Window Genie is your leader in home services!

We’re always excited to introduce the newest members of TEAM GENIE… so here’s THREE new locations to share with you!

Ray Shero opened his Window Genie franchise in Fredericksburg, VA on August 10th

After Ray, Barry and Mazie Ellis opened in Fayetteville, NC on August 24th

Last but not least, we look forward to the grand opening of Jorge Torres’ franchise in The Woodlands, TX this September!

Continue reading "Introducing 3 New Window Genie Locations"

We’re excited to introduce two new members of the Window Genie family… Pete Wilson from northern Cincinnati, OH and Joe Consolo from northern Albany, NY! These two attended the May management training class together at the Window Genie corporate office and officially open for business just one week apart from one another on June 8th and 15th. Each of our Window Genie Franchise Partners pursue business ownership for a different reason… everyone has their WHY – whether it was because they were laid off, unhappy at their current job, wanting to be their own boss or to experience freedom with a better work-life balance…we’ve seen it all! Keep reading to learn about our newest team members’ WHY! Continue reading "Two New Window Genie Franchise Partners for June!"

We’re excited to announce that Franchise Business Review has included Window Genie on their list of Top 50 Multi-Unit Franchises for 2015. The full report can be found HERE

 

What makes Window Genie a top multi-unit franchise? How much time do you have? J Well, according to FBR, it has to do with franchisee success and satisfaction:

The report looks at franchisee satisfaction of over 6,000 multi-unit franchisees from more than 300 leading franchise companies to determine which brands have the most satisfied multi-unit operators. Franchisors told Franchise Business Review researchers they are seeing more interest in multi-unit ownership from prospective franchisees than ever before.

Continue reading "Window Genie Named a Top 50 Franchise"

Father-son duo give back, offering free window cleaning and pressure washing services

(L to R) Greg and Jordan Pyles

 Window Genie of Fresno’s spring cleaning season officially commenced this past weekend while giving back alongside the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter in Fresno on Saturday the 14th. Window Genie is a locally owned and operated home service franchise specializing in window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Father/Son duo, Greg and Jordan Pyles performed free window cleaning and pressure washing services at two homes in southeast Fresno, near the intersection of Church Avenue and Chestnut Avenue.

Continue reading "Window Genie of Fresno Gives Back"

Meet Jerry Mastrofilippo… He’s one of our newest franchise partners, opening this spring in Allentown Pennsylvania!

Jerry chose to start his own franchise so he could take control of his own success and build a stable future for his family. Jerry has a unique perspective unlike any Window Genie franchise partner before him; 10 years of working for and growing with a business he would eventually venture out and start himself!

Jerry Mastrofilippo with his Geniemobile!

Continue reading "Employee Turned Entrepreneur"

 

There are thousands of window cleaning, tinting, and pressure washing companies sprinkled throughout the United States. There is likely very little incentive for industry newcomers to pursue a career in window cleaning service simply because of the market’s current saturation. With so many competitors active out there, many prospective clients may be wondering exactly how industry leaders have been able to distinguish themselves from the crowd. This question is further complicated by the perceived similarity of the services offered by the numerous window cleaners out there. If they are all simply cleaning windows, how can one be better than the other? Competitors are lugging the same pressure-washers in their trucks, and wielding the same squeegees after all. So what makes Window Genie a nationally-ranked window cleaning company?

1.      Innovative mobile marketing strategy to help leave a lasting impression.

The Window Genie brand has distinguished itself from competitors in a number of ways. Beyond their provision of high-quality cleaning, tinting, and pressure-washing home maintenance, Window Genie has gone the extra mile with the creation of the “GenieMobiles,” a mobile-marketing approach that has allowed the brand to nestle into the hearts and minds of mothers and children across the country.

A “GenieMobile” is a logo-wrapped vehicle. These GenieMobiles can be any make or model of vehicle, as different wrap styles and sizes exist to suit different automotive shapes. Rik Nonelle, the founder and CEO of Window Genie, highlights how the GenieMobiles allowed the company to evolve past a static, one-dimensional advertising style, so that a fun and dynamic approach could be used to draw attention and benefit franchisees with ample customer interest.

