April 29, 2016

By Jason York, E-Z Window Cleaning

Every month as a board member of the IWCA, I am asked to write an article for the members. Sometimes I struggle to bring something relevant to my fellow window cleaners. Other times, timely events make this task easier…

In the last year we have been approached by three different window cleaners looking to sell their businesses; one having been within the last month. It is very flattering to have a peer/competitor make such an offer. We are always looking to expand our brand, and acquisition is a great way to do it. All of these businesses represented great value but, in all three cases, things didn’t make sense for us to complete the deal mostly because we could not come to a win/win type of arrangement. For our company, that part is mandatory.

In all three cases, the other owner was looking to sell “now.” That is a real challenge for a buyer, and negatively effects the value of a company. How does the buyer convince the customers that they will service them as well, if not better, without the seller there to provide assurances? Why would they choose to be loyal to a new company that they are not familiar with? What’s the real value to a good customer list, if in a year, half or more of those customers have moved on to other companies…? Helping with the transition is critical to providing value to a potential buyer.

In addition, all of these companies were looking at selling in the spring with no employees to go along with the customer list & assets. In spring we are already spread thin with our existing/new customers and are at our lowest staffing point of the year. Does it make sense to take on a whole new “book” of business then? To us no. Buying a new business with the employees to support the business, going into the busiest time of year seems like a recipe for disaster. Think 80 pounds in a 50 pound bag…! Employee acquisition proves to be our toughest challenge every year, especially in the spring. Why would anyone want to make that worse?!?

The point I’m trying to relate is always keep an exit strategy in mind. I love my business and the window cleaning industry and I don’t ever plan to get out but, through these experiences, both my partner and I have developed plans for a potential exits that make
sense. A good customer list is extremely valuable but is worthless to a savvy buyer without some planning and effort. Always keep in mind what makes your business valuable and maintain that value through the sale. Know that it’s not the name, website, trucks, or squeegees; it’s the service and customers. How you decide to transition them is where you will get the value in the end.

January 29, 2016

By Raymond Carle, Excel Projects

The window cleaning season is starting again and soon we will all want to be ready for the mountain of work that will hopefully await us all.

But as with us all, we have questions and doubts about where the cards will land.  Did we prepare enough?  Are we possibly missing something?  Is there an easier way to make it through?

Thomas Edison once said “Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”.

People are always looking for the easy way to make it ahead but unfortunately, the road to wealth isn’t paved in gold.  It’s paved with heartaches of people who’ve failed.  On my office wall, I have a poster with this following quote.  “If I haven’t made a mistake today, then I haven’t tried hard enough”.    I’ve succeeded because I’ve failed many times.  I’m getting ahead faster than anyone else because I’ve made more mistakes than anyone else.  It sounds contradictory, but it’s true.

It’s also strange to think that hard work and luck go hand in hand but they really do.  Keep trying.  Keep working.  We have two eyes and two ears so we can listen and watch twice as much as we talk.  You’ll see and hear about so many opportunities but you have to be ready to work hard for it and prepare to fail.  If it’s not you that makes the attempts, somebody else will.

January 29, 2016

By Jason York, EZ Window Cleaning

A friend of mine had an employee get injured while working a couple of months ago. The employee was not following the safety rules that were discussed during his orientation with my friend’s company. The total expenses for the hospital visit were a total of $3,500 and the employee was unable to work for three days. That’s an expensive “small” injury. Now, imagine if that employee broke a limb or had a spinal injury? Or, even worse, death?

Most of you reading this, say to yourself, “They trained their employee during orientation.” They did their due diligence. That’s true. But, we have found at our company that our employees start to tune out our voice. After so many meetings and training sessions, they just don’t respond to our message.

