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In 1984 I was washing windows as a way to earn some money while going to college. I was a biology/chemistry major with a knack for business. The window cleaning business exploded, just as I learned that without 3 semesters of A’s in calculus (my nemesis subject), there would be no hope of taking the MCAT exams (medical school admissions). My first consumer product was window cleaning spray, sold to some of the condo housekeepers. My second was a rope protector for rappelling off roofs and cleaning windows (we actually sold a dozen or so). The third was a total body powder/antiperspirant (corn starch, baking soda, aluminum chlorhydrate, fragrance). This was designed when Jimbo and I were trapped in Boston’s Logan Airport for about 8 hours. I used a cornstarch/baking soda mixture in my shoes and jockey shorts to reduce chafing and irritation, and the stuff worked great. To kill time we designed a national marketing campaign for it. We decided to call it No Sw..t!. We designed the bottle, graphics - the whole nine yards. Then my buddy says Don’t turn around, but there is some junior loan officer looking guy writing down everything you are saying. I get up slow, then move fast towards him. The guy grabs his briefcase and runs away at top speed. Boy was I surprised when a commercial for No Sw..t came on while channel surfing in a hotel one night. The Murphy’s Story: This really happened. I’m washing the window at Murphy’s Bar and Grill on Center Street in Rutland, Vermont and this guy comes out. 5’6, short, sandy blond hair, jacket off, tie askew. I figured he had a few and was feeling chatty. He watches me and says: Great Job! $20 an hour 50% profit. Hey! I don’t get out of bed for less than $25 an hour, I reply. He eyes me warily, than says, I like you kid, I’m gonna give you 2 minutes of my time. Do you mind if I make a dollar first? He shrugs his shoulders, Clocks ticking. And looks at his watch. I jump up and do this speed window cleaning move on one of the two big plate glass pieces. Not bad, 14 seconds he murmurs. I know he was impressed because in the end he gave me over 5 minutes of his time.

 

Address: 616 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753
Telephone: (802) 388-4302
Fax: (802) 388-7471
Website: http://www.vtsoap.com/