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Why water fed pole systems are popular

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By Carl Phillips

I have a pair of Spiderman y-fronts I have owned since I was 7. Occasionally, for really special goings on, I will wear them… The blues and reds have faded somewhat, true, but In a really strange way they are the most comfortable, if not the tightest pants I own; I know them and they know me. Many times over the years as my wifey goes about her special (and rather brutal) ‘sorting days’ I have had to rescue them from the bin. I don’t have a Spiderman fetish either, It’s just because I don’t like change and they are familiar. In fact, I would rather have sharp items poked forcefully and repeatedly into my eyeballs rather than accept any kind of change. Change can be frustrating, scary and in the case of underwear, bitterly uncomfortable but then again, there is always an exception to every rule; My beloved window cleaning industry. Over the last fifteen or so years, it has changed and continues to change dramatically, thank the good lord. The good news for you? Those changes are set to revolutionise your business.

The days of old…

In the US, and now at some schools in the UK, they have strange social gatherings called ‘high school reunions,’ an odd event at which old classmates get the chance to hire a Porsche and a tux and show off how far they have come since leaving school. My school has never had one, I think It’s because all my class mates are too busy sleeping under railway bridges or are in prison, but it’s a good job, because I would have had to rock up and tell everyone I was a window cleaner… don’t get me wrong, I would have said it fast and with a big smile on my face, I may have even used the old ‘ exterior glazing technician’ approach but I would have still blushed, looked at my shoes and shuffled about uneasily in my Spiderman panties.

The thing is, some 20 years ago when I first started window cleaning, there was precious little to separate my window cleaning business from the next dude. One of us may have had different emblems on our beer towels (early form of scrim cloths to you younger folk) and our ladders may have been made from different types of wood, but window cleaners were all pretty much viewed exactly the same by the public at large; window cleaning was a job you did just to get by, or because you breathed through your mouth and dribbled a lot and couldn’t actually do anything else. I was once astonished when a customer said to me after I had thanked her for her custom, “no problem my lovely, I’m happy to help keep you off the streets”… she even had the cheek to keep a straight face as she said it, charming…

Seriously though, this view really upsets me because I have always viewed window cleaning very differently. Window cleaning, particularly residential window cleaning, is a great business model. It takes a relatively small amount of money from a large group of people making it very stable. It has repeat business as an inherent part of it, Mrs Jones gets terribly upset if you don’t call next month and so you don’t have to spend all your hard earned cash marketing for new customers constantly like you have to in other businesses (based on UK window cleaning) and you provide a service that people know they need and appreciate. What’s more, the money is fab too! Get a shuffle on, work up a sweat, which was easy with wooden ladders, and you could earn a full days wage in a few hours of graft. What’s not to like?

My customers view upset me mostly though because she was right. Window cleaning was so easy, so good and so enjoyable, that it attracted all sorts; villains, rouges and dole bums included and we were all just tarred with the same brush; That’s why window cleaning needed a change. Those of us that loved window cleaning and took it seriously needed to separate ourselves and our businesses from those who just used it abused it and left us to clean up after them.

‘We are the change we have been waiting for’ – Barack Obama

Normally when politics are mentioned, I have sudden urges to bang my head on the pavement, but I can’t help but smile at the truth of Mr Obama’s words. Truth be told, I smile a lot lately and that’s because our industry is in a full-scale revolution, the great water fed pole revolution.

Being first at anything is hard. Can you imagine the scale of the lunacy required to be the first to eat frog legs or caviar? Yet someone did, and now both are delicacies… when van mounted water fed pole systems were first introduced in the UK it kind of met the same ‘that’s disgusting!’ response… why oh why would you currently spend less than £100 per year on window cleaning equipment and then wilfully decide to spend 10k or so on a van and a further 10k on some magic water thingie to do the same job… no thanks matey, I think I’ll pass…

But hold on a second… there was far more to water fed pole systems than just the method you use to get someone’s windows clean, a fact missed by most window cleaners early on. Window cleaning using a pure water system addresses some fundamentally important issues with window cleaning. This may well go a long way in explaining their current popularity, Lookie here;

Firstly, the boring stuff;

Mrs. Jones gets her frames cleaned. Not the biggest advantage I’ll grant you but nice for her. Finally, she can stop popping out after the window cleaner calls and wipe the dirty old fairy liquid off her sills…

Then the often underrated and misunderstood Health and safety benefits. To be honest, if you’re running up and down ladders for a living, health and safety is not really that high on your list of priorities, is it? That said, some of the things I used to clean from ladders now make me cringe. Fortunately for me, I only had scares and near misses, but Dave, our finance manager, has had 5 falls from his ladders over the years and now has a permanently misaligned hip, which I’m guessing seriously affects his sex life… ouchie.