Next month is the IWCA is holding its 27th Annual Convention in Miramar Beach, FL. It is a great place to synergize with other window cleaners and learn more about our industry. Every Convention registration includes IWCA safety training. To get that quality of training somewhere else would cost about the same as the total Convention registration. At the convention, you get safety training along with the other educational sessions and networking opportunities. That’s MUCH cheaper than staying in a hospital ER…

January 26, 2016

IWCA & GANA: Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

The International Window Cleaners Association (IWCA) and Glass Association of North America (GANA) the have partnered together to provide an updated edition of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products Glass Informational Bulletin (GIB). Architectural glass products play a major role in the comfort of the living and working environment of today’s homes and commercial office spaces by providing natural daylight, views of the surroundings, thermal comfort and design aesthetics. Glass usage and condition often affect our selection of where we live, work, shop, play and seek education. This GIB describes cleaning procedures that generally apply to most architectural glass products.

“This joint technical Bulletin is the pinnacle of a huge cooperative effort between GANA and IWCA.,” shares Paul West, IWCA Glass Committee Chair. “The end result is real world cleaning guidelines that will assist in maintaining the integrity of architectural glass surfaces.”

Urmilla Sowell, GANA Technical Director, shares her thoughts on the importance of the joint effort between GANA and IWCA.

“GANA’s Tempering Division members were happy to partner with IWCA on this important document. This bulletin helps promote best-practice approaches for entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is provides a valuable resource as glass products can be permanently damaged if infrequently or improperly cleaned. Glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with this GIB’s prescribed procedures for cleaning glass surfaces.

“GANA’s Tempering Division members are pleased to announce the publication of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass GIB. This updated document was a joint effort between IWCA and GANA. The joint group has worked hard to put together a usable document for the entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is a complimentary document and can be downloaded instantly by clicking here. Visit www.iwca.org to learn more about the International Window Cleaners Association.

January 6, 2016

By Albert Bernal, Millennium Building Services, Inc.

With winter approaching, here are a few important and helpful things to keep in mind:

1. Driving:

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with proper traction devices.
• Rule of thumb states to keep three car lengths between yourself and the car in front of you. However, in slippery conditions this space should be increased to at least five car lengths.
• Drive at slower speeds, allowing more control of your vehicle.
• Try to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
• Try not to talk on the phone or use your radios while driving. Keep in mind that in the State of Washington & Oregon it is illegal to operate any electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.
• Use your turn signals within 500 ft. of your turn. This gives the vehicle behind you plenty of time to make their adjustments.
• Use all of your mirrors, and keep an eye on blind spots.

2. Walking:

• You should always wear shoes according to the weather. In slippery conditions wear some sort of boot or shoe with traction. They should also preferably be waterproof.
• Make good contact with the ground. Your footing should be strong and firm.
• Take smaller steps then normal.
• Use a walking stick if possible.

3. Clothing:

• Wear clothes that are designed for cold and wet conditions. Cotton clothing is the worst choice, where as wool is the best.
• Most of the body’s heat escapes from the head so choosing the proper headgear is very important.
• Wear gloves whenever possible. If working around water, try to wear waterproof gloves.

Always using common sense will help keep you safe this winter season. Contact your safety committee or your direct supervisor if you have any questions.

January 6, 2016

By Mark S. Reinhart, Award Window Cleaning Services, Inc.

The reward of giving twice with one check is most rewarding for me. Let me explain;

This time of year is special for most of us, and has always been a way to show customers how much we care, and appreciate their loyalty and business. I like to give a gift that is meaningful to our customers and gives back to an organization we purchase the gifts from.

For example, the last few years we hand delivered popcorn towers to our larger customers. The popcorn towers are purchased from the cadets at our local church. The money from the popcorn sales help with funding the cadet’s activities throughout the year. We make sure to let our customers know that we purchased the popcorn from the cadets and they are also helping the young boys that participate in the cadets program from the church.

All our other customers also receive a “Happy Holidays” Card. This year I received a call from a company offering holiday cards that are remakes painted by the Handicapped and Senior Citizens from THASC Sales Co. established in 1997. They employ a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. The front covers of the cards are of prints the handicapped artists have created; on the back of the card includes a picture of the artist and an explanation of their disability. The money raised from the cards is then used to help the handicapped and Senior Citizens recover and gain self-respect and pride through their work.

A gift that gives back really fits for the holiday season.

Happy Holidays everyone! May all your windows be streak free, and may you all have a very prosperous 2016.

