Meet an AUWC Member - June 2006

An interview with AUWC Member Marc King

Company Name and location?

How long have you been cleaning windows?

Though I’ve had several detailing and cleaning jobs in the past, I have been solely cleaning windows for 2 years

How did you get started in the window cleaning industry?

There were two friends of mine in New York, both of whom I looked up to a great deal. They were window cleaners, both providing for their families while working part-time. They encouraged me to look into the field. When I moved to Virginia, I was introduced to a Window Cleaning Company that was looking to replace their only subcontractor who was moving away. The owner and I struck up a deal, and I started cleaning 160 commercial storefront accounts every month for him. A year later, I reduced that number to about 75 and started to focus on my own commercial development within the criteria of our contract.

What types of services does your company offer?

Commercial, Industrial, and Residential window cleaning; Awning restoration and cleaning; and some Power-Washing

What are your primary functions and responsibilities?

Currently, I operate every function of my business. I made the effort to keep the business simple and work part-time. Recently I have grown, and so I provide extra work to other window cleaning companies with good reputations.

How many employees do you have?

What tools do you find valuable and why?

Ladder stabilizers are invaluable since they keep you SAFE. I was always uneasy on ladders until I started to use these. Speed is very important to me because 80% of my work is repeat storefront accounts. I use a 30 inch strip washer. This stays wetter longer, and covers more glass in a shorter time. When large squeegees can be used, I employ these as well. I have found that whenever you can shave just a few seconds of each window, the result can be several minutes off of each work day!

Any non-window cleaning related tools you use regularly?

I haven’t found anything yet. I have always used professional tools in my trades. Well, the only tool I use that isn’t window related is a 4-way water key for getting water in the malls or other commercial buildings.

What are your goals for your business in the next 2-5 years?

My goals have changed from my beginnings. The area I live in is growing at an incredible rate, both commercially and residentially. The residential market is practically untouched here. I am working on the advancement of our trade, getting window cleaning into homeowners’ minds as an important way to maintain their investment. In 2 years, I would like to take on 4 employees, working as 2-man crews. In 2-5 years, I also plan to be the name that big building companies and property management companies look for when considering our service.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of window cleaning?

My family makes spirituality its first priority, and that fills a nice part of our lives. We try to have small groups of friends over for cookouts at least once every month. We also love the outdoors, so we make several backpacking trips. I currently play the guitar and keyboard in a funky band.

Can you tell us about a difficult or challenging job or an interesting story while working?

One of the best residential jobs I had was for a woman who owns a yoga studio. She had a beautiful home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the windows hadn’t been cleaned in years. Just after I finished, I found her in her personal studio practicing her yoga moves. She explained that positive energy, wellbeing and clarity were now freely flowing in her bright home and she just couldn’t wait to enjoy it. That was satisfying for me. It also enlightened me on what my brand would be. Clean windows brings brightness and clarity to our homes, and helps create a positive environment.

In the future what kind of changes do you expect to see in the profession as a whole?

I expect the industry to get more positive attention and edification by means of the professionals involved with groups and organizations like the AUWC. I hope that we can continue to educate window cleaners, builders, property owners, and corporations about glass quality; create a high level of standards for safety, quality, and price for our professional service.

Why did you join AUWC?

I believe that we need organizations like this to increase involvement in raising standards and awareness. I particularly appreciate the objective of the AUWC, that of bringing the organization to the window cleaning businesses that are starting out, or focused on the residential, “low-rise” commercial and route work aspects of the trade. I hope to draw more guidance from the professionals involved here, and I desire to be of assistance to my fellow tradesmen.

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