3 Window Cleaning Operations

Greg Guetlin is seen on the job in downtown Vancouver. Guetlin is employed washing windows as well as the exteriors of buildings, including many multistory structures.

Working in Clark County: Greg Guetlin, Window Cleaner:  Rappelling off the roof of a multistory building is not for everyone, certainly not the faint of heart. But for Greg Guetlin, a maintenance technician for A-1 Integrity, it’s just a routine part of his work. “I really do enjoy my job and my co-workers, talking with my customers, and listening to podcasts on my headphones while I work. It’s not too stressful.”

Name: Greg Guetlin, window cleaner. Residence city: Kelso. Employer name: A-1 Integrity Inc., 360-254-3554, a1integrity.com Age: 31.

Educational/professional background: I graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview. In 2004, I was having a hard time finding an entry-level job and decided to look for a one with a small business. I called A-1 Integrity on a Friday and they asked me if I could come in for an interview. The interview went very well and they asked me if I could start that Monday, and I’ve been working there to this day.

Personal/business philosophy: I feel that human beings are meant to be active and outside. Along with that, we desire seeing our hard work result in something tangible that gives us a sense of achievement.

Most rewarding part of job: The most rewarding part of my job is meeting new people and frequently traveling to new places.

Most challenging part of job: Making sure I have all the equipment and information about my customers and the work I’m going to conduct, because we provide a wide range of services.

Something surprising about your work: The range of people who are my customer base. I deal with all people, from the very rich to the very poor. Sometimes I will be doing work for very wealthy people at their almost unimaginable homes. At other times I am working on commercial jobs dealing with people who are just customers of the place where I’m working, people who are struggling and are in need of help from the rest of society. So, being around a very wide range of people gives me perspective of how we are all different and the same.

About going over the edge: The first time I went over, I was really nervous, but the guy who trained me was right next to me. When I train people, all I worry about is if they know 100 percent what they’re going to do once they get over the side. I don’t overwhelm them because that’s where something could go wrong. Once you’re over the side, you don’t really think about it too much.

Your favorite travel destination: I don’t have a favorite travel destination in particular. No matter where you are, your experience is determined by the people who surround you.

Best feature of your Clark County community: Clark County is just another reason why the Northwest is the best place to be. We have access to everything here, big cities, small towns, forests, rivers and lakes, wildlife, and a diverse population.

What would make your community a better place: I’m not sure, but I think people relating to one another and looking at things from other people’s perspective.

Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I don’t have any favorites, because there is so much to choose from, but I do enjoy locally owned places more than large chain stores and restaurants.

Hobbies: All my hobbies include being around other people: Playing in a band with my good friends, going on bike rides, walking the dog and swimming with my daughter, playing tabletop games and video games, and watching Netflix.

Most enjoyable recent book/play/movie/arts event: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was amazing! I got to go with my 9-year-old daughter along with my dad, who saw the original “Star Wars” movie when it first came out. I think we all loved it equally.

Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Take my daughter on a vacation outside of the United States so I can show her other cultures.

One word to describe yourself: Unpredictable.

Person you’d most like to meet: Dan Carlin or Scarlett Johansson, both for different reasons.

Launch your startup with some bubbly.

Trust Your Gut, Take A Risk: Notes From A Startup Launchpad - As a serial entrepreneur, people come to me with business ideas all the time. Sometimes they’re awesome. Other times, they’re – well, not. Usually I’m too busy to even think about taking on a new project. So with three companies to run, I initially refused the pitch for Shack Shine when it came to me last year.

I could see that beyond the catchy name, it was a brilliant idea: creating a house-detailing service (windows, gutters, and power washing) built on providing an exceptional customer experience. It perfectly complemented the companies that make up the O2E Brands family. And I knew the industry didn’t have a recognizable category leader.

Despite the brand fit, I initially went against my gut and said ‘no’. So why am I writing today about the launch of our fourth brand, Shack Shine?

Dave Notte came up with the idea for Shack Shine after building a multi-million dollar commercial painting business. He felt ready to devote his energy to his next successful venture and having run service companies his entire life, wanted to “stick to his knitting”.

“I wanted to find a service no one wanted to do,” he told me. “Maybe even one that people looked down their noses at.”

He’d been mentoring two young entrepreneurs with small window cleaning companies and the elements of a great business were there: the industry was fragmented; the margins were high; the recurring revenue was solid. After some recon at one of North America’s largest window cleaning trade shows – and meeting the unimpressive competition – Dave knew he’d found a diamond in the rough. He said, “I was sure I was sitting on the next 1-800-GOT-JUNK?”

SPEAKING OF BUSINESS with Delightful Cleaning and Maintenance Services LLC -Owners: Drew Daniel - Location: Freeport - Number of employees: 5

What is the history of your business? Since 2013, we have served hundreds of clients. Attention to detail, thoroughness and quality of service at a reasonable price – that’s what you can expect from Delightful Cleaning and Maintenance.

What does Delightful Cleaning and Maintenance offer? We offer maintenance and cleaning services for homes and commercial buildings, including: general repair, pressure washing, interior/exterior painting, professional window cleaning, garden maintenance and landscaping. We also offer regular or one-time cleaning services.

How has business been going the past year? We are constantly improving.

What does it take to be successful? Being honest, fair and professional.

Why is Northwest Florida a good place to do business? It’s a great community with a lot of opportunities for small businesses.

What are your plans for the future? We hope to be leading provider in the South Walton area.