Window Cleaning Santa & Elves – A1 Orange Cleaning Services
Name: Vickie C. Head
Company: A-1 Orange Cleaning Service
Position: President
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: www.a1orange.com
What type of business do you specialize in?
Started as a window cleaning route company. We specialize in high rise window cleaning and pressure cleaning.
Do you offer any other services?
Multiple other services- Waterproofing, garage restoration, window stain removal, light bulb changing, caulking
How many employees do you have? Do you like it that way?
30 – yes we have been up to 60 before. However, since 2008, we’ve downsized plus we have sold off our routes in smaller markets
How did you start your business?
I am a 3rd generation. My father took over his father’s business. The business has grown and developed over the years.
What is the best new thing you’ve seen in the industry lately?
Waterfed poles, lighter weight
Do you utilize WFP in your business?
yes
What is something you need help with to better serve your customers?
Educating clients that bottom dollar buys you bottom level of service and insurance, and assurances
What do you most like to do in your business?
Business development
Least like to do?
Nothing really, I hated having to let people go when the economy was bad though
Window cleaning elves – Do you work for santa?!
Yes, the children sure thought that they did
Who’s idea was it to clean windows as elves?
Readily available costume and that’s why Santa’s and elves were used. We knew we’d be in costume for the service and with the holidays, we knew the kids would LOVE elves & Santa.
How did the children react to the window cleaners?
They truly loved it. Most of the kids thought they were elves from the north pole.
How did the parents feel about the window cleaners?
Loved that it cheered the kids up.
How did it make you feel to clean the hospital as dressed up characters?
The employees absolutely loved it. I thought it would be a problem to get them to dress up but they did it for 2 weeks!
Which one of your guys played elf the best?
Probably the littlest guy named Luis cuz he is physically small. They all smiled and danced around thoughJ
How jolly were your Santas?
Very jolly.
Whats the best memory you can share about this experience?
All of the workers told me that their best memory was the smile on the kids faces. Also how EVERYONE stopped and took pictures with them.
Coming from me, you know window cleaners are normally just window cleaners there to do a job. This time, they were heros at work and they all loved it!
Heard you guys wore different costumes the rest of the week, what were they?
Santa and elves were rotated.
Any plans for future costume cleanings? Maybe a leprechaun for St. Patricks or the Easter Bunny?
Actually, orange men. Like the blue man group, but orange men due to our company name. We will dress up at children’s hospitals. We plan to dress up for our next service at Arnold Palmer Childrens hospital.
