Have you ever seen pictures of a window cleaner suspended on a skyscraper working across a wall of glass, seemingly hanging mid-air? It looks both exhilarating and terrifying, like riding the double loop on a roller coaster. At least three times per year, Bill Herzog of Herzog Window Maintenance cleaned the Metropolitan Tower, a skyscraper in downtown Seattle. Hanging over 400 feet up in the air, Bill relied on his expertise in rigging and rope protocols from years of mountain climbing to set up his own gear and check on others. Fortunately, in two decades of window washing Herzog has never had a fall or broken a single bone.
Bill is a safety expert when it comes to being roped in for a job. When climbing at Joshua Tree National Park he pioneered some new climbing routes that were added to guide books of the era.
Bill has been cleaning windows his entire adult life. Born in California, he moved to the Northwest to start a new church in Monroe, Washington. While being a youth pastor called him to Washington state, his desire to work with his hands outdoors kept him here. Herzog worked for a King County window cleaning company for 16 years. He often had to sign confidentiality agreements while cleaning the windows of high profile Seattle residents, promising not to disclose what was seen on the other side of the glass.
Bill loved his job but the daily commute to Seattle was taking a toll. His life in Olympia was full and too robust for a move up north. In a casual conversation with a friend who owned a landscaping business, the friend encouraged Bill to start his own business. Bill had some misgivings about the viability of a window cleaning company in Thurston County. However, in January 2014, Bill obtained a business license and has never missed a day of work since. Fortunately the area was in desperate need of window cleaning and roof maintenance. Clean windows bring in the light and Thurston County residents value the sunshine streaming into their homes and businesses.
Bill graduated from Fullerton College with an Associate of Arts degree in business and studied fine arts as well. He credits his mother for enrolling him in an art class when he was struggling in math. He enjoyed art immediately and took classes in oil painting, clay and sculpture. “There is an artistry to window cleaning – a style and rhythm to it,” says Bill. The combination of his skills in art and rock climbing make window cleaning a perfect fit for him. Bill enjoys the physicality of cleaning windows. It is the “cream of the crop” in terms of physical labor jobs.
Glass has become a preferred building material in the northwest. Glass is airtight, watertight and allows the gorgeous views of the area to shine. As a sole proprietor, Bill is in high demand and is now hiring an employee to share his days outside working with their hands. “Window cleaning has given me a great life,” shares Herzog. “Every day has a sense of completion and I go home satisfied that my clients will appreciate the results.” Bill is looking for someone who is hard working, motivated and wants to be trained for a career in the quick paced job of window cleaning.
“So often the trades are overlooked,” he says. The needs of the workforce have dramatically changed in most areas. “My field hasn’t changed.” The Pacific Northwest weather dictates that some months of his year are spent power washing and cleaning roofs and gutters. A roof represents a significant investment in a home and keeping it well maintained can increase its lifespan and result in cost savings over time.
Bill and Tammy, his wife of 26 years, have contributed greatly to the running community in the area. Bill helped start Club Oly Road Runners. He has served as the race director for several area runs including the Donut Dash, Run Like a Fool and Turn Back the Clock which raises much needed funds for area Track and Field teams.
For more information on Herzog Window Maintenance or a free quote call Bill Herzog at 360-790-7078 or email him at wilhelmherzog@yahoo.com.
