Beth n Rod

"Perception is seated in the basis of the mind that creates it." "Reality is what people see and experience." Rod~

Over the years I have heard so many stories pertaining to wood restoration. There has been a lot of controversy relating to how to do it and what is necessary under what circumstances and so forth. A few notable agencies, associations and government segments have taken on the world of wood and demonstrated there is much to be considered when working with wood. Its composition is of particular interest in many publications in which the diversity of each species is identified and classified for our information on how to deal with this amazing material. Each has a hardness or softness, a specific gravity, a porosity, a density, a color range, a unique grain, a thermal dynamic, a moisture content, tannins, lignin, resins, oils, sap, pitch, and characteristics that indicate its age, decomposition rate, shrinking rate, warping, cupping, cracking, weathering, and so on... Wood is useful according to its characteristics for structures, furniture and tools. Each has attributes which determine the best overall use. Understanding the attributes of wood makes one good at working with this material and applying that knowledge towards a specific craft becomes a carpenter, craftsman or supplier. Learning what happens to wood when used on structures can help one to understand what to expect from this material over time and determine suitability for the many types of structures that wood can be used for. When it comes time for repair, replacement, or implementing of a protective measure upon the structure, one needs to understand much of the following before moving forward. What type of wood is it? How old is it? Has it been treated with a preservative? What is happening to the wood? What is causing the current condition? How does the current condition affect the wood's integrity? How does the current condition affect the load handling capability? At this point, is it reversible, treatable, salvageable? Will it happen again if the same course of action is implemented? If so, what will prevent this condition again? What can be applied to offer protection? As you can see, it is pretty involving and without the answers to these questions which anyone working with wood technically should be able to answer, are subject to providing an inferior or at least inadequate result. 'Technically'. Let’s take a look at that. If the key to successfully working with wood is technical knowledge, that would indicate that there is much to know about it and in essence, that knowledge would be equal to an educated understanding of wood? Technical being an applied science, profession, art, or craft. One who is educated in the science of wood can become skilled with practice. Those who develop their skill become artful. They use their applied knowledge and develop technique. Technique is the tool of a skill in the knowledge of a science. Wood being the science. Restoring wood to a former state or condition which is improved from a degraded one takes knowledge and skill. This is art. Without it, the results range from lucky to disaster. A little knowledge is not good for the wood, a lot of knowledge is better for it. People take our trade for granted at times and don’t give many of us the credit for the education we have invested in or the time we take to evaluate our results. People have been exposed to many who have not taken our steps and just haphazardly go about trying to do what they have seen others do without the thought of what they are doing to someone else’s property. Wood restoration also requires knowledge apart from wood which is chemistry. In chemistry applicable to this trade, we must learn about many components of the ones used today and also, about the effects they will have on wood itself and how they will react to what is currently installed upon the wood. We must learn about the types of coatings, finishes, sealers, preservatives, colorants, mildewcides, fungicides, oils, and resins used in wood restoration today. Identification of these present or missing gives us information we need in order to understand what is going on and what is needed to effect a positive change. Climate, environment and nature of use tell us what to expect from what is present and what will work better. There is a wide variety of chemicals available for wood restoration which have specific uses and end results. These range from alkaline (bases) to acids. Each in its pH category serves a function towards restoring wood to a former or improved state or condition. Many are found in local stores which are designed for use by a consumer with little or no knowledge and are formulated in the same regard. The strength and capabilities are reduced for liability purposes which are for the best. Professionals use chemicals specifically designed and tailored to the demands of a wood restoration technician and can be dangerous to those who are not qualified to use them. Qualification being: education, training, experience and if available, certification. The care and precautions employed by a wood restoration professional comes from experience and a thorough understanding of the chemicals we must use to give our customers the best possible result. Understanding of everything mentioned in this article can give a new meaning to the trade of wood restoration and possibly, some respect for what they know how to do so well with the knowledge and techniques developed to give wood a longer life. Ó See Dirt Run! ä Inc. 2005 Rod~

