Each month we’ll feature an interview with one of our great industry’s finest. This month the spotlight shines to Melbourne, on Simon Baxter from Bax Window Solutions. You can check out Simon’s website here.

Hi Simon, tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

Established in 2007 Bax Window Solutions provides a premium window cleaning service to all residential and commercial properties of all heights Melbourne wide. In addition to window cleaning we also offer building & pressure washing, gutter cleaning and glass restoration and surface protection services.

How did you get into window cleaning?

I was employed as a window cleaner in 2005 whilst I was attending University. Window cleaning was an ideal job to suit my work/study lifestyle at the time.

Melbourne’s a fairly competitive place for cleaning services. What do you do to stand out from the pack?

We focus on customer service to put us ahead of our competition. Our extensive knowledge of glass and cleaning applied through only the highest quality equipment and tools ensures that we deliver our promise to our clients.

Like any industry, window cleaning is constantly evolving and technologies are developing, and with these changes bring challenges. What are some of the challenges you face in running the business?

We look at options to equip all our field service vehicles with mobile pure water tanks along with all other equipment, allowing all staff and vehicles to service all types of properties and windows. We have also adopted new client/field management software to allow for easier functionality and more comprehensive client and service details.

As a window cleaner you see all sorts of things on your travels through the great outdoors. What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on the job, or been asked to do?

We are often asked to do many odd jobs whilst we are up a ladder or accessing a roof. In most cases this a quick task that we will happily do. Occasionally we get asked to do jobs out of knowledge or expertise, such as plumbing or electrical works! Which we politely decline…as they are always jobs for that particular specialist tradesman.

Who trained you up? Did they impart any advice that’s stuck with you?

We are often asked to do many odd jobs whilst we are up a ladder or accessing a roof. In most cases this a quick task that we will happily do. Occasionally we get asked to do jobs out of knowledge or expertise, such as plumbing or electrical works! Which we politely decline…as they are always jobs for that particular specialist tradesman.

What’s the best part of the job?

The satisfaction of completing a window cleaning service is quite rewarding. Especially a challenging or time consuming task where you can really put your skills to the test and impress the client.
Also getting positive feedback from customers is also rewarding.

And the worst?

Working in the rain!

Aside from your squeegee and t-bar, what’s one tool you can’t live without?

Steel wool is the best tool to add that additional level of detail to most window cleaning jobs

Are you a music or radio in the ears man, or do you just listen to nature (if music, what are you listening to?)

I personally selectively listen to music when I am working by myself when safe to do so. And it’s got to be Hip Hop!

Any pointers you could offer to someone starting up in the profession?

Practice makes perfect could not be more true when it comes to window cleaning. Don’t think you are an expert after 1 month. You will still be refining your skills for years to come!