Each month we’ll feature an interview with one of our great industry’s finest. This month the spotlight shines to Perth, on Jared Stewart from CCC Window Cleaning. You can check out Jared’s website here.
Hi Jared, tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.
I started out window cleaning in 1994. CCC Window Cleaning got its start in 2007. CCC is a Perth-based full-service professional window cleaning company. Some of our additional services include high pressure building wash-downs, glass renewal, sign cleaning, façade cleaning, and solar panel cleaning and maintenance. For more information check out our website: https://www.cccwindowcleaning.com.au
Why did you decide to venture into window cleaning, and how did you get your start?
I was a teacher for 7 years but I was attracted to the business structure and flexibility of window cleaning. A friend taught me the basics but Michael Thompson, who was the original owner and operator of All Weather Window Cleaning and who has long since retired, trained me on the ropes and high rise buildings.
You’re based in the Wild West where it’s hot virtually year-round, what’s your weapon of choice for applicator sleeve and squeegee rubber on hot glass?
The Ettore golden glove for applicator sleeves and it’s still Ettore for squeegee rubbers especially in winter months (it’s not hot ALL year-round here LOL) but I also use other harder rubbers like Pulex – not only are they cheaper but they last longer! If you’ve only ever used Ettore there can be a bit of a learning curve with the change-over, but I think it’s well worth the effort especially in hotter climates.
Hey, we’re in Melbourne so we dream of Perth in winter here! Like all the major cities in Australia, though, Perth is a competitive place for the cleaning industry. What do you do to stand out from the pack?
We keep ahead of the curve with the latest technologies – the faster you can do the job, the more competitively priced you can be. I have a strict ‘No Newbies’ policy and provide only ‘Premium’ high quality services. My small close-knit team have decades of window cleaning experience with additional experience in high pressure cleaning and glass repair. I’m a believer in always keeping my business interesting and providing genuine value to my clients – quality over quantity. I don’t believe in ‘Hope’ marketing. I always test and tweak – bullets before cannonballs.
Window cleaning tools are constantly evolving and technologies are developing, and with these changes bring challenges. What are some of the challenges you face in running CCC Window Cleaning?
There are always new innovations – the challenge is finding the REAL value among the gimmicks.
A couple of our recent finds that we have tested and can give the thumbs up for here at CCC Window Cleaning:
1. Pure water back-pack battery pump systems that can attach to your current water-fed poles allowing you to clean high internal glass with a reach, spray, and pad approach.
2. Long poles/lances for high pressure cleaning external walls and facades up to 4 storeys with your feet on the ground. Once again, there are kits available that can attach to your current water-fed poles turning them into high pressure power washers.
What’s the best part of the job?
The flexibility.
Are you a music or radio in the ears man, or do you just listen to nature (if music, what are you listening to?)
Work for a larger company and get experience in all the various aspects of window cleaning, houses to high-rises, preferably with a seasoned professional. Time spent working for someone else at the beginning will pay off in the long run.
Any pointers you could offer to someone starting up in the profession?
Work for a larger company and get experience in all the various aspects of window cleaning, houses to high-rises, preferably with a seasoned professional. Time spent working for someone else at the beginning will pay off in the long run.
