Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Sutton.
Roger, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started cleaning windows in 1992 to put myself through college in Edmond, OK. I couldn’t hold down a normal job, because I was busy trying to mow lawns and clean windows, along with going to college. Within a few years I found the window business to be a place I was talented and my business was growing by leaps and bounds. I spent most of my time running estimates and doing the jobs myself for the first 10 years. It took me around 11 years to get my degree because I spent the majority of my time cleaning windows.
After completing my degree, I moved to Fort Worth to start my masters. I couldn’t afford school so I starting making telemarketing calls to houses in the Fort Worth area and to my surprise they were very responsive. I graduated with my masters in 2006 and decided to move back to Oklahoma and rekindle my old business relationships building my business to over 10 employees.
In 2009 life decided it wanted me to have a family, a girl by the name of Lisa was involved, too, so I moved back to Fort Worth. I have 2 employees here and we are growing by leaps and bounds. I am looking forward to see where this business takes me in the near future.
Has it been a smooth road?
In 25 years, we have been through a lot of bumps in the road. But I guess the challenge that impacts us the most is when we lose people.
As Zig Ziglar said, “You don’t build a business. You build people, and people build the business.” We value our people as they play a vital part in the business. We try our best to develop and invest in them. Then, you go back to square one and go through the process of hiring and training people again.
Well, Ziglar also said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you’ll just help enough other people get what they want.”
Sometimes, that means letting your people go so they can pursue their dreams, move to another place, go back to school or set up their own business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the A Fine Shine story. Tell us more about the business.
You do a Google search for window cleaning companies in Fort Worth or OKC and you get tons of results.
There are also other companies out there that have been in business for over 20 years, insured, have all the right tools, familiar with different types of glass surfaces, members of respected organizations like WCRA, etc.
But we do not only clean windows, we EDUCATE our customers. Our technicians are trained to spot any issues and potential problems pertaining to windows and structural damage in the vicinities. For instance, windows with sashes painted shut, or windows which don’t open and close properly are potential hazards in case of fire or emergency.
Also, leaky windows, torn or broken screens, and malfunctioning window locks can be spotted and addressed as needed for possible solutions.
Also, we’ve worked with Tarrant County College, University of Central Oklahoma, Mulford Properties, to name a few.
Lastly, we offer an insane guarantee. It’s our mission to provide the FINEST service experience every time. If customers are not thrilled with the service experience they receive from us, we will rush back to their location at no charge and no obligation. If they are still unimpressed, we will issue a 100% refund.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the industry going in a good direction. There are a lot of guys starting their own companies, then they go out of business as fast as they start. I see technology making it easier on us old timers, but creating more competition because it takes less skill to learn with the new technology.
I see it being a growing industry because people always need clean windows. I am very hopeful for the future with A Fine Shine as I have committed myself to personal development, to try and be the best window cleaning business owner possible over the next 5 years.
Pricing:
- Residential Window Cleaning Interior Exterior – $129 (minimum pricing)
- Residential Gutter Cleaning – $129 (minimum pricing)
- Power Washing/House Washing – $199 (minimum pricing)
- Christmas Light Installation – $500 (minimum pricing)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1662 Keller, TX 76244
- Website: www.afineshine.com
- Phone: 817-924-0805
- Email: admin@afineshine.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/windowcleaningtx
- Twitter: twitter.com/afineshine
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