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.

Window Cleaning Add-On - Blind Cleaning

Following on from the window cleaning add-on topics, here is another topic of interest: Scott Bauer of "My Window Man" based in Albuquerque, New Mexico shown in these videos has been servicing the area for the last 25 years. Specialising in residential window cleaning, blind cleaning and custom window coverings sales, the family business have gone from strength to strength. Scott sent me some links so you too can understand the basics of Ultra-sonic cleaning. Sounding like the opening to the grease lightning song - here are some of the companies - Hessonic Ultrasonic, Omegasonics, Cleanosonic & Morantz Inc - 3rd video down.

What is "cavitation"? "Cavitation" is the rapid formation and collapse of millions of tiny bubbles (or cavities) in a liquid. Cavitation is produced by the alternating high and low pressure waves generated by high frequency (ultrasonic) sound. During the low pressure phase, these bubbles grow from microscopic size until, during the high pressure phase, they are compressed and implode.

Ultrasonic cleaners are the most effective, economic, and ecologically safe way to clean and degrease your products Our cleaners can handle a variety of materials and a range of sizes: from large hydraulic components, machine metal parts and gears, to delicate glass, ceramics and plastics. Ultrasound cleans faster and safer than any other method, without toxic solvents. More here.

Scott Bauer is also a forum leader & answers questions at Window Cleaning Resource on the topic of blind cleaning besides other topics. Scott says "machines are $5000-$32000. But Ebay normally will have some good deals - I was bidding on machines there anywhere from $2500-$5000, the only problem with getting one used is you don't get the training." Scott provides info' free from anything to chemicals to how to clean wooden blinds. Couldn't resist adding this last video..