Leaderboard

All, I would like to take the opportunity to weigh in on this topic as I have been named a player in it. Hopefully, I can fill in some of the blanks, shed light on some bits of dim information and otherwise prove to answer some questions. FYI, .... I'm probably going to get long here so there it is, you've been warned. First I'd like to thank those who have called and e-mailed me recently to ask about the goings on. I hope I have helped you and also look forward to hearing from anyone else who wants to talk. As to the formation of a new org, I'd like to say this..Thanks for thinking of us. It really means a lot that some folks think us worthy. Second, be careful what you ask for. Brian and I are known for speaking our mind, standing for the right, and fighting hard for what we belive. This has caused us some trouble recently and our personalities aren't likely to change :) John and Jack make good points and I'd agree with much of what they both have said, although I'd also add the counter argument (more for argument's sake and to provoke thought and discussion) that by barring all of the types mentioned, you'll end up barring many qualified individuals. Not that there aren't other qualified folks out there, but those that are hiding need to now come out in the open. It is also of paramount importance that we seek to include those outside of our own sphere of influence. Sure, Beth has many whom she can reach out to via this BBS, but how many more can John reach..and Barb & Tom, and all the others. The potential number of contractors and contacts is staggering. Ignoring the value that distributors and Mfg's bring is to the peril of any org.. John is dead on the money with his observation that dist's and mfg's should be involved but not in management. The history lesson is there for anyone who cares to look. I'd caution anyone to move slowly in the pursuit of a new org.. Moving fast for the sake of moving or acting with emotion instead of reason can have less than desirable results. Brian and I have been involved in discussions (more as consultants than anything) with folks who have suggested a new org. and who are dedicated to making something positive happen. More than anything we have both said over and over again.."Don't be in a hurry". It is necessary for many things to happen and here is my own personal list (which is open for revision if need be) of the minimums. A business plan - Before the pursuit of any endeavor, a plan must exist. Be it a trip away for vacation, a new profit center for your own business, or in this case, a new organization. A well thought out and documented plan must be in place. This plan would include market research, marketing plans, sales plans, revenue forecasts, and all the other standard items that any responsible businessperson would have. Solid market research - As alluded to in number one, it would only make logical sense that prior to bringing a product to market, a responsible manager would have the facts and figures to support the move. Further, but more importantly, for it to be successful, the org would HAVE to know what it is that the potential membership would want, and also whether or not they could actually provide those benefits. Complete transparency - Not only ethically required, but lawfully required. No back door deals, no closet contracts, no B.S. Cash - It takes money to make things happen. A new org will have to have a solid bankroll to deliver the things we think are necessary. Examples would be marketing materials (good stuff too... not just some lame logo or limp pamphlet), basic forms, basic safety plans, business assitance and education materials, lead generation tools, negotiated rates with advertizers, etc. This all takes clout. Clout starts with cash in hand. Controversy need not apply - A tough stance to take, but echoed by all who have participated in the discussions to date. This means that demonstrably polarizing individuals, or individuals who have a clear history of attacks, negativity, downright meanness or other socially unacceptable behaviors simply cannot be in leadership positions. Placing people like this, no matter how popular they may be, in a position of power leads to the demoralization of the org, casts a shadow of doubt among the members, and dims the effectiveness of the org in the public eye. Education - Contrary to current practices in existing organizations, a properly empowered and designed org must be a clearinghouse for education and the free market must decide who does or who does not participate. This is Brian's baby, and I agree with him.. but I'm writing this so I'm going to put it out here.. The org should have the responsibility to its members to ferret out viable and practical educational opportunities. Members should have the power to define what they want in an educational opportunity, both in topic and content. The org should present a set of minimum standards, curriculum requirements, etc. When a potential educator meets those requirements then, the org can say to a member "Companies A,B, and C offer this training and here is the contact information for each." Further, the org has the responsibility to monitor these educators and if they fail to meet acceptable standards, the org should have the power to solve the problem. There is more to this, but Brian needs to take the lead here. This is really the minimum of where I'm at.. There is more, but I really don't want to write a novel. For those who have read this far, Brian and I have agreed to host some "Town Hall" style meetings for anyone who wants to pursue this effort. This one at Tom's place is one of those and is geared to the Northeast segment. We also want to do one in the South (I'm in Atlanta Ga. so near me would be great), one in the Midwest, and one on the West Coast. Volunteers, Locations, and help is needed at every one of these so feel free to contact me or Brain for more info. We'll also be announcing a date for a giant conference call to do the same thing and save travel money. Here's the basics--- This is a Town Hall meeting to explore the possibility and potential for a new power wash association.. Not a bashing session against anyone else. If you have good solid input, ideas, or plans, this is the place to have your voice heard. If you want to pick a fight with an org or an individual that you are not happy with.. sorry, this ain't the place. Call your rep from whatever org (or the person) you are having an issue with and take your problem up with them. We can't solve it and we can't waste time trying. Be bold with your ideas and have them thought out and ready for scrutiny. NOTHING is off the table, but the table is of limited size. Therefore only the best ideas will stay. If you have a good idea and it stands the test, then it can come to fruition. Think about things like planning, implementations, costs, budgets, follow-up. These are challenges that need to be overcome. Get involved. If you want to facilitate change, you must act. It's a law of nature. Nothing happens without something else happening first. If YOU want a new org, then YOU have to make it happen. Ok... That's it.. I'm spent P.S. I'm available for anyone to talk with. Please remember that like many of you successful contractors, I'm a busy guy, so if I don't answer the phone and you really want to talk.. you have to leave a message.. I will call you back as soon as I'm able. (Eastern time, not after 9 pm too please...) 770-318-1032 (mobile) Regards to all, Cujo