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Now for the good stuff…

Van mounted Pure Water Systems transform window cleaning businesses by removing the skill factor and replacing it with a capital expense. Put another way, and in English, it means cleaning windows requires real skill, at least it does if you wish to do it fast enough to make money and accurately enough to keep your clients. Pure water systems remove that skill, (fast, accurate ladder positioning. Fast, accurate use of a squeegee and expert use of your cloth) and instead use a more simple method to clean windows with as good, usually better, results. Pure water systems replace this required skill with a capital expense, which means that Bob, your helper, won’t likely rush off and start his own round as soon as you have finished spending many moons training him up, getting him ‘just so’. Good old Bob, while he used to be able to buy a set of ladders and knock some doors, will now have to find some dough to invest in equipment of his own, simply because he doesn’t know how to clean windows any other way. In short, you can now employ people to ‘wash’ windows rather than ‘clean’ them. All this without the long training times and without worrying about ‘losing’ Bob the next time you refuse to give him a day off to catch up on his missed episodes of Jerry Springer. Genius no?

But there’s more. Just a few months ago, I was asked to book a children’s entertainer for my nephews second birthday. Fortunately, I knew of a great one. As I wandered into his shop and suddenly I realised this wasn’t going to be so easy. Do I go for Postman PPat? Or is he too ‘yesterday’? What about the Teletubbies? No, they creep me out… that leaves Bob the Builder then. Life was so much easier when we only had the Muppets.

One costume I saw in his shop, which I knew wouldn’t work for this gig, was a full-blown Marylyn Manson suit. I’m pretty confident that never mind how highly recommended he came, or how good the guys routine was, parents and children alike would have been truly horrified if Marylyn had popped out of little Joshua’s birthday cake. Appearance really does make a massive difference to how people view your performance and how comfortable they are and with you. Two things you will definitely need in a successful business. A nice new shiny van, professional, sexy looking kit and a smart uniform and you look like the doggies dangly bits. You make your clients relax; You make them proud, you are showing them you know your stuff. You have invested in your business and so will they and they will love you for it! It matters to them! Have a sneaky peek of this e-mail one of my clients sent me…

 " I would like to admit that I actually felt smug when your lovely sign written van pulled up outside my house as I felt like I was having a posh window cleaning service! Unlike my neighbours who I shall now refer to as the riff-raff."
Mrs Clair Davies."

You can bet your booties ‘ Bob’s windows cleaning inc’ is a little short on e-mails like that huh?

I have saved the best till last…

This shiny new van, professional quality equipment, and snazzy new uniform will also provide you with something else; pride in your business. Think about the last thing you were really proud of, your car? Home? Whatever, How did you treat it if you’re anything like me; with all the man-love you could muster! The same is true for your business. The more pride you have in your business the more you will look after it, the more you look after it, the better and more efficiently it will run for you and the less and less stress it will cause you. Of course, I know this from experience, I have been through the stages of one man and a bucket to multivehicle operations, but I have also seen it in the owner’s faces of the concept2o systems we manufacture and that’s just priceless. Never, ever underestimate the true value that genuine pride can have on your business.

With all the above points taken as a whole, is it any wonder that pure water systems are finally becoming commonplace on the shores of ‘good old blighty?’ Some guestimate at a third to a half of all window cleaners in the UK at present run a pure water system of some kind. Good on you boys.

Other goodies

Since the first introduction, many other pure water goodies have been added to the mix. We now have trolley systems which can either carry pure water in a container or water purification equipment you can hook up to a tap, great for those hard to reach areas or courtyards where you can’t run a hose.

Then there are the cute backpack units for the odd hard to reach glazing, some of which carry up to 25 ltr of pure water, just don’t lean back…

And if you have a large static contract, a trailer is a fantastic tool you can just unhitch and clean all day. We manufacture a trailer system with some 1200 litres of hot steamy, pure water which can be refilled on site. It’s a bad boy.

All of the above are excellent additions to your van mount system.

Our beloved industry is finally coming of age. What used to be a free for all, is now taking shape. Professional window cleaners are now being acknowledged as such, especially by the general public. This has lead to more stable, larger and more profitable business for window cleaners and a much better, more consistent service to the clients. As time goes on, better poles, brush heads, filtration units and more will make what has become an easy job even easier. Our clients will continue to change their opinions and loyalty from them will continue to increase. The revolution is indeed in full swing. I have a tear in my eye and I’m pretty sure my tight Spidey panties have nothing to do with it…

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Interclean Amsterdam May 15th – 18th 2018

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The exhibition covers eleven halls and hosts over 800 exhibitors. In other words, you will be sure to find all the latest developments in your specific professional field of expertise. And there is more; a number of specially curated seminars, demonstration zones, and events, which are hosted on the show floor.

All of these will enrich your understanding of the technology and trends that are currently driving the industry.

Learn more about the event here  https://www.intercleanshow.com/en/amsterdam or check out the details in the Window Cleaning magazine events calendar here http://www.windowcleaningmagazine.co.uk/events/2018-05/ just click on the day for the info.

The last event saw lots of UK window cleaning related vendors join in with much more from across Europe.

Below are some pictures from the last event at the Rai.
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US Vs UK Window Cleaning, Episode 1 – Rope Access

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Playtime: 13:23

Synopsis: The first episode from a mini-series that explores how US window cleaners compare to their UK counterparts. This episode concentrates on rope access as the team meets up with Jack Sewell of Sewell Window Cleaning  (UK) on a small high rise building in Bromley, London.

It isn’t long before Jamie is disappointed and surprised at the rules of rope access in the UK as it is explained.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Episode 2 – Monster water fed pole in London is out Saturday 24th March 2018 – Don’t miss this episode as the US team take on a monster water fed pole for the first time just yards from the American Embassy in Central London.

