Getting to Know You
Can you introduce yourself to Columbia Valley homeowners who may not know you yet?
My name is Cole Maruk! I’m a fourth-generation Calgarian, but this past spring I took the leap and moved full-time to the Columbia Valley. It already feels like home.
What first brought you to the Columbia Valley, and why did you decide to stay?
I first started coming to the valley when I was about 12 years old. It began with May long weekends in Fairmont, then renting cottages in Timber Ridge, and eventually our family purchased a property in Lakeview Meadows. For more than a decade I was a “weekender,” learning to drive here, golfing hundreds of rounds as a junior member at Radium Springs, and falling in love with the valley.
More recently, my fiancée and I purchased our own little Nook in Windermere at Akiskinook. We haven’t looked back since.
What do you love most about living here — any favorite local spots, routines, or community traditions?
It starts with the nature, the views, and the lake. We love the classic Columbia Valley experiences — beach days, floating in our boat, golfing, and just soaking up the scenery. The valley feels alive during long weekends, but we love the slower pace of the shoulder seasons too. And for us, Peppi’s Pizza is the original go-to spot.
Starting The Valley Shiners
What inspired you to launch a professional window and exterior cleaning company?
I’m a marketer by trade, having owned my own agency in Calgary for the past 15 years. I’ve spent my career building brands, creating campaigns, and supporting other businesses. Now it’s time to turn those skills inward — to treat ourselves like our own client.
We saw a gap in the local market for professional, reliable home services. Window cleaning in Invermere and across the Columbia Valley felt like the perfect fit. It’s hands-on, it delivers immediate results, and most importantly, it helps people enjoy the views that make this valley so special.
Where did the name “The Valley Shiners” come from?
We wanted to nod to the Columbia Valley while also capturing what we do: shine. Our mission is to be the crew that makes your home — and your views — look their best.
You use the phrase “Your pit crew for pristine views.” What does that mean to you?
We wanted to make the brand fun and memorable. Pit crews in F1 are known for speed, precision, and teamwork. That’s the energy we’re bringing — except instead of tuning up your car, we’re tuning up your view. You’ll see us this spring in pit-crew-inspired uniforms, aviators, and with top-tier tools of the trade.
Why focus on premium, uniformed service instead of just being another cleaner with a ladder?
It’s about pride, professionalism, and reputation. When we put on our uniforms, we’re representing The Valley Shiners. That means showing up on time, taking care with every detail, and standing behind our work. If we don’t deliver, it’s our name and image on the line. That accountability keeps our standards high.
What Makes You Different
What do you think sets The Valley Shiners apart from other window cleaning options in the valley?
There are some great cleaners here, but most are fully booked and hard to reach. We’re bringing more crew capacity, plus customer service features designed for busy homeowners: online booking, real-time text updates, before-and-after photos, and bringing our own purified water to every job. Clients don’t even need to be home — they can trust it’ll be done right.
We’re raising the bar not just for the quality of the cleaning itself, but for the entire experience.
Can you talk a little about the professional gear you use and why it matters for homeowners?
The valley’s water supply is naturally hard, which can leave streaks. That’s why we use a four-stage pure water system with reverse osmosis and deionization to bring water down to 0ppm purity — perfect for streak-free glass.
We pair that with carbon-fiber poles that can reach up to 50 feet, so we can clean tough-to-reach windows safely from the ground. That means less ladder work, safer conditions for crews, and peace of mind for homeowners. Add in pro-grade squeegees, scrapers, and microfiber gear, and our pit crews are set up to make cottages, condos, and lakefront homes truly shine.
Why was it important for you to make sure the team is insured and trained from day one?
It’s all about safety and professionalism. We want to be a great local employer, not just a decent one. From the start, we’re working with a safety consultant to ensure our team understands the risks of the job and how to mitigate them. Homeowners can feel confident knowing insured, trained professionals are on site.
How do you make communication easier for busy homeowners who aren’t always here full-time?
Our platform allows real-time, two-way text messaging between crews and clients. You’ll know when the team is on the way, when the job is done, and you’ll receive before-and-after photos instantly. Payment happens right through the same interface. For out-of-town owners, it makes window cleaning in Invermere and beyond simple and stress-free.
Personal Touch
What’s been the most rewarding moment since starting The Valley Shiners?
Honestly, the community response. Everyone we’ve spoken to lights up at the idea of a professional, reliable service that keeps their views pristine. We’ve been welcomed warmly as new business owners and already had referrals from neighbors and friends who want to help us grow.
What kind of feedback from homeowners means the most to you?
The best feedback will be when homeowners say they not only loved the result, but that they enjoyed working with our crew. Reliability, friendliness, and professionalism matter as much as the shine itself.
What does “community first” look like in practice for your business?
Community is everything. Personally, I’ll be engaging with the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and offering time to help other local businesses with branding and marketing challenges.
We’re also committed to being an equal-opportunity employer and building a diverse crew. And we plan to roll out initiatives that direct a portion of sales back into local causes. When homeowners invest in us, we want that investment to flow back into the valley in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead
What’s your vision for The Valley Shiners over the next few years?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart, so the vision is always big. But to ground it — we want to become one of the valley’s top employers. That means offering real opportunities for people to learn a craft, move up, and build careers. From crew members to van captains to territory leads, we want people to see a future with us.
How do you hope homeowners feel after working with your crew?
Delighted. If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right. At the end of the day, it’s about peace of mind and pride in your property.
If you could sum up The Valley Shiners in one sentence, what would it be?
Easy: We’re your pit crew for pristine views.
Closing
Anything else you’d like the community to know?
Just a heartfelt thank you. Everyone we’ve spoken with has been welcoming and encouraging. Starting a business here feels like joining a community that genuinely wants you to succeed. We’re grateful — and we can’t wait to shine up the valley.