But perception and reality are not necessarily the same. If assumptions are made, you can easily think the worst. The only person who can change a perception is the person whose perception it is. There is no ploy here. However it is a good lesson that people tend to think the worst of others and make assumptions and what are called hasty generalizations.... I want to hear more from John Orr. He's the one who has said he is interested in a new org. Let's hear him out. Beth

John T., Who said anything about a sole vendor starting a new org and having it be a sole vehicle for them alone? I think we all agree this should not be the case. I don't think we will ever see another org start the way PWNA did in initially. However what is wrong with a vendor being involved? This is done today at PWNA, and it is vendors that often have: 1. resources and 2. knowledge they are willing to share to help those who are new. Beth :groovy2:

Henry, I posted a couple of links farther back that you might find interesting. Start up costs would not be that high. If someone were to do this, then the initial member donations could pay for the filing fees, and would be fully deductable for the people who donate even if they donate before the org is officially a 501c3. The person who files could provide copies of the paperwork filed to show a proof of filing, so that others would be comfortable with the donation. The average wait after filing appears to be 4-6 months. Filing soon would mean an org could be kicked off as soon as fall, so if someone waited, it could easily roll into next year. It does seem to be a slow process. Beth

John, Stick to your vision. If in your heart you feel you can do this, it looks to me like you will have the help and support of many people. Beth

Some meetings...some vacation time... I also like the idea of having as much as possible paid by booth space. For that to work, we would need to know how much per person it would cost, and how many vendors we could expect to get, and how many people we could expect to attend. My hunch is it would help defray the cost substantially, but at first go I don't know that it would pay for all of it. It's certainly worth looking into if this happens though. Beth

Looking at the various locations being posted, it looks like it may have to be centrally located to be fair to those who may be on either coast. My suggestion is somewhere in the heartland... Rod~

are you allergic to rubber John? Rod~

I picked up a drum pump from grainger too. 25 bucks and it comes with all you need. No rubber spigot, but a stainless probe that goes to the bottom. They are sized by the stroke and how much you get out with each stroke. Mine is 14-16oz/stroke. Rod~

Since this is all theory and ideas at this time, what would you like to see from a new org? What benefits would be important to you? Beth

We will stay on topic. If we can't the thread will be locked down. Thank you for your cooperation. Beth

Ken, Thanks for your feedback. No power struggle is going on here, just a discussion on whether or not a new org is wanted by those who read. If we can keep it in that context we will get more accomplished. Anyone who is struggling for power will be disappointed to find there is none to be had. TGS is the medium for discussion. Beth has asked and we are curious to hear from those who posed the question of her to start another org? Why do you look to her to do it? Lets not jump ahead of things. It may have been proposed, but that does not mean it will come to pass. There are many others who have different ideas and appointing any one person to lead at this point is premature. I personally think that it is up to those who are just contractors. Since we are a hybrid in this industry (contractor/vendor), there is much controversy about vendors making money off of something or someone. That point is absolutely rediculous anyway. We ALL are in this industry to make money! As long as it is done above board and honest, who has the right to criticize how anyone makes their living? It should never become a problem that someone makes money off of you in anyway. Without vendors, there would be no supplies tools or equipment for us to do our line of work and make money off our customers. Lets build from the understanding of what we know doesnt work for us and work together to find out what will. Rod~

I found this today.... Interesting reading. http://www.legalfilings.com/services_taxexempt.htm also http://www.ncna.org/ Beth

Happy Birthday Ernie! :bday: And as Howard said....let's git 'er back on track! :dancing: :banana: Beth :groovy3:

John, I stated the truth, and I have emails and PM's to back what I said. We were locked out of the BBS over a post where advice we didn't agree with was given. I have the email from one BOD demanding an edit and two others right behind it from another BOD saying to lock us out immediately, regardless. No mud slinging here...just the truth in fact. ;) Ken, TGS is not an org, and we don't have any intention of turning the BBS into an org. If an org forms somewhere, it will have to stand on its own, with its own leadership. Any org, current or future would be scrutinized...we are a nation that scrutinizes our leaders. It's how we function. Personally, I think competition can be a good thing, even better when those who compete can work together for the betterment. Thank you for sharing your opinions. We do find them valuable. Personally I look forward to discussing what we would all like to see in a new org ... can we please get back on topic? Beth

For those who have trouble with this thread, we respect your opinion so please do us the same in return. This is a discussion that as you can see means a lot to those who are engaged in it. Lets not detract from those who would continue this conversation in the hopes that it will bring about some mutually beneficial changes. Stepping back I notice wherever we go, people are going to take sides. Its part of the duality system in place. Semantically, an org is for the benefit of its members. pwna lost sight of that to their power struggle. They are not on track and are easily distracted by this practice of "managing perceptions". This is a waste of time. Trying to manage someones perceptions only gives credibility to the one they currently have...that they are not focused! Focus on the tasks (goals) and steady work towards fulfilling them is the best use of time an org can do. This is the point where we are now. Do we need a new one or not? What?... not a great fan of diversity? Yet it exists everywhere you look. Diversity is the key to all of this, the fact that we are all different, but we are in the same industry of power washing. This is the common ground we all share. The discussion taking place here is due to an org people had looked to for their business needs that let them down. It is sending signals that people in their good nature, do not agree with. They have a right to say what is one their mind...it is how we all will come to a conclusion of what we all need from one. When there is a meeting of the minds, people learn things about issues that could not have possibly become known otherwise. Short and sweet, this is communication. Listening to what others have to say, keeping the voice in your head quiet as you do and truely listening to what the other has to say. When we speak, we want to be heard...right? Understood...right? Sometimes what we say isnt always what another may want to hear...right? But we want to be heard and understood because there is something very important to us that we need to get out for others to understand and pay attention to. But if other people are not listening fully, the meaning is lost. Listen and be listened to. In the end we may find that we are mostly saying the same thing using different words and phrases but its that end that we are trying to get to. Its called...a mutual understanding. We are using words here and people are trying to communicate without the human element (voice tone, volume, inflection, facial expressions, body language). Being the least expensive form of communication, it is an internet community of people with ideas, views, opinions and concerns. As for others who dont think this is a good place for a customer to visit, who ever said it was for harry homeowner? This is a contractors BBS where contractors come to talk about the issues concerning them. If they happen to find any of these bbs's, does anyone really think they are looking for a contractor here? I dont. I think it would be a curiosity thing for them and they would find that contractors are capable of having serious conversations regarding their industry. I would think that they would gain a new level of understanding instead of the old stigma that contractors are all just a bunch of HS dropouts, beerguzzling, worthless, lazy, dishonest uneducated scum of the earth, but people from many walks of life with educational and professional backgrounds who care enough to come visit here and see what they can add to improve their business? There is nothing wrong here unless you would choose to see things as right and wrong, then you would be missing the point of so many who come to these bbs's...to be a part of the changes going on in their industry. Would I invite one of our clients here? No, its not for them, its for us! I send them to our company site that is meant for them. Come on in, the waters fine. Contribute and be a part of whats going on. If its not for you ... your choice. We will still be here discussing the industry issues we face. Rod~

Once we have a list of cities, we can make a poll and let people vote. Atlantic City, NJ Orlando, FL Williamsburg, VA Chicago, Il New Orleans, LA Las Vegas, NV Reno, NV San Franciso, CA Los Angeles, CA San Diego, Ca Tampa, FL Key West, FL Any popular beach town.... Next! Keep 'em coming!

Good point. Maybe we should list some fun places in the US, and see what we can come up with.

Atlantic city. A beach town. Someplace with a theme park nearby. Has to be a fun place....