US Vs UK Window Cleaning, Episode 2 – Monster water fed pole in London

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Playtime: 15.04

Synopsis: Carrie, Jamie, Corey, and Josh meet Mark of Race Team Window Cleaning in Central London meters away from the US Embassy. Here, the guy’s exchange their views on what is considered window cleaning quality whilst at the same time trying out a water fed pole at a monster height of 8 stories. None of them have ever used a water fed pole at this height before.

They share that experience and tell us what it feels like to work with water fed poles so high.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Episode 3 – Sea creature and scrim is out Saturday 31st March 2018 – Don’t miss this episode as the US team bid on British homes in Nottingham the land of Robin Hood, and find out that Mr. Hood is not the only one ‘robbin’ in the UK. Clearly shocked the US team try to understand the UK market.

They meet Tom Coyle, Nottingham and clean windows the traditional way.

Secret Trailer:  CLICK HERE

Watch episode 1 – Rope Access hereCLICK HERE 

The first episode from a mini-series that explores how US window cleaners compare to their UK counterparts. This episode concentrates on rope access as the team meets up with Jack Sewell of Sewell Window Cleaning  (UK) on a small high rise building in Bromley, London.

It isn’t long before Jamie is disappointed and surprised at the rules of rope access in the UK as it is explained.

5 ways to increase your revenue

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Playtime: 14.17

Synopsis: Alan Karr of Window Kare Cleaning Services, Niagara Falls, Canada tells Window Cleaning Magazine viewers his top 5 ways of increasing revenue to your window cleaning business spending very little money and definitely spending 0%  on marketing.

Small changes in the way you look at your business and the tools you choose to work with can create incremental savings that mount up over the years. Other tips for increasing your revenue without any marketing is really obvious but so overlooked.

Background to Alan Karr videos: Alan is a big fan of Window Cleaning magazine. Alan offered to make videos for WCM TV and share his business experiences with our viewers. http://www.windowkare.net/

Products that appear in this video:

The Liquidator squeegee channel by Moerman. CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

The Constructor brush by Reach-iT. CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

The Joist invoicing app CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE VIDEOS FOR WCM TV PLEASE EMAIL lee@highshineltd.co.uk

US Vs UK Window Cleaning, Episode 3 – Sea creature & scrim

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Playtime: 15.29

Synopsis: Episode 3 – In this episode, the US crew drop into their comfort zone as they carry out traditional window cleaning on residential houses in Nottingham using ‘back to basic’ tools. The US team try out there bidding skills on these British homes.

They quickly discover that Robin Hood was not the only one ‘robbing’ from the city of Nottingham!

General description of series: The US crew go on to meet other window cleaning companies across the UK – Must watch program, in London, Midlands and North of the UK and exchange ideas and views on the on how both cultures differ or not.

Our Sponsor on this project: Ettore has sponsored the entire series. Say ‘Hi’ to them HERE, because sponsors help towards the cost of WCM TV making even better and more epic films that you love to watch and come to expect from Window Cleaning Magazine. So, give Ettore a ‘LIKE’ on their fan page HERE  and tell them how much you enjoyed US VS UK Window Cleaning.

For more historical information about Ettore, see below.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Episode 4 – Ladders And Squeegee is out Saturday 7th, April 2018 – The US team struggle at understanding the quality level and what is expected in the UK compared to their area in the US. ‘Wash and go’ is not acceptable! Corey finds himself with a British admirer, and Jamie struggles as she tries the Wagtail for the first time. 

Ettore History: Often imitated, never duplicated, Ettore Steccone’s original squeegee design has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1936. His secret was, and is, in the rubber. With the same secrecy and security afforded soft drink formulas, the ingredients formulation of Ettore rubber is carefully guarded. For this is the essential heart of the system, a razor-sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free.

POV: Martyn rocks the brass Ettore

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Playtime: 2.01

Synopsis: POV Window Cleaning – Martyn from Birmingham demonstrates his skills using the original brass Ettore squeegee channel and handle. Martyn is applying his soapy water with an original Golden Glove sleeve also from Ettore. Ettore has been making professional window cleaning tools since 1936.

Do you want a tour around the Ettore factory and see how the brass squeegee is made? Click and watch HERE 

General description of series: POV stands for ‘point of view’. POV Window Cleaning has been filmed entirely with its focus on tools, and more importantly tools in action so that you can see how they perform.

I WANT TO FEATURE IN A FUTURE POV: Cool beans! Drop a line to lee@highshineltd.co.uk

US VS UK Window Cleaning – Episode 4 – Ladders & squeegee

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Playtime: 18.02

Synopsis: Episode 4 –Still in Nottingham, Jamie and the other US window cleaners still cannot believe how UK window cleaners survive on the money they charge. In this episode, they discuss ladder accidents whilst getting friendly with Tom’s customer.

General description of series: The US crew go on to meet other window cleaning companies across the UK – Must watch program, in London, Midlands and North of the UK and exchange ideas and views on the on how both cultures differ or not.

