At the age of 28, Chris Stocks has already become a leading name in the window washing industry in Colorado Springs. From his humble beginnings in Missouri to building a thriving business in the Rockies, Chris's journey is a story of grit, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. We had the chance to hear his insights during his conversation with Tucker on Water Fed Wednesday, Episode 12: A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey in Window Cleaning.
From Missouri to Colorado: A Collegiate Athlete’s Leap of Faith
Chris’s journey began in southeast Missouri, where he was raised. A talented basketball player, he earned a scholarship to complete his college basketball career in Colorado. Moving to the area with his wife, Chris initially pursued a master’s degree in education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). However, a realization hit: working a traditional job wasn’t for him.
“I realized school wasn’t for me, and I didn’t want to work for other people,” Chris shares. Like many entrepreneurs, he began seeking opportunities to create something on his own.
The Lightbulb Moment: From a YouTube Video to a Thriving Business
Chris credits his leap into window cleaning to an unlikely source: a YouTube video. He discovered a course by two Canadian brothers, Josh and Oliver Lester, known for their expertise in door-to-door sales. Inspired, Chris dove in headfirst, testing the waters by pitching window cleaning services to his neighbors.
“Honestly, I just wanted to see if someone would say yes,” Chris recalls. To his surprise, they did. From his first small job to building a roster of over 100 customers within months, his knack for sales and problem-solving was evident.
Building Glide Guys: From Knocking Doors to Multi-Thousand-Dollar Days
Starting with no experience, Chris relied on door-to-door sales to grow Glide Guys Window Washing. He focused on affluent neighborhoods, pitching his services with confidence and authenticity. His efforts quickly paid off.
“I was selling $1,000 to $3,000 worth of window cleaning in a single day,” Chris says. As the demand grew, he transitioned from working solo to hiring employees, developing systems, and even building a sales team.
His biggest revelation? The power of recurring service subscriptions. “It’s not just about cleaning windows once—it’s about building long-term relationships,” Chris emphasizes. This shift toward service agreements helped Glide Guys secure consistent income and grow exponentially.
Mentorship and Mindset: Keys to Success
Chris attributes much of his growth to seeking mentorship and investing in personal development. With guidance from a mentor running a $60 million pest control business, Chris gained invaluable insights into scaling and structuring a service-based business.
“I ask questions, listen more than I speak, and invest in learning every day,” he says. Whether through podcasts, books, or courses, Chris sees every experience—good or bad—as an opportunity to grow.
Revolutionizing Window Washing: A Modern Approach
Chris is not just growing his business—he’s changing the way window washing is approached. By introducing subscription-based services, Glide Guys offers customers regular maintenance options, similar to pest control or landscaping models. This forward-thinking approach positions his business as a leader in the industry.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own business, Chris offers three key pieces of advice:
- Start Small, Think Big: Begin with what you have, even if it’s just a squeegee and determination.
- Knock Doors: Face-to-face sales remain one of the best ways to get started with minimal upfront investment.
- Invest in Quality: As soon as possible, invest in good equipment and resources to ensure efficiency and professionalism.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Chris advises. “Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Finding Peace in the Chaos
Despite the hustle, Chris still finds moments of peace in his work. “Sometimes, cleaning windows feels meditative—like a Zen garden,” he says. While he now focuses on managing the business, those moments remind him why he started.
Chris Stocks exemplifies how determination, adaptability, and a customer-first approach can turn an idea into a thriving business. With Glide Guys Window Washing continuing to grow, Chris is proof that sometimes all it takes is a willingness to knock on doors—and the vision to see what’s beyond them.
Stay tuned for more inspiring entrepreneurial stories from Tucker USA. To listen to Chris’ podcast visit https://www.youtube.com/live/AOHdJin-MpQ?si=skLRNq7J_uVNY7Z5.