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Category Archive: Tips

  1. Growing Through Challenge; How the Estevez Family Came to Houston North West

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    The global pandemic caused many people and families to pivot all over the globe. For Jorge Estevez and his family, that pivot brought them into a new business, in a new country, with a new access to a life and lifestyle where their values of family, adventure, the great outdoors and teamwork define their every day – and their vision for their future. 

    Hailing from Mexico City, where Jorge was previously a hotel manager, it had been years where the Estevez family had considered making some kind of move to make their love of an outdoor lifestyle—time in nature, bicycling as a family, and camping—a greater part of their day to day. The vastness of Mexico City made those activities slightly out of reach – and with a full-on schedule inside the hospitality industry, Jorge found himself wanting something more for the whole family. 

    In 2020 when the global pandemic first started showing its ripple effects in every country, and into different industries, Jorge started thinking more intently about making a move to the USA; specifically to start a business. Being 45 at the time with two young kids and a very supportive wife, Belen, encouraging him to take the leap, Jorge sensed this was his chance to chase a dream of being an entrepreneur. Some time in research about where to start a business, contact with franchise experts and one big move later, the family landed in Texas – and launched their Houston North West franchise.

    Among all the franchises the Estevez family explored, Shack Shine stood out as the business for them because of how much potential there was in learning and becoming masters of the services, and getting to pour their care into peoples’ homes. And, because they saw how they could cultivate the life and lifestyle they really wanted while running the business; where time outside and adventuring as a family was as much of a priority as growing a successful franchise.

    All of that in mind, the transition into entrepreneurship—a new business, a new city, a new country—held ample challenges. Challenge, in their words, that has made them all stronger; where they have watched their hard work, focus and dedication turn into a real, thriving business that they live and breathe.

    So – what’s the future of Shack Shine Houston North West? Growing bigger, continuing to get stronger as a team, and making their franchise the best detailing option for their community. That – and more time on their bikes, meals filled with good food and great people, and quality time with their loved ones. If that’s not living the entrepreneurship dream, we don’t know what is.

  2. A Business Built For People to Thrive

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    It was people—more specifically, people being treated well—that sparked Caleb Schutter’s entrepreneurial journey. What he learned along the way? Creating incredible employee AND customer experiences doesn’t happen by mistake. What made the difference and got him closer to his vision of a people-centric business where everyone thrives? Finding the right franchise fit.

    The beginnings were simple. In Caleb’s words:

    “I saw a lot of people in the area not treating their employees very well. And I thought ‘Hey, let’s start up a business that actually looks at the front line guys and can take care of them and have a two-way relationship.’ 

    A couple of side hustles and attempts at intentional small businesses later, Caleb found himself stumped, bumping up against knowing how to create the systems he needed to start a business well. It might not be everyone’s next thought after countless hours of self-teaching and attempts at sorting out the details, but in this case, Caleb’s lightbulb moment was ‘Let’s look at a franchise!’

    The established (and successful) systems of a franchise answered the ‘How am I going to do this?’ question – and armed Caleb with the skills and confidence to kick off his business ownership and get opened ASAP. And why Shack Shine? It was the perfect pairing of Caleb’s past experience—moving water and air for manufacturing companies where some of the processes he was responsible for involved cleaning—and his desire to launch and grow his business inside a proven set of systems, with the support of incredible coaches and subject matter experts available to help when the need arises.

    Learning that Caleb’s a big people person (chalk it up, in part, to his time in sales in corporate America where he was a constant contact + support system for his customers from beginning to end), he’s most excited about the team he’s going to build. That, and bringing Shack Shine into more homes and more home-maintenance plans and budgets across West Michigan. He’s got all the local Shack Shine businesses in mind: 

    “If I’m doing well, then I know Ann Arbor over on the east side is going to do fantastic, and the guys down in Chicago are going to do great too. A rising tide raises all boats.”

    While Michigan has its reputation for being on the cold (read: really cold) side of things through part of the year, West Michigan has some unique quirks that set it apart. Like: 

    Did you know it’s got a ‘Medical Mile’ that’s known for medical manufacturing (in fact, the yellow stretchers used by the NFL for injured players are made right in Kalamazoo!). 