Our Sponsor on this project: Ettore has sponsored the entire series. Say ‘Hi’ to them HERE, because sponsors help towards the cost of WCM TV making even better and more epic films that you love to watch and come to expect from Window Cleaning Magazine. So, give Ettore a ‘LIKE’ on their fan page HERE  and tell them how much you enjoyed US VS UK Window Cleaning.

For more historical information about Ettore, see below.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Episode 5 – Commercial work in Sheffield is out Saturday 14th, April 2018 –Corey goes shopping for underwear keeping the Sheffield boys from Atkin & Son waiting – and they are NOT HAPPY! They just want to get on with the commercial job scheduled for that day.

Ettore History: Often imitated, never duplicated, Ettore Steccone’s original squeegee design has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1936. His secret was, and is, in the rubber. With the same secrecy and security afforded soft drink formulas, the ingredients formulation of Ettore rubber is carefully guarded. For this is the essential heart of the system, a razor-sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free.

Other episodes:

Watch episode 1 here https://youtu.be/9O0xBly8pyY
Watch episode 2 here https://youtu.be/XnLHMQcNSfk
Watch episode 3 here https://youtu.be/tddmQIB7R4c


POV: The Legend Squeegee Channel

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Playtime: 5.10

Synopsis: POV Window Cleaning – The Legend Channel in action once again on WCM TV. We have looked at the Legend channel before. To watch those videos follow the links below. As we explained in the video so much footage goes to waste that never ever gets to make the edit in some WCM TV films ( a lot of good go pro stuff too), not because its bad but because we have sooooo much good stuff – we cannot fit it all in!!

So we gathered all the POV go pro angles and whacked them into another film for your enjoyment. To learn more about these products please go to the Black Diamond website at http://www.blackdiamondsqueegee.com/

Other videos on the Legend Squeegee channel: 

What would your employees say about the Legend squeegee channel?

The Legend squeegee in ACTION!

General description of series: POV stands for ‘point of view’. POV Window Cleaning has been filmed entirely with its focus on tools, and more importantly tools in action so that you can see how they perform.

I WANT TO FEATURE IN A FUTURE POV: Cool beans! Drop a line to lee@highshineltd.co.uk

US VS UK Window Cleaning – Episode 5 – Commercial work in Sheffield

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Playtime: 15.56

Synopsis: Episode 5 –In this episode, we move to Sheffield where we meet up with a window cleaning company that has been cleaning commercial windows in the city for over 70 years. The US team get more time to try out water fed poles mixed up with a little squeegee work.

Meanwhile, the UK team are not happy with Corey as he keeps everyone waiting whilst he shops around for underpants.

General description of series: The US crew go on to meet other window cleaning companies across the UK – Must watch program, in London, Midlands and North of the UK and exchange ideas and views on the on how both cultures differ or not.

Our Sponsor on this project: Ettore has sponsored the entire series. Say ‘Hi’ to them HERE, because sponsors help towards the cost of WCM TV making even better and more epic films that you love to watch and come to expect from Window Cleaning Magazine. So, give Ettore a ‘LIKE’ on their fan page HERE  and tell them how much you enjoyed US VS UK Window Cleaning.

For more historical information about Ettore, see below.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Episode 6 – Squeegee & water fed pole is out Saturday 21st, April 2018 –The final episode of this series. The US team get to grips with using module water fed poles and Carrie cannot believe how quick Jay is with the squeegee.

Ettore History: Often imitated, never duplicated, Ettore Steccone’s original squeegee design has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1936. His secret was, and is, in the rubber. With the same secrecy and security afforded soft drink formulas, the ingredients formulation of Ettore rubber is carefully guarded. For this is the essential heart of the system, a razor-sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free.

Other episodes:

Watch episode 1 here https://youtu.be/9O0xBly8pyY
Watch episode 2 here https://youtu.be/XnLHMQcNSfk
Watch episode 3 here https://youtu.be/tddmQIB7R4c

Watch episode 4 here https://youtu.be/8U4jnm2QUrg

Special thanks to Craig Booth for the drone work in this series.

US VS UK Window Cleaning – Episode 6 – Squeegee & water fed pole

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Playtime: 19.44

Synopsis: Episode 6 – The final episode of this series. We say a goodbye to the US team as they reflect on the US VS UK project. Jamie is obsessed with tow bars meanwhile Carrie struggles to keep up with Jay on squeegee work.
Jon demonstrates the use of a Gardiner Pole built to height via loose sections.

To shop for Gardiner Pole System go here: http://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/

General description of series: The US crew go on to meet other window cleaning companies across the UK – Must watch program, in London, Midlands and North of the UK and exchange ideas and views on the on how both cultures differ or not.

Our Sponsor on this project: Ettore has sponsored the entire series. Say ‘Hi’ to them HERE, because sponsors help towards the cost of WCM TV making even better and more epic films that you love to watch and come to expect from Window Cleaning Magazine. So, give Ettore a ‘LIKE’ on their fan page HERE  and tell them how much you enjoyed US VS UK Window Cleaning.

For more historical information about Ettore, see below.

Background to this mini-series: Lee Burbidge, Editor of Window Cleaning Magazine brought together US window cleaners, Jamie Poulin of Lake Tahoe Window Cleaning and her crew, Josh and Corey together with US window cleaner Carrie Guenther AKA Window Ninja. Lee had invited them all to the UK where he had set up four companies for them to work alongside with. The journey began with rope access in Bromley London, to monster water fed poles in Central London.