In order to be neutral in my opinion, this kind of event sould be thrown by the BBS's' with an invite to PWNA to attend. My concern is if this were a PWNA event it would end up as a convention with booth spaces for sale. Maybe it wouldn't, but I think it is time for us to invite them, not the other way around. Who is for this and who wants to help make it real? Beth

Thats thinking out of the box John. You should be ashamed of your self thinking of such a good thing. Keep it up, I like it. ;) You have proved once again, your head is in the right place. Rod~

03/4/05 12:37:13 testing Logs in [63.159.48.145] 03/4/05 12:37:22 testing Logs Out 03/4/05 19:52:10 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65] 03/4/05 19:52:54 Bob_ Logs Out 03/4/05 20:04:48 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65] 03/4/05 20:05:14 Bob_ Joins Subroom Town Meeting 03/4/05 20:05:57 Bob_: Nobody at home 03/4/05 20:06:44 Bob_ Logs Out 03/4/05 20:10:26 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65] 03/4/05 20:13:26 BethnRod Logs in [63.159.88.65] 03/4/05 20:13:37 BethnRod: Hi Bob 03/4/05 20:13:49 Bob_: Hello 03/4/05 20:13:56 BethnRod: Where is everyone ton ight? 03/4/05 20:14:01 BarryM Logs in [207.43.155.227] 03/4/05 20:14:07 BethnRod: Hi Barry 03/4/05 20:14:19 BarryM: hello all 03/4/05 20:15:11 BarryM: what's the topic? 03/4/05 20:15:17 BethnRod: I just posted in the shout box. Maybe others will join too 03/4/05 20:15:42 BethnRod: it's open topic. we can talk about any topic you like 03/4/05 20:16:19 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65] 03/4/05 20:16:41 BethnRod: Hows the weather there 03/4/05 20:16:56 Bob_: great here in Ms. 03/4/05 20:16:59 BarryM: not bad today it hit 40 03/4/05 20:17:13 BethnRod: I heard it was warm in MO today. It's cold here. 03/4/05 20:17:24 Bob_: gonna be 70 tomorrow 03/4/05 20:17:32 BethnRod: lucky. 03/4/05 20:17:46 BethnRod: it's 38 here. 03/4/05 20:17:46 BarryM: shirts off 03/4/05 20:17:51 BethnRod: whoops! 03/4/05 20:18:14 BethnRod: :o 03/4/05 20:18:29 BarryM: so is this beth or rod? 03/4/05 20:18:30 BethnRod: well it's 38 but the water is 100 03/4/05 20:18:34 BethnRod: this is beth 03/4/05 20:18:43 BarryM: thats what I thought 03/4/05 20:18:53 Bob_: Beth the tip on allowing pop-ups allowed me to regester 03/4/05 20:18:56 BethnRod: he logs in as Rod 03/4/05 20:19:07 BethnRod: cool :) glad it helped 03/4/05 20:19:22 Bob_: yep..was kinda frustrating 03/4/05 20:19:33 BethnRod: um....I am gonna leave you tow to talk pumps and stuff. 03/4/05 20:19:47 BarryM: k 03/4/05 20:19:52 Bob_: where you goin? 03/4/05 20:19:59 BethnRod: catch you later. Gonna go get in the Hot Tub. 03/4/05 20:20:04 BethnRod: Rod made drinks... 03/4/05 20:20:13 BarryM: have fun 03/4/05 20:20:15 BethnRod: ;) 03/4/05 20:20:17 BethnRod: will do 03/4/05 20:20:21 Bob_: ;) 03/4/05 20:20:25 BethnRod: enjoy your chat. 03/4/05 20:20:29 BethnRod: nite guys 03/4/05 20:20:38 BarryM: nite 03/4/05 20:20:40 BethnRod Logs Out 03/4/05 20:20:44 Bob_: so Barry ....where are you? 03/4/05 20:20:48 BarryM: IN 03/4/05 20:20:58 Bob_: Mississippi here 03/4/05 20:20:58 BarryM: north central 03/4/05 20:21:20 BarryM: i'm just starting up 03/4/05 20:21:23 Bob_: so how is business? 