Over a decade ago I, Mike Waroway, met a young and ambitious guy named Keith Kalfas when he walked into Detroit Sponge. Fast forward to today and Keith’s YouTube channel has over 100k subscribers and his videos have been viewed by millions of people. It was impossible at the time to know that Keith would develop into, well, a YouTube star!
Way back at the beginning, Keith was just getting started in the world of professional window cleaning. Having started his business by buying tools at one of the big box stores, Keith was surprised and excited to find that there were stores like Detroit Sponge who make a living selling professional supplies to pro window cleaners.
In the early times, there were many phone calls and visits to my Detroit Sponge store. The topics and questions were fundamental questions and topics about starting a window cleaning business. I get to have these conversations with startups on a regular basis. Some of the common questions I am asked are:
- What are the tools that I need and why are there so many sizes of everything?
- Which are the true, best brands of tools in the window cleaning trade?
- Can you make a living washing windows?
- What customers are the best: residential, store front, or big buildings?
- How do I build a calendar for regular service with customers?
- What about the winter (in the Midwest or North)?
- How much should I charge for window cleaning?
- What other services do companies offer for customers?
- What is the best way to make money in the window cleaning business?
- And finally, it doesn’t seem that hard to clean windows. Am I missing something?
These are 10 questions that are common to hear from people at the start of their adventure in the window cleaning industry. After all these years of having conversations like this, I can say that the exciting part is watching what inspired and fired up people like Keith Kalfas accomplish and experience from these basic beginnings!
Keith is a great example of this. It has been over a decade since I first met Keith. Yes, Keith built a service business where he offered window cleaning services to clients. Yes, Keith experienced the rewards and challenges of growing a small business. However, Keith ventured into a unique direction that has led to his largest success and audience. Today, millions of viewers on YouTube have enjoyed watching Keith Kalfas do his thing. I would observe that, based on phone calls received, it is clear that Keith is now in the inspiration business!
Keith and I have continued to stay in contact over the years. Keith’s ventures and video topics are far ranging. Along with the endless creation of new videos, Keith also provides marketing services of value to a wide variety of businesses. His energy and drive continue to be inspiring to this day. You can check out some of our video collaborations on our YouTube channel.
We have a working relationship with Keith. We created packages for people who want to get started in the window cleaning business. You can check out the Keith Kits on our website. There are both hand tool and pure water system kits.
From the early years of his window cleaning adventure, it was great to be able to play a small role in helping Keith to be equipped to be the best professional window cleaner that he could be. Keith has experienced amazing levels of success. What basic building blocks can you learn from the window cleaning business to help propel your success in life and in business?
What is your dream? Is your dream to become a YouTube star like Keith Kalfas, to spring board into some other business venture, to run a successful window cleaning service for the length of a career, or is your dream something completely different? Whichever path ventures onto, the experiences in the window cleaning business can help you get to your dreams.
To keep up with Keith, be sure to check out The Keith Kalfas YouTube channel today to see his latest creations. Keith, thanks for letting Detroit Sponge be a part of your journey! Here’s to your continued success.
Are you looking to take the next step on your adventure? Check out our blog and reach out to let me know can Detroit Sponge can help you today! Call our warehouse or email our team.