How Andrew’s Company – Pane ‘N The Glass – Makes Over $2M/yr Cleaning Windows and Strengthening Relationships

Entrepreneurship can sometimes grow from unexpected opportunities. For Andrew, the owner of Pane N the Glass, what started as a means to pay for school evolved into a multi-location, multimillion-dollar business.

His journey demonstrates how smart decisions, leveraging the right tools, and persistence can turn even a modest idea into a thriving business.

How He Started: From College Job to a Growing Business

Andrew’s entrepreneurial story began in Minnesota with a summer job working for his friend’s wrestling coach. “I started working for my friend’s wrestling coach. They had started a company back in Minnesota called Jack and Joe’s Window Cleaning,” Andrew recalls. Although it was just a way to make some money while in school, he saw the business grow rapidly. Within a couple of years, Jack and Joe’s had hit $800,000 in revenue – expanding to east coast franchising as the Squeegee Squad, which opened Andrew’s eyes to the potential in the window cleaning industry.

When he moved to Bozeman, Montana, to study architecture, Andrew decided to start his own window cleaning business to pay for school. “It wasn’t about building a company at first. It was just, ‘Hey, I’m going to clean some windows and pay for school,’” Andrew says. However, what started as a necessity quickly revealed itself to be a real business opportunity.

The Journey to Success: Expanding Organically and Seizing Opportunities

For the first few years, Andrew ran Pane N the Glass as a side hustle, managing the business while balancing his studies and working part-time at a church. He didn’t initially plan to expand, but the business continued to grow naturally through word-of-mouth and repeat customers. Andrew hired friends to help with the work, laying the foundation for a company that could scale.

A major turning point came when a client in Montana suggested that Andrew take the business to Hawaii. “A client said, ‘You should come out to Maui and do window cleaning out there because the window cleaners are terrible,’” Andrew remembers. Initially unsure about the idea, Andrew took the leap after several trips to Maui. He eventually sent an employee to manage the location full-time, marking the company’s first major expansion.

By empowering his employees and giving them the chance to lead, Andrew was able to expand Pane N the Glass across multiple states. “Opportunities found me more than I found them,” Andrew says. His model—scaling by delegating responsibility to trusted employees—was key to growing the business.

What Newcomers Can Expect: Earnings and Growth Potential

According to Andrew, the first two years in the window cleaning industry are the most difficult. “The first two years are the very challenging part to get through,” Andrew advises. This period requires dedication, as you build your client base and refine your operations.

In terms of earnings, Andrew provides clear guidance: “Most guys, in that first year, they’ll do between $30,000 to $60,000 in revenue, depending on the person and their willingness to hustle.” He adds that for those who work hard and focus on growing the business, the income potential increases dramatically over time.

For perspective, Andrew now runs a business generating over $2 million in revenue—a far cry from the small side gig it once was. He stresses that this level of success didn’t happen overnight, but it’s achievable with persistence and the right approach .

Window cleaning can be especially lucrative if you offer specialized services, such as high-rise cleaning or eco-friendly options, which allow you to charge premium rates. Businesses in their early stages typically generate $35,000 to $75,000 annually, but the potential to scale beyond six figures is there for those who put in the effort .

A Typical Day: Managing Operations Across States

Running a multi-location business has shifted Andrew’s role from cleaning windows to overseeing operations. “I’m not cleaning windows every day anymore,” he explains. These days, his daily routine involves managing employees, scheduling jobs, and ensuring customers are satisfied across all locations. Using technology, Andrew is able to oversee these tasks remotely, which allows him to manage multiple teams efficiently.

“I’ll sit at a coffee shop and work on random stuff for a few hours,” Andrew says, describing how technology has enabled him to stay on top of everything from afar. By leveraging tools like Jobber for job scheduling and invoicing, and Gusto for payroll management, Andrew has streamlined the business operations, giving him more time to focus on growth.

