Tim Smith

Paul B Thats is an excellent comment "Newspaper Theory". As a business consultant, I attend seminars, research, and read business theory on a regular basis. I have never heard or read organizational theory explain in such a simple, yet systematically correct format. You are 100% correct. Your Newspaper Theory is excellent in describing the business cycle of an organization. An organization like the PWNA will never make it on membership alone. The money is with the advertisment. Any organization that stands for its member, will pass on the expense to the advertisers. I consult small business and professional organizations from time to time - I've learned that the "Organizational Mission Statement" is just a bunch of words, what the organization truly stand for lies in the Financial Statement - who pays the bills. An old saying "The members pay the light bill and the advertisers pays the mortgage" holds true for successful organizations. An organization, that the members are paying the mortgage, normally is set up for big business, not the little man (member). A lot or organizations are set-up specifically to build a customer list, if you will, easy access to the customer. Case in point - there are pressure washing boards that set up to sale products --- the same holds true for organizations. Sorry so long - that theory stuff can be lenghty.

Ron P PWNA promoting the industry - thats would be great. The PWNA could give members brochures that explain - who and what the PWNA is all about and why the public should hire a PWNA member over another contractor. Members could give these brochures to customers, which would increase that members competiitve advantage and help promote the PWNA. Once PWNA is well known and helps contractors get jobs, you will have to fight people to keep them out. Just another potential benefit. I like the free trial membership - show contractors that they can benefit from being a member and they will continue their membership. If you can not show a benefit, its no more than a social club. The PWNA has really made some great improvements and should be applauded, but when it comes down to it - the question is not what I can do for the organization, but what can the organization do for me. Bang for your buck.

Beth Can you please change the title also. It appears that the title "I can't hold back any longer" is mine. Thats was another contractors title in the Moderators section. I initially posted this thread in this section under the title "Pressure Restoration Contractor Certification". Thanks a lot.

I'm not aware of laws that may prevent this, but I think the PWNA should provide a list of Insurance companies that are willing to offer a discount for PWNA members. Yes, the PWNA should sale advertisement, if that company is going to pass benefits to the members of PWNA. If its truly an organization for the contractors - force the manufactures and chemical sales to offer a savings (discount) to PWNA members. Create a list of companies that offer discounts to PWNA members and send it to the members. If I was a member and I wanted to buy a pressure washer - I would purchase from that list to save money. Wait - what is this? That would be another benefit for the members of PWNA.

Paul B You made some good points. I too have a lot of questions. The key is not to focus on why is can't happen, but how it can happen. I disagree with open book test being useless. A person can learn from an open book as well as a close book test. Its up to that person of how much he is going to learn. Even if the person, just looks up the answers, that person will be learning. I would hope that a person would being spending their money to learn as well as to get a certification. If an organization gave proctor (close book exams), the the cost would be a lot more plus the inconvenience on the contractor taken the test. Where do you go to take the test?

Jon I agree with you. If the PWNA could keep the cost down and look at it as a way to build membership - that would be great. Later, when the certification holds weight in the publics eye, then charge more. Instead of making money, the PWNA should view it as a benefit to the members. Thats an idea - benefit for being a member. I moved the comments to the PWNA section - you may want to move your reply to that section to get more imput other than moderators.

I own several business, so I too am very busy year around. Most of us do not live in AZ or warmer climates. In general, most pressure washing companies have some down time in the winter. There are always exceptions to everything. I understand that you are busy, so am I. Successful people don't have time, they make time. Bottom line, if your not a member, then you will not get the certification. The PWNA should write the test and administer the correspondence course if they are backing it, not us. It has to be an organization like PWNA to mean something. I'm not a member of PWNA either, but I might if they offer a certification program like mention above. That would mean that I actually benefit from being a member.

Can HD80 be used to clean asphalt roofs? I believe that Sodium Hydroxide is the main ingredient in HD80 - is that correct? If so, I believe most roof cleaners use Sodium Hydroxide - Is that true? I would think that HD80 would damage the oil in the shingle. What do you think?

Is Pool Shock a name brand? Where can you purchase it? Thanks

does HD-80 always have to be neutralize? I strip this deck with HD-80 and I always neutralize with oxalic acid, but my customer wants me to use a latex outdoor stain (sherman Williams) - Coupenal (mispelled). So there is no need to brighten the wood, but will the HD-80 harm the sealant. I know that with Ready Seal - when using HDd-80, you need to neutralize real good.

I like having control of my chemicals - seems like you would waste a lot of chemical with x-jet on decks. Is that old thing Labor vs Chemical Cost

Johnny I love the x-jet - its awesome with washing houses - I use it all the time, but I just can't bring myself to spray Oxalic Acid on a deck with an x-jet. Overspray - Oxalic Acid is not something you want all over a home. I know - rinse very well before spraying - it will still damage over time.

Beth You should put a bid calcualor on this sight - both janitorial and pressure washing. It would greatly increase the traffic. What do you think?

Derek I too own a janitorial business. Join you local chamber of Commerce - Advertise in there monthly newsletter - great place to network. Contact you local Medical Society Office - you can purchase a mailing list for there members. Its $50.00 for 253 doctors and their mailing list in my area. Request to get the "Office Managers" list - doctors don't have time to read flyers. Cold calls - call offices that are larger - the smaller offices have the kid or uncle so & so clean there place of business. Not always, but you will find larger offices hire out more & offices with more than one partner. Reherse what you want to say and the message you want the business owners to hear. Smile as you talk on the phone - trust me. Also, repeat the business owners name several times - don't over due it. Leather to the Pavement - Drop in these places of business. Never drop in at lunch time or late in the day - about 30 minutes after they open is good. Janitorial Services is a hard business to get establish - low entry - meaning this - anybody can buy a mop, bucket, & vacuum cleaner and start a business. No training or large investments needed. Separate yourself from your competition. Customers are looking for Reliability - thats the number one complaint. Add Quality services to Reliability and business will come. Your business will go as far as you take it.