08/06/2026
Today we said goodbye to my Dad, Michael.
Many people knew him as a loving husband, father, grandad, friend, and colleague. To me, he was all of those things and so much more.
What many people donโt know is that he was also the person who started the company all those years ago. He came up with the original company name, laid the foundations, and built something that would go on to support our family and many others. The business may have changed and grown over the years, but it all started with him.
Dad was never interested in building a huge company. He was happy running a good, honest business, looking after his customers and providing for his family. When the opportunity came to expand, I chose a different path and took the business down the franchise route. Not because I was brought up to be greedy, but because I was brought up by Dad to believe that success is something to be shared. Franchising allowed other people and families to build their own businesses and opportunities, using the values that he taught me.
Going from fewer than 500 customers to more than 4,500 over the years suggests we must be doing something right. That growth is not just a reflection of good business decisions; it is a testament to the foundations Dad put in place from the very beginning and the values that continue to guide us today.
The last two years have been particularly difficult. While Dad was bravely battling cancer, our family was also blessed with the arrival of my son, who proudly carries his grandadโs name. It was a period filled with both heartbreak and joy, and like many families facing such challenges, our focus was often where it needed to be.
We have always tried our very best for our customers, franchisees, and team, but we know there have been times when we havenโt been quite as on it as we would have liked. We appreciate the understanding and support shown to us during that time. As we move forward, we hope the next chapter begins soon, with additional admin and cleaner support in place to help us serve everyone even better.
Anyone who knew Dad will know he also had a knack for making predictions. Two of his favourites were, โThe internet will never catch on,โ and when I talked about canvassing for new customers, โThat wonโt work, everyone who wants a window cleaner has already got one!โ Thankfully, he was wrong on both counts, and we often laughed about it over the years.
His work ethic, determination, honesty, and willingness to help others have left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. The values he built the business on are the same values we still try to uphold today.
Whether my stepdaughters or my son choose to follow in my footsteps one day is entirely up to them. What I do hope is that I can pass on the same values that Dad passed on to me: hard work, honesty, kindness, and the belief that success means helping others along the way.
Dad, you were my hero. It was one of the greatest honours of my life to be your son. Thank you for everything you taught me, for every opportunity you gave me, and for the example you set.
Your legacy lives on through your family, those whose lives you touched, and the company you created. Every day we continue the business, a part of you continues with it.
We will miss you more than words can ever express.
All our love,
Damien, Gillian, family and the team.