Competition & Marketing: Staying Ahead of Rivals

In Bozeman, Andrew has faced competition from other window cleaning businesses like Fresh Perspectives and Montana Clean Windows. Despite this, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers rather than relying heavily on paid leads. “We don’t pay for Google guaranteed leads,” Andrew explains, emphasizing that his business grows mostly through word-of-mouth and organic search engine results .

One of his more successful marketing campaigns was a local billboard that featured a window cleaner working on a giant window. “People called us because of the billboard, even if they couldn’t hire us. They just liked it,” Andrew recalls. However, when Andrew expanded into Seattle and tried a digital billboard, the results were disappointing. “We didn’t get any leads from it,” he admits, which taught him the importance of understanding regional differences when it comes to marketing.

The Right Tools: Essential for Scaling

For Andrew, success wouldn’t have been possible without the right tools to manage a growing business. Here are the key platforms that keep Pane N the Glass running smoothly:

• Jobber: “Jobber is huge for us,” Andrew explains. This platform handles everything from scheduling to invoicing and credit card processing, enabling Andrew to manage multiple locations efficiently.
• Gusto: After switching from ADP, Andrew now uses Gusto to manage payroll. “ADP was fine, but they’re just behind the times,” he explains. Gusto is easier to use and integrates seamlessly with other software to handle benefits and HR needs.
• NiceJob: A game-changer for Andrew’s online reputation, NiceJob automates review requests. “We went from 15 five-star reviews to 89 in one year in Kirkland after using NiceJob,” Andrew shares, noting how crucial online reviews are for attracting new clients.
• 1-800Accountant: For bookkeeping, accounting, and taxes, Andrew relies on 1-800Accountant, which simplifies the financial aspects of running a business .

The Business’s Financial Growth: From Modest Beginnings to $2 Million

Andrew’s initial goal for Pane N the Glass was simply to pay for school, but the business has since grown far beyond that. Today, Pane N the Glass generates over $2 million in annual revenue. Achieving this level of success didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of years of hard work, smart marketing, and thoughtful expansion.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, this level of income is achievable, especially if you’re able to offer premium services such as high-rise window cleaning or eco-friendly treatments. Established businesses in the window cleaning industry typically bring in $100,000 to $150,000 annually, with profit margins of up to 40% if managed efficiently .

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Lessons Learned Along the Way

While Andrew’s journey has been marked by success, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest lessons he learned was the importance of researching new markets before expanding. His digital billboard campaign in Seattle failed to generate any leads, teaching him that marketing strategies need to be tailored to each market.

Additionally, Andrew wishes he had adopted certain tools earlier in his business journey. “I didn’t start using NiceJob until much later, and I wish I had implemented it from the start,” he admits. This experience underscores the importance of leveraging technology early on to streamline business processes and boost growth.

If He Could Start Again: Reflecting on the Journey

When asked if he would do anything differently, Andrew reflects on the unexpected path his business has taken. “This business kind of found me,” he says. While he didn’t initially plan to build a multimillion-dollar enterprise, the opportunities that came along allowed him to create a sustainable, scalable business.

Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Andrew’s story is an inspiring reminder that even the simplest business ideas can lead to extraordinary success. His journey demonstrates the importance of:

• Embracing opportunities and being adaptable.
• Using the right tools to scale and manage a growing business.
• Focusing on customer service and organic growth, especially in competitive markets.
• Understanding that the first couple of years are tough, but perseverance can lead to substantial rewards.

For those interested in starting their own window cleaning business, the financial upside is clear: with low startup costs and high-profit potential, newcomers can expect to earn $30,000 to $60,000 in their first year, with the potential to grow beyond six figures as they scale .

References

“Financial Cornerstones: Prioritizing Key Considerations in Your Window Cleaning Business Plan.” Cleaning Business Boss.

“How to Start a Profitable Window Cleaning Business: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide.” Business Hue.

“How to Start a Window Cleaning Business: 6 Tips for Entrepreneurs.” Fish Window Cleaning.