JFife

Keep in mind Don, on a bid like that, Rob would have already had 3-4hrs. invested before he even fired up a machine (out and back for a bid/out to start the wash). I think Rob's point was that you cannot count that as "free time". This is off the main subject, but directed to what Don brought up. I'm sure Don didn't do this, but NEVER, EVER disparage a higher bid than yours. If it's lower, sure, you'll say, "I'm assuming they referenced out, had the necessary insurances, etc, yes??" Or, "Mrs. X, we define quality by the fact that we use a very special, expensive soap on your home that will dry spot-free, and resist mildew for two years. At the lower prices you've mentioned, there is no way that can be accomplished. (no clue about housewashing, making stuff up)" BUT if higher, as was the case with DonM. vs. RFitz, you say, "with respect, I don't want you to think RfitzWashing was trying to rip you off. They are located in the city, we're in the country. They live an hour away, I'm your neighbor. Sure, that price may sound high for the scope of the work, but I can see where that is what RFitzWashing needed to charge to be profitable on this job. But I feel I can offer you the same quality of workmanship, with the service all of my customers get, for $700---not because I am a lowballer, but because it pays to shop local." Or something like that.

They play football Scott??

Congrats on your boys' success, Scott. I'd FORCE them (sounds like that might be tough, LOL:)) to help you, for no other reason than to substantiate in their mind that this isn't the direction they want to go in. That way, if they start getting lazy/slacking in college, you can say, "don't sweat it kid. You know you can always come home anytime and work for your old man---I always imagined you'd be a truckwasher, anyway." Not meaning to insult our profession, but with their intelligence levels I'd say they could put it to some more challenging use. If I had a son, the main things I'd instill in him (workwise) is well-rounded skills. In college, I swear none of my friends new how to do common things like change oil, brakes, use a tape meaure (to frame,etc), basic frame knowledge, drywall, etc. My dad didn't teach me this stuff either---moreso just picked it up, and worked construction in HS in summers. Priceless experience. I'd want a kid by the time he was 18 to know mechanical basics, and carpentry basics, and enough trade basics to be dangerous. Also have a good grasp of all things financial, i.e. recordkeeping, bookeeping, checkbook, understanding debt/credit, etc.

These things are great. I just bought four of them from KF....a couple of guys that work for me had one and brought it in one day to trim out the windows. Ended up using to shoot deck railings, fascia's, windows, and more. Once i saw how effective they were, I knew they were a must-have (KF's been telling me that for a year). The apply a great pattern, and don't waste near as much as an airless with far less overspray. Then you can dial them in to shoot detail work like windows, etc. and use almost like an airbrush. These guys bought theirs new for around $300. I think KF sells the refurbs with better parts for around $90. This is a rediculous price, I'd recommend anyone buy one just for fun for that amount. IMO, if you are going to use as your main method of app, you need more than one (multiple reasons for this). I got four as I want to systemize it with one crew and see how many we need to be effective with 2/3 man crews. I don't want this just to be one big infomercial---they have limitations. Probably don't apply fast/heavy enough to stain a deck floor/walls with a fast penetrator like Readyseal. We'll still use an airless for bulk wall area for speed---but use these for details and areas that have lots of waste. Also, these are great for a crew just starting out.....far less learning curve with these than an airless/Shurflo type sprayer, as you can go so much slower. From time I ordered w/ KF, at my door in four days. The most important thing I've noticed about KF's sprayer compared to the one's my guy's had was the improved fittings, etc. that came with the refurb models. I've seen other refurbs of this sprayer at other places, but they don't have the improvements that KF's have, and that is massive. Trust me on this one, I did my homework and KF's deal is truly nuts. You guys think I'm joking, but once I get my system figured out, I'm going to buy 20 more of these and store them so I have them for the future. This is a deal. jf

I think we got about 3" of ice and 2" of snow. We took about two days off--roads were too bad to drive to jobs. Then everything is froze, blah blah blah, you know the drill. But we haven't lost much time---it's the darn temps that are killing us. Pic of us starting a job after the snow (bad pic) and a pic of my two dogs chasing a little Boston Terrier on the other side of the fence. When it first fell, they could run across the top of the snow/ice without breaking though. It was funny to watch!

