The TRUTH About Starting a Window Cleaning Business in 2026

If you're considering launching your own business—whether it's your first step or an addition to your current venture—this episode is packed with practical advice, real-world stories, and motivation to help you start strong. From knocking on doors and leveraging reviews, to upselling additional services and staying humble no matter how much you grow, Keith Kalfas lays out the blueprint for anyone ready to level up. To be clear, not every hopeful business owner follows this advice from day one. But the ones that do, inevitably find the path leads to growth, satisfaction, and success. We genuinely hope a few of these points get you moving, and help you skip a few of the nastier bumps along the way. Having made hundreds of thousands of dollars in the industry and helped over 10,000 people start their own businesses, Keith Kalfas shares candid stories, actionable strategies, and inspirational advice for anyone ready to level up, pay off debt, and transform their lives.   What You Will Discover:  You'll discover practical strategies like going door-to-door, starting with strip malls and storefronts, getting business cards made, creating a website, and building social proof through reviews and photos.  Tips on upselling services—like gutter cleaning and pressure washing—that can turn small jobs into big paydays, and the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities as your reputation grows. The importance of humility, remembering where you came from, and treating others with respect when you achieve success. Guidance on registering your business, forming an LLC or S-corp, and getting insurance to protect yourself.   "You don't have to suffer anymore. You've gone through enough. You deserve this, and it's going to be really, really hard, but you are worth it." - Keith Kalfas   Topics Covered: 00:00:01 – Welcome & Inspiration Keith Kalfas opens up with his own journey, discussing the potential income available in window cleaning, his viral videos, and the thousands of businesses started thanks to his advice. 00:00:28 – Honest Truth: The Struggle & Reward Learn what makes window cleaning tough—earning high-paying clients, the physical demands, and overcoming frustration. But if you're committed, you'll quickly outshine your competition! 00:01:43 – Keith's Bestseller & Core Strategies Discover Keith's bestselling book "How to Make $500 a Day Cleaning Windows," and why taking action beats waiting for perfection. Register your business, get your LLC/S Corp in order, and invest in insurance. 00:02:46 – First Steps & Marketing Start with strip malls and storefronts, carry business cards, build a website, and collect social proof with 5-star reviews. SEO, photos, and customer permission matter! 00:04:12 – Lessons Learned: What NOT to Do Keith shares tough lessons—why to avoid storm windows, antique homes, and pitfalls from old customer stories. Binge on Keith's videos to sidestep painful mistakes. 00:05:29 – Dealing with High-End Clients & Complex Jobs Navigating cookie-cutter vs. custom luxury homes; beware of costly accidents. Upselling with gutter, pressure washing, and exterior cleaning can transform jobs from hundreds to thousands. 00:07:36 – Growing Pains & Sacrifice As your business grows, learn to say yes more often, manage work-life balance, and hear the real-life sacrifices Keith made to build his business—and keep his marriage strong. 00:09:56 – Communication & Mindset Communication is key (Gary Vaynerchuk advice)—especially with loved ones during your entrepreneurial grind. Nobody's coming to save you; you have to build your future. 00:11:31 – Financial Transformation Stories How window cleaning can repair your credit, pay off debt, and build true wealth—provided you operate legitimately, scale carefully, and manage risk. 00:13:14 – Going All-In & Proactive Living The mindset shift from desperation to mission-driven action. Channel your inner lion and solve problems proactively. 00:17:00 – Embracing Your Identity & Humility From embarrassment to pride—the "window cleaning guy" story. Finding gratitude in your work and remaining humble as you succeed. 00:20:41 – The Emotional Challenge: Ego, Humility & Worth Building a business will break your ego, but you're worthy. Listen to your heart, not just advice. 00:22:23 – Business Level-Up: Pricing & Value Raising prices, qualifying clients, and believing in your worth – Coach Rob's advice to communicate confidently and attract the right clients. 00:24:03 – The Power of Community & Consistency Invest in tools, coaching, and keep momentum strong. Keith's passion and generosity are reflected in how he supports the entrepreneurial community. 00:25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Trust & Let Go Final wisdom: Let go of old identities, trust the process, find mentors, and keep growing.   Key Takeaways Take Action Before You're Ready - Don't wait until you're perfect or fully prepared. Get started, learn as you go, and embrace the fact that you may not be good at first. Momentum is more important than perfection. Get Legal & Insured Early - Register your business, set up an LLC or S-corp, and secure insurance as soon as possible—even if you haven't broken a window yet, accusations can happen and protection is vital. Build Social Proof and Reputation - Create a website, collect five-star reviews, and document your work (with permission). This builds trust and credibility, helping you attract more clients. Start Small, Grow Smart - Begin with strip malls, plazas, and storefronts rather than million-dollar homes. Learn the ropes in less risky environments before moving up. You Are Not "Special"—But You Can Be Successful - Let go of fantasies and realize that success comes from hard work. Embrace being the "window cleaning guy" because it's the path to financial freedom, new opportunities, and gratitude. Know Your Worth - Believe in your value, communicate it with conviction, and customers will respond. Self-worth is key to selling your services confidently and successfully. Stay Humble & Give Back - Even as you achieve your goals, remain humble, remember your roots, and treat others with respect.   Connect with Keith Kalfas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resource Links Jobber CRM Free Trial:  getjobber.com/kalfas. Footbridge Media for Contractors: footbridgemedia.com/Keith Untrapped Alliance Application: keithkalfas.com/alliance   Written and Edited by: Ma. Teresa Catangay-Bardinas