About Us
 
For over 35 years, we have improved the appearance of… added value to… and solved property related problems for selective clients like you! Van Gelder Enterprises, Inc. and Affiliated Divisions is a locally owned California Corporation founded by Bob Van Gelder in March, 1975. From its inception, quality work has been the key to serving our clients, while growing and refining the business…the quality shows in all aspects of each of the 5 Specialty Service Division’s operation.
 
 
The Steam on Wheels Division was the start of what later became Van Gelder Enterprises, Inc. and Affiliated Divisions. What started in 1975 as a side business of steam cleaning car engines, soon became a full time business which grew into a full service steam cleaning/power washing of any surface. Presently, we steam clean and/or power wash exterior surfaces of any type of machinery or equipment, structures (residential and commercial), sidewalks, plazas, parks, etc. The quality of our work can be observed at Levi’s Plaza along San Francisco’s Embarcadero Drive. We steam clean/power wash every other week to help maintain their high level of appearance standards. We have similar contracts around the SF Bay Area.
 
 
After power washing buildings for a few years, in 1978 Awning Care Plus was created from client’s requests who didn’t want to mix a clean building with dirty awnings. We trained our technicians on the various awning cleaning methods as well as the best products for each variety of awning materials. This Division became a success as we have been cleaning client’s awnings on a regular basis such as San Francisco Honda’s awnings at the corner of Van Ness and Market for over 12 years plus many other clients in the SF Bay Area who maintain high standards of appearance for their properties.
 
 
In 1985 what is now our flagship division was launched, Birds Away/Pigeons Away. As it relates to cleanliness and appearance, it just seemed logical to seek solutions to pest bird problems. The bird/pigeon problem throughout the Bay Area seemed to be increasing. As we continued to clean buildings and awnings, it became very difficult to clean bird droppings stains from those surfaces. Once again, we put our field staff through rigorous training on the application of the best bird deterrent products available. Our bird/pigeon abatement work has successfully ended bird activity in more than 9000 Bay Area projects. In addition, we guarantee the effectiveness of each job with our performance and installation guarantees for periods up to 10 years from the date of completion.
 
 
As our business grew, a lot of our clientele was comprised of commercial property managers and homeowners associations and commercial property owners. So, in 1975 we open Graffiti Removal Specialists in our quest to provide our clientele with solutions to their building appearance challenges. We are proud to say that our “invisible removal” procedures achieve a “no trace” results. Our graffiti removal products are the best, “green” products in the market today.
 
 
Glass Film Protection Specialists provides a defense against surface damage or breakage caused by malicious vandalism or burglary attempts. The custom cut, tailor fitted, bubble free, triple layered Mylar film halts intentional surface scratches or acid etching which would normally harm unprotected glass. This ‘invisible’ shield gives peace of mind to image & safety conscious building managers, property owners, storefront merchants, homeowners & others seeking glass protection & security, while saving significant replacement dollars, time & inconvenience. By contrast, the value & benefit of our protective film & service speaks for itself. When ‘glass damage attacks’ or window entry burglary attempts happen, proactive clients who have used our service, enjoy peace of mind in knowing that the perpetrators have merely damaged the removable & replaceable film. Protected windows stay in one piece, bonded together & cannot be penetrated. On storefront widows, glass doors or panels, a phone call to our office brings a prompt, dispatched response by our field tech staff, who quickly and thoroughly remove the damaged film & immediately apply new material. The visual results are as though nothing had occurred. Join the ranks of other smart clients and call for a free estimate today.