Small Business Saturday: KTX Window Cleaning - Katy Moms

When you find those local businesses that find a way to touch your heart, those are the ones you stop and say wow. And those are the businesses you want to shout from the rooftops! And that’s exactly how we feel about KTX Window Cleaning. Owners Kyle and Olivia Martin are true salt of the earth people and bring back so many qualities missing from businesses in this technology heavy day and age. A family-owned, Katy business that deals with their clients directly and only a few other employees who are also their friends, you feel like you have a true relationship with these folks and that’s something special these days!
Aside from being wonderful human beings and providing the best customer service, the work they do on windows across the Katy area, from commercial to residential, is absolutely outstanding. Getting your windows cleaned isn’t something a lot of us think about, but once you see the difference after you get them cleaned, you’ll never go back! We were embarrassed to admit that neither of us cleaned our windows since moving into our homes four years ago and we almost didn’t realize they were as dirty as they were until we saw the work KTX Windows does!Meeting with Olivia and getting our free estimate, we learned that not only does window cleaning vastly improve the look of your home, but it also helps the quality of your windows and can help them last longer! Kyle and Olivia can set your family up on a custom plan to ensure your windows stay sparkling clean throughout the year and their prices are fair and reasonable. We also love that they clean inside and outside, as well as screens! We’re telling you guys, it’s magic.


If you follow along with us on social media, you saw the before and after photos as well as just how much we love being around these guys. You can tell they just love people and love family. They’ve got three kiddos who they say are at the forefront of everything they do and serving other local families and businesses makes the so happy. Their community involvement has always impressed us and this year the community recognized them with the title of Business of the Year, nominated by the Katy Business Association!
We’re thrilled to feature this mama and daddy business owner today and give them the platform to tell us more about what they do and why they do it. We got to sit down with the mama behind it all to learn more about their amazing small business, their plans for the future, and even snagged y’all a special discount! Enjoy!


 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?

I am from Tyler, TX but lived in College Station, TX for a little over 12 years. My husband grew up in Katy and when baby #3 was on the way – we wanted to be closer to family. So, 2 years ago we moved to Katy!

You are a mom, too! How many kids do you have and how old are they?

I have 3 amazing kids. Mason, 7 – Tanner, 4 – Lilly, 1

When did you start KTX Window Cleaning and what was the inspiration behind starting this business?

We opened KTX Window Cleaning, LLC in April 2018. Our inspiration came from wanting more for our family and we really wanted to work for ourselves. We wanted to build something we could be proud of while setting a strong example of hard work and dedication to our kids. My husband had been in the professional window cleaning business as an operations manager for almost 10 years in College Station. We decided to take a leap of faith, move to Katy and open our very own Window Cleaning company. With Kyle’s expertise, professionalism, and love for the trade plus my passion for customer service, marketing, and an entrepreneurial spirit – we joined forces!

What did you do prior to opening your own business?

I was the Store Manager of a high-end Boutique in College Station. I had been in Retail Management for almost 12 years, it was my jam. I loved it! Customer Service was so important to me and my team – I loved teaching my girls that work could be fun all while getting things done and treating the customer with the utmost respect! I loved my customers like family, making them feel beautiful, and helping them make the world their runway – I am still so close to several of my customers and the girls on my team.

What services do you offer?

We offer:
Professional Window Cleaning (interior & exterior) for Residential and Commercial Properties
Scheduled No-Hassel Cleans for both Residential and Commercial
Screen Cleaning
Solar Screen Cleaning
Gutter Cleaning
Fan Cleaning

What makes KTX different and unique compared to other businesses offering similar services?

We are locally, family-owned, and trustworthy. We strive to give the best customer service possible and to make sure that the job is done right the first time! We are licensed and insured for peace of mind to our clients.
Our pricing is fair and consistent across the board. We stand behind our pricing 100%. We have a formula that customizes each price for every house.
We offer FREE ESTIMATES to everyone – Our customers can request an estimate on-line, we contact them within 24 hours to schedule the estimate, and send a confirmation. On the day of the estimate/clean, our technicians will send an ‘on my way” text to inform the customer when we are in route to the home. We have had rave reviews about our efficiency and hassle-free process.
Other than your windows looking amazing after they are cleaned, why else do you recommend home owners having their windows cleaned professionally and how often?
There are several reasons to maintain and clean your windows regularly:

  • Curb Appeal: This is huge! Guess what the 1st thing a guest sees at your home or business, you got it – YOUR WINDOWS! It’s something a lot of people don’t think about – the cobwebs, bugs, dust, mold, dirt can build up pretty quick and not be pretty!
  • Prevention of Glass Degradation: The majority of particles, like those that make up water and minerals, can damage your glass windows over time. (Think about those hard water stains you see when a sprinkler hits a window over and over – they make the glass look rough, foggy, and very dirty) The particles will enter the glass’ pores and effectively contaminate and corrode the windows. What to look for… light scratches or cracks. You can prevent this by cleaning your windows quarterly or every 6 months (depending on your surroundings, vegetation, and weather)
  • Prevent Broken Sills: Did you know that replacing windows in your home is a HUGE expense? We see this all of the time. Double pane windows have a life-span of 10 years before the CGI fails (this is the barrier between the sill and the glass) – have you ever seen a super foggy window that looks like moisture build up within the glass? That is what you call a broken sill. Dirt and other particles can degrade the sills thus causing moisture to enter the double-pane. You can extend the life by cleaning regularly. (Other causes of a broken sill are pressure washers – this is a big NO for windows)

You run this business with your husband, any advice on working with your spouse?

Oh, I was hoping you would ask this question! LOL – I could write a blog on this one topic but I will keep it short. Kyle and I have the most amazing relationship. He is my best friend and we truly support each other 100% but this is Katy Moms Network so let’s be real! In the beginning, I thought several times to myself, “OMG! What have we done – we have to work together, live together, do everything together 24/7 Ahhhhhhhh!” We love our husbands so much but men and women are so different. We think differently, we worry differently, we prioritize things differently – we are different. So that first year was so hard to get on the same page on certain things. It was a true learning experience for us and we have figured out what works and what doesn’t. Here is my advice on working with your spouse:

  • Stay in your lane! We LIVE by this. We each have our lane, our jobs, and our responsibilities. We have learned to respect each other’s “lane”.
  • Communication is KEY. Without communication any relationship can falter.
  • Be each other’s CHEERLEADER. Kyle wins the trophy for this because I worry about every little thing – he is my ROCK. You have to be able to cheer each other on!
  • You have to be able to turn work OFF when your home. We have boundaries for work time and family time. Family always comes first!
  • And as I’m reading this to Kyle – he said, “Don’t forget, Patience!

 

What is your favorite thing about being a small business owner?

We love being a small business owners because we love watching our hard work and dedication grow into something we can be proud of. We just hired our first crew and they are amazing! We want them to grow WITH us, work BESIDE us not for us, and to see the dream that we see. It’s been such a rewarding experience along the way! I love that we get to learn something new every single day.

How has the Katy community impacted your business?

There is such a STRONG sense of community in Katy, TX. I joined the Fulshear/Katy Chamber and The Katy Business Association because I didn’t know anyone (my husband knows a lot of people because he grew up here). The people here are so amazing, they have huge hearts, and a love for building small businesses. I love that I am a part of that!

Advice for anyone wanting to start their own business?

Do your research, make a business plan, and GO FOR IT! Also, buy Rachel Hollis “Girl, Wash your Face” – anytime I need a boost of confidence, I turn my girl Rachel on Audio Book!

How do you balance being a business owner, wife, and mom?

We have a rule, family is always first. Owning this business has given me the flexibility to work with the kids at the office or from home. I also have an amazing support system from my friend and mother-in-law who help me with Lilly when we have appointments. No one can do this alone and I’ve learned that it is OK to ask for help! Kyle and I spend plenty of time together so the wife part is covered!

Future plans for your business?

We would love to grow this company to a family of employees and customers. We want to be a part of this Katy community and grow with it.

Any discounts or specials our moms can look out for?

Yes! If you mention, Katy Moms Network, you will receive $20 off your residential clean. Also, we started a new ongoing promotion for 2020 honoring military/first responders discount of 5% off residential cleans.

To learn more about KTX Window Cleaning or to schedule a FREE quote:
Website: www.ktxwindowcleaning.com
Instagram: @KTXWindowCleaning
Facebook: @KTXWindowCleaning

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