THIS SHIP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR DECIDED TO CRUISE INTO A BUSINESS OF HIS OWN

           After 13 years in the travel industry, Joe Schlipman has set sail on his newest venture as a small business owner.

            On Aug. 22, the 42-year-old Schlipman launched Window Genie of Miami, an award-winning franchise specializing in residential and light commercial window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Schlipman will serve the greater Miami area from Palmetto Bay to Coral Gables.

            Schlipman built a successful career in the cruise industry, spending his last five years as Operations Director responsible for onboard revenue with the world’s largest cruise line. But a downsizing cost Schlipman his job in 2013. After switching industries, Schlipman was laid off again late last year.

            “I was looking for a new job earlier this year and when I got my last rejection letter from a cruise line, despite being overqualified, I knew at that moment I needed to travel along a different path,” Schlipman said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one in every 10 Americans is self-employed, that equals about 14.6 million people in the U.S. A franchise consultant helped Schlipman identify what type of business would fit him best, but he said it’s crucial for individuals to perform their own due diligence.

“You have to make sure it is the right time,” Schlipman said. “I looked at opening a franchise or small business three years ago, and thankfully, it took me two additional jobs and a few failed job searches to help make up my mind. You can’t succeed unless you are 100 percent committed.”

A proud alumnus of Loyola University of Chicago, Schlipman is understandably chomping at the bit to get started in his bid to become “the brand leader in South Florida when it comes to roof washing, pressure cleaning, window cleaning and window tinting.”

That’s probably no surprise to those who know Schlipman. In an interview with Loyola’s alumni association, he said, “too many times, people can get complacent and just rest on their previous achievements and not continue to push themselves further.”

Expect none of the above from Schlipman, a competitive sort who while at Loyola had a standing racquetball reservation every Tuesday afternoon with one of the Jesuit priests. Schlipman expects Window Genie to make a difference in the South Florida market.

“This industry in South Florida lacks a true sense of customer service and professionalism that one would enjoy in other markets around the country,” Schlipman said. “I am excited to bring my 13 years of knowledge about customer satisfaction in a corporate environment to every home and business that we service.”

The depth and breadth of its services makes Window Genie stand out compared to other competitors. Window Genie is also America’s largest installer of lifetime-guaranteed window film products that help consumers and businesses save on utility bills, reduce glare and fading and improve privacy and aesthetics.

Schlipman, who estimates he has spent about $100,000 in start-up costs, said Window Genie’s innovation is another strong suit, including a new roof washing system in which technicians sometimes don’t even have to step foot on a customer’s roof.

“I’ve been waiting patiently. Once I signed the paperwork I wanted to start immediately,” Schlipman said. “But everything takes time and for good reason, but I couldn’t be more ready to introduce Window Genie to Dade County.”

 

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About Window Genie

Founded in 1994 by Richard Nonelle, Cincinnati-based Window Genie is a national home service franchise specializing in residential and light commercial window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing and gutter cleaning. Additional services in select markets include gutter re-securing, roof washing, solar panel cleaning, holiday light instillation, dryer vent cleaning and more, visit www.windowgenie.com. Window Genie currently operates with over 90