Window cleaning school

[mistersqueegee]

I received some encouragement in San Diego from some friends to start a window cleaning school. A couple local guys have also suggested this to me in the past. I have been back and forth on the idea and finally decided I'd give it a try. Now before other window cleaners on this forum start telling me I'm not qualified or there's no need for this rest assured I've already had those discussions in my own head.
My goal is to provide a one day class where we will do classroom and hands on training on squeegee techniques, hard water stain removal, wfp, tool selection, traditional pole work, etc. It will be designed for beginners who need training to confidently enter this profession. I want to do my part in helping them shorten the learning curve so many of us faced right away.
And yes I know much of this is already available on the forums and videos but some people are more hands on learners and could use more personalized attention.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I like it Tony, good Choice and look forward to seeing you help guys get a good Start.

I received some encouragement in San Diego from some friends to start a window cleaning school. A couple local guys have also suggested this to me in the past. I have been back and forth on the idea and finally decided I'd give it a try. Now before other window cleaners on this forum start telling me I'm not qualified or there's no need for this rest assured I've already had those discussions in my own head.
My goal is to provide a one day class where we will do classroom and hands on training on squeegee techniques, hard water stain removal, wfp, tool selection, traditional pole work, etc. It will be designed for beginners who need training to confidently enter this profession. I want to do my part in helping them shorten the learning curve so many of us faced right away.
And yes I know much of this is already available on the forums and videos but some people are more hands on learners and could use more personalized attention.

 

[Reider]

I think it's a good idea Tony. Go for it!

 

[Doug Rucker]

Great idea tony.....

 

[junker1]

heck ya go for it. Not that anyone will learn everything in one day but they will get a boost of self confidence when they are done with your class. hands on training is invaluable.how many times have you read something five times and still said " what the %&@! "

 

[mistersqueegee]

True Steven. I make no pretenses that one day with me will make you a master window cleaner. My goal is simply to help them get a good head start.

 

[michaelmole]

Now before other window cleaners on this forum start telling me I'm not qualified or there's no need for this rest assured I've already had those discussions in my own head.

I'm not telling you that you aren't qualified... just asking how you would phrase what your qualifications are? I don't think the idea is necessarily a bad one... (we have sort of an "in-house school" for our employees...) but I guess for me it would be a question of what's the cost, and what's the qualifications of the one who's training me?

 

[Gary Mauer]

My goal is to provide a one day class where we will do classroom and hands on training on squeegee techniques, hard water stain removal, wfp, tool selection, traditional pole work, etc. It will be designed for beginners who need training to confidently enter this profession.

And pressure washers?

 

[mistersqueegee]

If a pressure cleaner wants to attend they are more than welcome.

 

[Guy Blackmon]

I'm not telling you that you aren't qualified... just asking how you would phrase what your qualifications are? I don't think the idea is necessarily a bad one... (we have sort of an "in-house school" for our employees"...) but I guess for me it would be a question of what's the cost, and what's the qualifications of the one who's training me?

Valid question.

 

[Chris Francis]

Are you going to teach highrise window cleaning.

 

[mistersqueegee]

I'm not telling you that you aren't qualified... just asking how you would phrase what your qualifications are? I don't think the idea is necessarily a bad one... (we have sort of an "in-house school" for our employees"...) but I guess for me it would be a question of what's the cost, and what's the qualifications of the one who's training me?

OK Michael I'll address your question of qualifications this way - while I have just under a decade of experience, I am a good teacher. In school I had many teachers that had decades of experience in their field but couldn't instruct to save their life. While some who were fairly new and their passion for the lessons carried thru. That is the biggest thing i believe I bring to the table. I've also been able to talk with and learn from many great cleaners like Jim Willingham, Don Chute, Dan Fields, Craig Aldrich, Jeff Klass, Rob Lamb, Shawn Gavin, etc. Even some I don't get along with but am able to take useful tidbits from give me tools/lessons I can pass along to new cleaners.

 

[mistersqueegee]

Are you going to teach highrise window cleaning.

No I won't.

 

[Gary Mauer]

If a pressure cleaner wants to attend they are more than welcome.

Oh.
I guess I assumed maybe they were one of your target markets, if it was pressure washers who suggested it, and you announced it here.
Have you figured out where you're gonna promote?

 

[mistersqueegee]

Oh.
I guess I assumed maybe they were one of your target markets, if it was pressure washers who suggested it, and you announced it here.
Have you figured out where you're gonna promote?

My target market is anyone who would like window cleaning instruction that combines classroom and hands on training.
Since this is the window cleaning portion of this forum it seemed like a logical place to promote it. I also posted on the UAMCC forum and one of the Facebook groups.
Oh and it wasn't just pressure washers who suggested it but that really shouldn't matter.

 

[Gary Mauer]

You gonna take it on the road?

 

[mistersqueegee]

I guess that's always a possibility. Right now I'll just keep it near me. I have the ability to hold classroom discussions of several at a time but would likely limit the size to 3-4 at most since I want each individual as much training as possible. I might do a condensed class at some events this year I just haven't decided yet.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Gary I have been a Window Cleaner for 28 years, most pressure washer clean windows as you have found out. All successful window cleaners seem to pressure wash.
Not to sound silly Gary I'm a Former member of the IWCA. Maybe you can't remember me, I helped Jack who ran the place for years.

Tony Has my Full Endorsement as a private instructor. I believe he has proven he can Teach by the students he has taught over the Web, video and in person. I have Seen him instruct Twice, I'm sure he will grow and get better at the art of teaching.

I never suggested Tony Teach, I thought he has been for a few years now. LOL Now he formally announces he is coming out full blast and it seems theres and issue?


How about a congratulation Tony for stepping up and helping how ever he can, many guys in the business need some additional training. New guys should have people who can help them get started, or do you think they should buy a Book 600 per hour from Kevin read that and hit the pavement?

No disrespect to Kevin because I think he is a great guy, I like pulling his Chain someone times. I like it better he can take it, I love debating with him because he is smart. Also gets me thinking of when I was a Young Lad.

Anyway Tony qualified or not will Learn and expand, teachers get better and learn from others. They grow and perfect the ability to reach students.

How did Brain Surgery Start? Do people really believe one day POOOFFF medical School started out of thin AIR Along with MAYO Clinic. The industry last I checked didn't have a window cleaning School University Master program.

All this I need to Check your credentials, how about we just let the students determine how good Tony is or Isn't? Just like we allow your customers to determine your a good pressure washer or a good window cleaner.


HATS off to you Tony

Oh.
I guess I assumed maybe they were one of your target markets, if it was pressure washers who suggested it, and you announced it here.
Have you figured out where you're gonna promote?

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I'm not telling you that you aren't qualified... just asking how you would phrase what your qualifications are? I don't think the idea is necessarily a bad one... (we have sort of an "in-house school" for our employees...) but I guess for me it would be a question of what's the cost, and what's the qualifications of the one who's training me?

I would assume a Valid question that your interested in hiring this Independent Instructor? I would think that your teaching your own Guys would continue Unless some expertise Tony has that you do not would benefit your Company?

I however assume Tony's Training is going to be for beginners or people who might not be as familiar with PURE water. Lets face the facts Window cleaners are still fairly New to the Water Fed Pole Stuff, Tony Been on the Top Shelf of this Game for a Few Years. I'm sure he has nearly as much or more as anyone in this Game. OPPPSSSS

 

[Ron Musgraves]

You gonna take it on the road?

Tony is Welcome to Travel any Place I go......I look forward to seeing MR. Squeegee on the Road