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hey folks I was speaking with an alkota distributor in Florida yesterday, he said that it is not worth getting a 2-gun machine due to the stress it places on the pressure washer - is this true? I am still looking for equipment and a setup that would allow me to have a small 'softwash' setup as well as the hot water pressure washer. I like 'PWKid's' trailer setup and was thinking of asking a local trailer manufacturer to give me a quote to make something similar. I seem to be going round in circles looking for a machine and parts to put together my own trailer, or do I go for an 'out of the box' solution that the big companies provide?!?!!? Can anyone recommend any knowledgeable, experienced distributors in Florida or the Orlando area. I am new to the industry and have little mechanical knowledge, however I currently run a business and have experience of operating others in the past. It would be great to find a distributor that could point me in the right direction in terms of setup that will meet my needs. Thank you for any input. Regards Steven

Thanks for the clarification folks... I spoke to a rep from Florida Chemical Supply in Tampa who is a dealer for HydroTek, she was very helpful and provided me with a quote for the 2-gun machine. Rod, if Tom could post the dealer's details or if you have them I would really appreciate it... I'm trying to gather as much info as possible. thanks again everyone. Regards Steven

hi folks Just spent today out and about trying to drum up business... (my first time for pressure washing). Sales doesn't come naturally to me, and as I'm new to it all I'm not entirely comfortable selling something that I don't know... anyway, you learn by doing. I left the house at 8am and decided that I would go to some of the local restaurants and fast food places - well, I had figured out my sales pitch, decided the first place I was going to stop at, parked at the side of the restaurant, business cards in hand then BAM!!!! Walk round the corner and there is another pressure wash company already doing it... lol. I thought it was a sign from the 'man in the sky'!! Went round numerous places, took pictures, spoke to a few managers... some were receptive, some couldn't care less. A couple of managers didn't even let me introduce myself, but I read a post on here about not taking it personally - so I acted accordingly. I took pictures of the gum on the concrete at these places, so I think I will email or send them to their corporate offices and see if I have any luck. I kicked myself after coming out of a few restaurants, I said my piece to the manager, gave them my card... but forgot to get their contact details or card.... STUPID, STUPID, STUPID... learn from my mistakes and all that. I did get asked to fax an estimate to one restaurant and a couple of tourist information booths were very interested in having their concrete walkways cleaned... I'll get to work with that!! I felt that I was talking to the wrong people at times, they said that they would send my card to corporate or their district manager (I have my doubts). Should I call or email corporate directly? How do you guys go about this... introduce yourself and company, ask if they would like an estimate??? right, I've babbled enough - thanks for listening!! Regards Steven B:)

hi all I have been following this forum for a few weeks now as I try to learn as much as I can about the industry. My name is Steven and I am from Scotland. I am 24 years old and recently bought a swimming pool service and maintenance company in Florida. I have been living in Florida with my fiance for 8 months and am loving every minute of it! I would like to start a pressure washing business to run separately from my pool business. I have a lot to learn, but I'm the kind of person that asks questions and researches... I have learned a lot by reading your posts!! I gained my Bachelors Degree in Sports Development and Leisure Management at the Scottish School of Sport Studies, and worked for 7 years in the health and fitness industry holding supervisory and management positions within exclusive and prestigious resorts. I am a qualified Personal Trainer as well as an athletics coach, and volunteered my services to coach children and adults while in Scotland. My fiance and I ran a small screen printing business in Scotland while at University... we have always been quite entrepreneurial and have lots of energy!!! We have a miniature schnauzer called Elmo. Anyways, I hope to learn a lot from you all and look forward to a successful future in the industry. Steven

Hey everyone Happy Thanksgiving... I am just starting in this industry and have been talking with a contractor in my area about doing some sub-contracting work. What kind of percentage of a contract do you pay your sub-contractors - during initial talks he has mentioned paying me 25 -35% of the contract. This appears to be low, I would have thought that this figure should be his percentage and the lions share come to me for doing the work on my time, with my equipment. Please correct me if I am wrong as I am new to this industry. My prior experience in the UK and in Swimming Pool Service & Maintenance had led me to believe that when I have someone else do the work, I am freed up to pursue more business while still making money and not getting my hands dirty. Thanks in advance for any help. Regards Steven

Hey guys Thanks for all the replies, you have confirmed my thoughts with regard to the percentage I should get. Jim, I completely understand what you are saying with regard to the amount of $$$ a job may bring in, irrespective of the percentage... I hope one of those jobs comes my way some day!!! I just want to make sure that I know the normal practices for this industry - I will be using my own equipment and will be seeking my own customers. I approached this guy to see if was looking for subcontractors, he is very busy and doesn't have much time to manage the business. He has offered to provide some training and sub contract to me - it should work out well for me and I am very grateful for his help... as long as I make money, there's no point in being in business otherwise. I will sit down and work out my costs to ensure that we both get a fair deal, thanks again for the input! Regards Steven B

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