May 17, 2017

By Tanya Weger, Madison Window Cleaning

The IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association) Board of Directors and Committee members are made up dedicated industry professionals that volunteer their time and talents to fulfill the mission of the IWCA in safety, education, advocacy and research in the window cleaning industry for its members.  This past year they have worked tirelessly on multiple initiatives that support that mission.  One that is sure to have a huge impact in delivering safety and education to the window cleaning industry is Campus IWCA.  Campus IWCA will go live on December 14^th, 2016 at www.campusiwca.org. This one you’ll want to bookmark as a favorite for sure!

Campus IWCA is an online training and education portal for you and your staff where you will find an ever-expanding catalog of safety and educational materials that are accessible 24/7 from your office, home or mobile device.  Courses will range from interactive e-Learning courses, tests, webinars, videos and other multimedia content and publications.  Topics vary from industry specific training, environmental health and safety topics such as OSHA General Industry training including 10 and 30 hour certifications. Administrative and executive topics of interest will also be available. Each individual learner has their own login and profile. Once a learner enrolls in Campus IWCA all their learning is tracked.  Many courses have CEU’s that are earned upon successful completion of the course material.  A comprehensive record of the courses taken, grades and CEU’s earned are all compiled on a transcript and become your official record of training along with certificates of completion.  This transcript can be printed or downloaded on demand.  For companies that want to ensure they have proof of outside general safety and industry specific training Campus IWCA is a perfect solution.

One of the first courses created and designed for Campus IWCA that is available on December 14^th is “Foundations – Window Cleaning Starts Here”. This course is intended to cover the foundational training needed to engage in window cleaning activities. Even though there is a strong emphasis on residential and low to mid-rise commercial operations, several sections apply to all types of operations including suspended or working at heights. This can also be used as an annual refresher course for your technicians.  What a great time to do this type of online training when business may be a little slower for most.  The training presented in this course was developed following the I-14 Window Cleaning Safety Standard. There are 7 individual modules in this course which cover: identification, use and inspection of tools and equipment used in window cleaning; personal protective equipment including fall protection; window and glass types and proper cleaning methods including use of additives and agents used to help clean glass as well as safe chemical use in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard; proper selection, use and inspection of access equipment such as extension poles, ladders and water-fed pole systems; and the importance of performing worksite hazard analysis as well as ways to reduce or eliminate hazards and prevent work-related accidents or injuries. A test is given immediately following each module.  Upon successfully completing the course and passing each test with a score of 90% or higher a certification of completion will be available for printing or download and CEU’s will be awarded.

We will be adding new content to Campus IWCA continuously.  As it continues to grow and develop you will see additional e-Learning courses being added ranging from beginner to advanced categories. Campus IWCA will also be the professional development portal for those individuals seeking to become a Certified Window Cleaner (CWC) or achieve the prestigious executive certification of Building Access Safety Professional (BASP).  Several learning designations such as a Scholar and Fellows degree will also be awarded to those individuals who attain a certain number of CEU’s within a certain timeframe through Campus IWCA offerings along with convention education credits and hands on safety training attendance.

There is an ever-increasing need for documented and qualified, professional, third party training to augment your in-house safety training program. We hope you take full advantage of Campus IWCA and the many great things the IWCA offers.  To learn more or become a member please visit www.iwca.org.

May 17, 2017

By Butch Chapman, Jenkintown Building Services

For most window cleaning companies, springtime is our busiest season. It’s the time when we bring in new hires for the upcoming season and the time that we do most of our new employee training.

With the new OSHA 1910.30 Training Requirements, the deadline for all employers to train their employees on fall and equipment hazards is May 17^th. This makes spring an extremely important time for our company – and everyone in the window cleaning industry – to have all employees go through and receive documented industry safety training.

Our company is taking advantage of the Campus IWCA online safety training, by signing up all of our newly-hired employees for the upcoming season. We recently purchased our first 10 Learner Pack through the IWCA website.

We feel this training is not only good for our new employees, but also a good way to refresh our experienced window cleaners as well.

In addition to the Campus IWCA, we also requested from the IWCA to have Stefan Bright and the IWCA Regional Safety Training come to our area, Philadelphia, to provide hands-on training on April 28, 2017.