The GenieMobile logo was illustrated by a former Disney illustrator. The animated genie character is featured in three different action poses to give him a sense of life, vibrancy, and movement. This cartoon genie appeals instantly to children, an effect that was entirely intentional as Window Genie owners found that over 90% of their customer base was comprised of stay-at-home mothers. Appealing to their children allowed Window Genie franchises to resonate with mothers who had yet to realize the quality of service being offered.

The logic behind the creation of a fleet of GenieMobiles is rock-solid. Window Genie is a premier provider of window cleaning, pressure washing, and window tinting services, but even top-tier services can be forgotten or lost in the shuffle. With the GenieMobile approach, Nonelle has ensured that franchisees are given the best chance to make a lasting impression. Consider the impact of an unmarked pick-up driving through a neighborhood, and compare that to the impact a rich purple vehicle emblazoned with lightning streaks and a whimsical Genie will have.

2.      A sincere care for our customers.

Window Genie experts have confidence in their skills and cleaning abilities. There is no doubt in our minds that the customer will be left satisfied after a day’s work. Part of the reason that Window Genie experts make such an investment in their skill development is that they care about customer satisfaction. Being a Window Genie franchisee is about showing love for the customer. Just like the company’s branding, marketing, and GenieMobiles set them apart from the competition, their approach to customers is similarly designed to boost customer satisfaction.

Window Genie franchise owners do everything in their power to satisfy the customer within reason. Even if the customer may be mistaken, Window Genie experts will not stop until they are satisfied. The motivation behind this approach is twofold; first, we hold hard work and positive customer experiences up as two of our most valued core ethics, and second, because a satisfied customer is more likely to repeat business! Every tier of our franchisee system from hiring to training is calibrated to encourage the development of these qualities.

3.      The best training and hiring practices out there.

Window Genie training has produced some of the best window cleaning, pressure washing, and window tinting service providers in the market today. The quality of work they have delivered has been instrumental in the spread of the Window Genie reputation, and their candidacy as a nationally-ranked company. Because of their confidence in the training process, Window Genie hires are chosen primarily based on their attitudes. Skills can be taught, but a winning personality is a highly valued commodity among service providers!

Window Genie also goes the extra mile during hiring to protect customer safety. Window Genie is a rare professional window cleaning company that does background checks on all employees. Window Genie also mandates that all employees wear photo ID, which can be cross-referenced with a picture of the service provider e-mailed to the customer upon booking for extra security.

 

If you are in need of window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, or gutter cleaning, why not contact one of the nation’s premier providers? Window Genie experts are standing by today to grant you your cleaning wishes. 

Window Genie is excited to share that we welcomed THREE new franchise owners and their teams this month. Look out Cape May, Myrtle Beach and Fresno… we’re coming for you!

As we continue to add team members we remain committed to our growth strategy which is: We AWARD franchises, we don’t sell them.

The approach we take when working with potential business is owner is a kind of “self control” when it comes to actually bringing on new locations.  Just because someone can afford to purchase a Window Genie franchise or has the desire to own their own business, it doesn’t necessarily mean we feel they fit the system and will be successful with us. This is the essential difference between awarding a franchise and selling one. Our Founder and CEO, Rik Nonelle said it best:  “Our strategy for growth, simple enough, is to turn away the people who do not fit our culture. That sounds too easy but believe me it is not easy. It is very tough when you see a check all ready for you and the person is very eager and qualified financially, to turn that person away.  But I have learned that one person who is not a cultural fit can just rock the entire boat. We have something like a 98% approval rating from our franchisees and that’s not an easy thing to achieve. We achieve it by keeping those who really feel are not a fit,  for whatever reasons, out.”

