Meet an AUWC Member!

Tony Evans

Company Name and location?
A New View.  Right now of Burlington, IA but moving to Washington, IA in June

How long have you been cleaning windows?
My wife and I had a cleaning business a few years ago and we did some window cleaning with it but this time around I'm entering my 3rd year.

How did you get started in the window cleaning industry?
A friend of mine suggested that I join him cleaning windows because I could make $5 per hr more than at the job I had and having 3 teenage girls to support I jumped at the chance. Things didn't work out with that situation but I did learn enough to develop a real love for the trade and with a little leg work I started a route and landed a couple houses. After that the biz just continued to grow. The biggest asset to my becoming a window cleaner is the fact that I have a loving and supportive wife who encouraged me to do it. As Jeff says its great to have a wife that will let her husband play with bubbles for a living!

What types of services does your company offer?
Besides windows we do gutters, power washing, screen repair, and awning cleaning.

What are your primary functions and responsibilities?
As my grandfather used to say about his small business I'm the chief cook and bottle washer. Basically I take care of everything from bidding to sales to invoicing and beyond.

How many employees do you have?
Mainly it's just me but my wife will be joining me full time in June when we move. I taught my son-in-law the trade so if I need more help than that I have him and my daughter help out.

What tools do you find valuable and why?
I love my Contour handle and Tucker pole. The Contours versatility lets me tackle windows in tough places without need of two separate handles like windows set back over kennels and under eaves. Just set it to 0 degrees and presto done. As for my pole if you own one you already know the value and if you don't get one right away and start using what Jeff Klass calls the now of window cleaning - Pure water. You won't be sorry! I also would be lost without this association and AWC magazine. They make me a more efficient window cleaner and have saved me some mistakes along the way.

Any non-window cleaning related tools you use regularly?
I keep a Leatherman tool on my belt at all times and use it at least once on every house job. I wouldn't be without it. Also, a paint can opener that I got from Craig at the picnic. It really comes in handy for removing those stubborn screens.

What are your goals for your business in the next 2-5 years?
I would like to grow my current list of residential clients 20% each year for the next 3 years. Since I have grown it 40% the last 2 years I think it's achievable. I'd also like to grow my route work 75% over the next 3 years so I can hire someone full time. I really enjoy being hands on so I don't really want to become a big company. At most, maybe 2 or 3 employees.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of window cleaning?
 As one of Jehovah's Witnesses my faith is very important to me as is spending time w/ my family and friends. Also I enjoy reading .

Can you tell us about a difficult or challenging job or an interesting story while working?
Last year I had to clean a large group of cutups on the back of a house that were over 30 ft up. I got a 32 ft ladder, climbed to the top and stretched out to get the edge panes. Needless to say everyone on the ground breathed a sigh of relief when I got down and I determined to get a WFP for jobs just like that one.

In the future what kind of changes do you expect to see in the profession as a whole?
I really believe that pure water will be the dominant method for cleaning most accounts. I also think that the way the public perceives us will continue to improve as organizations like AUWC inform and educate both the public and the window cleaner.

Why did you join AUWC?
I'd have to say that it was because of 2 guys in particular, Jeff Klass and Craig Aldrich. They are great guys and tops in the industry as far as I'm concerned. When they both talked about the association I could feel and hear the passion and commitment so I figured I needed to think seriously about joining. At the picnic I talked to them more as well as to Shawn Gavin and I was sold. I never regretted that decision and I'm sure no one else here does either.