1. How/When did you get into Window Cleaning?

I did not really get into Window Cleaning…Window Cleaning found me.  I am a second-generation Window Cleaner, so I was pretty much born into it.  My father learned to clean windows from Jerry and Russ Rigdon while being involved with a church in Iowa (Jerry is the creator of the “Ledger” from Companion Tools). The Rigdon’s would train young men in the church to clean windows and run route-style companies.  It was labor for them, created more tithing for the church, and after a few years of apprenticeship, the young men would find their own territory to operate in, thus spreading the church.  These young men were typically clean-cut, well-spoken, respectful, and polite…in other words…they were fantastic, dependable employees who represented them well.  Kent, my dad decided that Wausau in Central Wisconsin was the right area in which to build his route companies.  My story started as a small child, following behind and running the towel to wipe down frames and sills.  It was probably a good way to keep us occupied when childcare was scarce.  The next progression was mopping glass while constantly being “coached” on proper movement, technique, and how to HUSTLE.  Summers in middle/high school consisted of being dragged along to job sites, pulling, and lowering Spider Stage equipment up and down the sides of buildings, pushing Fitch Mules around roof tops, and then learning how to use Sky Genie Cylinders to rappel and stroke glass.  My college years consisted of going to school four days a week and running a window cleaning route every Friday, and doing commercial, rope, ladder, and lift work on large commercial properties.  I definitely was not in love with window cleaning.

2. What is your most memorable moment cleaning windows?

The things that you cannot unsee.

3. In all the years of Window Cleaning how has the industry changed?

Networking versus Independence

Safety and Tools

For me personally, changing from a window cleaner into a trainer, leader, business owner, and manager.

4. What has been the hardest thing about running a business?

The change and growth it takes to transform from a production window cleaner into a business owner.  Managing myself so that I may be a better leader and coach for others.

5. What has been your favorite thing about Window Cleaning?

The transformation and personal growth-the opportunity to watch others work, live, grow, and become leaders in the industry.  Creating career paths and opportunities for others to be able to support their loved ones.  The freedom that comes with a successful business.

6. What made you want to start training?

After being exposed to SPRAT and improvements these techniques could bring to the Window Cleaning industry in safety and access.  I felt compelled to spread that knowledge.

7. What does your retirement look like?

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity of travel this industry has afforded me, so I think that I’d like to expand upon that.  Maybe living on a boat or other nomadic options.

8. What would you like to see change in the industry?

I think the industry has been changing in very positive ways, and I hope it keeps doing so.  The image of the profession as a valuable trade with well-trained technicians able to appreciate the fruits of their work is important to me.  A rising tide raises all ships, and I believe solid career paths leading to personal freedom is the path to success for ourselves and this industry. 

9. What is your advice to someone getting into the industry?

You must learn the industry and your services before you can “BE” the expert.  Find a job with a company you respect and treat it like an apprenticeship.  After 30+ years, I am still able to learn something from almost anyone.

10. What would you be doing if you weren’t a window cleaner?

“IF” I would have still found the path, I hope I would still have a career on rope.  I just can’t picture myself working indoors in an office.