Brand Stories and Bird Calls: An Interview with Richie Blue from Maykker Products

At Window Magic Supply, we love the story behind a product and its creator. That’s why we’re excited to talk to Richie Blue, the creative mind behind Maykker Products. In this interview, Richie shares the inspiration and passion that brought Maykker to life, and how this commitment to innovation and quality comes through in every product we proudly carry. Oh, and make sure to watch the video at the end to hear directly from Richie, including a nod to his birding side.

Why the name Maykker?

I came up with the name Maykker when I was working on a project one day and realized I was creating and making things. The thought came to me that God is the Creator and Maker of all things. So I decided to call the company Maykker.

How long did you clean windows for?

I started cleaning glass in 1986. I did it on and off for 30 plus years.

Who is/was your inspiration?

I'm not sure how to answer that. I was always of the mind that I wanted to blaze my own trail. I was predisposed to tinkering and modifying things to suit my needs. I've experienced many vocations and mostly learned what I didn't want to do. But there were also many along the way that were examples, both good and bad, too many to mention. But learning from everyone and applying what worked for me.

How does your crazy brain come up with these innovative ideas?

At the risk of sounding cliche, necessity is the mother of all invention. I think partly I was motivated to come up with new concepts because I was tired of using substandard and cheaply made equipment. I have a respect for window cleaners. It's a noble profession.  I just thought we deserved better. Ideas come sometimes seemingly from completely unrelated things. They just pop into my head. On several occasions my eyes have popped open in the middle of the night with an idea and I would find myself in my workshop at 3am plotting out the idea. Other times my ideas are more deliberate. For example, seeing a need for something, then brainstorming a solution. Sometimes they come from a random memory from the past. That's how I came up with the three point locking system for the Trident Belt. About 20 years ago I had a regular belt with a two point plastic locking buckle. There was a cute girl sitting on a bench flirting with me as I was walking by, my belt came undone and splashed water all over her. Suffice to say, I did not get her phone number. Then I thought about that embarrassing moment from 20 years ago and came up with the Trident Belt. So ideas for me are resourced from various sources.

What's your favorite type of window cleaning job?

I love storefronts, because they are steady and year round. A dependable form of income. Plus, I love that I get to know the customers on a personal level, because I see them every couple weeks.

Before Maykker what types of tools did you use?

I used all the major brands. Ettore, Sorbo, Unger. I really loved the Wagtail Highflyer.

What benefit do you feel Maykker offers the industry?

Well, first you get me.. :). Just kidding. Maykker has brought window cleaners out of the high production, cheaply made, poor quality tools that have permeated our industry for decades. Window cleaners got no respect, as Rodney Dangerfield would say. It's like the manufacturers think they are selling to a bunch of street people living under bridges.  Maykker brings super high quality equipment to a sub-culture of people that have been treated like vagabonds for too long. Window cleaners deserve the best, and that's what Maykker strives to be.

Any new tools on the horizon??

Yes, I have several tools in the design phase, a few are very close to production. But I can't say what they are now. I'm trying to get out of the witness protection program, and if I blab, I'll be living in some suburb in Montana. 

Anything else you would like to add?

Yes, I'd like to add that you are a great person Randi. And all your customers love you. And for good reason. You treat everyone with great care and it's so appreciated by many. Keep up the great work..!

Hearing directly from Richie reminds us why we’re so proud to offer Maykker Products to our customers. If you’re feeling inspired, be sure to check out our full selection of Maykker items! And stay tuned. We’ll be sharing more brand stories and interviews in the future.