While the rest of the world jokes they don't "do" windows, one fast-growing company has taken this tedious task and transformed it into one of the hottest tickets in Franchising today - poised to "wipe out" competitors in the $160 million window cleaning industry by focusing on high-level service for ground-level storefront businesses, retail stores and residences.

With a growing list of more than 30,000 customers nationwide, including restaurants, churches, banks, schools, grocery stores, beauty salons, retail stores, residences and more, Fish Window Cleaning® recently announced plans to offer prime territories to prospective franchisees throughout the nation and expand into every state and Canada by the end of 2004. After opening its first Franchise in 1998, Fish Window Cleaning® today has more than 126 franchise territories in 33 states. The company's key differentiator - professional, quality services customized to suit the needs of storefront businesses, homes and offices less than three stories high.

"Most people think of window cleaning companies as people with squeegees and buckets dangling from high rises 87 stories in the air, but that's not Fish Window Cleaning®," said Mike Merrick, founder and president. "When it comes to our commercial clients, we think of ourselves as a partner. We help them set an attractive stage to sell goods and services, improving their bottom line. Often, customers make decisions to go inside their retail store or Restaurant based on the outside appearance of their building. By creating a clean, attractive exterior, we can turn casual `window shoppers' into paying customers."

According to Merrick, who founded Fish Window Cleaning® in 1978 after earning a degree in business administration from the University of Missouri and working in the savings and loan industry for several years, many business owners don't realize the critical nature of keeping their buildings clean, from interior and exterior windows and doors to glass counters and mirrors behind a bar. "Ultimately, we are in the business of helping our clients attract and retain customers," added Merrick, who runs his business with his wife Linda, the company's vice president.

A Clear Vision of Service and Success

Independent window cleaning services can't compete with Fish Window Cleaning®'s web-based scheduling, routing and tracking software, which enables the company to efficiently and profitably manage commercial and residential accounts with ease. In addition, Fish Window Cleaning® offers free estimates and customized service plans tailored to each customer's needs and budget.

A full range of services includes interior and exterior windows of all types, as well as screens, mirrors, chandeliers, ceiling fans, gutters and skylights.

Merrick believes in providing customers with the highest quality window cleaning, fair competitive prices and friendly, courteous service. If customers are not satisfied for any reason, they don't pay. "Usually we are competing with an independent that is not insured and does not have a solid reputation for outstanding service or a solid business foundation." Merrick said he has seen countless window cleaning businesses shut down due to unstable business practices, leaving customers stranded.

While 75 percent of its business comes from commercial clients, a growing share of Fish Window Cleaning®'s customer base includes homeowners who have used the company's services in the past for their own businesses. Also, because many maid and janitorial services don't "do" windows, major cleaning companies across the country contract with Fish Window Cleaning® for interior and exterior services.

About Fish Window Cleaning

With a minimum investment of $60,000, Fish Window Cleaning® provides an affordable and flexible Franchise Opportunity with high-profit margin potential in an industry with increasing demand. Franchisees receive initial training and ongoing marketing, technology and general support in all areas of their business to ensure long-term success. "This is a business you can own without it owning you. The hours are family friendly with no nights or weekends," Merrick explained. Fish Window Cleaning® has been helping America see clearly since 1978, and provides service to both commercial and residential clients. Fish Window Cleaning® specializes in ground-level storefronts, 1, 2, and 3 story office buildings, restaurants, banks, churches, schools, and homes.

Franchise News Release: St Louis, MO - (Oct-21-2003)