Dana Brown isn’t the original Window Guy, but he has owned the window-washing company by that name since 1997.

With hand-written receipts, a soft voice and a catchy name, Brown has become a recognizable fixture washing windows on Massachusetts Street. During the past seven years, though, he’s expanded the venture to include businesses and homes from Topeka to Kan-sas City, even down into Oklahoma. He loves to build a rapport with his customers, just don’t ask him his secret behind the streak-free shine — he’s not telling.

Q: How did you get started washing windows?

A: I left a previous job and was looking for something different to do in Lawrence. I was recommended by an employment office and they suggested I go to a guy who was hiring window cleaners. I started in 1996 with him. He was looking to do some other stuff, retailing taco shells and stuff, and he was looking to get out of the business and find some buyers. He told me he was going to sell the business to someone in Lawrence, but I talked to him about the idea of me buying it.

Q: Did you come up with the name or did you inherit it?

A: The Window Guy was already established with the name. I talked to some of the clients about changing it and they said it was trendy and easy to remember. They said it would lose some of its appeal by changing the name. So I kept it.

Q: How has The Window Guy changed since you bought the company?

A: It’s definitely changed quite a bit since 1997. I expanded it to probably about three times the size it was. For example, the clients were basically local and now we have some accounts in Kansas City and Topeka. There was even someone in Oklahoma who found out about us so we went down there. We’re downtown every Thursday or Friday, unless the rain pushes us back to Saturday.

Q: How many people work under you?

Dana Brown installs a window pane in an east Lawrence home. Brown, a full-time window washer, cleaned and installed windows on Wednesday.

A: It depends on the time of year. When it’s cold, it slows down to about three people. We usually have four or five in the summer when it’s really busy.

Q: How has Lawrence changed since you started washing windows?

A: It’s changed quite a lot, too. Since I took over in 1997, a lot of the original local owners have faded out or closed shop because of the larger corporate stores, like Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. Where American Eagle is now, there used to be a toy store. The owner was a really nice guy who ended up having to shut his doors. Downtown has lost some of its local uniqueness. It doesn’t seem to have that feel as much anymore. It’s more like a small, big-city feel.

Q: What is your favorite place to wash windows?

A: One of my favorite places is the downtown barber shop. The owners of the barber shop always have a unique sense of humor — barber shop humor, you know. I’m always smiling when I leave because of some kind of inside joke or something. It’s the great rapport that I have with all my clients that really makes this job worthwhile. Honestly, some stores are businesses where the manager comes and goes, but the regulars, well, we try to have a personal touch and feel.

Q: Why do you think some businesses and homeowners chose The Window Guy over another window cleaning company?

A: Those relationships that I make and the reputation I establish. I also have a commitment to do a good job, be personable and be considerate of the homeowners. I take pride in doing the best job and guaranteeing my work, coming back for free if it’s necessary. A lot of our clients get my name by word of mouth. In Lawrence, it’s a small enough town that you establish a reputation. I like to leave a good impression on clients and maybe I’ll get a referral or a call back. We just appreciate the opportunity to offer our services.

Q: What is a typical day like?

A: The only typical thing is the actual cleaning. The rest depends on the size of the window, the size of the job. Tuesday I was doing a house, literally a mini-mansion, that was a really large task. And then every Friday I’m downtown. We also get a lot of last minute calls. People who need our services because of a wedding, a birthday or a graduation party. The accounts in Kansas City also keep us on our toes.

Q: What are some memorable moments or lessons you’ve learned?

A: Back in 2000 when it got really cold, I was out doing windows. You have to be very flexible in this job. It was literally the first time I was cleaning in the winter and I didn’t realize how cold it could get out there. The water wasn’t frozen in the bucket, but by the time I reached down to get the squeegee it had frozen on the window. I had to go get a scraper to get the ice off the window. On the other extreme, over the summer when it was 112 degrees, water gets on the window and just evaporates before you can even get your squeegee. You have to be flexible and quick. A lot of the fun in this business came from spending time from the previous owner. He was a Christian guy and some of the stories that he would tell and the insight that he would give would give me a really profound perspective on the way I looked at things in life.

Q: Do you have your own technique or tips?

A: The best window cleaners have their own technique, from the solutions they use to the types of equipment they use. Some like to do big jobs with small squeegees. Or, if it’s cold outside, window cleaners debate Windex vs. a generic glass cleaner or ammonia vs. vinegar. We’ve changed over the years to go with what works. I don’t want to give any of my secrets. In the winter, we use an alcohol-based solution to keep the water from freezing. In the spring, summer and fall we use an industrial-based solution that is sensitive to tinted glass. I would never use vinegar. The smell just kills me.

Q: What are your long-term goals as The Window Guy?

A: I’d obviously like to expand it to the point where we had, I guess, 15 other Window Guys. Eventually I’d like to sell it and take in the royalties. Make it a franchise, you know. Someday.