures of the new water fed pole clamps for the Gardiners SLX pole, click on the pictures to enlarge.

Don Marsh has released his first audio podcast: This is the inaugural release of The Window Cleaning Podcast. In the background you will hear Plato doing his best Hound of the Baskervilles imitation. This podcast is only 10 minutes and 16 seconds long and it should not be too hard on the ears, and it is largely promotional in nature. Therefore, it is not for sale and it is not a part of the premium content. Don created this site to thin the herd, and make it possible for him to take time away from his window cleaning business to help those who are serious about starting window cleaning businesses of their own! I'm happy to promote Dons stuff, his blogs make a lot of sense & are easy listening. Every window cleaner should have a look in!

Mr Squeegee (aka Tony Evans) of New View Window Cleaning in Wellman, Iowa goes inside for a change & gives you hints & tips on customer care. You can now view all his videos together on his website here.