Ettore & The New Deal: Inventors of the Window Cleaning Industry
The Hat That Sparked an Industry: Ettore Sttecone’s Bet with George Racenstein
Behind every groundbreaking innovation lies a story, and for the Ettore Products Company, it all began with a squeegee and a hat. Diane Smahlik, daughter of Ettore Steccone, recounts the fascinating tale of how her father’s invention revolutionized the window cleaning industry and cemented a lasting partnership with the J. Racenstein Company.
A Meeting of Minds (and a Bit of Skepticism)
In the early days, Ettore Steccone was determined to introduce his revolutionary window cleaning tool to the world. His journey led him to the J. Racenstein Company in New York, a business then known for dealing in cleaning supplies and rags. Diane recalls her father’s conversation with George Racenstein, the head of the company at the time:
Ettore approached George with his new invention, a squeegee designed to make window cleaning more efficient. But George was skeptical:
Ettore: “This is my new tool, and I really want you to sell it.”
George: “That’s a toy! Nobody’s going to buy that thing. You expect me to sell it?”
Ettore: “No, it’s going to work. I’ve been giving it away where I am, and everybody likes it. I think if you sell it, you’ll do well.”
George: “I don’t know.”
Ettore: “Let’s make a bet. Within three to four weeks, you’ll place an order for me. If I lose, I’ll buy you a hat. If I win, you buy me one of the best hats in New York.”
George: “Agreed.”
A Bold Strategy
True to his word, Ettore returned home and started producing his squeegees. To prove their worth, he and a friend hit the streets, handing out the tool for free. They encouraged users to try it and, if satisfied, to contact J. Racenstein in New York for more.
The plan worked. Within weeks, George Racenstein was convinced of the squeegee’s potential and placed an order, fulfilling his end of the bet. Ettore proudly received one of the finest hats New York had to offer, a symbol of his first big win in the business world.
A Partnership That Endures
The story didn’t just end with a hat. Ettore’s innovative squeegee became a staple in the window cleaning industry, and the partnership with the J. Racenstein Company endured through the decades. Diane reflects, “The Racenstein Company is still a customer of ours today.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Ettore Sttecone’s ingenuity and determination laid the foundation for the Ettore Products Company, which continues to lead the window cleaning industry. The tale of the hat serves as a testament to the power of believing in your product, taking risks, and building lasting relationships.So, the next time you see a sparkling window, remember the squeegee that started it all—and the bet that brought it to the world.`
