We?re so happy to be partnering with another local small business dynamo, Kris Ott. He is a fantastic human being and a wonderful business operator. For this blog we wanted to do an interview piece with Kris so that you, our dear readers and clients can get to know him and his business a little better as we all start off on this partnership adventure together. Here is what he provided us after we gave him our interview questions. Enjoy! Hi everyone my name is Kris Ott. I am a Boise ?native? or ?from here? as you have probably seen on several bumper stickers. I have felt very lucky to grow up in such an amazing place, surrounded by all the wonderful things Idaho has to offer. Boise will always hold a spot in my heart, and I am excited to see all the new growth and outside influences that come with it. Especially the new In-N-Out they are putting in, we can only thank the California people for that one! I enjoy being outside, not just confined to nature, but even my backyard is fun. This is our first year of gardening, I always had gardens growing up, just never had the space for one until now. I am constantly building or creating, I enjoy woodworking and cooking, the weekends leave all of the bellies full and a small mess in the kitchen. I started Cleaner Windows in February of 2020 as a birthday present to myself, and a few short weeks before Idaho received its first documented case of COVID. I always wanted to build a company based on the way I saw fit, and grow it based on the old time saying of ?do the right thing, no matter what?. This is something that seems to have been forgotten over time, and a lot of new companies no longer abide by it. I have been in the home cleaning industry since 2012, and specifically learned window cleaning in 2013. I started as a carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning technician working for Boise?s oldest carpet cleaning company ?Certified, INC?. After a short time there I ventured out into window cleaning. The values and principles I learned from an historic company didn?t line up with this new path I was on, so I decided to go back to carpet cleaning and figure out how I could start a window cleaning company that operated on these same principles. Eventually after the owner of Certified retired, a few odd jobs, and continuing to do window cleaning on the side, I decided to go all in and start Cleaner Windows. My favorite part of the work day would be my interactions with the clients, and the gratification of seeing a job well done. I enjoy hearing people's stories and maintaining working relationships with their clients that make time for it. You might be surprised but dozens of meaningful conversations have happened while I am working and a client is in the same area also working. My least favorite part is all the bad jokes I hear from people passing by. I can?t count how many times I have heard ?You missed a spot.? In fact I will probably put that on the back of a T-shirt one day. I decided to partner with Frank and Blind Appeal, because I see the way he operates and who he is as a person and I believe we both hold the same values of business to be true. He has developed an amazing and successful company which started in a modest way. There?s something to be said about the small business owners who put their all into their company only hoping for the best. I am also excited to learn from the entire Blind Appeal team to see how a larger, but still small business, operates on the scale that they do. Everyone has been extremely welcoming since we have transitioned over to the new space. There are several reasons why you should become a client of ours. Each year, it's safe to say, no short of a dozen window cleaning companies pop up every year in the valley. Like the seasons they come and go. You don?t hear about their quality, usually don?t hear of their name, the lasting impression they leave behind is ?My last window guy did this entire house for x amount of dollars.? And yes, it?s usually about 50% cheaper than what our estimates come in at. The difference between using us, instead of them, comes down to the experience and the quality. Like I mentioned, I have now over 10 years of experience cleaning windows. I started a window pane counter on the website the first year I started Cleaner Windows and it surpassed over 10,000 pieces of glass so I just stopped keeping track. Multiply that by 10 years and I feel like I am nearing seeing it all, but I have also learned from it all. From the mistakes and the issues, the good, the bad, everything has helped me continue to grow. All my technicians quickly learn based on my knowledge that I share with them. They don?t have to relearn my lessons, they just have to be willing to learn. If we don?t know something I will go out of my way to figure out a solution, not just fabricate a story that you want to hear. We are Certified through the International Window Cleaning Association, and I take any courses they introduce that further that education. I love learning new practices and safety standards. We carry insurance, have new vehicles that have amazing logos, every technician has a work uniform that looks professional but also has some style to it. We are accredited through the BBB and won the 2022?s Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite award. We genuinely care about your needs and if you feel like having a conversation we gladly will engage in it! After your cleaning appointment we will remind you of our 7 day rain guarantee, so you don?t have to worry if we get a freak rainstorm and it dirties your windows. We strive to make sure you are 100% satisfied or else we won?t charge you for service until you are happy. We may