The High Standard of Clean: Inside Performance Industrial’s Commercial Window Cleaning Services
When it comes to commercial window cleaning, Performance Industrial isn’t just another name in the industry—they’re setting a new standard. Under the leadership of Chris Despart, who brings more than a decade of hands-on experience to the table, the company is redefining what it means to deliver high-quality, detail-driven service.
From Family Roots to Industry Expertise
Chris Despart’s journey began with a family-run business, Action Window Cleaning, where he started working as a teenager. By his mid-20s, he had transitioned into leadership. Chris joined Performance Industrial, bringing with him not only years of technical know-how but also a deep understanding of what it takes to build a window cleaning business from the ground up.
At Performance Industrial, Chris now oversees both the kitchen exhaust cleaning and industrial cleaning divisions, with commercial window cleaning being a key component of the latter. His background has helped shape a service offering that goes far beyond surface-level clean—it’s about precision, professionalism, and delivering on promises.
The Scope of Work
Performance Industrial focuses on mid-level commercial structures—typically buildings that are between two and five stories tall. Their clients range from office buildings and apartment complexes to car dealerships, hospitals, colleges and commercial leasing spaces. While they don’t tackle high-rises, they specialize in jobs that require thoughtful, strategic approaches to access and safety.
What truly sets the company apart is its investment in specialized equipment, such as a crawler lift that can navigate tight indoor spaces and fit through standard-sized doorways. This machine enables the team to clean hard-to-reach windows in places like lobbies and courtyards, areas where traditional lifts simply won’t work. It’s a game-changer for accessing difficult spots without compromising safety or quality.
A Commitment to Safety
Safety isn’t just a policy at Performance Industrial—it’s a priority embedded in every job. All team members are OSHA 10 certified, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of safety practices across various industrial scenarios. In addition, any technician operating a boom lift receives certification through trusted providers like Skyworks or Regeneron.
With team members often working at heights up to 100 feet, it’s critical to know exactly where and how to position lifts safely. Chris himself has logged over 10,000 hours operating lifts, and he brings that real-world expertise to every project his team takes on.
Going Beyond the Surface
One of the biggest differences between Performance Industrial and many of its competitors is its uncompromising approach to quality. While newer water-fed pole systems are widely used across the industry for their speed and efficiency, they don’t always deliver the kind of results that Performance’s clients expect—or that the team is willing to accept.
These systems use purified water and telescoping poles to clean windows from the ground, often reaching three to five stories high. And while effective in certain scenarios, Chris emphasizes that they often fall short when it comes to delivering a truly spotless finish—especially on jobs where dirt and grime require hands-on attention.
“Our approach is to do what it takes to get the job done right,” Chris explains. “That might mean getting a lift, going up there ourselves, physically scrubbing and squeegeeing, and making sure every edge is wiped clean. That’s the difference between ‘okay’ and ‘great.’”
The Extra Mile in Quality Control
Performance Industrial is relentless when it comes to detail. Each project includes not just the cleaning itself, but a full inspection once the job is complete. Walkthroughs are standard protocol, and any spot that needs touching up gets addressed immediately. There’s no rushing through jobs or simply checking boxes—the goal is to leave every pane of glass crystal clear.
Chris acknowledges that in many cases, commercial property managers might not scrutinize window cleaning quality closely, especially when servicing multi-tenant buildings. But that doesn’t stop his team from holding themselves to a higher bar. “We pay attention to what we’re doing, and we make sure it’s coming out great every single time,” he says.
Expanding Reach Without Compromising Quality
Geographically, Performance Industrial covers a broad area. Based in New York’s Capital Region, they serve clients from Potsdam near the Canadian border, across to Syracuse and Ithaca, and into parts of Western Massachusetts and Vermont. They’re not opposed to traveling further for week-long or large-scale jobs, showing a flexibility that’s rare in the industry.
This wide service area is matched by a dedication to maintaining consistency in quality, no matter the distance. Whether it’s a local office park or a multi-unit development two states away, Performance Industrial approaches every job with the same mindset: deliver excellence and don’t cut corners.
A Clear Difference
For businesses already using a window cleaning service, Chris offers a bit of advice: take a closer look. If you’re seeing water spots, streaks, or areas that consistently seem missed, there’s room for improvement. These are often signs of companies relying too heavily on speed-oriented systems like water-fed poles without ensuring thorough results.
Performance Industrial’s model is built on experience, proper tools, safety, and attention to detail—all driven by a belief that good enough is never good enough. With a team that’s certified, experienced, and willing to go above and beyond, they’re carving out a reputation as the go-to for businesses that value quality in their facilities’ presentation.
In the world of commercial window cleaning, Performance Industrial stands out by staying grounded in one simple philosophy: do it right, or don’t do it at all.