This is because we are not in the business of simply adding bodies to our system as fast as possible for the sole purpose of collecting royalties and franchise fees. Window Genie has spent 20 years building a very team-oriented culture that focuses on maintaining a cohesive, cooperative relationship between ALL members of Team Genie. Our owners work with the corporate support staff as well as with one another for the betterment of the system; it’s a Window Genie family. We know that if we weren’t selective… we would be setting ourselves up for a TOXIC environment where long-term growth and success would be difficult to achieve. We are FIRM believers in quality over quantity. A team of franchise partners who mesh well, work as a team and are committed to the overall well-being and improvement of the Window Genie brand is SO important to us.

With that being said… These 3 new owners are QUALITY people that we thoroughly screened and evaluated. We are so excited to have these teams on board, know they’re set up for success and can’t wait to see what they’re made of this fall.

MEET THE NEWBIES!

Paul Guglielmi – Cape May, NJ

Before opening his Window Genie franchise, Paul spent over 30 years in corporate America in sales and sales management for a few personal protective equipment companies. “I learned a lot and enjoyed it for many years,” he said. “But my job became increasingly more difficult after losing members of my team because of the economic downturn a few years ago. I knew it was time for a change and began planning my exit strategy.” In the midst of deciding what his next move would be; Paul’s position was eliminated. “Be careful what you wish for,” he said. “I planned to leave in early 2015 anyway, but ultimately the layoff was a blessing since it got me on my path towards business ownership sooner.”

Paul looks forward to helping improve the look and value of homes and small businesses in his community. He said, “I’m excited to get out there and start building relationships with customers. We offer so many different, necessary services that there’s definitely something for every home and budget. My wife JoAnn and I are involved in a lot of community service efforts and I look forward to getting the business involved in giving back to the community as well.”

Check out Window Genie of South Jersey highlighted in their local news – the Press of Atlantic City

Paul Guglielmi with his wife JoAnn

Tom Washer – Myrtle Beach, SC

Prior to Window Genie business ownership, Tom Washer spent 4 years in the Air Force before a career in sales management for a variety of industries. Working in sales brought him all over the country from Texas to New Mexico to Connecticut to Massachusetts. Tom and his wife Cheryl decided to relocate to Myrtle Beach to open their business because it’s where much of their family now lives. Washer said, “We’re very family oriented and wanted to find an opportunity to move down here. Long-term security along with my vast knowledge of sales and personal service has motivated me to start a business.”

Tom’s wife Cheryl Waterhouse will help run the business, providing administrative and customer support. “We are excited to finally get out there in the community together and meet our customers,” Washer said. “We are motivated to build a strong reputation in the community resulting in a loyal, repeat customer base.”

Check out Window Genie of Myrtle Beach featured in their local news – WMBFnews

Tom Washer

Greg & Jordan Pyles – Fresno, CA

Before he and Jordan purchased their Window Genie franchise, Greg worked for 30 years in the IT and software development industry, most recently for a trade journal in the music industry. Many years before that, he owned a carpet cleaning business. At 24 years old, Jordan has quickly worked his way up at a local fast food restaurant, most recently serving as General Manager.

Greg’s role will be to focus on building a customer base through networking, community outreach and social media. He said, “I want to be out in the field doing quotes at customers’ homes and educating them on who we are. It’s important to leave a great first impressions on customers and establish genuine relationships if we want to build a loyal, repeat customer base.” Jordan will apply his management skills by focusing on the operations side of the business; managing the field technicians and maintaining equipment and tools to ensure efficiency and quality.

The father/son duo is excited to open for business. Jordan said, “We’re very family oriented so it’s exciting to build something with my dad that will impact both our futures. Also, I have three kids and am looking forward to the work/life balance Window Genie has seemed to provide for other franchise owners.”

Check out Window Genie of Fresno featured in their local news - The Fresno Bee

Jordan Pyles (left) Greg Pyles (right)

By: Rhonda Sanderson, Sanderson & Associates

When Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson scored the first goal for Team USA at the 2014 Sochi Olympics this February, he did so with a blazing slap shot. As proud father Richard Carlson looked on, he knew that scoring goals had truly become a family affair.

Though the arena in which the elder Carlson works lacks the manicured ice, vocal beer vendors, and rowdy fans that populate John’s workplace, his game is one that nevertheless requires the tenacity and drive of a hockey player.