    And, Kalamazoo is also the beer capital of the world with the most microbreweries in one town!

    There’s more to the area—obviously—yet when it comes to random facts that could win you a question or two in Jeopardy, you’ve got these two facts in your backpocket! (Caleb says ‘You’re welcome!’)

    Outside his Grand Rapids Shack Shine business, Caleb’s passion for people extends to his family of four; where active living, soccer, other side businesses and a personal practice in jiu jitsu make up time he spends solo and with his wife and kids. ANd inside? He’s shooting to be the best business owner and employer he can be – and to take his business beyond one city; aiming to serve all the way from Kalamazoo to Traverse City. 

    Looking for a great team to grow your own career with? Or, seeking some home services in the Grand Rapids and surrounding area? Reach out to Caleb and his team here – and be sure to say hey if you see him out on the soccer field when the weekend rolls around!

  3. A Lifetime of Entrepreneurship, A Legacy for the Future

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    For some entrepreneurs, business ownership is a lifetime, and a lifelong, career and pursuit. Marcio Benedetti is one of those business owners; someone who’s been in ownership and operation for a large part of his life. When it comes to his current business—his Shack Shine business currently serving Orlando South—he’s got a ceiling from his previous business along with a vision of leaving a meaningful legacy for his daughters to thank as the catalyst for helping him find and pursue the magic of being a Shack Shine franchise partner.

    When we say ‘lifetime business owner’, we mean it; Marcio has been a self-made entrepreneur since about 13 years old. Drawn to the challenge of business ownership and with a sincere enjoyment in every aspect of business—customers, employees, marketing, operations—Marcio approaches his customers with a focus on treating them like family; a core tenant to all his businesses – Shack Shine inclusive.

    Finding Shack Shine was part timing-, part chance-, and part change-fuelled. Shortly after moving his family to Orlando, Florida (after living in Washington, DC for 11 years), Marcio didn’t sense he was in the space, or that it was the time, to grow his cleaning company.  Since there was so much change already afoot, he knew whatever he did next he’d need a sense of support to make it happen. Accessing a system where sales, marketing and overall support were all in one place fit the bill very nicely.

    One of the ways Marcio wanted, and has been able, to leverage the franchise model is around growth. Scaling—while a challenge in his previous cleaning business—has been able to happen fast – which he credits to franchising. And a big draw to Shack Shine? Its relationship to 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s tenure and stellar systems.

    Beyond the great brand recognition and reliable and proven systems, Marcio’s experience in home flipping and renovations gave him exposure to the home detailing industry – making Shack Shine a relevant business to his professional expertise. Yet, the biggest draw to the business wasn’t any of those reasons – but the magic around this business. In Marcio’s words:

    ‘Offering something simple but making it exceptional for the customer…that really spoke to me.’ 

    Since moving to Orlando, Marcio and his family have learned a lot about the area. One thing that stands out? How much pride people take in their homes, and how many opportunities there are to help them bring out the best in their exterior home care – no matter the season. Marcio even made sure to note how excited the Christmas light season gets him!

    He’s in it to keep up his lifetime journey of entrepreneurship alive, to serve his customers with a feeling of family, and to focus on family outside the business itself; Marcio’s out to create a meaningful legacy for his two daughters: something they can be proud of. 

    It’s been a thrill to watch Marcio grow his business since it launched in 2021 – and we can’t wait to see what he does with it in the years to come!

  4. A Well-Timed Leap Into A Long Time Goal; How Houston West Landed Their Own Shack Shine

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    The idea got planted in California, and the business got built in Texas. That’s the beauty of friends starting new, exciting chapters, and you starting one too…in a whole other state and city. Because if the Shack Shine franchise in San Diego was freshly launched – that didn’t mean that Texas wasn’t primed and ready for a franchise of its own, right? Right.

    It wasn’t that simple – yet that’s the story of Max Peon and the Houston Shack Shine. Well part of it, at least. 