I'm trying to find a bbs for another trade....I google and cannot find anything. Is there any trick to finding bbs's??

Didn't have any luck with that, thanks though Don.

SNAP!! That is some wild landscaping/hardscaping/deckwork!! Is that the purply/mustardy wood from a while back?? Same place?? You never posted?? Should be cool!! We are working in the snow today!!

30yrs old now, graduated w/ biz degree from a private school in the Southeast in 2000. Actually started pwashing from the back of a Mazda at 19, in 1996, doing decks. Kept up through college and in 2001 switched over to doing log homes. Stayed one more yr. in TN, considered grad school, undergrad grades weren't good enough (too much pwashing:)) then moved out West to learn the trade better and get a grasp on the field. Next year, moved back to MO where I grew up and have been in biz since. Our 2nd Western location opened at the end of this year....mainly a beginning introductory marketing campaign.....already scheduling work for the Spring. Projecting 07' to be our first seven-figure gross year (of course, that isn't the number that matters though:)) Like FCFPLLC said, for me this is a means to an end to get into real estate. I have loads of dreams and ambitions, mostly in that direction (and oddly, some involve log homes).

...Also don't forget to include "emotion" into the equation......I hate owing people money. I know, I know, it's a necessity to use other people's money to make money, but I'd prefer a utopia with no monthly payments of any kind. How do YOU feel about owing money every month on your equipment? Other thought--if you sell your biz--equip holds little value (not much of anything really does, actually). So maybe not wrapping your money up in equip. isn't a bad idea. Other thing---the work I do is extra-litigous, so I'm always thinking that the less I own, the less one could take from me in a worst-case scenario. For that reason, I am selling some expensive items we have and going to a per-job rent (lifts, compressors). Keeping assets and overhead down, per job expenses go up a little though. And keeps me from feeling as tied-down. One thing to pay cash for---enclosed trailers. Actually appreciate, which is pretty cool. Flatbeds may too if in good shape.

Good tip!!

I'm going to get some samples and see what darker tints look like on it. The light color is nice, but it looks too "Springtime" and "pastel" for me. I prefer heavy, rich, and bold looks. With a touch of coldness, so it doesn't seem cozy....make sense?? Anyway, I like the wood, just not with a clear.

...Little bit of a Hijackorama----but awhile back we all were discussing hardwood floors we liked---I mentioned I liked Australian Cypress. I was shopping around online today and snatched a few pics...here they are. Now I can run these through my BenMoore color program and pre-pick all my colors, everything:) Whenever I buy the house I want to do this work on:) But I like to have my ideas ready!!:) Interested to know if you guys like this flooring or not. After this, I like Mahogany.

I cannot agree with that, Daniel. The more I try and "catagorize" customers, the more I find it doesn't work. I've heard people say that the HO's that are the quickest the pay you your downpayment without an argument will be the toughest to please and get final payment out of. I've had amazing, long-term customers from discounts, and bad ones. And visaversa. There are obviously lessons to be learned from this for everyone....Disclaim, Sign off, and very importantly----understand that everything is a "numbers game". You guys that have LOTS of customers....guys that wash roofs and houses and have lots of $200-$600 bills---add up how many customers you have in a year, then figure how many "screwings" you took. Everyone post their numbers. I'll bet coast-to-coast, low end to high end, roofs to decks, everyone will have similar numbers. THAT is what you should be concerned with---not catagorizing customers. To get effective numbers, you need to see a lot of customers and have a few years worth of info. My guess is that it will be around 5%-10%, because that is what I bank on. Mine may be higher because of higher tickets and a complexity factor; but for roofs, decks, siding, I'd say 5% is a reasonable number. If you do 100 jobs next year, expect to have five problems. Don't pay, want something for free, gonna call the BBB, etc. If you can plan on this ahead of time, you can budget for it, and not be surprised and (as) upset by it. AND BY ALL MEANS, WHEN YOU ACCIDENTALLY BID HIGH ON A JOB, GET IT, AND WALK AWAY MORE PROFITABLE, PUT THAT INTO THE "IT'LL COME BACK" FUND. You'll maybe have five jobs turn out extra good, get a tip, make twice per hour what you'd expect, etc......you have to look at that on a yearly basis; not 'per job'. Those 'profits' will go to balance the 'losses' of your screwings. Like I said, a numbers game. Charge accordingly.