January 6, 2016

By Jason York, EZ Window Cleaning

As December rolls in, we are constantly reminded that it is the season of giving. In the spirit of the season…I make the same request. Do you feel benevolent? Do you have the desire to serve your fellow window cleaner? Our association is based on the premise that a few give to many. Every year…ironically during the same time of year, we look for those “few” that want to help serve our membership.

At the annual convention in February, we will swear in our new officers and board members. As they get sworn in, we need to look forward to the following year as the cycle continues. During 2016, the board needs member at large volunteers to assist in doing some of the committee work that keeps our association moving forward and providing us all the benefits that we need to grow and develop our window cleaning businesses.

Being a committee volunteer helps to bring new ideas and also help in the workload of the board. In addition, it gives a better perspective to the interworking’s of the IWCA and its board. Typically, it is the first step in becoming a board member or even an officer in our association. The expectation of committee volunteers is to attend and participate a few conference calls a year. There is no travel or out of pocket costs. The ability to work well with others and bring new ideas to the table are the only real requirements.

Should that experience, be a positive one…then you may want to give more and move on to being an IWCA Director on the board. That is where the real giving begins! Trust me, it is worth it based on my personal experience. To quote a past president of the IWCA; “we need your time, talent, & treasury”. As a leader in our association, you will grow as you lead, be exposed to other leaders, and learn more about our industry than you ever thought possible. Most importantly, give back to those in our industry that are in need of your guidance and assistance.

So, are you in the giving spirit? If so, contact IWCA at info@iwca.org or feel free to contact Jason York at jason@ezwindowsinc.com, and we will happily discuss things further with you.

January 6, 2016

By Tanya Weger, Madison Window Cleaning

There is something to be said about lists. They can help sort one group from another, such as the infamous naughty and nice list. They can also be used to remember things, such as your shopping or gift list, or to prioritize your holiday tasks to complete. While these types of lists may help this holiday season, what lists are you making that will help your business promote safety and compliance in 2016? Here are a couple suggestions to get your started.
Have a list of…

• Dates you will hold your monthly safety training sessions
• Toolbox talk topics for your weekly huddles
• Tools and equipment requiring routine inspection and inspection protocol for each
• Certifications that may expire which need to be renewed
• Refresher courses for veteran technicians
• Items that should be on your routine jobsite safety inspection report
• Regulations that apply to your specific lines of business and operations performed
• Jobsites where fall hazards exist with a fall protection plan for each in writing
• Standard operating procedures
• Work related accidents or injuries on an OSHA 300 log posted as required

As you ring in the New Year, my hope for you is that 2016 is not only the most profitable year for you but also the safest one – 100% free from accident or injury. Cheers to you and your lists!

January 6, 2016

By Michael Draper, Glass Grinders

I have been thinking of some unique marketing ideas for 2016, as I am going to launch a new business, and one item I thought would be very useful is a drone. To my surprise one evening at Sam’s Club, there was a DJI Phantom drone marked down $150.00. This was too large of a temptation to pass up, so I purchased the drone. Now I had flown toy helicopters before, although not very successfully, but how hard could this be? My son and I proceeded to unpack the drone, get all the necessary downloads installed and the last thing that flashes on the screen of the iPhone is “Push here for tutorial and flying instructions.” I thought to myself, “Really? This is a toy. I am not going to waste precious flying time going through some useless tutorial.” Now, I will say, the one thing I did read was that the drone will take off and hover at 4 feet, at which time the operator can take control, so in my mind that made this thing an inside toy. We fired the drone up in my newly remodeled home office and to both my son and my surprise this thing has much more power than the toy helicopters we have crashed in the past. Papers were blowing everywhere and then it is hovering at the 4 feet but starts to slowly track towards us which, being the smart guys we are, we figure out that is about chest level. I tried to operate the drone from the control pad and accidentally sent it on its side into the newly remodeled wall, which I figured might stop it. Even though one propeller did break, the others had no problem continuing down the wall, cutting circular patterns as it went. About ten minutes later we were able to shut the drone down. As my wife entered the room, she was even more disgusted, as she was already upset that I spent the equivalent of a car payment on what she views as a worthless toy. The moral of the story is this, please remember to read the instructions.