When the former corporate healthcare worker was laid off due to restructuring and budget reductions, Carlson took time to reflect and weigh his options. He had, after all, many of them. With almost ten years of experience in health care, Carlson could have rejoined the system in which he had for so long achieved success. Yet it became apparent to Carlson that it was time to do some restructuring of his own and play a different kind of game.

Ultimately, Carlson decided that it was time to realize a dream he had long held. “I always wanted my own business, so I was determined to see the loss of my job not as a setback, but as an opportunity,” says Carlson. After a thorough search for franchises which met his demands, Carlson came upon Window Genie. “I gravitated towards franchising so I didn’t have to start with a blank page,” Carlson explains. “I looked for a business that was service-related and straightforward. After years of dealing with the complicated rules and regulations in healthcare, I wanted simplicity. Window Genie was the answer.”

In July, 2013, Richard opened a Window Genie location serving Ocean County and Southern Monmouth County in New Jersey and he hasn’t looked back since.

Window Genie is a mobile cleaning services company focused primarily on its “big three” services: window cleaning, window tinting and pressure washing. The company also offers, among many other services, dryer vent cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, chandelier cleaning and gutter cleaning and re-securing. Window Genie services residential customers, small offices and commercial spaces.

As is the case with any NHL team’s arduous 82-game season, Carlson faced challenges as his business grew. Yet just as any good hockey team perseveres from those challenges thanks to veteran teammates providing assistance, Window Genie was able to help Carlson block all the shots he faced. “I needed to learn how to market and advertise,” says Carlson. “Management, hiring, those were things I had experience with, but I had to learn not just how to perform the excellent services we offer, but how to make this business an extension of myself. Window Genie was able to help me with those issues and get the word out about all that we could do.”

Carlson’s primary clients are residential, either dual-income home owners who have neither the time nor the desire to maintain the exterior of their homes, or retirees who are unable to maintain their homes by themselves any longer. Carlson’s Window Genie business has been very well-received by his community. His phone, he says, is ringing constantly and his services are well known throughout the territory he serves.

“In today’s corporate environment people like me are forced out of their jobs quite frequently,” says Carlson. “I decided to take control of my career, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.” For Carlson, repeat business is the driving force that inspires his work at Window Genie. “Every day we’re committed to providing quality services at reasonable prices so we become customers’ preferred home services provider.”

Any time we’re recognized by a major publication for something we’re very proud of… of course we want to shout it from the rooftops! This instance is particularly exciting because we were featured in both a major national  AND local (Cincinnati, Ohio) publication this month… Money Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer!

Click photo to see full article

We were referred to Money Magazine by the CEO of Franchise Business Review, Eric Stites. After conducting their annual franchisee satisfaction survey, he found that once again Window Genie ranked exceptionally well when it came to having happy franchise owners. Money Magazine put out an article called, “13 Things to Do with $100,000 Now,” and purchasing a Window Genie franchise made the list. Window Genie’s minimum investment is$89,000 – widely considered a very low investment for a business with such potential for growth. There are a few reasons for this: You can run the business from home! This creates low overhead costs like renting an office space + utilities. Also, our owners carry an extremely low inventory of products, tools and supplies. Plus, the cost to acquire a customer feels like nothing in the long-run. While it costs money to market to new customers, Window Genie’s success is built on establishing relationships with long-term, loyal customers who have Window Genie back a few times a year to perform different services on a repeat basis. With a number of various affordable services, Window Genie has something for every home at every budget!

Then we see on Cincinnati.com that we’ve been featured among 38 other Cincinnati based businesses for the incredible honor of making INC Magazine’s INC 5000 list for 2014. This list acknowledges the 5000 fastest growing companies in the nation; and we made it! As if making INC’s list wasn’t enough, Cincinnati Enquirer recognizing this accomplishment was certainly the cherry on top. Window Genie’s corporate team is proud to still be working and growing in Cincinnati where it all started 20 years ago. We believe we’re in good company among other local businesses representing the Queen City as a city of tremendous potential and growth for business.