cost more, but at the end of the day it's not just about cleaning windows, it's everything I built this business off of, and we happen to also clean windows. The next couple of years have different goals for both my company and the business. I am a new father as of last Halloween to a happy little guy named Harrison. I love spending time with him and my wife Tessa. I really would like to focus on being in his life as much as possible, or until Tessa and him decide I need to work more so they can enjoy their own time. Full disclosure: I am high energy and love to make Harrison laugh all day long and at any expense to myself. For the company I would love to see it continue to grow and gain the respect in the valley it deserves. We will be in the top 5 in our industry continuing to provide amazing service with a smile. Ideally we will grow with some more new employees that fit our core values and continue picking up new clients that have been forgotten about by other companies. Currently the company is undergoing a rebrand that I am excited to present once we get the last details wrapped up. I know you will see what makes Cleaner Windows shine! Conclusion We hope that this introduction to our new partner has helped you learn more about the amazing services that we are happy to offer with them. We are also proud to introduce our incredible new warehouse and showroom space in Meridian. Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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Peanut butter and jelly, steak and eggs, Boise State Broncos football and beating the Fresno State Bulldogs, three combinations that are matches made in heaven. But, what if we told you that there is another contender that is knocking at the door of the top three best combinations known to humankind? That fantastic pairing is, of course, the partnership between Blind Appeal and Cleaner Windows. Yes, that?s right, Blind Appeal is going to be offering home window washing services to our excellent residents of the Treasure Valley starting in June of 2023! In today?s article, we?re going to learn all about the exciting partnership and what it means to our valued customers like yourself. Sounds Great. Can You Tell Me A Little More About Cleaner Windows? Yes! Cleaner Windows is another locally owned small business just like Blind Appeal. The business was started in 2020 by Kris Ott. Kris built the thriving business during one of the most difficult times to start a business in recent history. Doing this allowed him to build and maintain strong client relationships all across Idaho. When you want to schedule an appointment to get your home?s windows cleaned through our new collaboration, then Kris will be managing that side of things and you will be so glad you get to work with him, as are we. Kris and his crew are second to none and will provide you with the same top quality service and craftsmanship that you?ve come to expect from the Blind Appeal brand. What Are Some Of The New Services Being Offered With This Partnership? We are proud to offer a whole slew of new services that come along with Kris and his dedicated crew. Here are a few new services we will be able to provide through the Cleaner Windows by Blind Appeal partnership, all backed by a 7 day rain protection guarantee! Window cleaning, interior and exterior Many window cleaning services will just offer the exterior as their basic package. We offer interior and exterior as well. Gutter cleaning, full scale Get your gutters cleaned to help prevent overflow of harmful water each time it rains. Clogged and dirty gutters can lead to harmful ice dams in the winter and mold and moss buildup in the summer. Home and commercial building exterior surface specialized soft wash. Call today for a free consultation and estimate! Conclusion We hope that this introduction to our new friends at Cleaner Windows has helped you learn more about the amazing services that we are happy to offer with them. We are also proud to introduce our incredible new warehouse and showroom space in Meridian. Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .
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Parks are so great! They are a treasure of any state or city and Idaho is known for some of the best, most robust parks in the nation. We Idahoans love our great outdoors and what better place to spend time outdoors than in your local park? In today?s article, we?re going to cover some of the most fun summer activities that you can partake in that are either directly in a park or are park adjacent or just take place outdoors in general in a park-like setting. Enjoy! Idaho Shakespeare Festival Nestled just above Downtown Boise in the rolling foothills, this truly historical outdoor amphitheater breathes life into The Bard?s words each summer in a very park-like setting. One of the few places around the globe that still performs Shakespeare?s works as they were originally intended, this is an open air stage with minimal props and backgrounds, emphasizing the acting skills and techniques of the players themselves. This year?s season is sizzling hot with a lineup that includes such blockbusters as Sense And Sensibility , As You Like It , and a rousing rendition of Little Shop Of Horrors . Schedule information here . Art In The Park Now this event is truly in a park! Set in the excellent Julia Davis Park, to be exact. This year?s 2023 festival is going to be the best yet. This year, it falls on September 8th through the 10th. Come on down to enjoy fantastic art, great food, and fun exhibits. For all ages. More information on their website . Parks With Water Features And Splash Pads Sometimes you just have to get the kids out of the