Later, they would meet owner-operator Tom Coyle in Nottingham and learn the differences of pricing jobs followed by what it takes to water fed pole a big commercial job in Sheffield with Atkin & Son.

Both US and UK window cleaners discover a shared passion and experience major shocking differences between our two cultures.

Ettore History: Often imitated, never duplicated, Ettore Steccone’s original squeegee design has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1936. His secret was, and is, in the rubber. With the same secrecy and security afforded soft drink formulas, the ingredients formulation of Ettore rubber is carefully guarded. For this is the essential heart of the system, a razor-sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free.

Other episodes:

Watch episode 1 here https://youtu.be/9O0xBly8pyY
Watch episode 2 here https://youtu.be/XnLHMQcNSfk
Watch episode 3 here https://youtu.be/tddmQIB7R4c

Watch episode 4 here https://youtu.be/8U4jnm2QUrg

Watch episode 5 here https://youtu.be/rsaG5lZzRbc

Special thanks to Craig Booth for the drone work in this series.

LOOK OUT FOR A NEW FILM COMING SOON TO WCMTV: WINDOW CLEANING IN CHELSEA

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POV – Fastest window cleaner despite crushed elbow accident!

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Playtime: 2.29

Synopsis: POV Window Cleaning – The IWCA Convention & Trade Show holds speed races every year. ‘Iron Giant’ Ivan Pleinadius is a seasoned 1st place winner of this competition and others around the world.

In this POV video, he competes only 6 months after a motorcycle accident that left his elbow completely crushed. He was told by doctors that he would never compete in speed racing again.

Watch what happens as POV puts you in the mind of one of the fastest window cleaners on the planet.

Join the IWCA here: http://www.iwca.org/

What is POV?

General description of series: POV stands for ‘point of view’. POV Window Cleaning has been filmed entirely with its focus on tools, and more importantly tools in action so that you can see how they perform. POV is a unique angle. We love to collect interesting footage and edit them into a theme for your entertainment.

Other POV films:

The Legend Channel in Action – https://youtu.be/3WwzbgHFzZg

Martyn Rocks the Brass Ettore – https://youtu.be/h3B0X7J6PtQ

Ivan is sponsored by Black Diamond during his speed competitions and usually wears a Black Diamond shirt. To learn more about them please go to the Black Diamond website at http://www.blackdiamondsqueegee.com/

I WANT TO FEATURE IN A FUTURE POV: Cool beans! Drop a line to lee@highshineltd.co.uk

Residential window cleaning Vs Facebook ads

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By Lee Burbidge

Let us assume you want to grow your residential window cleaning business. If you don’t because you have the income you want and you are happy where you are right now then move along, trust me, there is nothing to see here!

On the other hand, if you want to grow a BUSINESS, or if you are just starting out then listen up. There is a certain distinction that needs to be qualified right here and now. So that you can decide what you would like to aspire to.

Owning a business means just that. If you can leave it to run its self or if you spend your time managing that company, then you have a business. If it’s just you then you own a JOB (there is absolutely nothing wrong with that BTW). Sure you get better pay, you work on your own terms but you don’t get holiday or sickness pay; you have no employment rights, no responsibilities with all the liability. Plus, your BOSS is well – you, and he sucks when he is stuck in that demotivated cesspit with nothing driving him out. Oh yeah, I had a few days like that in my sole trader days. Mostly tho it was waking with the lack of motivation. It would take me until lunchtime, getting some jobs done, collecting some money before old Mr. Motivator was back.

It’s a JOB I owned back then, but I am deeply proud I did it – it lead to my business. Sometimes it felt to me like doing piecework. If you stop working, you don’t get paid. If a business owner stops working, he still gets paid.

Facebook Ads or Flyers?

Which do you do? Which is best? What is the ROI (return on investment) and what are other window cleaner’s experiences? What do people worry about or like about either one of these marketing streams?

Firstly if you have not got your chubby little business fingers in every pie going, then why not? You should be doing both and more! Your brand should compliment over a number of marketing streams and so you should defiantly be doing both Facebook ads and flyers at the same time.

Your business needs to try everything and anything going in order to establish what works for you and your business model. What works for you might not work for another business? Take flyer designs for example. To get this right may take tenacity and patience. Running and monitoring different flyer designs to establish the ones that work from the ones that do not.

Case study.

Bob spent £21.00 on Facebook local ads and then spent £20.00 with a printing company on a 1000 A6 flyers. That’s a quarter of an A4 sheet of paper. Over the space of 10 days, he picked up 91 likes on Facebook and three actual orders. He only delivered 700 of his 1000 to homeowners and he picked up 10 orders. Don’y worry this part is not a memory test!

Based on this result the flyers won hands down it would seem. His Facebook stats showed 5579 people reached and 129 clicked. What does that say about Facebook Ads? What does that say about his flyers? Should he give up on Facebook? No. He should not. It was his first run. His flyer design was successful – he got lucky, he should do more of that, it seems to work. His Facebook Ad, however, needs another tweak, design, look.

