Patrick McCleary: A young entrepreneur who turned his life around and built a thriving window cleaning business.

In Tucker® USA’s CEO Spotlight Blog, we feature real stories of hard work, determination, and transformation in the window cleaning industry. In Episode 12 of Water Fed Wednesday, Alex Brunner had the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick McCleary, a young entrepreneur who turned his life around and built a thriving window cleaning business. 

Finding Purpose Through Window Cleaning 

For Patrick, window cleaning became more than just a job—it gave him purpose and clarity during a time when he needed it most. 

"Window cleaning gives me a sense of purpose and contented, useful living. It’s like active meditation—I’ve got my music on, and seeing the water cascade with the Tucker® Alpha scrubber is so satisfying. I enjoy it, and I don’t hate what I do, which is pretty cool."  

 

Overcoming Challenges: From Addiction to a New Life 

Patrick’s journey wasn’t an easy one. Struggling with addiction and personal challenges, he hit rock bottom before deciding to turn his life around. 

"I got sober on January 27, 2020. I put down the bottle and picked up a squeegee. I was desperate for change, living in a sober house and needing a job to pay rent. I found a window cleaning company on Craigslist, and they gave me a shot even though I didn’t know a thing. I showed up like my life depended on it—and in many ways, it did." 

Patrick trained on the job, learning the ropes quickly—literally. He started with high-rise buildings in Chicago, eventually earning certifications and discovering tools like water-fed systems that transformed his approach to cleaning. 

From City Hustle to Small Business Success 

After relocating to the suburbs, Patrick launched his own window cleaning company. His early days included hand-cleaning windows, knocking on doors, and proving his dedication to customers. 

"I sold my first job by simply knocking on a door. It gave me confidence that I could solve a problem and offer a service people needed. Word of mouth grew, and I started investing in tools like the Tucker® 4060 system, which helped me take things to the next level." 

Fast forward to today, Patrick has built a successful business with employees, repeat customers, and systems that allow him to focus on growth. He even embraces social media and paid ads to build his local reputation. 

Keys to Success: Tips for Aspiring Window Cleaners 

Patrick offers valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the industry: 

1. Start Small, Learn the Trade: Work for an established company to gain experience and confidence. 

1. Knock Doors and Network: Word of mouth is powerful, and connecting with customers face-to-face is key. 

1. Invest in Tools: Quality equipment, like water-fed systems, saves time and increases efficiency. 

1. Stay Humble and Keep Learning: Growth requires adaptability and continuous improvement. 

"Running a business means constant learning. You have to stay humble, solve problems, and adapt as things change. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it." 

Life Today: From Struggles to Gratitude 

Patrick’s journey from addiction to entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, hard work, and second chances. Today, he’s married, a proud father, and running a business he loves. 

"Six years ago, I didn’t even know what Tucker was. Now, I’m here sharing my story. I’m grateful every day for the opportunities I’ve had and for a life that’s better than I ever imagined." 

A Final Thought: Contented, Useful Living 

Patrick’s story reminds us that success often begins with small steps and a willingness to try. From rock bottom to building a thriving business, his journey proves that with the right mindset, determination, and tools, anything is possible. 

"Everywhere has windows, and someone needs to clean them. For me, window cleaning gave me a new life, a sense of purpose, and a way to provide for my family. And for that, I’m forever grateful." 

Inspired by Patrick’s story? Stay tuned for more real-life journeys and insights in our CEO Spotlight Blog or watch the podcast on Water Fed Wednesday at https://www.youtube.com/live/eIC6WyGRTrI?si=0nevPNjIHYFnXUrn!