house to have some fun and to beat the heat, but you don?t want to spend a ton of money at the theater or the mall. Well, we have just the thing for you! There are several excellent parks around the Treasure Valley that offer free and fun water park features all summer long. Check out the complete list on the Boise Parks And Recreation website . Farmer?s Market An Idaho institution, like potatoes and hiking, The Boise Farmers Market is one of the best places in the Treasure Valley to buy top of the line produce, homemade goods, and crafts created by local families. Stop on by every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm, April through October each year. They are located on the corner of Shoreline and 14th near the Green Acres Food Truck Park . See you there! Conclusion We hope that this brief summer activity guide will help you have a great time with your friends and family at some of Idaho?s best parks. We are also proud to introduce our incredible new warehouse and showroom space in Meridian. Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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Summer is the perfect time of year to finally be able to enjoy your backyard and to take advantage of your outdoor dining, playing, and patio space. If you?re like many Idahoans, you have an excellent outdoor patio or porch area with a BBQ grill and maybe even a table and a few chairs for relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air with friends and family. Also, like many Idahoans, you don?t have any exterior shade coverings for your patio or porch entertainment area. That means that enjoying the outdoors in the summer in your backyard can be a bit of a hassle as the sun will be bearing down on you the whole time you?re out there. Luckily, we at Blind Appeal can help you with that, in fact we have the perfect solution: Exterior Shades! In today?s article, we?re going to explore how our exterior shade products can help you get the most out of your backyard this summer and every summer after. Enjoy! What Are Exterior Shades? Yeah, you can buy bulky and expensive patio umbrellas and store bought pergolas, but they are difficult to set up and can be blown around by the wind and weather and are difficult to take down each year. Our exterior shade products help you avoid all of that hassle and we will even set them up and install them for you, saving you valuable time and money. Let the experts help! Different Shade Options: Solar Shades Our solar shades we have on offer are essentially commercial grade, high quality roller shades that are installed into a structure around the home?s patio or deck. These shades sit in tracks so they don?t hang loose and flop around. They are retractable and sturdy and stand up to year round abuse from Idaho?s capricious weather. They are available in a variety of colors and shade amounts. Different Shade Options: Retractable Awnings These are a great option for when you don?t currently have an overhead covered patio or if you want to extend the shading of your current patio cover. These can be mounted on the wall of your home or beam of the patio. We have lots of options from manually operated retractable to motorized retractable shades. They can even be connected to your smartphone or centralized home smart device to allow easy control and programming for today?s modern and tech savvy consumer. These are also robustly built and can offer a variety of sun and weather protection year round, especially in the summer. Perfect for setting up an outdoor theater experience as well! We Are Opening Our Patio Outfitter Section Of Our New Warehouse Late Summer 2023 We wanted to also take some time to tell you about a new and exciting service that we are going to be offering the good citizens of the Treasure Valley. As you may know, we have recently opened a fantastic new (huge) warehouse in Meridian. That space will house many of our product storage spaces as well as a superb showroom that you can use as your own personal preview space for our wide range of products. In addition to that, we are proud to announce our exclusive Patio Outfitter Section of the warehouse coming in late summer of this year (2023). In that section, you can explore a dynamic range of our incredible product setups that will include exterior shades, fire tables, outdoor furniture, yard art, and so much more! We can?t wait to see you there. Conclusion We hope that this exterior shade guide will help you have a great time with your friends and family. We are also proud to introduce our incredible new warehouse and showroom space in Meridian. Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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The annual Race To Robie Creek has come and gone yet again this year and 2023?s race was a real barn burner, or should we say ?dance floor burner?? The theme this year was ?stayin? alive? a disco-fueled throwback to 1970?s style pop culture. Yeah baby! Why are we talking about Robie Creek in today?s blog, you may ask? Well, that?s because our amazing staff participated in this year?s race and had a blast doing it and we wanted to take some time to showcase their accomplishment and celebrate them for their support of Idaho sports races and outdoor activities in our community. In the comments below and on our social media pages, please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts about this year?s race or any Robie Creek race of years past. We can?t wait to hear from you! Blind Appeal?s Team Enjoys Supporting The Community We love helping and participating in our local community any chance we get. While it is definitely fulfilling and excellent to donate money or homegoods to