Picnic

This year’s attendance broke the record. There were many new faces and plenty of old faces. (Mark Reinhart falls into the second category ;-)

A first for me, sold all 4 demo units!!

The balloon burst thingy brought in $1300 (I think) I understand that the AUWC made a healthy donation for Gary’s trip to GPD in Finland. Way to go AUWC.

There were old grudges from last year :). Was fun watching the guys egging each other on with the balloons! Last year after I got wet, Steve Blyth offered a $20 donation for me to put my cold wet shirt on and get back in the chair. This year I insisted on more money for a repeat performance. With out batting an eye, he dug out another 5 bucks. (I am thinking that I don't like you any more Steve :) It truly was a great event.

Ron Gilmore won fishing this time with a monster king salmon.

Don Chute
Lead Dog Enterprises - Marietta, GA
8/2/10

Twenty Great Years

Many years ago my wife Holly and I would go to IWCA conventions for a mini vacation, to play golf where it was warm. Why? Because there wasn't much for residential window cleaners. I signed up for a seminar only to find out that it was geared toward high rise. Well I bitched rather loudly. I was told that if I didn't like it to do something about it.

So I did.

I volunteered my precious time, went to meetings and helped out wherever I could.

I finally got elected to the board. Well some of the meetings weren't real pleasant (my apologies to those involved). I had a mission and at least part of it got accomplished. Even after my tenure on the board was up, I continued to give my precious time and money to attend meetings to make sure what was accomplished didn't die away. (Love you Dana!).

Networking and the conventions made my business successful. What I learned there was worth every penny I spent in dues. I see many new companies at the convention, note book in hand soaking up tidbits gladly given.

I can tell you what I got out of the IWCA. Twenty great years!! While I don't agree with all of their policies and the way some things are done. I sure got a lot for my investment. The IWCA taught me to give back, and for that I will always be grateful.

Don Chute
Lead Dog Enterprises - Marietta, GA
1/12/09

Jeff Hardin

Jeff Hardin, owner of Transparent Window Cleaning had a long resume of trying to help improve our industry by helping window cleaners become educated about industry topics. He had served on the IWCA Glass committee as well as other IWCA boards, committees and what not.

One of the things Jeff enjoyed was networking and sharing information with other window cleaners. He even went as far as to host gatherings at his shop for local “competitors” to come together and get to know each other.

To those who had an opportunity to interact and talk with Jeff, you know that he was an exceptional guy of great character.

The industry has lost an ambassador of professionalism that will be missed.

Jeff is survived by his wife and three children.

Mike Waroway
Detroit Sponge
8/27/09

Very sadly this is true. Jeff was a friend, a great guy, and a pillar in our industry. Many of us know him from great conversations at conventions and for us local boys in Michigan; we knew he was always available with advice and encouragement.

I learned of his passing this morning and am still in a state of shock.

Geoff Shaule
G&S Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning, Inc. - Troy, MI.
8/27/09

Jeff was a kind and thoughtful man who was quick to laugh, loved his family and friends and brought a wealth of knowledge to the industry. He represented his fellow window cleaning professionals by serving on the IWCA Board of Directors from 2006-2009. During that time he served on the Glass committee as well as numerous other committees on behalf of the association.
Jeff was a genuinely compassionate individual. He will be greatly missed.

Mandie Bannwarth
IWCA Headquarters
8/27/09

New Hires

Our new hires go through a full day of orientation. They begin by reading our company manuals and a couple of short books on window cleaning. Then we familiarize them with the shop, trucks and procedures. After that we spend a few hours on safety followed by a few hours of cleaning windows here at the shop. We built a 'training wall' that consists of several windows both double hung and casement panes, transom glass and a French door. By the time they leave here after their first day they have a good handle on what to do. The next few days (or more depending on their ability) they work directly with a supervisor on actual jobsites. After about a week the new hires are working at a good speed with quality results.

You can easily build a training wall with some lumber and old windows. Most of the windows in our wall we got out by the curb as trash at homes where folks were getting all new windows installed or remodeling their home.

Even though you lose a day’s worth of productivity with the initial training, you'll quickly make it up in the field because the new hire is more adequately equipped and educated.

Jonathan Hood
Excellent Window Cleaning Inc. - Rochester Hills, MI
1/11/2007

Company Property Policies

The use of company vehicles is limited to only that which is necessary for the purpose of company business. Company vehicles may not be used for personal business.

Company Property - We have invested a great deal of money in the property and equipment that you use to perform your job. It is a senseless and avoidable drain on this Company’s bottom line when people abuse Company property, misuse it or wear it out prematurely by using it for personal business. We ask all employees to take care of Company property and to report any problems to a supervisor. If a piece of equipment or property is unsafe for use, please report it immediately.

Please use property only in the manner intended and as instructed.

We do not allow personal use of Company property unless specifically authorized in this Handbook. Failure to use Company property appropriately, and failure to report problems or unsafe conditions, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Jonathan Hood
Excellent Window Cleaning Inc. - Rochester Hills, MI
7/12/2006

Factor Bidding

My Factor Bidding system is based on three things I think are common to all of us.
1. The number of framed panes we have to clean and detail. (Assess)
2. The way we have to reach each pane. (Access)
3. The process we have to use to get it clean. (Process)

The Factor Bidding sheet lists several line items:
Assess ____ surfaces outside
Assess ____ surfaces inside
Access ____ surfaces using a ladder
Access ____ surfaces using pole (etc.)
Process ____ surfaces for stain removal
Process ____ surfaces for construction clean (etc.)

I apply a "factor" for each category, for example;
Assess factor 1.0
Access factor using ladder: 2.0
Process factor for Construction Clean 4.0

If I have a total of 80 surfaces (40 out, 40 in);
I Assess my base price; a factor of 1.0 (x) 80 surfaces = $80.00.
To Access 30 of those surfaces I have to use a ladder. 30 (x) 2.0 = $ 60.00
The process for all 80 surfaces will be Construction Clean. 80 (x) 4.0 = $320.00
The total is $560.00.
I divide that total by the $40 PMH (per man hour) rate I want. This gives me a time budget of about 11 man hours, which is the number I give my crew supervisor.

At first this Factor Bidding system may look complicated but it is very easy and trackable.

Jim 'Streaky' Willingham
New Day Window Cleaning - Lubbock, TX
1/16/07