03/4/05 20:21:42 BarryM: in the process of buying equipment still 03/4/05 20:21:52 Bob_: neat 03/4/05 20:22:08 Bob_: have you bought machine yet? 03/4/05 20:22:16 BarryM: nope 03/4/05 20:22:37 BarryM: looking at a cold water 4gpm 03/4/05 20:22:47 BarryM: gas, honda 03/4/05 20:23:05 Bob_: Home Depot machine? 03/4/05 20:23:18 BarryM: trying to decide betw. direct or belt drive 03/4/05 20:23:39 Bob_: belt hands down 03/4/05 20:23:48 BarryM: about $500 more though 03/4/05 20:24:01 Bob_: yes but worth it..... 03/4/05 20:24:16 Bob_: will you be in business full time or part time? 03/4/05 20:24:34 BarryM: part time at first 03/4/05 20:24:44 Bob_: most start that way 03/4/05 20:24:59 BarryM: putting all back into the business 03/4/05 20:25:02 Bob_: what type of cleaning are you interested in ? 03/4/05 20:25:12 BarryM: residential 03/4/05 20:25:22 BarryM: houses, decks, maybe roofs 03/4/05 20:25:58 BarryM: trying to get started for around $3500 03/4/05 20:26:14 Bob_: that include a trailer of some kind? 03/4/05 20:26:34 BarryM: just my pickup for now 03/4/05 20:26:52 BarryM: but I will need a trailer soon i can see that already 03/4/05 20:27:01 Bob_: are you looking at a surface cleaner? 03/4/05 20:27:28 BarryM: not right away but i will be yes 03/4/05 20:28:03 Bob_: so what is the gjoing rate for a belt drive 4 gal machine...1500.00? 03/4/05 20:28:18 BarryM: yes 03/4/05 20:28:43 Bob_: so what eslw are you looking at for start up 03/4/05 20:28:48 BarryM: i can find it cheaper on the internet but by the time i pay shipping its the same 03/4/05 20:29:50 BarryM: well really not the much, i want an x jet 03/4/05 20:29:55 BarryM: that 03/4/05 20:29:56 Bob_: well there are advantages buy a machine locally 03/4/05 20:30:26 Bob_: X-jet is a great tool!!! 03/4/05 20:30:40 BarryM: what type of work or you in 03/4/05 20:31:03 Bob_: I do mostly residential...some commercial 03/4/05 20:31:26 Bob_: not into fleets or hoods 03/4/05 20:31:35 BarryM: how long in the bus? 03/4/05 20:31:56 Bob_: starting my 5th year 03/4/05 20:32:16 BarryM: what did you do before 03/4/05 20:33:09 Bob_: worked for a local retail grocery chain...200 stores...was a district mgr. was with them 29 years 03/4/05 20:33:25 BarryM: wow 03/4/05 20:33:37 Bob_: yep. am an old dude 03/4/05 20:33:49 BarryM: your only as old as you feel 03/4/05 20:34:08 BarryM: I'm 33 03/4/05 20:34:21 Bob_: well I feel very good most of the time..but sometimes I feel my age 03/4/05 20:34:41 BarryM: so is this power washing stuff worth it? 03/4/05 20:34:54 Bob_: doing this type work helps to keep one in shape 03/4/05 20:35:34 BarryM: i really want to make this business work in the worst way 03/4/05 20:35:34 Bob_: well...like everything..to some it is worth it..to other it is not 03/4/05 20:36:13 Bob_: well you are well on your way with kind of an attitude!!! 