Since its founding in 2002, Owners Jay and Kendra Bjorn have dedicated themselves to keeping their customers’ homes looking beautiful by offering window cleaning, carpet/upholstery cleaning, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and even holiday light installation. As Kendra says, “In a market where houses are so expensive and it’s such an investment, helping our customers maintain and take care of their homes is very fulfilling.”

Kendra and Jay both grew up in the area and met while snowboarding. After a few years, the two fell in love and married. Jay comes from an entrepreneurial background as his parents started their own company, The Maids, in 1993. Following their lead, Jay began painting houses, cleaning windows, and cleaning carpets with some of his friends, eventually founding his own company in Chinook Services, which Kendra joined in 2014 when their daughter, Gretchen, was just over a year old.

Many of his first clients were referrals from his parents’ company, and as the demand for residential window cleaning and carpet cleaning grew, Jay gave up painting houses altogether. When it got to the point where he couldn’t do the scheduling, billing, and hiring along with performing services, The Maids and Chinook merged so they could share those administrative activities.

     

Today the company’s most popular services include residential roof care, window cleaning, and pressure washing, and they do truck-mounted steam cleaning for carpets. “Most of our crew consists of teams of two, although our carpet and window cleaners are solo. We have about 20 employees and 10 teams going out right now,” says Kendra. They also have several commercial clients, including the Everett School District, Fred Meyers, and Walmart statewide.

     

Like many husband/wife teams, Kendra and Jay bring different strengths to the business. Kendra manages Human Resources for the company. “I am a people person and am also extremely organized. Most of what I do is to put structure in place, and hire and retain employees,” she says. “We have a very diverse group, so it involves a lot of reading people and helping them get on their feet as these are entry-level, trusted positions,” she explains. “Hiring these young adults, training them, and seeing them grow is really what I enjoy the most,” she says.

     

Jay’s strength is building the company itself, as well as researching which equipment and cleaning solutions are most effective, while also keeping his employees and the environment safe. “As for roof care, we use a different method than pressure washing and ensure our work is backed by roof-care associations, so your roof warranty remains intact,” he says. Jay most loves being part of the community and watching employees go through Chinook Services and become successful. “We go through many young adults in the community, watch them develop and grow, and provide them with a nice, steady job,” he says. “It’s fun to see the business grow while taking care of our employees and the property owners we serve.” Speaking of their clients, here is what a couple of them had to say:

“Chinook did an excellent job on 4 major projects we needed done quickly and efficiently to put our house on the market. Furniture cleaning, exterior house washing, roof cleaning, and extensive driveway washing were all done within one day of my call for help. The crews arrived on time (and gave me a heads up when they were on their way.) Michael, Jim, and Gene were total professionals. Their work was top notch. Highest recommendation for everyone. I wish all service companies were this good!”—Marilyn C., Lynnwood, WA

“Chinook did a great job cleaning our windows inside and out. They booked our job quickly, and the technician was great. The work was solid, and we were very happy with the results. Our property is a bit challenging, as it sits on a hillside, which makes laddering essential to reach the top floor. The tech had no trouble and clearly knew what he was doing. Very happy. Will call them again.”—Nancy L., Woodinville, WA

     

Most importantly, Kendra and Jay love the flexibility owning their own business affords them to take their kids, Gretchen and Will, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, camping, or to play tennis. “We are very family oriented,” says Kendra. “With both families in the area, we have weekly family dinners as well, which is a lot of fun.” That family extends to their employees, who are treated to fun team outings including a rental cabin in the winter, and Costco pizzas to take home to their families after a long day keeping their clients’ homes in tip top shape.

     

They also love giving back to their community by sponsoring local youth baseball and softball teams, as well as various events at their children’s school, Silver Lake Elementary, where Kendra serves as Vice President for the PTA.

     

So next time you are looking to refresh your home inside and out, give them a call. You’ll be glad you did!

     

To schedule service or for more information, go to: chinookservices.com