New window washing business opens
Lynne Lynch/Columbia Basin Herald<br> Joe Erickson reaches high to wash a window at Inland Auto Center in Moses Lake.
MOSES LAKE — Joe Erickson’s window washing business opened in time to help customers start spring cleaning before Easter and subsequent house guests.
“My biggest thing is, in the spring, what better than spring cleaning?” he said.
There are many elements that can damage one’s windows, such as hard water, verified Erickson, owner of Emerald Services.
He recommends window sealing for customers who only want their windows washed once a year.
The sealing is needed due to the acid rain, hard water and bird waste in the area.
Dirt is another factor when window cleaning in dusty Grant County.
When Erickson’s not cleaning windows, he’s figured out related tasks to keep busy throughout the year.
“I looked at a lot of different things,” he said. “How can I take and make this business a full year and make money year-round?”
He also cleans awnings, gutters and screens and does window restoration and window sealing.
Currently, Erickson is working to build a customer base that will keep using his services.
His background also includes work in the auto and construction industries, where he washed windows.
But he approaches his work differently now after doing research.
“Everyone thinks a rag, Windex and newspapers will take care of it,” he noted. “I did quite a bit of research and learned more now when I was in school. I’m doing it because it’s my life, not because teachers told me.”
He is a 2000 Moses Lake High School graduate and holds a communications degree from The Evergreen State College.
After graduating from college, he wasn’t able to find work in his field upon returning to Moses Lake in 2006.
He credits family friend and Bishop Spray Service owner Dan Bishop with helping him develop his business idea.
“He knew I was looking for something and he helped me come up with the whole idea of washing windows,” Erickson said. “He showed me a lot of the ropes I’m sure a lot of people would charge for.”
Erickson said he subscribes to newsletters to learn more about his new endeavor.
He’s also looking forward to becoming nationally certified in window washing, which is offered from ground level to high rise work.
For more information, or a free estimate, call 509-760-3467 or e-mail emerald_services@live.com.