    The stars aligned when a friend introduced Max to Shack Shine: he was at the precipice of a personal transition (a move to Texas), with a career’s worth of experience in helping other people build companies, and a healthy sense of urgency in chasing a lifelong dream of starting his own business.

    After learning about Shack Shine, Max reached out to the franchising team to see what the possibilities in his prospective territory looked like. At the time, the franchise in that area was taken; someone had paid for it and was just about to move to open the business. Slightly disappointed but still curious about other business ownership opportunities, Max continued looking for other options. Then, an unexpected message landed in his inbox: the move didn’t go through, and the franchise in his specific territory was freshly available.

    Building his own business delivers on a longtime desire to do for himself what he spent years doing for other people: bringing his expertise and experience in systems and processes (an Engineer by trade, he’s got this skill dialled) to build thriving businesses. With a career’s worth of experience offering his skills to others, he’s ready to see his focus and attention to detail show up in the kind of business, kind of community and kind of team he can build on his own. His version of success? Putting in the hard work and reflecting on the goals he’s able to achieve along the way. 

    Landing in Houston’s West side, Max has found himself establishing his community and his business surrounded by people just like him; families with family homes that they care for and care about. The community’s got major growth potential – meaning so does the families he can support in caring for their properties.

    Beyond working to grow and expand his business, Max is in pursuit of a life filled with movement, family, and friends. He’s living into a purpose of helping people and finding ways to bring his skills and passion for how processes can make life—and business—flow with so much ease, enjoyment, and space to expand into.

  5. Customer Service and Community; Aaron Kaufman’s Focused on People

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    Who would know the value of training and operations in making a business run, and grow, smoothly? A Training and Operations expert, of course. Aaron Kaufman is an owner of a Shack Shine franchise in North East Atlanta and he’s bringing a seasoned career in customer service, training, and operations to his freshly-launched business. 

    What does that mean for homeowners in North East Atlanta? Well-trained teams, seamless communication, and service experiences that aim to exceed expectations; that’s the kind of business that requires 17 years of corporate knowledge, skills and abilities (coupled with a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship!) can create.  

    The leap into business ownership and entrepreneurship came at a time when Aaron was looking for something more. After 17 years in the insurance industry, crossing over from customer service to operations and into training, he had outpaced his growth potential (in his words!) and was looking for a new challenge and a different adventure. Knowing the immense power of stellar systems and brand recognition that comes with purchasing a franchise, he saw the route as the perfect blend of autonomy in entrepreneurship to help navigate his journey into ownership. 

    Working with a Franchise Broker, he found Shack Shine and knew his community was a perfect fit for a business focused on services to help homeowners take thoughtful, season-less care of their homes. The Northeast Atlanta metro area—specifically Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, and Suwanee—is rich in natural beauty with ample greenspace, trees and parks – and that beauty is reflected in the beautiful homes and neighborhoods in the area, with homeowners keen to take quality care of their homes.

    Aaron’s got a long term vision for bringing great experiences to his community in the years to come; to create a business that’s rooted in longstanding relationships with his team members, customers. While growing his business and his team, he’s also excited to continue expanding his personal pursuits; travelling with his wife, spending quality family time with their two pets, and further exploring his creative outlet—performing and producing music for local artists!.

    By the sounds of it, Aaron’s taking this opportunity of business ownership to see all the ways he can bring his vision to life – and we sure can’t wait to watch his journey.

    Welcome to the Shack Shine family, Aaron!

  6. Eduardo’s Shiny Path to a Bright Future

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    We all have a different vision for what we do when we wrap up our individual working worlds and step into retirement. Similarly, we’ve all got different paths to that place; and for Eduardo Barajas and his family, the road to their vision and version of retirement is fuelled by their Shack Shine franchise serving the Western communities of Austin, Texas. 

    While lots of owners consider launching their businesses as a way to step into their entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations, Eduardo’s pursuit of becoming a franchise partner and owning his own Shack Shine business wasn’t his first foray into leading a business. Previously, he was the CEO of his own accounting firm – meaning his business ownership toolkit was well-stocked when him and his family first started their search for a franchise to purchase that would not only fit their life and lifestyle, but fuel their vision for their future. 

