Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Kim.
Jeff, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“Back in 2007, I was tired of the corporate world, being confined to a cubicle all day. I spent many years in the IT field and every job I had, the company paid you barely enough so you don’t quit. I finally got fed up and decided to take a huge risk and start my own business. I didn’t want to go the “brick and mortar” because of the huge capital needed and very few retail stores succeed or make a profit until their firth year!
So I decided the business I have to open would be something in the service industry, low start-up cost, yet profitable to earn not a decent living but one that could actually afford me the lifestyle I was seeking.
I suddenly decided commercial/residential window cleaning, but soon realized there was not much money in commercial window cleaning. Hence, I decided to concentrate on residential home window cleaning and after 8 years in the business I have established enough clientele where I no longer have to pay for google AD Clicks or pass out flyers. The vast majority of my business is all word of mouth and that’s the way I like it. I tend to shy away from people I get from Google because many are just looking for the cheapest vendor.
I admit my prices are pretty high and I charge probably more for window cleaning than the competition, but those who know my work, have seen my work, they know I am several steps ahead of the competition. Unlike many of my competitors that use the same old same old, the chemicals I use are very special and I am the only guy on the Northshore who uses high speed buffers as part of the normal window cleaning process to remove all impurities from windows.
You see, people tend to think all window cleaning companies are the same, the only difference is price. I am here to tell you that is the farthest from the truth. I have set myself up to be the best window cleaning company in all of Chicago and I have done so by using the highest quality chemicals, the industry’s best practices, and my proprietary window cleaning solution along with my high speed buffing keeps my windows clean no matter how much it rains. Many of my competitors use scrapers and dish soap which has been used ever since the say window cleaning went mainstream America but using scrapers may be the fastest way to get baked on mineral deposits off the glass, it is also with fabricating debris possibly the fastest way to scratch a customer’s windows. This is why I use high speed buffers because it is not only safe, but it will remove stuff that scrapers cannot for example.
Anyway, I work alone, decided not to hire any laborers so I can maintain the highest quality control my clients’ love my windows and I get tons of complements on how clean they stay.
Bottom line, I wished I would have done this 20 years ago but today I am a different person and the greatest joy of being your own boss is you can make as much money as you want to and today I can afford many luxuries where in the past I was not able to.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the 8 years I have been in business for myself, the first 4 years I would say was a struggle just to get clientele and people calling me. I have also learned that in any business you will always have difficult clients to work for, but the challenge is to keep them happy and keep them coming back for more. I have also struggled to stay organized and I admit I am a great window cleaner and my windows are truly special, but the business end of it I am not the most organized.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with JK Window Cleaning – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Again, I am the owner/president of my own company and I specialize in Window Cleaning only. Most window companies usually offer gutter cleaning, power washing, but I feel the only way to really be great at anything is to just stick to one thing only. I am again the only Window Cleaning Company that can safely remove hard water stains from glass and truly provide windows that not only look clean but actually stay clean. Many competitors boast of clean windows but spending 30 seconds per window pane simply is not going to cut it if you ask me. I normally spend about 10 minutes per window pane because I use high speed buffers that require a lot of prepping before you can apply such methods and the windows after I am dong buffing them will provide a shine that cannot be duplicated by conventional cleaning methods.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have not gone that far but at my age of 51 years, I don’t plan on expanding or hiring a crew. I am happy just working alone and being a master craftsman of my job.
Pricing:
- Basic Clean $10 per window pane- inside/out- includes pre-rinse and regular wash
- Intermediate $15 per window pane inside/out- Includes pre-rinse, degrease, hard pad, regular wash
- Advanced: $30 per window pane- This is my highest solution, includes high speed buffing with buffer
Contact Info:
- Address: JK Window Cleaning
3481 Bradley Court, Highland Park IL 60035 - Website: www.jkwindowcleaning.org
- Phone: 847 770-7665
- Email: jeffreywkim@yahoo.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