local charities and shelters, it?s also fun to physically and monetarily participate in a local cause for good, like the Race To Robie Creek. We had a team of six Blind Appeal members participate this year and everyone had an absolute blast (once the race was done, of course!). We love that we get to have fun and do something for a good cause alongside our fellow community members along the race path. What Exactly Are The Sail Toads? AKA A History Of Robie Creek So, the Sail Toads are the main charitable organization behind the Robie Creek race. They are named after a semi-mythical creature also called a sail toad that, as legend would have it, lives in the Rocky Canyon through which the race winds. This charity helps to organize and run the race each year while also donating huge amounts of the proceeds to fantastic charities like these listed below. We definitely are grateful to the organization for helping to organize this event each year and for all of the good that they have managed to do for our community and our country by donating over 1.2 million dollars to various charities. In 2022 they were able to donate $51,000 alone! Here are some of the charities which are the recipients of the generous proceeds from this race: Alzheimer's Basque Charities Bogus Basin NSP Mountain Hosts Boise Bicycle Project Boise Contemporary Theatre Boise County Community Justice Boys And Girls Club Of Ada Co Children's Home Society Of Idaho City Light Home College of Idaho Track Team Frank Church High School/Helping High Friends of Children and Families Genesis Community Clinic Giraffe Laugh Hannabow Education Fund Heirloom Dancers Home Partnership Foundation Humane Society - Pet Food Pantry Idaho Food Bank Idaho Mountain Search & Rescue Idaho Pedestrian & Bicycle Alliance Idaho State Veteran's Home Interfaith Sanctuary International Rescue Committee Land Trust of Treasure Valley Learning Lab LIFE Life's Kitchen Love Inc. of the Boise Community Metro Meals on Wheels Native American Coalition Of Boise North Junior High Survival Camp Phoenix Multisport Inc Recreation Unlimited Ridgevue High School Robie Creek Fire Department Sangha Taiko SHIP Silver Sage Girl Scout Council Southwest Idaho Sailing Outreach Special Olympics Stagecoach Theater TRICA University of Idaho - Gar Hackney Fund Valley Wide React VSA/Idaho Parents Unlimited Wassmuth Center for Human Rights Wish Granters, Inc Women And Children Alliance YMCA - Just For Kids Conclusion We can?t wait to hear about your Robie Creek race experiences as well. Thank you for reading up on ours! Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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We have some exciting news for our dear audience! It has been a long time coming, but we have finally taken the plunge and made the move to an incredible new warehouse space in Meridian. It is a case of the ?good? problem to have of the business just simply outgrowing our old space in Nampa which meant that we had to shop around for a new and larger space in order to meet the growing demands of our business. We have so many great things planned for the new space that we can?t wait to share with you. In today?s article, we?re going to give you a sneak peek of what is in store for this year and maybe a little bit beyond. Stay tuned by watching our social media feeds and this blog space for any future updates! What Is At The New Warehouse Right Now? Rome wasn?t built in a day, that?s for sure and this warehouse move is no exception. We are currently split between the new space and the current space while things get transitioned to the new area. Right now, we are using the new Meridian warehouse space as our interior and exterior shade storage area as well as office spaces that house our commercial office and warehouse manager?s office. As the year goes on, we will continually be moving more and more of our infrastructure to the new place, but in order to ensure that our business stays in the best position to serve our clients, we are rolling out the move over time. What Are Future Plans For It? Who really knows what the future holds? Well, we do! For the warehouse, that is. We are planning on completing the move and conversions by July of 2023 at the latest. Included in our future plans, we will be using the new space (currently clocking in at over 36,000 square feet) as a storage area for our products, but we also plan to have a great showroom for you to see all of our lovely products in action and be able to ask our helpful sales staff any questions you may have before making your next purchase. The showroom will be for our exterior shades, interior shades, and will be home to the new outdoor patio supplies we will be selling soon. That?s right! We?re expanding our product line to include the highest quality, stunning outdoor patio supplies. We can?t wait to tell you all about the new products. Where Is The New Warehouse Located Exactly? The new warehouse is located at this address: 3410 W Nelis Drive, Suite 120, Meridian 83646. The closest cross streets are Ustick and Ten Mile. Here is a detailed map link to the location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Lc2mQTSVvPhWURbJ7 Conclusion We can?t wait for you to see our incredible new warehouse and showrooms pace in Meridian! Please feel free to stop on by anytime in the next few months. