With a long career in engineering, it’s fair to say that owning a window cleaning business wasn’t the natural next step for Gary Poxon! In this article, Gary tells us how his transferable skills – fused with a burning desire to build a better life for his family – convinced him that joining My Window Cleaner was the right move to make. Gary tells his story.
Like many people my age, I left school when I was 16. From there, I went straight into learning my trade in engineering with a local automotive company, doing just about everything: design engineering, production engineering, leading lean manufacturing departments, you name it.
Over the course of 30 years, I worked my way up to become a senior manager, learning many fantastic skills along the way. However, after my work didn't hold the same importance as before; I finally decided it was time for a change.
Rather than putting all my effort, hard work and long hours into somebody else’s business, I wanted to do something for myself. And if I could bring all that knowledge from the past 30 years to make something better with my own business, it would be perfect.
Keeping it in the family
So, I’ve got nine-year-old twin boys, and I wanted to try and build something for them – something that’s there to help support them if they need anything, or should they perhaps want to join the business in the future. When I decided to go it alone, that was my main motivation. In a time of constant economic uncertainty, I knew I needed to ensure that my family was provided for.
My former father-in-law ran an independent window cleaning business for 15 years. He was a financial advisor previously, so he obviously knew there was money to be made in window cleaning! Several years ago, I had the opportunity to look after that business for a few months when he was unwell, and I absolutely loved it from day one.
The fact that you were your own boss, setting your own hours and off-days, genuinely seeing the potential to grow and make a success of all your efforts massively appealed to me. Most traditional jobs just don't offer this kind of freedom and opportunity.
There are so many additional benefits too: you’re outside and not cooped up all day in a factory or office; it helps keep you physically fit, and there’s definitely no more 6 am – 1 am workdays like I used to do when machinery broke down! All I had to do was step up, put in the hard work, and make the change.
To franchise or not to franchise
A few people said, “why don’t you just start your own window cleaning business from scratch?”
Naturally, I thought about it, but the opportunity to take advantage of the many years of experience a company like My Window Cleaner has. A franchise, supporting you in running and marketing the business. It was just too good to ignore. I knew they were a proven and reputable company with 20 years of experience, they even won franchise awards.
I had money in the bank merely earning 0.1% interest, so I believed it was the right time to put those funds to good use. The investment minimum was affordable compared to many other businesses, and there was third-party funding support to help me out.
Once I opened the door to My Window Cleaner, I spoke to other franchisees in the network. They all said the same thing: “I wish I’d done it years ago.” There were so many positives to take on board when discussing the opportunity with them.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now the owner of My Window Cleaner in Stourbridge. As the only franchisee in the West Midlands area, I have big plans to push forward and grow. But just like my fellow franchisees, I have just one regret and it echoes the others: I wish I’d done it sooner! In fact, franchise units are booming, with nearly 50,000 in the UK, a 10% increase since 2015.
The key to keeping customers happy
I’ve been in many roles where people say, “this customer is so difficult.” But my thoughts are always the same: why?
Nobody wants to be difficult, nobody wants to argue. So as long as you’re open, honest, upfront, telling them the service they’re going to get - when they’re going to get it and how much it really costs - then everybody is happy.
If you continue to deliver quality services to customers, they will stay loyal. And that’s what I have always tried to do the very best for customers.
Taking the plunge
It’s natural to worry and wonder whether you’ll survive your first year – I certainly did – but thanks to the help and support My Window Cleaner offered, I truly felt confident and secure.
True, there are situations such as rising energy bills, causing some people to pull back on spending, but you’ve just got to go for it. Even covid lockdowns could not stop us as we have surpassed customer and revenue goals.
If you only think of the negatives, you will never make the leap and discover just how beneficial owning a franchise is. The risks are minimal, and in the UK, over 90% of franchisees reported earning a profit. This is huge.
Being your own boss and having financial freedom is a life-changer for you and your family. For me, it was the right time to get out there, and this franchise just felt right from the start, thanks to the help of Ian, Dave and Karen at My Window Cleaner HQ.
Just think about it; you could earn £65,000+ within two years of starting your franchise.
There are proven case studies like mine, as well as support, training, and an online portal to guide you through this exciting life change.
Get more information by clicking the "REQUEST INFORMATION" and start your journey.
Grary has certainly been smiling ever since!
Jakob Pii, Point Franchise ©
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