Franchisee Tom Schwab Grows his Local Business by Serving Customers, Employees and Community Causes
In Billings, Mont., Tom Schwab’s Fish Window Cleaning franchise is part of the local fabric. It helps local businesses look their best, supports local nonprofits, gives employees a place to grow and shows up when neighbors need help. “We try to be out there and available for the people that need our services,” Schwab says.
Schwab’s business serves a wide range of local customers, from small storefronts to car dealerships, retirement centers, hospitals and clinics. About 70% of his clients are commercial. For Schwab, clean windows are part of helping other local businesses put their best foot forward. “Our clients take pride in having clean storefronts when people walk through,” he says. “That’s the first impression.”
Schwab also believes in meeting customers where they are. If business owners are watching their budgets, he works with them to find a cleaning schedule that makes sense. “They still want their windows clean, but maybe they can’t go every week or every two weeks. So, we try to work with them.”
His neighborly spirit extends to the causes he supports. Schwab belongs to local chambers and networking groups and gives back to children’s programs, mental health nonprofits, veterans organizations, churches, breast cancer awareness efforts and other community events. “If somebody says, ‘Hey, I have this fundraiser party next week. Can you guys get my windows clean?’ We’ll figure out a way to get it done,” he says.
A Family-Family Business
Schwab invested in the Fish Window Cleaning franchise after years of wanting to own a business. His former career was in sales for a printing franchise. The hours were wearing on him, and he had two young children at home. “I was kind of hitting that burnout stage,” Schwab says.
After exploring several franchise opportunities, he found Fish Window Cleaning and connected with the brand’s culture and values. “I loved the family atmosphere,” Schwab says. “That’s what I was really looking for — how the business can be built around your family and time.”
In Sept 2010, he opened for business in a 400-square-foot office. Today, he operates from a 2,500-square-foot facility and has 14 company vehicles and 18 employees. “It’s been a fun adventure,” he says.
His son and daughter now work full time in the company and his wife, who retired after 30 years with her company, helps part time with accounting and reconciliation. “Flexibility has been one of the biggest rewards. I was able to coach my kids in travel sports and didn’t miss another Christmas concert because I had to be at work,” he says. “I like the flexibility that it gives me and my staff.”
Today, Schwab sees his role as a mentor. His team ranges in age from 18 to about 40. He knows not every employee will stay forever, but many have stayed for 5 or 10 years. “I like to offer an opportunity to get started and develop a work ethic.”
Franchisee Community
Schwab knew he could count on support from the Fish Window Cleaning franchise team, but he was pleasantly surprised by the strength of the franchisee network. When he started, neighboring franchise owners welcomed him into their meetings and openly shared advice. “I pick up many nuggets by going to the local franchisee meetings,” he says. “I really owe a lot of thanks to them.”
Now Schwab pays that support forward by helping newer franchise owners when they call with questions. “That’s the cool part,” he says. “We are all here for each other.”
Learn more about the Fish Window Cleaning franchise opportunity.
