And there was another important marketing tool that was always on the road — the van.

The sign-written van became a mobile advertisement for the business, generating enquiries from people who saw it while it was working, parked at the supermarket or simply driving around locally.

Business cards kept in the van made it easy to turn those conversations into potential customers.

But ultimately, recommendations have remained the strongest source of new work.

Family groups and referrals have become particularly valuable because customers who have actively sought out a reliable regular window cleaner tend to stay for years.

Growing alongside Squeegee

Crystal Clean Windows started using Squeegee around 2019, after its first year in business.

Initially, an Apple Calendar was enough to manage the work. But as the customer base grew, it became clear that something more powerful was needed.

Squeegee grew alongside the business, helping take care of many of the everyday jobs that become increasingly time-consuming as a cleaning business gets bigger.

One of the biggest benefits has been being able to quickly answer customer questions.

“When are you next due?”

With Squeegee, that information is immediately available.

Automated invoicing and sending invoices have also helped keep the workflow efficient, while quotes can be sent to customers and then converted into jobs once they're accepted.

Saving time on the small things

As the business became busier, small repetitive tasks started to become a much bigger drain on time. One example was sending customers a message the night before their appointment.

Initially, this meant copying and pasting a message, changing the customer's name and sending it manually.

That worked when the business was smaller.

It didn't work so well as the customer list grew.

Squeegee's automated messaging meant this could be done much more efficiently.

“Sending out texts the night before with the click of a single button has been really good.”

It's a good example of how technology doesn't necessarily need to transform the entire business to make a difference. Sometimes, simply removing a repetitive task can make a busy working day considerably easier.

A true family business

In 2020, the business became a family operation when his wife joined.

She took on the administration and organisation of the work, while the family worked together in the van. His son joined the team, followed later by his daughter.

Customers responded positively to the family approach, and being a genuine family-run business became another part of Crystal Clean Windows' identity.

The family team has evolved over time. His daughter has recently moved away, while another son has now joined the business.

Today, Crystal Clean Windows is preparing for another significant step forward.

Two vans and the next stage of growth

The business has recently been accepted for finance on a second van, complete with another Xline Systems installation.

The plan is for his two sons to operate the new van, while he continues working from the existing van. For Crystal Clean Windows, the second van isn't simply about taking on more customers.

It's about creating flexibility.

Lost working days can have a significant impact on annual turnover, particularly in a business where income depends on getting out and completing the work. A second van creates the opportunity to catch up when days are lost and to carry out additional work alongside regular window cleaning.

It also provides another way to deal with the shorter daylight hours during winter.

Most importantly, it's about finding a better balance between growth, work and family life.

“A big chance to get a better work life balance and a chance to reset to work and life load.”

Steady growth, built around family and customers

Crystal Clean Windows' story isn't one of overnight success.

It's a story of slow, steady growth — starting with a van, some equipment, a handful of customers and a lot of hard work.

From hand-delivered leaflets and door knocking to social media, recommendations and a sign-written van, the business has continually adapted as it has grown.

Squeegee has been part of that journey since the early days, helping Crystal Clean Windows move away from manual administration and manage an increasingly busy operation more efficiently.

Now, with a second van and the next generation joining the business, Crystal Clean Windows is entering its next chapter.

And the goal remains the same: keep delivering great service, look after the customers who helped build the business and grow at a pace that works for the family.

YouTube Alongside growing his business, Robert has also built a loyal following on his YouTube channel

With more than 1,500 subscribers, Robert shares the honest reality of working in the window cleaning industry — from the ups and downs of running a business to cleaning motivation, expert advice and practical, real-world insights from the trade.

Beyond the Glass gives viewers an authentic look behind the scenes, sharing the experiences, challenges and lessons that come with building a successful window cleaning business.