Window Gang enjoys steady growth in its franchise business in 20 states and 1,600 cities.
By Kat Zeman
With more than two decades of experience in the franchising business, Tim McCullen believes he’s developed a system for success. He founded Window Gang in 1986 and started franchising about 10 years later. Today, his nationally recognized exterior cleaning company has more than 200 franchises throughout 20 states and in more than 1,600 cities.
“Starting a new business is risky,” McCullen says. “You have about 82 percent chance of failure. But if you have a reputable franchise, you have an 80 percent chance of making it. Those are pretty good odds.”
The specialty cleaning market is a part of a $40 billion-per-year industry and it’s growing, he adds. Beaufort, N.C.-based Window Gang 
proudly claims higher-than-average net profits, the lowest franchise start-up fees in its industry and a proven marketing strategy. It is a nationally recognized brand and has ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise Top 500 list for more than 15 years.
“I did not start this business to become a franchisor,” McCullen says. “I was the guy in a truck. Not some corporate guy in an office.”
But the company’s rapid growth in the early stages was so explosive that it led McCullen to a crossroads. He had to choose between becoming a regional corporate entity or a franchisor. He decided on the latter, choosing to share the wealth and success with other entrepreneurs.
Investment Costs
The Window Gang wants a few good men – and women. Its ideal franchisee candidate is tired of corporate politics. He or she may be a military veteran or simply a person seeking a new career adventure.
Entrepreneurs that wish to join the Window Gang franchise business must pay a franchisee fee of between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on location. The initial start-up investment ranges between $40,000 and $65,000, also dependent on location. The investment includes supplies, equipment and printed material to kick-start their Window Gang business. This includes software and initial advertising materials for the local market.
The company also charges an ongoing royalty fee of 7 percent of all weekly gross revenues deposited. This covers ongoing support in the form of national account assistance, ongoing testing of processes and procedures, informative weekly emails, in-house graphic art service, 24/7 phone support, periodic visits from support staff and access to its supply distribution center.
Window Gang does not charge an advertising or marketing fee. However, it helps franchisees implement a cost-effective marketing strategy that includes a website, internet advertising, mailers and social networking.
All prospective Window Gang franchisees are required to meet face to face with McCullen and other staff at the national headquarters in Beaufort to make sure that it’s a good fit for both parties.
Once both parties decide to move forward, the franchisee receives one week of field training at the Beaufort headquarters. This includes instructions on cleaning procedures and techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, cleaning solution and application tips, policies and procedures, sales and marketing strategies and bookkeeping and administrative operations. “We teach our franchisees everything they need to know,” McCullen says.
After training, Window Gang uses its national buying power to negotiate pricing for trucks or vans, tools, equipment and advertising materials. The company then assists the franchisee in setting up their office and computer system, organizing their trucks and coming up with a marketing plan.
“We’re a real hands-on franchise owner,” McCullen says, adding that a successful franchisee will grow by 10 percent in revenue annually.
Environmentally Conscious
Window Gang specializes in window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, chimney sweeping, dryer vent cleaning and window tinting for both residential and commercial clients. In addition, the company can handle high-rise window cleaning.
Since its inception, Window Gang has been committed to being environmentally conscious. All of its solutions, sealers and chemicals are biodegradable and eco-friendly. The company believes in providing greener and safer alternatives to its customers. “We find that people are more knowledgeable about chemicals,” McCullen says. “Chemicals are a big deal. People are concerned about them.”
Window Gang’s restoration products are approved by OSHA. In addition, service technicians carry material safety data sheets on each chemical they use.
The company has been affiliated with a number of associations including the International Window Cleaning Association, Power Washers of North America, Cleaning Equipment Trade Association and the National Chimney Sweeping Guild, and it participated in the Wolman Certified Contractor Program. Its certifications include environmentally conscious mobile power washing, cleaning and restoration, chemical cleaning and paint stripping, graffiti removal, water reclamation systems and wood preservatives.