100% with PressurePro on this; you aren't in biz to right all the wrongs of the world, etc....you just wanna make a little money and sleep easy at night. Pay $100, get them to sign off, and move on. To others that WILL (yes, it's just a numbers game) face this sort of thing, I'd suggest this: Find yourself some "cool heads" to associate with. I have about three people (I'd consider KenF one of them) that I present problems to when I'm emotionally involved. You SHOULD NOT make emotionally-charged decisions!! It WILL NOT get you where you want to get. So you prove you are "right"?? Who cares?? I sued a customer a few months ago for not sending me my money. It was insurance money, and I think they just spent it (it was made out to them). Wouldn't return calls, etc. FINALLY they at least started making excuses as to why they wouldn't pay, etc. They contacted an aquintance to inspect the job and to determine whether they should pay the money----expressed their concerns (laughable). Being one of my "cool heads", he negotiated a settled amount and we left without going to court. The fact was, they could not afford what they were supposed to pay, so I could put the screws to them, lien the house, try and win in court and garnish wages, etc......and then they'd think of something to counter-sue me for. So I let someone without emotional ties help me make the best decision, and I went with it. I consider this another form of delagation or outsourcing. Sure, it doesn't pay, but you are outsourcing Emotion. You are letting someone that will make a more rational decision make it for you. It will really free you up once you resign yourself to this idea. Now, when I'm frazzled over one of these types of decisions, I just quit wasting brainpower and call someone.

.....I could echo that sentiment as nominating KBK as my Vendor Of The Year. Not often to you get to do business with someone that you truly enjoy and have fun working with.....and get 100% satisfaction in return. I keep waiting to be even slightly disappointed in something with KBK. It has proven to be outsourcing at its finest for me and my Co. Enjoy your hiatus KenF, recharge the batteries and get some personal time!! Good times in Tahoe, Newlook!!

The best friend is out. I'd follow him down the road laughing. Is the old woman available? Net worth? Depending on those answers, I'd probably go with the old woman.

Anthony linked to this game......it is very fun and addictive. I am horrible....best I've done is like 55K...Ant says he got 80K at one point which seems nuts to me. A good time though, http://www.sizor.com/flash/binladen.htm

...on it's way:) It better not be a sandwich of you between the two dancing broads from that show...holy crap, those chicks were fly!!!! Wouldn't mind letting Karina tie me up and strap me a few times with a 3/8" Goodyear doublewire:),LOL

....believe they announce the winner tonight.....this was the first time I'd watched. Slater was a better dancer than Emmit, but you expect Slater to be able to dance, don't necessarily expect it out of Emmit.

Neil, Those are the instructions of someone used to doing interior work. On an interior surface, straight Linseed is beautiful---blackens the grain, etc. Like Rick, go with what you know. Treat this like you'd treat anything else---you'll be fine. I keep asking this---have any of you guys ever seen a floor of Australian Cypress?? That is my #1 wood right now.....if I can build a new home in a couple years, it will definitely be my interior flooring. Haven't researched it for a deck. I may just leave the interior concrete and have Celeste come and Overlay it like Australian Cypress:)

....linseed oil would be fine, if the locust were going to hibernate for 16 years after you stained it. Badumpbump. :) ---Jon Fife/PWNA Toastmaster

Douse---I was agreeing with Balazs in first Q---his answer was correct. I was stating what "4:1" would actually be.

LOL, ...I was actually thinking about you last night (sorry if that sounds creepy:)), I was watching the finals of "Dancing With the Stars". Ratios.....without calculating (top o' head) that would be a ratio of 3Q:40Q, or roughly 13:1. Rando---break your numbers down to a common factor, say Quarts. Forget gallons. No longer say "10 gallons" say "40 quarts". Look at it like that, then fraction it down to a "1" so that it makes sense in your head.

I'd agree with The Hungarian Heartthrob---4:1 would mean you were using 1 gal of solution to 4 gal of water.