The ITF Flowcast

Hey, whatup Flowmies?!?! We can't believe that the year is almost over. That means we are way overdue for a Flowmie Roundtable! Listen in as the Mods talk about the things that have happened in their own businesses and lives as well as what has gone on in ITF in 2023. We share some plans that we have for the group in 2024, but most importantly of all.... *drum roll*.... We announce the winners of the 2023 Flowmie of the Year Awards!!! The anticipation! Take care Flowmies, and Flow on!

What up, Flowmies?!? This week we are talking with Jared Meese from Blue Bird Home Services in Nampa, ID. He is a long time Flowmie who always has great things to say in the group and is willing to help others out. I wanted to talk with him because in his over 20 years in the home service industry, he has seen many aspects of business growth. He has faced many challenges, such as starting up a new business after moving to a new area with a different climate and has had to learn on the job how to be an efficient owner. We talk about networking and why getting your name out in the community is so important. We cover so many topics that are perfect if you are wanting to grow your business. Listen in and Flow On!

What up, Flowmies?! Ever wonder what the journey is like when you take the leap from being a window cleaning employee to owning your own business? Look no further than Jack Craggs. Listen in as he talks about the challenges he faced making that transition, what he gained from paying attention to his employers, and how he has learned to be adaptable while he grows. He gives great advice and shares his insight on what it takes to lay a solid foundation for your business. You won't want to miss his encouraging story. Flow On!

What up Flowmies! This week we have a Gabe's Corner that I truly feel needs to be talked about. It is based on an article I wrote for the American Window Cleaner Magazine and it's about how we view our business. For many of us, we "fell" into this beautiful industry, and it has served us well. However, for how long are we going to need it to do so and what systems do we have in place to make it work for us for the long haul? What you need your business to be in the future should determine whether you view your business as an instrument or an asset. Have a great week and as always, flow on!

Whatup, Flowmies! This week's interview was just as much a treat for me as it is going to be for you! Terry "Turbo" Burrows, the World Record Holder for fastest time in International Speed Cleaning competitions, is here! He talks about his early days building his business when he discovered that there are few things more marketable than a great personality. He has a great story of parlaying his fearless social skills into a regular spot on a talk show in the UK. After a chance introduction to speed cleaning, his world has never been the same again! As a bonus, we have our own Flowmie Speed Cleaner, Jeremiah Hickey, join the chat to talk about the time he competed against Terry and won the World Title in 2019. Oh, but Terry explains that things were not all they seemed... It's a really fun episode and I know you will all enjoy. Flow on!

Whatup, Flowmies! Do you use text messages in your business communications? Well, we have a bonus episode that you will need to listen to. We are dropping this episode early because of the time sensitivity of the information. on July 5th, business texting must be compliant with new regulations that require you to register your phone number with The Campaign Registry (TRC) to avoid being blocked. What do you need to know and do to avoid having these new requirements affecting your business? Listen is as Sarah van der Meer interviews Amber Jones of protectmyphonerep.com as she guides you through this process. They will answer your most urgent questions and make sure you continue on without a hitch. Don't be left behind, Flowmies! Get your numbers registered ASAP.

Hey Flowmies! We have a unique episode for you today. We will be talking with Chris Hartley, a long time Flowmie and one of the winners of the Flowmie of the Year Award for 2022. I wanted to have Chris on the Flowcast to talk about his experience as a window cleaner with ADHD. He shares the ways that ADHD has been a benefit to his business growth and how he manages the areas where it presents a challenge. As someone who is not "neurodiverse" but has a daughter who is, it was very informative for me to hear Chris speak about how he views the world and the pain that he has experienced because of the lack of understanding & misperceptions that people have. I sincerely thank Chris for being so open and willing to talk about his experiences and I hope this interview can help those who navigate their business life through an ADHD lens.

Hey Flowmies! This week we sit down with Steve Williams, Managing Director of Solar O&M Consultancy in the UK and a member of the Solar Panel Committee of the IWCA. Listen in as he talks about his initial reluctant introduction and growth in the solar industry, eventually turning his years of experience into a passion for developing safe practices for solar panel cleaners. If you thought cleaning solar panels was no different than cleaning windows, think again! Don't clean another panel until you hear this interview! And as always, flow on!

Whatup, Flowmies? We have an action packed episode for you. If you are a small business owner, you know the struggles that come with SEO and online marketing. What are some tips to get in front of your customer's eyeballs without breaking the bank? Lewis Vandervalk is the man to talk to! He is an entrepreneur, podcast host, author, and just all around good dude. We talk about his interesting back story and how he got to where he is now. However, its his insights as owner of Blue Crocus Solutions, a digital marketing company, that really makes this interview valuable. He gives advice and tips that will make you ask, "Why am I not already doing this???" Enjoy and as always, Flow On!

Whatup, Flowmies! We are trying something new this week. The window cleaning industry casts a wider and wider net each year, including those who's first language is Spanish. In an effort to reach out to the Spanish speakers in ITF and elsewhere, Fernando Medina hosts our first "Spanglish" podcast as he interviews Josue and Stephanie Martinez. They talk about the challenges that Josue faced starting a business while speaking very little English and learning over time to have confidence in his abilities as a window cleaner and businessman. While Stephanie speaks English fluently, she shares about the hard work she had to put into learning how to run a business efficiently and how their working as a team has made them so successful. They are truly an inspiration to any business owners who had to learn how to navigate language barriers along with all the normal stresses and anxieties that come with running a company. Please tag and share the video with any Spanish speaking window cleaners you know. Flow on!