To be clear on this topic, I want to make a distinction between a home owner setting out to clean their own windows and a professional who is being paid. The home owner will most likely have a lower bar, with minimal expectations as to results. However, even the highly motivated home owner will often find their results are so far from their expectations that calling a professional becomes the only logical conclusion. For the professional like myself, the expectations are very high. When you leave a property, the freshly cleaned windows will testifying in your favor or against you. They will not lie, if you have done a great job it will be evident and if you have not, this also will stand true.
Window cleaning like many things in life can be a place of great discovery. I personally began my journey almost 23 years ago when I opened my first window cleaning business. Looking back over these many years I realize more than ever how window cleaning has kept me honest.
TOOLS & EQUIPTMENT: In the early days, I did my very best to keep expenses down and whenever possible purchase the most affordable equipment. Today I spare absolutely no expense as professional window cleaning equipment has come a long way and the results are undeniable.
WORK ETHIC: Window cleaning is extremely hard work as your body is forced to twist, turn, bend and extend in all sorts of situations. Sometimes just reaching a window can be a real “Circus Ole” Act. Despite what may be required to complete the cleaning, the window will always report back to you on your performance. It is not uncommon to clean a window more than once as the first attempt proves to be unacceptable. So professional window cleaning will test your work ethic as you are often forced to persevere until the window tells you that you are free to move on.
PERSONALITY: Window cleaning not only reveals your work ethic but also personal standards. Professional window cleaning is not as simple as clean and dirty. There are very real variables that often determine results. Your personality often dictates your standards and will ultimately determine what you think is acceptable. I have always been a bit of a perfectionist and as a professional window cleaner that can be a tuff pill to swallow. The bar that I set is very high and demands that my tools and equipment along with my work ethic are always firing on all cylinders. I have learned over the years that my expectations are far greater than 99% of my customers. I do not require supervision, monetary stimulation or external motivation while performing my services as my own personal standards keep me accountable. At the end of each day, I know with certain that the windows will not lie and that keeps me honest.
Author/Owner Marc Kunze
Pure Light Window & Gutter Cleaning Santa Cruz
www.purelightwindowcleaning.com