Beth n Rod

Thanks Ken and Rich, Those help give a perspective that is something to take into consideration before going after any certification. Education and Certification have a relevance in the world of credibility and as some have pointed out are only as good as the educators or certifiers. Harvard education in comparison to a trade school is like Dom Perignon is to lite beer. (no offense guys) If the backgrounds are not considered to be of value, then the teaching will be thought of as third rate. Here is a question though, Does anyone consider experience a value if the teaching is not up to par? Keep in mind that experience does not always mean that it has been done correctly the entire tenure. Trial and error and other methods of development have been involved in the process of gaining experience. Given that, (I know this is probably opening Pandora's box...but) What is experience really worth? Rod!~

I guess it comes down to what one is referring to in relation to what others are referring to. For clarification: Stripping a deck is not the same as washing a deck. Stripping is removing a stain whose integrity is still intact and will not come off readily. A stripper is used 'eat away' the stain by caustic reaction. Washing is simply cleaning a gray or mildew/algae covered deck or one whose sealer has failed or no longer has the ability to withstand any agitation and will come off easily with regular cleaning solutions. I think for future reference, the terms we use should literally reflect the appropriate use or context to avoid confusion. Thanks Jarrod (pot stirrer) ;) for pointing that out for us. Rod!~

Have you made your convention reservations yet? Beth

Bob, Thank you for a wonderful post!!!! :sunshine: :dancing: Beth

The one I posted in #2 is a steel pump. Costs around $30 Rod!~

It's a mobile health care concept, and I think it will do well. Beth :cup:

Good point Stephen, That is probably a detail that should be pointed out. WTW same day applications are not suitable for decks that have just been stripped due to the furring issue. The decks we have used WTW with no problems were on decks that were just given a regular wash removing mildew/algae and old failed sealers that do not require a stripper to accomplish. It is a given among those who have been doing decks for a number of years that they automatically understand what conditions would be suitable. Thank you for pointing out the oversight. Rod!~

Ok I have not read the whole thread, but my .02 is this... On a vertical surface, any prior product will last longer. It is a harder surface to remove a product from. Dwell times tend to be longer vertically, thus if the dwell time is longer as a matter of routine, it is possible that the verticals will fuzz more. Take a long look at the verticals before you apply chems, and if the integrity of a sealer is not better than on the floor don't give it a bunch more time. If the sealer from before is still there, do a scratch test with a stick or wand tip to see when the bond breaks from the wood. Removing the sealer as soon as the dwell time is complete is the best way to avoid the fuzzing. Additionally, be sure your PSI is low enough so you doing splinter the wood or raise the grain. Beth

The nice thing about this, is it can be done whenever. And I believe the system will let the user know whenthe year is up... Beth

We would love a copy. Thanks!!! Beth

One possible way to know, Check into local advertising and see what others in your area are charging. You may even want to contact them and ask basically under the premise of wanting to keep in line with them so that you are not undercutting their prices. Being competitive is all about offering like for like and being within a 5-10% range of difference. Being new, your prices might afford to be a little lower but as you grow your expenses will grow in proportion as well. Keep searching in the forums under pricing and be patient. There is plenty of information on TGS. Ultimately, your price will be based on the type of service you provide (high pressure, low pressure, mildew/algae removal, oxidation removal, paint prep, etc...), the costs of chemicals, overhead, labor, and profit associated with your business. Rod!~

That's funny! Marketing is all about finding a niche, identifying the need, and delivering the solution. Beth

Hi all, We wanted to share this note, written by Matthew Schnurbusch of Able Hands. Thanks Matt! Beth TGS.doc

I got one from Grainger #3YB47 http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/searchresults.jsp?search_type=keywordandcatmfgindx&QueryString=1n433&catindx1=&catindx2=&xi=xi Rod!~

Good call Phil. It's always soooooooo nice to be able to work with those in close proximity to you. Not everyone accepts an olive branch when you extend one. Keep it up! Beth

Jeff, I love the fire in your belly. You're right. Giving 100% of yourself and you very best efforts is critical to the success of any startup. Thank you for spreading your words of motivation. We would all do well to make sure our personal belly fires always remain lit. Beth

Thank you Matthew from Able Hands! :sunshine: Beth

Thanks Jeff, This is a very important speech that many could use at this point in time to help them get on their way. You have echoed the same drive and determination of those who have made up their minds and committed to the decision to control their own lives and make a business grow. You will be successful and it shows. I hope that others find inspiration from your speech and find their own success. Again, Thank you for your contributions past present and future. :) Rod!~

Lou, Welcome to TGS. I understand you are a vendor and see you also are letting folks know about a class you are offering. There are forums here you can use to assist you with this, and there are a few rules for vendors to follow. Take a look in the vendor area and you'll see a place to announce products, and also any events you have going on. You can also use the calendar feature here to place your event in, and it will set a reminder on the forums before the event happens. Let me know if you have questions. Enjoy! Beth

Cat pumps and AR pumps have served me well. Cat pumps are pricey to repair from what I have heard but barely need more than new seals and packings. I think most pumps will perform well and last a long time if care is taken to change the oil regularly and keep the inlet filter clean. Also, limiting the use of the thermal relief valve helps add to the life of the pistons, seals and packings. Rod!~

I can appreciate both sides of the issue here. Personally, it is a matter of respect to leave others be and let them be at the helm of their fate. We concentrate on our business and leave others out of our conversations with clients. I think it shows focus and confidence. Yes, sometimes we see things in our competitors that we don't like or agree with. Personally we leave it at that and avoid the temptation to voice our opinion in their business matters. We keep an eye on what others advertise in order to see what the prospects see. But we leave them to their own as we wish to be left to our business keeping in sync with the golden rule. I also understand our perspective on this may not be in line with others where competition and the market share are quite smaller in comparison so others may feel the pressure exerted by other companies who undermine the status quo to benefit themselves without understanding the long range impact it can have upon themselves in the future. I can respect the position and the hardships it must create to keep up a supportive revenue under those conditions that low ballers create. Its a problem that this dog eat dog world of making money creates. .02 Rod!~

who are you asking Craig? Rod!~

We perform janitorial and post construction cleaning. We have not had the opportunity to do any stone restoration work as most people out here use marble and ceramic tile. With the latest remodeling fads, we have seen more stone work going into home interiors but it is too new and I would venture to guess that they will not be needing this type of service for quite some time. Do you have any specific applications? Rod!~

A quick fyi, some people actually have paid money to get the white washed look on thier brick and I have been asked by a number of our clients to make sure not to remove it as it is something they like in the appearance. btw, the brick looked clean and free of mildew/algae which is the brunt of what most house cleaning is about. Good job. My only suggestion is to avoid dawn in most applications. It is not compatible with bleach and will release some noxious gases. Palmolive antibacterial dish soap makes a good foaming agent to add for cling and surface dwell time and works well with bleach. I use 2oz./5gal of solution Rod!~

If it were me in your position, I would keep shopping. 3000psi is high enough and 5-6 gpm's would make the work go much faster. Finding this configuration on a machine shouldn't be too hard. What's your budget? Rod!~