Smart Window Cleaning

Damon Turner: Crystal Clear Success

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

NOVATO — After more than three decades in the window washing business, Damon Turner looks back on the catalyst for his longtime career. “Before I got into window washing, I was working in construction,” he recounts. “I had a couple of friends who were in the business, and they told me I could make more money cleaning windows than being a construction laborer. A few months later, when their company had an opening, I was able to get in and start working as a window washer. Years later, my business partner, Eric Kennedy, and I bought the company, and we’ve been running it for more than 30 years now.”

Today, as president of Smart Window Cleaning, Damon says his favorite part of his job is giving his customers great service. “We get a lot of positive feedback on our work, so it’s very satisfying to know we can provide quality service for our clients and keep providing it year after year.” Damon also enjoys the smaller aspects of the job, like handling the company’s schedule. “I enjoy scheduling because it’s like a puzzle. I have to schedule all these different workers at different locations for different types of work, so it’s a fun challenge.”

A resident of Vallejo (where he lives with his wife, Mary Ann), Damon spends his time outside of work on a couple of favorite pastimes. “My main hobby is playing pickleball, which is basically a combination of ping-pong and tennis,” he explains. “It’s more high-energy than tennis, with shorter games. I enjoy meeting up with other players in the area and competing in annual pickleball tournaments. I also like traveling. My wife and I have a timeshare that has locations all over the western United States, so we like taking trips to places like Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Solvang.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Damon espouses the importance of mutual benefit. “With each job, I want to create a win-win situation for everyone,” he affirms. “I make sure the client feels like we’ve taken care of them and communicated effectively, and I also make sure we’re fairly compensated in return. I always look for the win-win in every situation that I come across.”

When asked what his life might look like if he were to retire tomorrow, Damon says he’d spend more time pursuing the pastimes he currently enjoys. “I’d definitely travel some more—Europe, of course, and I’ve always wanted to visit Peru. I’d also continue to play pickleball and enjoy the physical fitness and player camaraderie that comes with that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first job?

A: Selling newspaper subscriptions door-to-door for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?

A: A cat person. Mary Ann and I have had cats for years.

Q: What’s your favorite season?

A: Fall. It’s past the craziness of summer, which is our busiest season, so I’m a little less busy with work, but the weather is still nice.

Q: Coffee or tea?

A: Tea before breakfast, coffee after lunch.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Sailor Jack’s in Benicia.