Keep notes of changes you make clearly writing out what elements are working. Play around with Facebook filters too and try different target markets. Don’t give up, you are just getting started.

So what do other window cleaners think about Facebook Ads?

Some state that they have secured 90% of their business from Facebook Ads. Another window cleaner was more specific stating he spent £300 with an ROI of 5K that included gutter cleaning work, gutter clear out’s and conservatory roof cleans. All great headliners, but still some window cleaners are not convinced. Is it fear?

What are the potential fears?

Attracting time wasters and too many one-offsSo, you make clear your terms from the off start. Some window cleaner’s collect bank card details and charge the card 5 days after the window cleaning job has been carried out (UK). Your term to prevent time wasters should be an automatic charge to the card of £30.00 if the service is canceled which you have told them in advance about, within a 3 months cycle (3 cleans). You must structure your business to win. Winning means growing. In the US things work a little differently, you charge more per property, cleaned less frequently and payments are usually made to secure the booking.

Attracting bad reviews on your Facebook business page – Some window cleaners feel that Facebook Ads may open them up to customers leaving bad reviews leading to a drop in your star rating. After all, we do live in a world where it is far too easy for Mrs. Difficult to find your Facebook Page, leave a 1-star bad review because you missed a small speck of bug turd, or they didn’t like that twitch in your eye.

Personally, this has never happened to me by customers but another window cleaner has given my business page a 1-star rating out of spite. This also happened with our Window Cleaning Magazine Facebook page. Another spiteful act by a window cleaner not unhappy with the magazine but hateful on me personally for unconnected reasons. But if this does worry you, do not fear. You can switch off the review section and here is how you do it:

Go to your Facebook business page.

Click ‘settings’.

On the left hand, column look for ‘edit page’ and click this.

In the right-hand column, you will find ‘reviews’ on the list. Click on this and disable.

You’re done. Best of all you can uncheck it at any time. It will keep all your original star rating and reviews. They will still be there.

We asked Peter Artusa of All County Window Cleaning (NJ) about ‘bad reviews’ on Facebook and what his view was on this topic. His answer’s may surprise you.

PA: Reviews are a part of doing business. For the most part, we get great reviews. Last year we had, what I KNOW was a competitor and left us a terrible Google review. However, I always respond and I called him out on it. No harm no foul. Most people do not believe it when you have nothing but 5-star reviews.

We use a service that takes care of our 5-star reviews. But if someone does actually leave us a bad review on Facebook we always follow up with them immediately. I always post a response as soon as I receive a review whether good or bad. It is the cost of doing business.

This is great, I thought. Time to find out whether a multimillion-dollar company like Peter’s even bothers with Facebook Ads.

Turns out they do.

LB: How often do you run Facebook ads?

PA: I run ad’s when I feel fit. I am always running at least one to three ad’s per week during the season. But my frequency is also dictated by supply and demand. When we are really booked out and the wait is longer than 2 weeks then we will suspend. And at the beginning of the season or when I send out new cards and pricing I always follow up with a Facebook ad.

Editors note to the reader: Do you remember when we said earlier about your brand complimenting different marketing streams? Artusa has underscored a prime example of that, right here!

LB: How important is the target audience and what does it do for your Facebook campaign?

PA: We always target homeowners within our geographical area. The importance is critical. There is no reason to target clients in Florida when we are in NJ. This is done by pin drops and creating look-alike list to send to.

LB: Which ads work the best?

PA: I always try and use video. I put two out this morning. The video ads I make are from another website which allows me to edit them and add verbiage. Another successful ad I use are single image ads in which I ad verbiage, deals and or try and send out an important message. This type of ad I usually boost.

LB: What are your top 5 filters used on Facebook?

PA: Top 5 filters depend on whom we are going after. For standard residential, I use ‘homeowners’, ‘high-end purchases’. I use home values greater than $300,000.00, ‘home improvements’ and ‘non-renters’.

LB: What about the best time in the day to launch your Facebook Ad?

PA: The time of the day doesn’t matter to me. Your ads will appear in the news feed when your target audience is on Facebook. So the time of the day is irrelevant.

LB: Do you post ad’s on local Facebook buying groups?

PA: To post ad’s in groups is not how I do it. Facebook ads appear in the news feed. I will do a post in local groups by adding a video or simply just create a clever post. The ad’s do not run specifically for those groups.

LB: Do you have a Facebook referral scheme?

PA: No, we do not. I do offer a referral program to my customers but we mostly keep that to our actual customers and those are usually in print on our cards. Plus our customer service experts do mention that to all customers that book, call in and or schedule.

Facebook ads, flyers – as a growing business owner, you need to do it all. Peter Artusa talks about mailing out and following this up with a Facebook Ad. If done correctly this type of geo-marketing can increase your business and set you and your business on the upward slide to success.

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND - SEPTEMBER 17, 2014: Facebook application sign in page on Apple iPad Air. Facebook is largest and most popular social networking site in the world.

POV: Residential and storefront

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Playtime: 3.01

Synopsis: POV Window Cleaning – I had a lot of fun with these guys. Check out the window cleaner needing to full scrape the glass prior to cleaning the windows. You will notice that the house sits buy an idyllic lakeside surrounded by trees. Nose to glass was probably the best approach with the tree sap covering the windows. The second guy is busting out a route work job. Not quite POV but close as damn it!

