From 20 Years in Military to Entrepreneurial Independence Duane Turner opened his Window Genie business in South Carolina. With Window Genie, the U.S. military veteran is providing Sumter, Florence, and surrounding areas with window cleaning, window tinting and pressure washing services that have earned the franchise a host of commendations including a place on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2015 Franchise 500® ranking and Inc. Magazine’s 2014 Inc. 5000 rating as one of the fastest growing companies.
Immediately after graduating high school, Turner joined the U.S. Army. Initially, Turner served as a combat arms soldier, a position he left to work in the materiel management field. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to work with a number of small businesses that had contracts with the Department of Defense. It was this experience, Turner said, that inspired his entrepreneurial dreams that would one day lead him to Window Genie. “As I worked with the owners of small businesses, I developed a curiosity about what motivated them to do what they do,” said Turner. “Everyone’s story was different, but they all enjoyed the freedom that came with being an entrepreneur. Over the years, I realized that I strongly desired that freedom too. As I approached retirement from military service, I knew that my next move would be into business ownership.” That move, aided by advice from a business coach, would eventually bring him to discover Window Genie. The business Entrepreneur Magazine named number 51 on its list of top 100 home-based franchises. Founded in 1994 by Richard Nonelle, Window Genie Duane Turner
is recognized industry wide for the professional services its franchisees provide. Window Genie technicians are fully insured and bonded. “Window Genie appealed to me because it offered a system that I could ‘plug into’ rather than starting from scratch. That choice has already proven to be the right move for me. I really enjoy the great support that I receive from Window Genie’s corporate team.” As Turner grows his business, he reflects on how his past employment experiences have imparted crucial lessons that have helped him succeed.
“When I was in high school, I worked part-time as an intern in a local office building,” said Turner. “The full-time employees never wanted to teach me anything about the job. Instead, they only wanted me to clean up the break room and take out the trash. I learned two important lessons on that job: first, that you’re responsible for your own personal growth and development; and second, whatever you do, do it well.”
Looking ahead, Turner has nothing but optimism for his business. “In five years, my business will be the dominant home services provider in our area,” said Turner. “Our name will be well branded and the communities that we serve will be very familiar with our highly trained, professional technicians. The level of support Window Genie provides makes it easy to be confident about my future. You couldn’t ask for more from a franchise than that.”
About Window Genie Founded in 1994 by Richard Nonelle, Cincinnati-based Window Genie is a mobile cleaning services company focused primarily on its “big three” services: window cleaning, window tinting and pressure washing. The company also offers, among many other services, dryer vent cleaning, chandelier cleaning and gutter cleaning and re-securing. Window Genie services primarily residential customers, as well as small offices and commercial spaces. The company currently has over 80 franchise partners operating in over 200 markets and in 25 states, and expects to grow to 100 franchisees by the end of 2015 and over 300 within five years. Target markets include California, New York and Florida.
For more information, visit www.windowgenie.com or call 877-243-6432 For Franchise information visit http://windowgeniefranchise.com/ or call 800-700-0022