Passing Along A Family Business

MIDDLETOWN — For the second time, the Faulkner family business passes from father to son.

Ed Faulkner Sr., owned Middletown Window Cleaning from 1960 until sons Tom and Ed Faulker Jr. took over the business in 1979.
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Tom Faulkner (above) former owner of Middletown Window Cleaning & Janitorial Services, stands next to his son Butch, who now owns the business. Tom handed down the family business, which has served Butler, Montgomery and Warren counties for more than 50 years, to his son on July 1.Click to enlarge
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This year, Butch Faulkner squeegees his way to ownership.

He knew as a child he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather, partly because his grandfather said so.

"He'd hit me on the side of my cap and say, 'You're gonna own this business one day, Butcher.'"

Middletown Window Cleaning has served Butler, Warren and Montgomery counties for 54 years.

The company provides janitorial and residential services, including office cleaning, monthly and semi-annual home cleaning and water damage restoration.

Tom Faulkner said he's seen many changes in clientele — especially with the loss of Middletown's paper companies that were longtime customers. Now, janitorial services account for only 20 percent of the company's work. The rest is residential.

Before Ed Faulkner Sr. purchased the business from Middletown resident Frank Welch, he owned Ed Faulkner & Sons window cleaning service in Dayton.

He'd quit his factory job at Frigidaire to earn $1 an hour for a window cleaner who picked him up for work.

Walking in that legacy is "a pride thing," said Butch Faulkner whose 9-year-old son Thomas loves working with him.

If Thomas has his way, he'll be next in line to make the family proud.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2525 or dwilson@coxohio.com.