This hands-on instruction will be a day of industry-specific training – window cleaning – touching on all three items recently newly regulated by OSHA: fall protection training, ladders, and rope descent systems. This safety training is one of a kind and the only place a professional window cleaner can receive the latest industry safety education.

Our company has attended the IWCA hands-on trainings in the past and the sessions have always been a great experience for our employees. They learn a lot and come away with a great deal of industry knowledge.

We believe that the investment we make training our employees not only helps keep them safe, but also helps with employee retention, as they see our commitment to them and to their safety.

April 29, 2016

By Tanya Weger, Madison Window Cleaning

Have you ever heard the saying, “How do you know what you don’t know”? Well, I’m hoping this article will help you “get in the know”.  IWCA has some wonderful members only benefits. Most of these benefits are completely F R E E! Various IWCA Committees are hard at work to create and bring more value added benefits as we speak.  I’d like to make sure you’re aware of, and take full advantage of, these benefits now and in the future.

Make sure to visit www.iwca.org.  Once you log in, click on the Members Only tab.

Available NOW:

Monthly Podcasts
Exclusive Business Development podcasts created specifically for professionals in the window cleaning industry presented by Jennifer VanAlstine with BreakForth Business Services.

47 Downloadable Documents
Everything from Fall Protection Safety to Employee Handbooks.  Many helpful items pertaining to in the field operations to administrative function.

9 Downloadable Safety Training Series
Helpful outlines that team safety leaders will be able to use for in-house training for company employees

Past Convention Presentations
You can view and refresh yourself on those great sessions you attended or perhaps the one’s you didn’t have the opportunity to attend.

Facebook and LinkedIn
Stay connected! Like and follow for important updates, industry related information, upcoming events.

Member Value Program
Membership benefit that offers valuable discounts and special offers on the products and services that companies from all facets of the window cleaning industry use every day.

Coming Soon:

Improved website and learning portal
Easier to navigate with enhanced user capabilities helping you have a one stop shop to all your needs safety and member related needs as well as learning management software capable of keeping track of your employees training that they have taken through IWCA

Online e-Learning Course (Offered at a reduced fee exclusive to IWCA Members)
Having a hard time making sure every employee gets the basic safety training they need?  This course is the answer.  This training session will satisfy all introductory and refresher training that every window cleaner needs to perform their job effectively and safely.  Certificates of Completion issued as proof of training to all participants that successfully complete and pass the course.

Toolbox Tuesdays
52 Consecutive weekly toolbox talks released every Tuesday that you can download and conduct with your team weekly to enhance workplace safety, training and awareness. Doing this consistently will really drive home your company culture of “Safety First”.

While this is not everything, it is some of the core things that really add value to being an IWCA member. We hope now that you know these benefits are out there, waiting for you to take full advantage of them, you will use them to help drive your organization to the next level!

April 29, 2016

By Jason York, E-Z Window Cleaning

Every month as a board member of the IWCA, I am asked to write an article for the members. Sometimes I struggle to bring something relevant to my fellow window cleaners. Other times, timely events make this task easier…

In the last year we have been approached by three different window cleaners looking to sell their businesses; one having been within the last month. It is very flattering to have a peer/competitor make such an offer. We are always looking to expand our brand, and acquisition is a great way to do it. All of these businesses represented great value but, in all three cases, things didn’t make sense for us to complete the deal mostly because we could not come to a win/win type of arrangement. For our company, that part is mandatory.

In all three cases, the other owner was looking to sell “now.” That is a real challenge for a buyer, and negatively effects the value of a company. How does the buyer convince the customers that they will service them as well, if not better, without the seller there to provide assurances? Why would they choose to be loyal to a new company that they are not familiar with? What’s the real value to a good customer list, if in a year, half or more of those customers have moved on to other companies…? Helping with the transition is critical to providing value to a potential buyer.

In addition, all of these companies were looking at selling in the spring with no employees to go along with the customer list & assets. In spring we are already spread thin with our existing/new customers and are at our lowest staffing point of the year. Does it make sense to take on a whole new “book” of business then? To us no. Buying a new business with the employees to support the business, going into the busiest time of year seems like a recipe for disaster. Think 80 pounds in a 50 pound bag…! Employee acquisition proves to be our toughest challenge every year, especially in the spring. Why would anyone want to make that worse?!?