03/4/05 20:36:35 BarryM: i hope 03/4/05 20:36:47 Bob_: it takes time...hard work... 03/4/05 20:37:07 Bob_: what do you do now? 03/4/05 20:37:17 BarryM: utility construction 03/4/05 20:37:36 BarryM: I dig in the dirt 03/4/05 20:37:52 Bob_: well is a good job...good benefits 03/4/05 20:38:01 Bob_: insurance 03/4/05 20:38:16 BarryM: no benies, no insurance, just a nice check 03/4/05 20:38:29 BarryM: not good for the future 03/4/05 20:38:33 Bob_: wife work? 03/4/05 20:38:38 BarryM: she' 03/4/05 20:38:47 BarryM: she is a realitor 03/4/05 20:39:29 Bob_: I see...have a friend whose wife is a realtor...she makes serious bucks... 03/4/05 20:39:50 BarryM: reality is hit and miss you can't depend on a check every week 03/4/05 20:40:36 Bob_: you are right...kinda like the PW business...you gotta hustle if you wanna a check each week 03/4/05 20:41:06 BarryM: did you start part or full time 03/4/05 20:41:49 Bob_: part time briefly...then semi-retired...then went full time... 03/4/05 20:42:02 BarryM: employees? 03/4/05 20:42:17 Bob_: just me....my son helps at times 03/4/05 20:42:35 BarryM: cool, that would be the best 03/4/05 20:42:55 Bob_: I am not a big operator... 03/4/05 20:43:16 BarryM: I have a 12 and 11 year old boys and a 6 year old girl 03/4/05 20:43:25 BarryM: they will help me someday 03/4/05 20:43:31 Bob_: I have lived in the fast lane...this is relaxing 03/4/05 20:43:44 Bob_: wow! 03/4/05 20:43:49 Bob_: nice family 03/4/05 20:44:22 BarryM: so what do you seem to wash most, houses, decks, what? 03/4/05 20:45:12 Bob_: houses...up sell drives, walks, patios etc. some decks 03/4/05 20:45:36 Bob_: some commercial flat work 03/4/05 20:45:43 BarryM: so the x-jet is the way to go on houses? 03/4/05 20:46:16 Bob_: yes... 03/4/05 20:46:25 BarryM: k, let me ask you this 03/4/05 20:46:33 Bob_: k 03/4/05 20:47:38 BarryM: so i could have a 25 gal tank on my truck with a 100 ft of chem hose or more with the x on my wand and that's it? 03/4/05 20:48:28 Bob_: well you gotta have a Pressure washer... 03/4/05 20:48:34 BarryM: yes 03/4/05 20:48:48 BarryM: I'm just trying to picture how it works 03/4/05 20:49:03 Bob_: you mean the X-jet? 03/4/05 20:49:10 BarryM: yes 03/4/05 20:50:14 Bob_: well it functions like a downstream injector..in that it picks up "soap" and applys it to the surface 03/4/05 20:50:40 Bob_: it is a nozzle..that goes on the end of your wand 03/4/05 20:51:08 BarryM: and it will pull through a 100 ft of hose or more 03/4/05 20:51:45 Bob_: well I think that it would..but you only need 30 feet or so..maybe 50 03/4/05 20:52:52 Bob_: understand? 03/4/05 20:52:55 BarryM: the chem goes straigh to the x-jet right? the chems dont go through the wand. 03/4/05 20:53:10 Bob_: thats right... 03/4/05 20:53:17 BarryM: got it 03/4/05 20:53:45 Bob_: the chem line goes from the bucket/tank straight to the X-jet 03/4/05 20:54:12 BarryM: I understand now 03/4/05 20:54:25 BarryM: i hate having to ask dumb questions 03/4/05 20:54:33 Bob_: no chem goes through the high pressure hose..gun..or wand... 03/4/05 20:54:46 BarryM: thanks 03/4/05 20:54:48 Bob_: no question is dumb 03/4/05 20:55:13 Bob_: at one time everybody..didn't know how it worked..we all have to learn 03/4/05 20:55:37 BarryM: do you use the x-jet for every application or do you have a shur flo too? 03/4/05 20:56:17 Bob_: I also use a shur flow set up..mostly for applying deck chems 