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The recurring revenue engine of a window cleaning franchise

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The recurring revenue engine of a window cleaning franchise

Acquiring customers once is expensive. Keeping them on a clear, predictable cadence is a key advantage for operators. A Squeegee Squad Franchise leans into route-based storefront and commercial work where monthly or bi-monthly service becomes the norm, not the exception. The result is steadier scheduling, tighter routing, and fewer non-billable miles. This playbook explains how the model compounds through territories, training, safety, and systems.

Where the Squeegee Squad comes from and what it stands for

Squeegee Squad began in 1999 when brothers Jack and Joe Ruegsegger started knocking on doors and built a business that now spans residential, commercial, and high-rise work, as well as pressure washing and building restoration. The mission centers on integrity and service, and the vision is to be the world’s best window cleaning organization, with a system designed to help franchise owners serve their communities with professionalism and care.

What defines recurring revenue in storefront and commercial work

High-rise window cleaners suspended on ropes cleaning a glass skyscraper for a commercial window cleaning franchise

Storefront and commercial clients buy clarity and consistency. Retailers and restaurants want entrances that signal “open,” and property managers want lobby glass and atrium glass that never distract from the space’s ambiance. That drives monthly or bi-monthly visits and multi-site agreements that smooth demand. The broader backdrop is also beneficial: the U.S. contract cleaning services market was estimated at $95.66 billion in 2023, with a projected 4.8% CAGR through 2030, a trend that supports ongoing B2B service needs.

Takeaway: A route-based window cleaning franchise creates a built-in schedule that streamlines operations. Predictable cadence is a margin tool.

Territory strategy: how protected territories support route density

Protected territories let owners focus on building clusters instead of defending accounts. Squeegee Squad describes a low-overhead model that can start lean and scale as routes expand, with protected territories to maximize market potential. The operational goal is density. Stack storefronts by block, then add nearby mid-rise or campus work to minimize travel time and maximize production time.

  • Questions to ask: What is the territory’s count of cleanable storefronts within 15 minutes of my base? Where are the 10–20 properties with multi-facade glass nearby?
  • Practical boundary: If a route adds more driving minutes than scrubbing minutes, it hurts utilization.

Pipeline sources → storefront routes plus larger commercial contracts

Squeegee Squad highlights access to large commercial contracts, national facility maintenance company partnerships, alongside local business development. The brand cites work with corporate campuses, hospitals, and sports venues as representative demand channels. On the ground, owners pair steady storefront routes with periodic exterior projects and interior glass programs for office, healthcare, or education.

  • Storefront routes: Typical monthly or bi-monthly service keeps panes clean between seasons.
  • Commercial programs: Lobbies, curtain walls, glass railings, and skylights on planned intervals.
  • Building restoration and pressure washing: Seasonal and project-based work that complements routes.

Why it matters: A mixed pipeline reduces seasonality and evens out weekly hours for crews.

Safety and capability: the license to tackle bigger glass

Safety is non-negotiable. Squeegee Squad provides education on OSHA compliance, best practices, and risk management to protect teams and clients. In the broader industry, OSHA 1910.66 addresses building maintenance, including window cleaning and related equipment requirements. Many building owners and managers also reference the ANSI/IWCA I-14 window cleaning safety standard framework when planning safe access and maintenance procedures.

High-rise demand remains meaningful worldwide. CTBUH recorded an increase in tall-building completions in 2023, which underscores the ongoing need for glass maintenance in major cities.

Training and systems: onboarding, field support, and Squadware

New owners receive comprehensive training that covers service techniques, sales, customer management, safety protocols, employee recruitment, completing large RFP’s for national accounts, and business operations. Ongoing support includes direct access to the founders, expert field support, business & sales coaches, safety trainers, a peer network, and marketing guidance tailored to local territory conditions.

Technology matters. Squeegee Squad’s proprietary Squadware™ system streamlines scheduling, invoicing, and client communication, helping owners organize routes, reduce missed visits, and maintain predictable cycles.

  • Estimating discipline: Use historical time-on-glass by pane count and height category to refine bids.
  • Route planning: Prioritize density. Re-sequence when traffic or construction changes optimal paths.
  • Customer rhythm: Lock cadence in writing. Monthly and bi-monthly storefronts stabilize crews.

Startup inputs: equipment, entry costs, and scaling

The brand outlines a scalable model with minimal equipment to start and the ability to add capacity as routes grow. Investment details, fees, and terms are summarized publicly, with full breakdowns provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Item Details (brand-published) Source
Estimated initial investment $69,525 to $235,550 FAQ
Franchise fee $50,000 to $120,000 FAQ
Minimum liquid capital $69,525 Opportunity
Royalty Sliding scale, 8% to 4% of gross revenues FAQ
Advertising fee 1% of gross revenues (brand-published) FAQ
Brand marketing fund Sliding scale, 2% to 1% of gross revenues FAQ
Agreement term 15 years, with five-year renewal options FAQ

Note: For a complete breakdown of costs and requirements, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) supplied by the brand.

Cross-sell add-ons: gutters, pressure washing, restoration

High-rise wall cleaning by a trained worker from a pressure washing franchise

Squeegee Squad positions owners to expand into pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and building restoration. These services complement window cleaning by addressing surrounding surfaces and can fill seasonal gaps.

  • Sequence: Build predictable storefront and commercial routes first, then add pressure washing to the same stops.
  • Pricing discipline: Bundle for a single mobilization fee and separate line items for glass, frames, and adjacent surfaces.
  • Quality control: Add post-service photos to Squadware™ records to reduce callbacks and document condition.

KPIs to track for a route-based window cleaning franchise

  • Route density: Jobs per route hour and miles per billable hour.
  • Visit frequency mix: Percent of monthly versus bi-monthly storefronts.
  • Churn: Accounts lost per quarter and reasons logged.
  • Average ticket: By segment, storefront versus commercial.
  • Bid win rate: Wins divided by qualified proposals, with time-on-glass accuracy checks.
  • Safety leading indicators: Training completion, equipment inspections, and incident-free days.

Owner support: what the brand publishes

The brand cites hands-on training, operational guidance, marketing and B2B development help, and direct access to founders, business & sales coaches, and experienced operators. Technology support centers on Squadware™ for scheduling, billing, and client communication. Safety support includes OSHA compliance education and risk management resources.

Testimonial snapshot

“I joined Squeegee Squad because of the repeat business model and the demand for these services in my area. The initial training was hands-on and business-focused, giving me a quick start. The ongoing support has been strong, and they’re always looking for ways to help my business grow.”

Nick Levens – Franchise Owner | Northern MN

Buyer FAQs

How often should storefronts be cleaned?

Monthly or bi-monthly is common in retail and restaurant settings to keep entrances consistently clear. Confirm frequency in writing to protect the route rhythm.

What affects frequency?

Foot traffic, frontage exposure, climate, and nearby construction. Increase cadence when pollen, salt spray, or dust spikes.

What’s in a bid?

Pane count and access method, interior versus exterior scope, time-on-glass assumptions, travel time, and frequency. For larger properties, include lobby glass, atrium glass, skylights, and glass railings as separate line items.

Putting it together: territories + cadence = durable scheduling

Squeegee Squad aligns protected territories, route-based storefronts, and commercial programs with training, safety education, and a proprietary operating system. The combination favors consistent schedules and cleaner unit economics. If you want a window cleaning franchise that pairs recurring routes with capability to expand into pressure washing and restoration, the brand’s published model and support stack are built for that path.

Sources