Lakewood Window Cleaning is a family-owned and operated business. It is owned by Craig Hendzel, who has help from his stepdaughter, Grace Nugent. They are third- and fourth-generation window cleaners with extensive experience.

They primarily clean residential homes, commercial buildings and storefronts in Lakewood. No matter what, this dad and daughter duo get the job done, quickly and spotlessly.

Founded in 1935, Lakewood Window Cleaning has been passed down through multiple generations. Nugent, the fourth generation, holds that legacy strong.

She said, “I’m fourth generation, so my stepdad, Craig, his grandfather, worked for Lakewood Window Cleaning and bought the company, and then his dad took it over from there, and then he took it over from there, and now I’m taking it over.”

Hendzel has been in the industry since childhood. “I’ve been cleaning windows since I was 12 years old. Paper route was my job before window cleaning, but I continued delivering papers while working for the family business,” Hendzel said.

Now Nugent is taking over the responsibility, continuing her family’s tradition — her stepfather’s grandfather’s company, Hendzel said, “As we transition to Grace taking over more of the business, I get to spend more time in the basement and garage shops streamlining our tools and equipment to make us more efficient.”

With his extensive knowledge of the window-cleaning industry, he has been able to show and teach others how to clean windows effectively.

Hendzel is the founder of the first-ever window cleaning museum, “Rolling with the Window Cleaner Museum,” a traveling exhibition often showcased at conventions that celebrates the history and passion of the craft.

Lakewood Window Cleaning consists of two people: Hendzel and Nugent. With such a small team, they have their work cut out for them managing the business. Together, they manage clients, attend jobs — either together or separately — and, at the end of the day, finish up computer work at home.

The work can be difficult and should not be taken for granted. Window washing requires strength and attention to detail, and “you get your training on the job,” said Nugent. This can be difficult, especially for people who are new to the trade.

The company uses traditional tools as well as more modern inventions, including a water-filtration system inside the truck to ensure that every window comes out spot-free. On the job, the two workers love interacting with clients and staying involved in the community.

They service businesses in Lakewood, including popular spots such as Angelo’s, Firestone and the Lakewood Public Library. By doing so, they serve the community and build the relationships necessary to grow their business.

Jennifer Scott, a long-time client, has hired Lakewood Window Cleaning for years and has formed a close relationship with the family. She said, “I get my windows done a few times a year, sometimes more often if we are entertaining.”

These are the types of jobs that make up the majority of their business, so these relationships are both crucial and rewarding. “I get to meet all these kids, and I get to meet people’s dogs, which is my favorite,” said Nugent.

The company gives back to the community, even during difficult times. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they cleaned all Lakewood schools free of charge.

“We didn’t really have much going on that year anyway, because nobody wanted us in their houses,” Nugent said. With no business coming in, they decided to create some for themselves. “That’s just kind of how my parents are in general,” she said.

They have lived in Lakewood most of their lives and appreciate everything the community has done for them; this is their way of giving back. Lakewood Window Cleaning also uses STEM Handmade Soaps, a local soap shop, to clean their clients’ buildings.

This is beneficial to both parties, while also contributing to the small-business atmosphere within the city. To clean windows, they use STEM’s liquid hand soap. Nugent said, “I’ll change out the scents for the seasons, too.” This little pop of fun is what keeps customers coming back and makes the job more interesting.

Small businesses are incredibly important to the city of Lakewood, and Lakewood Window Cleaning exemplifies this. Scott said, “Lakewood is such a unique and special place, a community in the truest sense. Craig and Grace understand that and often volunteer to clean the windows of public buildings. We are so lucky to have them.”