03/4/05 20:56:48 BarryM: i think that's what i'm gonna do 03/4/05 20:56:54 Bob_: and on occasion I downstream 03/4/05 20:57:31 BarryM: so the chem run through your pump 03/4/05 20:57:40 Bob_: buy the model M5 X-jet rather than the older model 03/4/05 20:57:49 BarryM: k 03/4/05 20:57:55 Bob_: no no not when you downstream 03/4/05 20:58:30 Bob_: chems are injected after the pump when you downstream 03/4/05 20:58:54 BarryM: got it i was thinking upstream then 03/4/05 20:59:06 Bob_: thats right 03/4/05 20:59:24 BarryM: so you can also rinse a house with x-jet 03/4/05 20:59:35 Bob_: you bet!! 03/4/05 21:00:11 BarryM: but what kind of pressure do you get from the ground 03/4/05 21:01:25 Bob_: you get enough distance to clean 2-story house with no problem 03/4/05 21:01:51 BarryM: so it eliminates a ladder 03/4/05 21:02:06 Bob_: in most cases.... 03/4/05 21:02:27 BarryM: i'm sold, wheres the best place to buy one online? 03/4/05 21:02:38 BarryM: tgs? 03/4/05 21:02:47 Bob_: well right here...... 03/4/05 21:02:51 BarryM: cool 03/4/05 21:03:37 Bob_: call Beth or Rod..they will fix you up and ansewer any ??? you have 03/4/05 21:04:08 BarryM: good deal, maybe you get a commission 03/4/05 21:04:22 Bob_: ha ha.....I wish!!! 03/4/05 21:04:36 BarryM: lol 03/4/05 21:05:02 BarryM: how do you apply your sealer on decks 03/4/05 21:05:39 Bob_: shurflo..roller..brush..pads...squirt bottle...pump up 03/4/05 21:06:14 BarryM: whatever it takes, huh? 03/4/05 21:06:44 Bob_: thats the idea.... :) 03/4/05 21:07:45 BarryM: let me know when you have to go, i always feel like i'm keeping people prisoner with all my questions 03/4/05 21:08:06 Bob_: not a prob... 03/4/05 21:08:17 BarryM: good lol 03/4/05 21:08:20 Bob_: I do not mind 03/4/05 21:08:59 BarryM: what the best way you've found to advertise 03/4/05 21:09:49 Bob_: for me...I get the best results from local newspapers..and of course referrals 03/4/05 21:10:44 BarryM: have you ever done any direct mailing or door hangers 03/4/05 21:11:56 Bob_: No...I have considered direct mail but have not gone there yet...It is my next ad project 03/4/05 21:12:48 BarryM: i was thinking post cards 03/4/05 21:13:23 Bob_: direct mail works great in some markets...not so good in others..you never know till you try... 03/4/05 21:13:35 BarryM: true 03/4/05 21:13:47 BarryM: its not cheap either 03/4/05 21:14:15 Bob_: no advertising is! 03/4/05 21:14:23 BarryM: ya 03/4/05 21:14:46 Bob_: but you gotta do it 03/4/05 21:15:09 Bob_: have you thought of insurance? 03/4/05 21:15:37 BarryM: yes but i haven't been quoted anything yet 03/4/05 21:16:06 Bob_: don't leave home without it! 03/4/05 21:16:18 BarryM: i agree 03/4/05 21:16:44 Bob_: does your state/county require a license? 03/4/05 21:16:57 BarryM: no, nothing 03/4/05 21:17:16 Bob_: nor does my state...some do however 03/4/05 21:17:16 BarryM: i have filed a DBA at the recorders office 03/4/05 21:17:56 Bob_: thats good...just do whatever it takes to make yourself legal in your area 03/4/05 21:19:04 BarryM: what is an average yearly premium for liability ins. 03/4/05 21:20:51 Bob_: well I dunno...I would think...