Built to Grow: Why Investing in People Makes a Stronger Community

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By Danica LaFaire, Owner – Fish Window Cleaning, Destin

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The sun reflecting off a perfectly clean window here in Destin is a beautiful sight. But, what truly shines at Fish Window Cleaning isn’t just the glass – it’s the people behind it.

If you’ve ever walked into a business and just felt the energy — that sense of pride, kindness and ownership — then you already understand the kind of workplace I’m trying to build.

At Fish Window Cleaning here in Destin, we clean glass, yes. But that’s just the tool. What we’re really doing is building people up, creating jobs with purpose, and helping Northwest Florida shine — inside and out.

I’ve been asked before, “Why put so much energy into culture?”
My answer is simple, “because how a business treats its people affects everything. It affects the service customers receive. It affects the mood employees carry home. And it absolutely shapes the strength and resilience of our local community.”

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That’s why our mission is clear:

To provide year-round, growth-focused employment while keeping Northwest Florida beautiful, delivering excellent service, and being positive community stewards.

And that mission starts with our team.

Culture Is the Foundation

We believe in:

  • Fairness, Kindness, and Respect
  • Choosing a Positive Attitude
  • Doing the Right Thing
  • Creating Wow Moments

These aren’t just things we say — they’re how we operate. Every Monday, our team comes together to check in on goals, share wins (like glowing Google reviews), and train around safety and service. And yes — safety always comes first.

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New team members are given a copy of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, along with a note from me. That book helps us anchor our culture in trust, healthy conflict, shared accountability, and the drive to win as a group.

We’ve also built tools — like our team app — that make it easier to stay connected, solve problems, and celebrate progress, whether someone’s in the field or heading to their next job.

Growth That Goes Beyond the Job

We pay commission on every job. Bonuses are real. Sales opportunities are available. That means our team members control their earning potential — and we teach them how to grow it.

But more than that, we teach goal-setting, personal budgeting, and long-term thinking. Because I don’t want anyone just clocking in and out here. I want them leaving this business better than they came in — as leaders, as providers, and as people.

We’re not here to create jobs that plateau. We’re here to create careers that launch.
That’s why every leadership opportunity we build — as we grow toward future satellite offices — we plan to fill from within.

Why This Matters to the Community

When you invest in your people, they show up with energy, integrity, and purpose. That shows up in how they treat your customers, how they show up in their own homes, and how they engage with the community around them.

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And when a business models this kind of leadership, it raises the bar for everyone.

We’re also proud to give back directly — not for attention, but because it’s part of who we are. We provide in-kind cleanings, monetary support or volunteer time for:

  • Children in Crisis
  • Path of Grace Thrift & Boutique
  • Semper Fi & America’s Fund
  • The Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce
  • United Way Emerald Coast

We want to be the kind of company that doesn’t just succeed — but contributes.

The Bigger Picture

I know we’re just one small business. But I’ve seen firsthand what happens when you create space for people to grow: they rise to meet you.

Imagine the impact if more local businesses — big or small — created environments that nurtured their team’s potential, rewarded effort, and built real trust. We’d see stronger families, more resilient storefronts, and a tighter, more vibrant community.

That’s the kind of momentum we’re proud to help lead.

For us, it’s never just been about windows.
It’s always been about people.

And if we can keep growing a team that reflects that — while making our coast just a little brighter every day — then I believe we’re doing something that matters.

Ready to Join Our Team?

We’re always looking for individuals who share our values and want to grow with us. If you’re a positive, driven person looking for a career with purpose, we encourage you to explore what we have to offer.

Visit FishWindowCleaning.com/3249 to learn more about current opportunities.

Or if you’re looking for a reliable, community-minded partner for your home or business, we’d love to serve you.

Call us at 850.842.2162 for a free estimate.