    Landing on a YouTube video about Shack Shine as they were exploring franchise options, they were incredibly impressed with what they saw. As they dug deeper into the ownership experience, they connected the dots: Eduardo’s business experience, coupled with the systems & support of the Shack Shine franchise team came together as an incredible opportunity. Full of space to be creative, resources to help and support customers at a high level, and the chance to start a new, exciting business.

    Austin West landed a new home services company, led by Eduardo and supported by an incredible team of technicians. His aim is to bring stellar service to his community, continue to grow his Austin West team and expand into further communities, with the goal of creating a retirement for himself and his wife. And, to do all that while making space for living now; taking every chance he gets to spend time with his wife and creating memories that last today – and into the years that come!

    Learn more about the communities Eduardo’s team is supporting here.

  7. Trusting His Timing; A Marketing Executive Takes An Entrepreneurial Leap

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    Statistically speaking, the majority of our Franchise Partners don’t initially consider franchising when they start looking into business ownership opportunities. That, however, was not the case with Craig Sanderson. As a marketing professional, he had worked with owners in the franchising world throughout his career and had always been intrigued by the opportunity to build a business with existing brand strength and start-up support.

    Craig knew franchising was his ticket into entrepreneurship and, hes taken the leap as a Shack Shine Franchise Partner in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada since 2021.

    While building his career in the corporate world, the multidimensional and multi-responsibility nature of entrepreneurship was of deep curiosity to Craig. Supporting business owners, entrepreneurs and franchise owners, he was intrigued by their day-to-day; how they moved between customer service conversations to marketing strategy to finances – the prospect of jumping between tasks always excited him. He saw that same opportunity as a chance to challenge his own skillset, and so started a nearly 10-year search for the right opportunity to step into business ownership.

    The time in his search served him well. While Craig found different potential businesses along the way, he never felt fully aligned; whether it was the focus of the business itself, the culture or something else. When the ShackShine opportunity crossed his lap(top)/inbox, he knew he was ready: he was happy and confident with the amount of experience he’d gained from the corporate world, and felt like he had lots of time to continue to learn and grow in business. In his words: ‘I was right on the sweet spot.’

    Shack Shine hit home for Craig as a ‘perfect customer’ himself; a busy professional with a full work and family life, who knew (and knows!) the value and importance of house detailing, yet lacked the equipment or skill to do it well. And he knows he’s not the only one; he sees a whole demographic of people looking to offload this particular kind of service, and a massive market gap for the service itself.

    Now two years into business ownership, Craig is thriving as a leader invested in the people in and supporting his business; team members, customers, and the franchise development team.  This opportunity really opens the door for different relationships and stakeholders. His business supports the Ottawa area, where he grew up and returned to shortly before launching his franchise.

    His reminder for anyone visiting or living in Ottawa: remember not to take the history for granted that’s entwined within the city! It’s a town with something for everyone; whether you seek access to the outdoors or are an avid sports-lover like Craig. Sure, the winters are intense, yet it’s a place you can pursue something you’re passionate about—whether that’s filling a market gap with an exciting franchise opportunity like Craig did, or seasonless access to sporting life like his family—all year long. 

  8. How to Select the Best Window Cleaning Company

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    When it comes to keeping your windows spotless and your home looking its best, choosing the right window cleaning company is key. Let’s be honest: we’ve all typed ‘best window cleaning company near me’ into a search bar, only to be overwhelmed by options. It’s important to find a service that’s professional, reliable, and fits your needs – but how should you do that?

    Here’s some helpful tips on how to select the best professional window cleaning service for your home. Whether you need residential window cleaning or a full-service window cleaner and gutter cleaning package, we’ve got the advice you need to make the right choice.

    When looking for local window cleaning services, one of the first things to check is the company’s experience. A well-established company that specializes in professional window cleaning will know how to handle all types of windows, from traditional to more complex designs. Whether you’re dealing with high windows or delicate frames, you want to make sure you’re hiring someone who has the know-how to deliver quality results.

