Routine Danger In Grand Rapids

Sam Rodriguez, with Award Window Cleaning Services, cleans the windows of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. The hotel is cleaned twice a year. More pictures at the link.

23 stories up, window washers dangle high above Grand Rapids, MI – Dangling over 200 feet in the air, four men inch their way down the face of the JW Marriott while wiping each window clean. The building's height and its unique shape make rappelling from the roof the most efficient way to ensure that the windows shine on the riverfront hotel that has become a Grand Rapids landmark.

The work is not for the faint of heart. "Terrifying," window cleaner Sam Rodriguez said of his first trip down the JW Marriott. "You finally get to the ground and you almost want to kiss it." One "drop" or trip down the face of the hotel takes more than an hour.

From left, Sam Rodriguez, Brenden Riggins, and Tim Scott, all with Award Window Cleaning Services, clean the windows of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids.

The first time Rodriguez performed the task as part of the Award Window Cleaning crew, it took him twice the time of an experienced window washer. With each swipe of his squeegee, he felt sure something would go wrong. After six years of working high above the ground, like any other job, it becomes routine. Now, he has to remind himself that it's dangerous and to check and double check his equipment.

What's one thing facing window washers that passersby can't see from the ground? "Spiders," said Mark Reinhart, Award Window Cleaning's president. The eight-legged creatures leave cobwebs for the cleaners and sometimes crawl up their pant legs. Before pesticide use, window cleaners would duct tape their pants and shirts closed to keep them out. Now, there aren't nearly as many, but they still can be found even on the highest buildings in town.

Grand Rapids' most recognizable buildings, including the Amway Grand Hotel, Bridgewater Place and the JW Marriott are cleaned twice a year, moments that often draw the attention of downtown crowds.

Owner Sells Window Cleaning Company

Mark S. Reinhart, Award founder and sales manager, watches his book of business grow with each addition to the Grand Rapids skyline.

Owner sells window-cleaning company: The owner of a local window-cleaning company has sold his operation to pursue other business ambitions. Award Window Cleaning Services has acquired Blue Sky Window Cleaners. Both companies are based in Grand Rapids and provide residential and commercial window cleaning services in West Michigan. Terms of the deal, which was announced today, were not disclosed.

Nate Wood founded Blue Sky Window Cleaners in 2009. Since that time, he has grown the company to multiple crews.  “It’s been a great ride, and I’ve had a lot of fun building my company,” Wood said. “But now it’s time to move on.”

Wood said Mark Reinhart, president and CEO of Award Window Cleaning Services, has a “great business” with an “excellent reputation.” “I’m certain my customers and employees will be treated very well,” Wood said.

Reinhart, who has 25 years of experience in the window-cleaning industry, said customers of Blue Sky can count on the same “high-quality work” and “positive attitude” they’ve come to expect from Blue Sky.

Wood will continue to guide the company through the transition. Calder Capital of Grand Rapids sourced the buyer and brokered the sale. Max Friar, managing partner of Calder Capital, said he has seen an increased level of interest in business acquisitions during the early spring months of 2016. “Many individual and strategic buyers are actively seeking to acquire small service, distribution and manufacturing companies in West Michigan,” Friar said.

He noted lending conditions and the strength of the local economy make this “a great time to buy.” Friar also said the transaction between Award and Blue Sky typifies a trend in the marketplace: established buyers acquiring small businesses where non­-retirement age owners are seeking a new path in life.

Also see:

Making the Skyline Shine

R.I.P. Tyler Cotter