Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
Windows may be their business, but for Scott and Chris McKay, clarity goes deeper than glass. As the father–son team behind SouthWest Window Cleaning, they’ve built a company that’s equal parts precision, hard work, and family pride — and their customers notice the difference. With help from Business Link, they’re also learning how to grow in a digital world and keep their business shining bright.
We sat down with the McKays to talk about their journey, what makes their service unique, and how Business Link has supported them along the way.
“I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit.”
Evelyn: How did SouthWest Window Cleaning get its start?
Scott: I had run a few businesses before, so I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit. One day, I met someone with a ladder strapped to his car. When I asked about it, he told me he cleaned windows during the day. He showed me his five-step method, handed me the equipment, and had me clean a whole house. Watching how effective it was, I thought, “Wow, what a great way to build a business.” That’s where it all began.
Evelyn: Chris, how did you become part of the business?
Chris: I started out working with my dad in the summers while I was in university. It was a great job — being outside, working alongside him, and seeing what he had built. A couple of years ago, I asked what it would take to relaunch the company. Now we’re in our second season together, and it’s been fantastic.
Scott: It really is. Chris is just as efficient as I am, which makes a huge difference. We both love the father–son dynamic.
“The difference is we don’t just wipe the glass. We scrub, rinse, and then hand-polish the window dry.”
Evelyn: What makes your service stand out from others?
Scott: Our five-step method. We don’t just wash the glass — we scrub, squeegee, wipe edges and frames, rinse with a cleaning agent, and finally hand-polish the windows dry in little circles. That last step gets rid of every trace of residue. People notice the difference right away.
Chris: We’ve had clients say things like, “I’ve had my windows cleaned for years, but I’ve never seen them this clean.” That kind of feedback is so rewarding.
Evelyn: Is that what you enjoy most about running the business?
Scott: It’s the reactions from customers. People are often in disbelief, saying their windows look brand new. That never gets old.
Chris: I love the instant gratification. You start with a dirty window, you go through the process, and suddenly it’s crystal clear. It’s simple but really satisfying.
“Now everything’s online, and that’s been a whole new learning curve.”
Evelyn: What challenges have you faced in growing the business?
Scott: Keeping up with the digital side has been a big challenge. When I first ran the business years ago, it was all word of mouth and flyers. I never even had a website, and that worked fine at the time. But now, everything is online — from finding customers to getting reviews — and it moves so fast. Learning how to market digitally, build a website, and figure out things like SEO and social media has been a steep learning curve for me.
“Business Link offering one-on-one help felt like having a mentor guiding me through step by step.”
Evelyn: How has Business Link supported you in that learning curve?
Scott: I knew I needed help this time around, and when I found Business Link, I was amazed at how much support they offered — and that it was free! The Business Launch Program helped me put the pieces together properly, especially on the financial side. The Peerpreneur Program connected me with other entrepreneurs facing the same struggles, which was encouraging. And the Digital Marketing Program has been really helpful, especially as I learn how to build a website and get our reviews online. What impressed me most was the one-on-one support — it felt like having a mentor walking me through step by step.
Chris: I’m proud of my dad for seeking out help. I’d encouraged him before to look for support, and I’m glad he did because we’ve gotten a lot of value from Business Link.
“Find a problem in your industry and solve it.”
Evelyn: If you could give one piece of advice to other entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Scott: Don’t just chase your passion. Find the problem in your industry and solve it. That’s what will give you real purpose.
Evelyn: What’s next for SouthWest Window Cleaning?
Scott: Our goal is to reach full capacity and then provide them with the absolute best service possible.
For Scott and Chris, SouthWest Window Cleaning is about more than spotless glass, it’s about building something together and delivering a service that customers can count on. With support from Business Link, they’ve gained the tools and confidence to keep growing while staying true to their hands-on, personal approach. Their story is a reminder that every small business has the potential to shine even brighter with the right support behind it.
Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Book a free consultation with a Business Link strategist today.
Need your windows cleaned? Check out the SouthWest Window Cleaning’s Website.