    A company with years of experience (like Shack Shine!) is more likely to give you that sparkling, streak-free finish you’re after. So, when searching for window cleaning services, take a close look at how long the company has been in business and what kind of residential window cleaning services they offer.

    One of the best ways to find the best window cleaning company is by checking out customer reviews and testimonials. It’s always a good idea to choose a company with a consistent track record of happy clients. Check out on our website some of our hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers here?

    Safety is a big deal when it comes to window cleaning — especially for those hard-to-reach windows on upper floors. That’s why it’s important to make sure the company you choose is fully insured. A professional window cleaning company should carry both liability insurance and worker’s compensation to protect you and their employees.

    Not all window cleaning methods are created equal. You’ll want to ask about the techniques and products a company uses to clean your windows. If you have specific concerns — such as wanting to avoid harsh chemicals — be sure to bring that up. A professional window cleaning company should be happy to explain their process and ensure that the products they use are safe for your family, pets, and landscaping.

    Price is always a consideration, but it’s important to choose the best cost-benefit for you. When you’re looking at quotes from different companies, be sure to ask what’s included in their service. Does the price cover inside and outside window cleaning, screens, sills, and tracks? Or will there be additional charges for these extras?

    Some companies like Shack Shine offer house detailing services in addition to window cleaning, such as pressure washing or gutter cleaning, which could be a convenient way to bundle tasks and save time.

    You want a window cleaning company that makes the process simple and hassle-free from start to finish. When selecting a company, see how easy it is to get a quote, schedule a service, and communicate with them. Some companies offer online booking or phone consultations, making it super convenient to arrange your cleaning.

    Check here how often you need window washing services.

    Choosing the right window cleaning company doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping these tips in mind — checking their experience, reading reviews, ensuring they’re insured, and asking the right questions — you can find a company that will leave your windows gleaming and your home looking brand new again. 

    At Shack Shine, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional window cleaning services with a smile. If you’re looking for a team that’s professional, reliable, and ready to make your windows shine, we’re here to help!

  9. What Do Professional Window Cleaning Services Include?

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    Imagine this: you’re gazing out of your crystal-clear window, soaking in the beauty of your garden or the street beyond. The sunlight streams in, and everything looks brighter, fresher, and more inviting. That’s the magic of professionally cleaned windows! When you bring in a professional window cleaning service, it’s not just about the glass looking good – it’s about giving you a whole new, shiny perspective. But what’s included in a professional window cleaning service?

    A professional window cleaning service like Shack Shine doesn’t just show up with a bucket of suds and a squeegee. We start with an inspection, identifying the type of windows you have, any trouble spots (we’re looking at you, mildew and water stains), and deciding the best method to achieve that pristine, streak-free shine. This step ensures that no pane (or pain) is left untreated.

    One of the most common misconceptions is that window cleaning only involves wiping down the outside of your windows. A residential window cleaning service will typically clean both the interior and exterior of your windows. This means no matter where you’re standing inside your home, you’ll have a clear view to admire.

    Our exterior window cleaning service takes care of dirt, bird droppings, and anything else that the elements throw your way. Inside, we handle fingerprints, dust, and those mystery smudges that you can’t quite explain.

    Forget the paper towels and vinegar solution. When you hire a professional window cleaning service, you get access to top-of-the-line tools and cleaning solutions that are designed to give your windows a sparkle that lasts. This includes high-reach water-fed poles, microfiber cloths, and streak-free cleaning solutions that won’t damage your windows. Got some hard-to-reach windows? No worries – we’ve got ladders and extendable equipment that will handle those second-story windows.

    Professional window cleaners are trained to spot potential issues, whether it’s damaged seals, cracks in the glass, or mineral buildup. While we can’t promise to fix your window’s structural problems, we’ll let you know if we spot something that needs attention.

    It’s not all about the glass. Over time, your window frames and sills can collect dirt, dust, and even mould. A thorough residential window cleaning service will clean these areas too, ensuring that your entire window – not just the transparent bits – looks spotless.