What is POV?

General description of series: POV stands for ‘point of view’. POV Window Cleaning has been filmed entirely with its focus on tools, and more importantly tools in action so that you can see how they perform. POV is a unique angle. We love to collect interesting footage and edit them into a theme for your entertainment.

Other POV films:

The Legend Channel in Action – https://youtu.be/3WwzbgHFzZg

Rope Dope in Kansas – https://youtu.be/14tSG8i9tGE

Ionic sign 10 year deal with Boeing

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Ionic Systems Ltd are pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive 10 year supply agreement with Aviall (a Boeing company) for pure water cleaning solutions for airside and aviation applications. Aviall is a leading provider of aircraft parts, supplies, chemicals, tools and materials. Aviall offers more than 2 million lines, and the inclusion of Ionic’s pure water chemical-free cleaning range promotes Aviall’s commitment toward environmentally friendly solutions.

“Aviall is pleased to add Ionic Systems to our product portfolio as we continue to build and expand upon our growing capabilities in the aerospace industry,” said Aviall President and CEO Eric Strafel. “We look forward to working closely with Ionic Systems to better connect the aerospace supply-chain in delivering its high-quality cleaning solutions to the marketplace.”

Aviall operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting both commercial and defence business units within Boeing. Aviall is a leading solutions provider of aftermarket supply-chain management services for the aerospace and defence industries.

Aviall, which has it’s headquarters in Dallas, is the world’s largest provider of new aviation parts and related aftermarket services. The company markets and distributes products for more than 250 manufactures and offers approximately 2 million catalogue items from 40 customer service centres in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Aviall also provides maintenance for aviation batteries, wheels, and brakes, as well as hose assembly, kitting and paint-mixing services. The company offers a complete set of supply-chain and logistics services, including order processing, stocking and fulfillment, automated inventory management and reverse logistics to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and customers.

“A number of Ionic’s senior staff, including myself and the head of Ionic Systems Australia have backgrounds in aviation,” said Craig Mawlam, Ionic’s Chairman. Window & façade cleaning at airports is complicated by many factors especially on the airside. Aviall is the perfect partner for the introduction of the Reach & Wash system for quick, efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning far beyond obvious structures.

Further applications include rapid spot cleaning and inspection of bird strikes, turn around canopy and leading-edge cleaning as well as entire surface cleaning, and de-icer delivery. Whilst more specialist pure water cleaning applications such as jet turbine cleaning will be explored.

Craig Mawlam says “Partnering with a Boeing company (Aviall) offers a great springboard opportunity for Ionic as we continue to roll out our diversification and growth plans. There has never been a better time to introduce chemical-free pure water cleaning solutions to the world. We are currently seeking collaboration in the area of hard floor cleaning and would be pleased to receive invitations from interested parties”.

To learn more about Ionic go here: http://www.ionicsystems.com/

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Revealed: Gunslinger will be part of a ‘system’

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Not heard of the Gunslinger yet? Essentially this is the next generation of squeegee and applicator holster that sits on a window cleaners hip hanging from a utility belt. The Gunslinger is not really a BOAB ( Bucket on a belt) it is claimed to be better than that. Utilising ‘tip tech’, washable, rugged materials and having the flexibility to hold your tools securely without the knee knocks plastic BOABS dish out, this product is riding a trending rage currently.

As in all business decisions, good ideas have to be balanced by the unit cost. The Gunslinger is not the cheapest holster on the market, but when looked at from the practical and functional point of view as well as the longevity aspect, these are crucial points that would have to play into real traction for this product. But from a personalised product point of view, the cost certainly hits the right spot – more on that further down this blog.

Window Cleaning Magazine got their hands on this product during the IWCA 2018 Convention & Trade Show in Kissimmee, Orlando, and we have to say they are an awesome looking product. We do not think anything has been thought of on this level before and as always Reach-iT is helping to drive innovation. Innovation is sadly lacking in the UK industry currently if it was not for Ionic’s radical new releases only in the last 12 months that included the Portage System. Considering the UK is the epicentre of all things window cleaning.

Ionic catch-up?

Article on the Ionic Protector - http://www.windowcleaningmagazine.co.uk/systems-shocking-upgrade/

Video on the Ionic Vertigo - https://youtu.be/1MFtyEz-PmA

Originally created by Maykker Products, CEO, Richie Blue soon connected with Reach-iT in order to help with speeding up the production of each unit. “I had to learn about blueprints and sewing on the go”, said Richie. He also revealed to Outlaw Window Cleaner Radio last week that the Gunslinger WILL be part of a whole system. Essentially, you can choose the size of bags to suit the work, so a smaller item if your work is mainly on ropes for example.

The system will include many add on’s to the utility belt including rumors of a full range of traditional window cleaning tools from Maykker and Reach-iT!

We have posted a video on the Gunslinger HERE previously.

“Perry cares a lot, no kidding around,” says Ritchie Blue to OWC Radio. ” He is an innovator and in tune with great ideas”.

