From corporate world to his own new world, local resident brings Window Genie to Downers Grove

Jim Fordonski can be considered a pioneer of sorts. On April 11, he will launch the first Window Genie, an award-winning franchise specializing in window cleaning, window tinting and much more, in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Fordonski made the move to buy his own franchise after a 25-year corporate career primarily in the chemical industry while serving in a variety of roles from manufacturing to sales. After many years in the field, Fordonski particularly enjoyed building and developing longtime, professional and customer relationships. So he thought why not do the same for himself?

Fordonski's Window Genie will be serving residential and commercial customers in Darien, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Warrenville, Naperville, Woodridge, and Lisle. The Cincinnati based company is looking to add up to three more locations along the North Shore and McHenry County.

"The multitude of services that Window Genie offers seems to be a great fit anywhere, especially in the territories my Window Genie covers," said Fordonski, a Downers Grove resident. "Homeowners in our local communities take great pride in the appearance and upkeep of their property and Window Genie will help them maintain that level of upkeep at a competitive cost."

"I found myself on the other side of the table and rather than jumping right back into the corporate environment I explored many opportunities, including small business ownership like Window Genie," Fordonski said. Window Genie is recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in both its annual Franchise 500® and Top Home based/Mobile rankings and many other publications and franchise experts give the company high marks.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one in every 10 Americans is self-employed, that equals about 14.6 million people in the U.S. A franchise consultant helped Fordonski identify what type of business would fit him best, but he said it's crucial for individuals to perform their own due diligence.

"Do your due diligence and extensive research, and then keep researching again and again," Fordonski said. "It will be one of the biggest decisions of your life and be sure you are ready to run your business from A to Z every day. Talk to other owners, talk to would-be consumers and understand what it truly takes to not only launch the business, but to sustain it."

Window Genie core offerings include window cleaning, pressure washing, window tinting and gutter cleaning. The company also provides additional services including gutter re-securing, holiday and specialty light installation, chandelier cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning.

"What is unique about Window Genie compared to other competitors is the depth and breadth of its services," Fordonski said. "The typical family has two working parents and no interest in washing windows or re-sealing the deck on the weekends."

"Window Genie's training provided a pretty clear picture of what running the business would be like, and it's proven to be pretty accurate," said Fordonski.