The point I’m trying to relate is always keep an exit strategy in mind. I love my business and the window cleaning industry and I don’t ever plan to get out but, through these experiences, both my partner and I have developed plans for a potential exits that make
sense. A good customer list is extremely valuable but is worthless to a savvy buyer without some planning and effort. Always keep in mind what makes your business valuable and maintain that value through the sale. Know that it’s not the name, website, trucks, or squeegees; it’s the service and customers. How you decide to transition them is where you will get the value in the end.

January 29, 2016

By Raymond Carle, Excel Projects

The window cleaning season is starting again and soon we will all want to be ready for the mountain of work that will hopefully await us all.

But as with us all, we have questions and doubts about where the cards will land.  Did we prepare enough?  Are we possibly missing something?  Is there an easier way to make it through?

Thomas Edison once said “Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”.

People are always looking for the easy way to make it ahead but unfortunately, the road to wealth isn’t paved in gold.  It’s paved with heartaches of people who’ve failed.  On my office wall, I have a poster with this following quote.  “If I haven’t made a mistake today, then I haven’t tried hard enough”.    I’ve succeeded because I’ve failed many times.  I’m getting ahead faster than anyone else because I’ve made more mistakes than anyone else.  It sounds contradictory, but it’s true.

It’s also strange to think that hard work and luck go hand in hand but they really do.  Keep trying.  Keep working.  We have two eyes and two ears so we can listen and watch twice as much as we talk.  You’ll see and hear about so many opportunities but you have to be ready to work hard for it and prepare to fail.  If it’s not you that makes the attempts, somebody else will.

January 29, 2016

By Jason York, EZ Window Cleaning

A friend of mine had an employee get injured while working a couple of months ago. The employee was not following the safety rules that were discussed during his orientation with my friend’s company. The total expenses for the hospital visit were a total of $3,500 and the employee was unable to work for three days. That’s an expensive “small” injury. Now, imagine if that employee broke a limb or had a spinal injury? Or, even worse, death?

Most of you reading this, say to yourself, “They trained their employee during orientation.” They did their due diligence. That’s true. But, we have found at our company that our employees start to tune out our voice. After so many meetings and training sessions, they just don’t respond to our message.

Next month is the IWCA is holding its 27th Annual Convention in Miramar Beach, FL. It is a great place to synergize with other window cleaners and learn more about our industry. Every Convention registration includes IWCA safety training. To get that quality of training somewhere else would cost about the same as the total Convention registration. At the convention, you get safety training along with the other educational sessions and networking opportunities. That’s MUCH cheaper than staying in a hospital ER…

January 26, 2016

IWCA & GANA: Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

The International Window Cleaners Association (IWCA) and Glass Association of North America (GANA) the have partnered together to provide an updated edition of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products Glass Informational Bulletin (GIB). Architectural glass products play a major role in the comfort of the living and working environment of today’s homes and commercial office spaces by providing natural daylight, views of the surroundings, thermal comfort and design aesthetics. Glass usage and condition often affect our selection of where we live, work, shop, play and seek education. This GIB describes cleaning procedures that generally apply to most architectural glass products.

“This joint technical Bulletin is the pinnacle of a huge cooperative effort between GANA and IWCA.,” shares Paul West, IWCA Glass Committee Chair. “The end result is real world cleaning guidelines that will assist in maintaining the integrity of architectural glass surfaces.”

Urmilla Sowell, GANA Technical Director, shares her thoughts on the importance of the joint effort between GANA and IWCA.

“GANA’s Tempering Division members were happy to partner with IWCA on this important document. This bulletin helps promote best-practice approaches for entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is provides a valuable resource as glass products can be permanently damaged if infrequently or improperly cleaned. Glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with this GIB’s prescribed procedures for cleaning glass surfaces.

“GANA’s Tempering Division members are pleased to announce the publication of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass GIB. This updated document was a joint effort between IWCA and GANA. The joint group has worked hard to put together a usable document for the entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is a complimentary document and can be downloaded instantly by clicking here. Visit www.iwca.org to learn more about the International Window Cleaners Association.