Gunslinger has just reached the next level with the release of a new website where you can personalise your Gunslinger from multiple colour and design options to materials. Visit https://store.futureofcleaning.com/collections/frontpage/products/custom-gunslinger-1

OWCR asked Richie Blue what is the most crazy-ass material he has used to make a gunslinger? He revealed it was one he had made out of Alligator hyde that cost several hundred bucks in the hyde alone. When asked if he uses it on the job, Richie replies ‘ No sir, I will not be using that on a job. It stays in my office’.

Gunslinger is fresh on the market with more planned as the Gunslinger innovation continues. The buzz right now is that the Gunslinger sits snug on your leg with no ‘wet leg’, tip jar tech collects water spillage, the capacity is great with washable materials and military grade buckles.

Richie has been wearing his own Gunslinger on his own route work for well over a year now without the product degrading.

Window Cleaning Magazine looks forward to carrying out a full review just as soon as we get this product to our office.

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New ‘on the pole’ TDS reader

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It is so hard to keep up with Reach-iT lately in the innovation and ‘good ides’ arena. Today they set into production a little useful gadget that is designed to be used with any pole. Yup, you do not have to buy a Reach-iT to use the Check-iT.

Check-iT is essentially a TDS meter that sits between the pole and brush. The idea is that your workers or you can click a button on the Check-iT device in order to establish if the TDS reading is good to go ‘spot free’. Anyone, whether you employ staff or work alone, has to agree that this device can come in really handy from time to time. Switching the switch will read the TDS for 5 seconds, green is good to go.

From an employee point of view, it takes out the complexity from the operator, giving your staff less to think of. If the TDS reading is above 10 another light will show (orange) warning the operative. A great way to standardise this maintenance for those big on business systems. This is great for those not wanting to rummage around for that TDS meter. Having it at the top of the pole is super useful and super lite.

But that’s not all – you can also use the Check-it direct from your tap source allowing you to make an informed decision as to whether you need to upgrade from DI to RO for your geographical water table, for example.

Will this catch on?

I do not see why not. I am forever reminding the staff of my own window cleaning company to check their TDS. I know they have to root around for the TDS meter in the glove compartment of the van, then ‘sample’ the water from the end of the brush. The fewer obstacles in the way of staff carrying out that maintenance functions are better IMO!

How does a TDS meter work?

Two pins sit in a TDS meter one pin receives and one pin sends to establish a loop. Pure water does not conduct electricity, however, minerals do conduct electricity. The more unpure the water is the more the TDS reading rises as electricity is conducted. A TDS is essentially an EC meter.

What do we think?

We think that Check-iT is a great gizmo and something to be considered. When you can buy a handheld TDS meter from between £6.00 and £20.00 ( $9.00 – $28.00) that does not have the warning settings or the ‘looking around for it’ factor – for the price (which we think is US dollars at $39.95 (£29.00)) it is really worth buying.

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Amazing people do amazing things!

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Playtime: 8.33

Synopsis: Think about the drama in your life right now, then think about this place, where terminally ill children get their wishes granted and their families supported x

The story:
Amazing people do amazing things. Watch a group of window cleaners as they help out on a charity clean at ‘Give Kids The World’. Every year the IWCA asks a host company/member to choose a cause where they invite window cleaners from the convention & trade show to participate.
This has never been documented on film before and so Window Cleaning Magazine went along to find out why?

If you want to HELP this charity please follow this link http://www.gktw.org/help/

IWCA host company: http://a1orange.com/

If you want to join the IWCA ( International Window Cleaning Association) follow this link http://www.iwca.org/

What cap is Lee wearing in the video?

The company on the cap is called GrippaTank. They are a water fed pole systems manufacturer based in the UK. They are also the main distributor of Gardiner Water Fed Poles outside Gardiner themselves. Learn more about GrippaTank here https://www.grippatank.co.uk/

I nearly missed this DEMO!

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Playtime: 12.31

Synopsis: When window cleaning meets soft washing, is when the big boys join forces on projects. Check out this Ionic Systems module, the only one currently out working in the UK ( at time of filming) fit neatly into the flatbed truck of a fully loaded Softwash Systems set up.

Softwash Systems were holding ‘roadshow’ style demos last week in varied locations across the UK. The star host was soft washing grand master AC Lockyer, founder of Softwash Systems. I know AC very well and his UK counterpart Darren Smith of Purple Rhino’s SoftWash Systems Ltd. …and I cannot believe I nearly missed it – and it was FREE !!!

To learn more about future UK roadshows contact: https://softwash-systems.com/

Are you from the USA? Learn more about Softwash Systems here: https://www.softwashsystems.com/

Want to learn more about pure water window cleaning from Ionics? Visit here: http://www.ionicsystems.com/uk/

 

How many Wagtail squeegees can we find?

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Playtime: 5.34

Synopsis: Wagtail, Wagtail, Wagtail this video is all about how many Wagtail squeegees can we find at the shop. I give my daughters Danielle and Lily 5 minutes to find all the Wagtails they can. How many do you think they can find? Does anyone want a Wagtail? LOL

Don’t forget once you have subscribed to our YouTube Channel, you will need to click the BELL icon too. This will notify you as soon as a fresh video is uploaded so that you never miss a thing.

🔔 B E L L I C O N 🔔 Hit the BELL ICON 

To learn more about Wagtail go here: https://www.wagtail.com.au/

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