 

As we celebrate recent accomplishments, we also like to reflect on the history of Window Genie and how far we’ve come. Recently we were nominated for a Small Business Influencer Award under the category: Growth Story.  To vote for Window Genie, simply follow that link and click VOTE! A quick history: In 1994 Rik Nonelle started Window Genie as a small, local window cleaning business in Cincinnati Ohio. He was a 29 year old Ohio State grad who was already tired of “working for the man.” From the get-go he developed a business model with franchising in mind; he wanted to create an opportunity that was easily duplicated and would translate well into other markets. Rik’s goal was for entrepreneurs everywhere to be able to build a business that was simple, scalable and allowed for a significantly better work-life balance than your typical 9-5 job. 20 years later, Window Genie has evolved into a nationally ranked franchise operating with over 75 franchise partners in 22 states. Nonelle remains incredibly hands-on as Window Genie’s leader and has developed a company culture that celebrates and empowers each individual franchise as an active small business within the particular community it serves.

Window Genie's oftentimes a family business... we have a number of husband/wife duos, kids working for their parents in the office or out cleaning windows... but for the first time ever we have a father/son duo where the son's the boss! Charlie Caravello, 37 purchased a Window Genie franchise earlier this summer and hired his dad Chuck, 65 as his first employee. Starting a business can be scary. Having his father on his side, supporting his decision and being there while he ramps up has given Charlie the extra support most small business owners wish they had. Before joining the Window Genie team, Caravello spent approximately 15 years in medical sales calling directly on hospitals. "In any sales career you go through peaks and valleys. For the last few years, every time I dipped into a valley I felt I wasn't in control of my success so I would consider looking into business ownership. I never got completely serious about it until this past winter because I think ultimately, I wasn't ready mentally or financially until now," Caravello said. "I did my homework and landed on a few service oriented, low investment companies to evaluate. Window Genie caught my eye when I noticed it was ranked on Franchise Business Review's list of top franchises for franchise owner satisfaction. Caravello reached out to Window Genie and began a validation process, speaking with the corporate support staff as well as current Window Genie franchisees. "I just felt like 'wow these guys have their act together' when speaking to everyone at Window Genie throughout my process; you could feel the professionalism was consistent and trickled down to the whole system. Because I had been doing research on business ownership for the last few years I felt I had a grasp on what I wanted and did not want out of a franchising opportunity, and I never saw a red flag with Window Genie. It got to a point where I'd wake up every day more excited with my to-do list for Window Genie than my current job. I knew I'd found something that would keep me motivated, excited and therefore successful every day." Caravello's first employee is his own father, Chuck Caravello. "My parents were both incredibly supportive when I went to them for advice on purchasing a franchise. There's always a fear or anxiety when taking a chance like opening a business, but having my father on board definitely helps. I know that off the bat I have an employee I completely trust, he'll be great with customers and down the road when he's sick of cleaning windows he'll know the business as well as I and can help me in the office and with training future employees." The Caravellos are excited. Charlie said, "I'm most excited to just get out there, be able to monitor my own results, take responsibility for my success and continue to build the business. I know I'll be wearing many hats but for someone who gets bored with a one-dimensional job, that's exactly what I want. I know I've found what I was looking for in Window Genie."

Team Louisville was recently featured in Franchise Times: click here for the full article

Charlie Caravello’s biggest challenge of being his dad’s boss is adjusting to the “role reversal.” After all, Charlie spent his entire life looking up to his father and learning and taking advice from him. The son hired dad, Chuck, as his first technician at a Window Genie franchise he bought with his own money in Louisville for about $125,000. Caravello is 37 and his father is 65. Chuck came out of retirement because of the unique opportunity to help his son in his new business venture. Many reasons make Caravello feel fortunate to work with his father at the franchise he opened in May 2014: He’s reliable, trustworthy, supportive, and capable of helping run the office if needed to do so. Still, Caravello admits, “it will take some getting used to” telling his father what to do.