    While window cleaning is our bread and butter, many professional companies, Shack Shine included, offer window cleaning, power washing, and more services. If you’re looking to spruce up more than just your windows, this is where things get exciting. Power washing can make your home’s exterior (including siding, driveways, and patios) look as fresh as the day you moved in. So, if you’re in the market for a full-on home exterior revival, bundling these services together is a smart move.

    Check here how often you need window washing services.

    When you search for “window cleaning near me” or “professional window cleaning”, you’re not just looking for someone to wipe down your windows. You’re investing in a service that enhances the look of your home, protects your windows from long-term damage, and ensures you have a crystal-clear view of the world outside. So, whether it’s a quick touch-up or a full window and power washing combo, leave the ladder in the garage and let Shack Shine handle the rest.

  10. How Often Do You Need Window Washing Services?

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    At Shack Shine, we’re all about helping your home look its best – and sparkling windows are a big part of that. Clean windows not only make your house look amazing from the outside, but also let in tons of natural light, brightening every room and giving your space that happy feeling. But how often should you book professional window cleaning? We’re here to help you determine the best schedule for your home’s needs.

    When deciding how often you should schedule window cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Personal Preference: Hey, we’re all different, and some people just love the look of crystal-clear windows all year round. If you’re someone who enjoys bright, sunny views and lots of natural light, you might want to get your windows cleaned every 2-3 months to keep them looking flawless.
    • Location: If you live in a busy urban area or near a highway, your windows might pick up more dirt and grime from pollution and car exhaust. Homes near the coast? Saltwater can leave a residue that calls for more frequent cleanings. And if your house is surrounded by trees, you may notice more pollen, sap, or even bird droppings on your windows.
    • Weather Conditions: The weather plays a big role in how quickly your windows get dirty. If you’re in an area with lots of rain, snow, or wind, you might need to clean your windows more often because water spots, dust, and debris can build up fast. In these climates, scheduling cleanings more regularly helps keep your home looking its best.

    At Shack Shine, we suggest scheduling professional window cleaning at least twice a year for most homes, and every 3 to 4 months for homes in a busy city or somewhere with more extreme weather conditions. This helps keep your windows sparkling without letting buildup become a problem. Keep in mind that you’ll want to ensure you do the interior of your windows about every second visit too or else your windows won’t shine through.

    • Better Results – Sure, you could clean your windows yourself, but there are a few great reasons to let the pros handle it! Our trusted and professional window cleaning technicians come equipped with the right tools to safely and effectively clean windows at any height, including those hard-to-reach spots. Plus, they know how to get those streak-free results that can be tricky to achieve with DIY efforts.
    • Time Savings – We also believe your time is precious, which is why we take care of your window cleaning so you can focus on doing what you love. Instead of spending your Saturday with a bucket of water and a squeegee, let Shack Shine handle the dirty work. We’ll come in, get the job done, and can even take care of other tasks while we’re there.
    • Safety – Climbing up on a ladder is not for everyone. Our team members are well-trained and have extra long ladders and water fed poles to make safety a top priority.
    • Natural (UV) Light – The more clean you can get your windows, the more light you’ll get in your home – and studies have shown a positive correlation between sunlight and productivity, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing (National Institute of Health).  Believe it or not, all that extra sunlight streaming in can also help warm up your home naturally, which might even save you a little on heating costs. 

    We offer a full range of window cleaning and power washing services to give your home an all-around refresh. From exterior window cleaning to a complete house detailing, we’ve got everything you need to leave your home sparkling and your weekend free for more enjoyable things!

    So whether you’re just looking for window cleaning or want a full exterior overhaul, we’re here to help keep your home looking shiny and beautiful all year round.

    Extends the Lifespan of Your Windows

    Clean windows do wonders for your home! Regular residential window cleaning not only boosts curb appeal and fills your rooms with natural light, but also extends the life of your windows, by protecting them from things like hard water stains or dirt buildup that can wear them down over time. Some debris can even cause etching and degrading to the glass or trims; given the price of replacement, it can be more economical to take care of the windows you have.