January 6, 2016

By Albert Bernal, Millennium Building Services, Inc.

With winter approaching, here are a few important and helpful things to keep in mind:

1. Driving:

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with proper traction devices.
• Rule of thumb states to keep three car lengths between yourself and the car in front of you. However, in slippery conditions this space should be increased to at least five car lengths.
• Drive at slower speeds, allowing more control of your vehicle.
• Try to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
• Try not to talk on the phone or use your radios while driving. Keep in mind that in the State of Washington & Oregon it is illegal to operate any electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.
• Use your turn signals within 500 ft. of your turn. This gives the vehicle behind you plenty of time to make their adjustments.
• Use all of your mirrors, and keep an eye on blind spots.

2. Walking:

• You should always wear shoes according to the weather. In slippery conditions wear some sort of boot or shoe with traction. They should also preferably be waterproof.
• Make good contact with the ground. Your footing should be strong and firm.
• Take smaller steps then normal.
• Use a walking stick if possible.

3. Clothing:

• Wear clothes that are designed for cold and wet conditions. Cotton clothing is the worst choice, where as wool is the best.
• Most of the body’s heat escapes from the head so choosing the proper headgear is very important.
• Wear gloves whenever possible. If working around water, try to wear waterproof gloves.

Always using common sense will help keep you safe this winter season. Contact your safety committee or your direct supervisor if you have any questions.

January 6, 2016

By Mark S. Reinhart, Award Window Cleaning Services, Inc.

The reward of giving twice with one check is most rewarding for me. Let me explain;

This time of year is special for most of us, and has always been a way to show customers how much we care, and appreciate their loyalty and business. I like to give a gift that is meaningful to our customers and gives back to an organization we purchase the gifts from.

For example, the last few years we hand delivered popcorn towers to our larger customers. The popcorn towers are purchased from the cadets at our local church. The money from the popcorn sales help with funding the cadet’s activities throughout the year. We make sure to let our customers know that we purchased the popcorn from the cadets and they are also helping the young boys that participate in the cadets program from the church.

All our other customers also receive a “Happy Holidays” Card. This year I received a call from a company offering holiday cards that are remakes painted by the Handicapped and Senior Citizens from THASC Sales Co. established in 1997. They employ a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. The front covers of the cards are of prints the handicapped artists have created; on the back of the card includes a picture of the artist and an explanation of their disability. The money raised from the cards is then used to help the handicapped and Senior Citizens recover and gain self-respect and pride through their work.

A gift that gives back really fits for the holiday season.

Happy Holidays everyone! May all your windows be streak free, and may you all have a very prosperous 2016.

January 6, 2016

By Jason York, EZ Window Cleaning

As December rolls in, we are constantly reminded that it is the season of giving. In the spirit of the season…I make the same request. Do you feel benevolent? Do you have the desire to serve your fellow window cleaner? Our association is based on the premise that a few give to many. Every year…ironically during the same time of year, we look for those “few” that want to help serve our membership.

At the annual convention in February, we will swear in our new officers and board members. As they get sworn in, we need to look forward to the following year as the cycle continues. During 2016, the board needs member at large volunteers to assist in doing some of the committee work that keeps our association moving forward and providing us all the benefits that we need to grow and develop our window cleaning businesses.

Being a committee volunteer helps to bring new ideas and also help in the workload of the board. In addition, it gives a better perspective to the interworking’s of the IWCA and its board. Typically, it is the first step in becoming a board member or even an officer in our association. The expectation of committee volunteers is to attend and participate a few conference calls a year. There is no travel or out of pocket costs. The ability to work well with others and bring new ideas to the table are the only real requirements.

Should that experience, be a positive one…then you may want to give more and move on to being an IWCA Director on the board. That is where the real giving begins! Trust me, it is worth it based on my personal experience. To quote a past president of the IWCA; “we need your time, talent, & treasury”. As a leader in our association, you will grow as you lead, be exposed to other leaders, and learn more about our industry than you ever thought possible. Most importantly, give back to those in our industry that are in need of your guidance and assistance.

So, are you in the giving spirit? If so, contact IWCA at info@iwca.org or feel free to contact Jason York at jason@ezwindowsinc.com, and we will happily discuss things further with you.