Very good points by Mr. Kramer and Mr. Allison. My business is about 60/40 window cleaning/pressure washing and I happen to currently sit on the board of the IWCA as well as serve as President of the Association of United Window Cleaners. While both of these organizations seek out and welcome associate members (manufacturers & distributors), their membership does not carry voting privileges, nor can they sit on the board in anything other than an advisory capacity. I can tell you personally that as a matter of policy both organizations bend over backwards to not show even a hint of favoritism of one associate member over another even if it means passing up what may have been an attractive opportunity of some sort - exclusive sponsorships, etc. I think that policy has proven itself to be directly responsible for some measure of both organization's successes and would seem to be only appropriate.

...it would be wise not to hitch your horses to any Vendor, Manufacturer or Distributor. Remember how the PWNA was started? It reminds me of something my father once told me... 'more often than not - behind the guise of most unselfish acts lies a selfish motive.' If you are going to do something I would only hope that you do it as a group of contractors completely away from any influences, recommendations of anyone other than those of you who the organization will be formed to benefit. There should be no rewards for those of us who are not full-time contractors other that to give all an even playing field to display our products and tell our story. I would also suggest that the BOD be made up ONLY of a group of contractors dedicated to serve two Masters - the organization they were elected to manage and their individual business. Those who own BBS's, sell equipment, chemical, etc. should support your efforts by passing on information and helping to educate the industry. Then and only then will you have an organization that is not destined to fail. As a Distributor and Manufacturer I have always wanted to share our knowledge without any strings attached and I am sure that if you gave all of us at the distributor level an equal shot you would find yourselves with an organization free of any illusions that somewhere there is a 'puppet master' with something to gain from all your hard work. Without that commitment I fear that you will be just like everyone else who has not taken such precautions and find yourselves replacing members rather than growing your organization and being alienated at the Mfg - Dist levels. Whatever you decide - think it through very carefully and amongst yourselves over a cup of coffee at the local diner if need be rather than in the presence of those who could be viewed as someone with something to gain. Good luck, John