Guest Profile: Bert Bolton

Bert Bolton – Blind Cleaners Network

Bert’s been in the business for over 20 years, and he’s built something that’s part training center, part network, and part powerhouse support system for people in or entering the blind cleaning space. He has blended his expertise in the fields of education and cleaning to support a growing network of professionally minded blind and drapery cleaners.

His facility is one place major fabricators like Hunter Douglas and Springs Window Fashions send new products or fabrics for testing, cleaning, and evaluations. Students from as far away as Australia also come to learn this niche of the cleaning world, whether it be ultrasonics or OnSite Fabricare.

When not working, Bert and his wife Miriam enjoy time on the water in their kayaks, fishing (water or dirt) or sneaking away to visit their Idaho grandsons who are not quite old enough to do any of the above things unsupervised yet.

Description

What if blind cleaning and small repairs could unlock thousands in repeat business — or even lead to six-figure design projects? In this episode of Marketing Panes, host Will Hanke sits down with Bert Bolton of the Blind Cleaners Network to uncover the hidden potential in cleaning and repair services for window treatment businesses.

You’ll hear real-world stories, including:

• How a simple cord repair turned into a $2,000 cleaning job
  :white_check_mark: The decorator who turned six blinds into $100K of work in her first year with a client


• Why cleaning is one of the most overlooked yet powerful marketing tools in our industry


• How repeat commercial contracts (like schools) can bring in thousands every few years


• The role of the Blind Cleaners Network in training, credibility, and creating new business connections
  

  Whether you’re a window treatment pro, workroom, or designer, this conversation will help you see blind cleaning and repair in a whole new light, as a pathway to long-term, high-value clients.

From Dust to Dollars: Is Blind Cleaning a Secret Sales Engine?

Blind cleaning may not sound glamorous, but it can be one of the most powerful sales and marketing tools in the window treatment industry. What often begins as a simple cleaning or repair can open the door to long-term, high-value client relationships, repeat contracts, and even six-figure design projects.
In a recent episode of Marketing Panes, Bert Bolton, founder of the Blind Cleaners Network, shared how blind cleaning has become a hidden sales engine for dealers, decorators, and cleaning professionals alike.

Summary

Blind cleaning and small repairs are often dismissed as “low-margin” work. But for forward-thinking window treatment businesses, these services create a gateway to stronger client trust, repeat business, and new revenue opportunities. By combining credibility, expertise, and the right partnerships, blind cleaning can transform into a growth strategy—not just a service add-on.

The Overlooked Power of Blind Cleaning

Why Dealers Often Skip It

Many window treatment dealers hesitate to offer cleaning services because the immediate profit margins appear smaller compared to selling new products. However, this view can overlook the bigger picture. Cleaning provides more than income—it creates opportunities to enter homes, build relationships, and position yourself as the trusted go-to provider.

Cleaning as a Door Opener

A minor repair, like fixing a cord, might only take minutes but can lead to thousands in additional work. As Bert shared, one decorator secured a $100K project that started with cleaning just six blinds. Another example: a school district that first engaged through a small repair ended up providing recurring cleaning contracts every few years, creating steady revenue.

Turning Service Calls into Sales

Trust Leads to Bigger Projects

Once inside a client’s home or business, a cleaning job often uncovers more opportunities. A customer who starts with a single blind cleaning may later request quotes for replacements or upgrades, all because they’ve already built trust with the provider.

Marketing Value in High-End Homes

Cleaning provides entry into homes and spaces that dealers might not otherwise reach. In luxury markets, this can be the perfect introduction to clients who value quality and are likely to invest in larger projects down the road.

Building Credibility Through Training and Networking

The Role of Blind Cleaners Network

The Blind Cleaners Network equips professionals with the tools, training, and credibility to deliver quality service. From hands-on workshops to manufacturer partnerships with Hunter Douglas and Springs Window Fashions, the network helps raise professionalism across the industry.

Why Certification Matters

Being part of a professional network communicates reliability and expertise. This credibility not only reassures clients but also makes it easier to build partnerships with decorators, dry cleaners, and restoration companies who may pass along referrals.

A Hidden Sales Engine Worth Exploring

Blind cleaning isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about positioning your business for repeat contracts, high-value projects, and long-term relationships. By reframing cleaning and repairs as a marketing tool, window treatment professionals can unlock a steady stream of new opportunities.

Ready to Explore New Growth Opportunities?

If you’re looking for fresh ways to expand your window treatment business, consider blind cleaning as more than just a side service. At Window Treatment Marketing Pros, we help businesses uncover hidden revenue streams, build credibility, and attract long-term clients.

Learn more or connect with Bert at: https://blindcleaners.biz/

Special Invite to Sun Shading Expo 2025

Heading to the Sun Shading Expo in Indianapolis this November 5–7? We’ve got you covered!

Use code SSENA25WTMP when registering to claim your FREE admission ticket.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with top industry leaders, see the latest innovations, and experience hands-on demos — all at no cost with our exclusive listener code.

Other Notes/Links:

pssst…. want to be a guest on the show?

Listen to other episodes

Subscribe to Marketing Panes for more expert insights, strategies, and real stories from across the window treatment and awning industry.
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4j20C49
Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4c2VN8s

Video

https://youtu.be/0WjqzBvBhqI