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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This March, as we have every March for the last nine years, is a great month to donate to the Boise Rescue Mission Ministries. During March, they have a fantastic food drive called the March To End Hunger Food Drive. You can participate and we definitely encourage you to do so! Here?s how. To Participate In The 2023 March To End Hunger Food Drive If you would like to donate canned food or items, we will come to your home and pick up the donations on Monday, March 27th between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Check out the list below of the items currently in highest need/demand for our drive this March. The next steps will be below the list. Boise Rescue Mission Ministries Needed Items for 2023: Chip/Lunch Snacks (individual packs) Canned Tuna/Chicken Canned Veggies/Fruit Canned Coffee (Large) Applesauce Mayo/Condiments Pasta/Rice Meals Sugar Beef Broth (canned or cubes) Cream of Chicken Soup Salad Dressing Jelly Boxed Stuffing Soy Sauce Yams Adult Cold Medicine Fruit Cups Dryer Sheets Juice Kleenex Toilet Paper/Paper Towels Bottle Water Men?s Underwear After Gathering The Items, Next Steps After you have purchased and gathered your items, please place them on your front porch or in front of your home?s front door in easily collectible bags or bins. Then, prior to March 27th, please email denise@blindappeal.com, or call Denise at 208-805-0039 to schedule pick-up. We have had tremendous support from our customers, families and friends these past nine years, and we want to thank you in advance for your kind donation. How Else Can You Donate To The Boise Rescue Mission Ministries? Ok, so you?ve donated to the March To End Hunger Food Drive. Great! We really appreciate it and so do many men, women, and children in need do as well. If you?d like to go the extra mile, then you can also donate to the Boise Rescue Mission in other ways. Here are a few of the ways that you can continue to lift the spirits and the lives of your fellow Boisians in need. Best Ways To Donate In Other Forms: You can donate money directly to them, instead of food and supplies. Here?s how you can donate financially: https://boiserm.org/hp-give/ . You can also set up a small recurring monthly donation that will help people all year long. Here?s how: https://boiserm.org/bread-for-life/ . You can donate other financial instruments like stocks, and estates. Read here for more info: https://boiserm.org/donate/giving-options/#donate_stock . Shop at your local Fred Meyer?s grocery store. Fred Meyer will donate a percentage of your purchases annually to the Boise Rescue Mission when you link your shopper?s card with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries ? at no extra cost to you. Go here to get set up with this easy giving option: https://www.fredmeyer.com/i/community/community-rewards Conclusion We?re so happy that you are considering donating to the Boise Rescue Mission. They are an excellent organization and are an essential part of helping Idaho?s community. Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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While it would be great if we could end hunger all around the world at once in one fell swoop, it?s just not possible. However, we can put a real dent in hunger locally around the Boise area. We just need a little help from friends like you. The Boise Rescue Mission has been a pillar of society in the Boise metro area for many decades and they need your help this March to help fight hunger in your own backyard. In today?s article, we?re going to go over some of the ways in which YOU, that?s right, you, can take steps to help people in need all around the Treasure Valley with this month?s March To End Hunger Drive. Details below! Blind Appeal has participated in this amazing project since 2015 (this is our 9th year), and we absolutely love doing this, and you can participate as well. Here?s how. You just need a little setup on your part and then we can take care of the rest. We love being able to be a part in helping to end hunger around the Treasure Valley and we hope that you will as well. If we all chip in together we can really make a difference. To Get Started If you would like to donate canned food to this amazing project, we will come to your home and pick up the donations on Monday, March 27th between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Check out the list below of the items currently in highest need/demand for our drive this March. The next steps will be below the list. Boise Rescue Mission Ministries Needed Items for 2023: Chip/Lunch Snacks (individual packs) Canned Tuna/Chicken Canned Veggies/Fruit Canned Coffee (Large) Applesauce Mayo/Condiments Pasta/Rice Meals Sugar Beef Broth (canned or cubes) Cream of Chicken Soup Salad Dressing Jelly Boxed Stuffing Soy Sauce Yams Adult Cold Medicine Fruit Cups Dryer Sheets Juice Kleenex Toilet Paper/Paper Towels Bottle Water Men?s Underwear After Gathering The Items, Next Steps After you have purchased and gathered your items, please place them on your front porch or in front of your home?s front door in easily collectible bags or bins. Then, prior to March 27th, please email denise@blindappeal.com, or call Denise at 208-805-0039 to schedule pick-up. We have had tremendous support from our customers, families and friends these past nine years! Learning More About The Boise Rescue Mission Ministries The Boise Rescue Mission has done so much through the years to help the people in need in and around the Boise area. To learn more about what they have done and are wanting to do in the future, please take a few moments to visit their website and read all about their substantial and generous contributions to our home community over the years Click Here . Conclusion We can?t wait to see your generous donation to the Boise Rescue Mission?s fight to end hunger this March! Schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.
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