$800.00 plus depending on location etc. 03/4/05 21:21:04 Bob_: for 1 Million... 03/4/05 21:22:03 BarryM: is there a lot of competition in your area 03/4/05 21:23:12 Bob_: Not what I would call a lot..but some. Mostly low-ballers/fly by nighters/etc. 03/4/05 21:23:30 Bob_: They come and go... 03/4/05 21:24:32 BarryM: same here. I think educating the customer will be my challenge 03/4/05 21:25:29 Bob_: yes...my biggest challenge was/is educating myself first! 03/4/05 21:26:00 BarryM: I was gonna ask you if you had any PW experience before you started up 03/4/05 21:26:26 Bob_: no.. 03/4/05 21:26:49 Bob_: in that I did not work for anyone else... 03/4/05 21:27:05 Bob_: no one does.... 03/4/05 21:27:35 Bob_: get the best education you can and go slow 03/4/05 21:27:43 BarryM: I plan to practice on friends and family and my own stuff too 03/4/05 21:27:54 Bob_: great idea!! 03/4/05 21:28:26 BarryM: I guess i'll do it for free besides chems just to gain experience 03/4/05 21:29:10 Bob_: experience is a great teacher...and confidence builder 03/4/05 21:29:57 BarryM: off the subject for a second, my 6 year old daughter says hi her name is Cameron 03/4/05 21:30:39 Bob_: pretty name.....HI Cameron!!! :p 03/4/05 21:31:03 BarryM: she laughed, kids are funny 03/4/05 21:31:22 Bob_: nothing in the world like them..... 03/4/05 21:32:54 Bob_: do you read a lot on the bbs? 03/4/05 21:33:41 BarryM: almost daily, i've been researching since the middle of October 03/4/05 21:34:19 BarryM: I've also read a few books on business start up and accouting and taxes 03/4/05 21:34:24 Bob_: thats great...the boards are a great resource for information 03/4/05 21:34:37 BarryM: they are, yes 03/4/05 21:34:49 Bob_: I have spent countless hours reading and making notes... 03/4/05 21:35:18 BarryM: same here, i had to start to filing stuff 03/4/05 21:35:25 Bob_: and I continue to read.... 03/4/05 21:36:00 BarryM: do you keep your own books 03/4/05 21:36:14 Bob_: it seems I learn a little something on every job 03/4/05 21:36:40 BarryM: i was thinking of quickbooks 03/4/05 21:37:05 Bob_: I critique myself..what I did right..what I did wrong...what I could have done better...faster etc. 03/4/05 21:37:53 BarryM: sounds like your always trying to better yourself, that's good 03/4/05 21:38:03 Bob_: Quickbooks is a good tool...I do not use it but I know others who highly reccomend it. 03/4/05 21:38:31 Bob_: never get complacent!! 03/4/05 21:38:52 BarryM: i like your thinkin bob 03/4/05 21:39:26 Bob_: thanks...Am an old injun...been around many council fires 03/4/05 21:39:32 Bob_: ha ha 03/4/05 21:39:51 BarryM: lol 03/4/05 21:40:25 Bob_: drink much fire water..... *) 03/4/05 21:40:35 Bob_: not really! 03/4/05 21:40:44 BarryM: well Bob from Mississippi thank you so much but I must put the rug rats to bed 03/4/05 21:40:55 BarryM: nice meeting you 03/4/05 21:41:29 Bob_: ok....enjoyed chatting with you... 03/4/05 21:41:39 Bob_: best wishes.... 03/4/05 21:41:44 BarryM: hope to chat again, thank you 03/4/05 21:41:53 Bob_: you bet.. 03/4/05 21:41:57 Bob_: nite.. 03/4/05 21:42:00 BarryM Logs Out 03/4/05 21:42:14 Bob_ Logs Out

The work area defined.... Rod~

Interesting idea... Beth