Ron Musgraves

Holy cow, I agree with Scott and was think the same thing when I went to check my poll answers. They all are part of being a pro. I’m certain that when we talk about integrity it something we all want and we believe that we are being proper. I here to tell you that integrity it’s a moral, religious aspect of life. Yes we all hope that is it’s carried into our day to day business life. I’m not saying it’s a professional trait. I’ll admit I’m on the fence about a couple items. It’s on the fence as is the moral aspect of things. Many companies I deal with are very professional and morals issues are not even a factor for them. Phoenix is the largest per capita "grown up" clubs in the country. One of the largest clubs in the country is one of my most professional companies. I don’t mean revenue wise but they are a very professional organization and run the largest clubs in the country. When this customer called I had doubts of calling them back because I was questioning my integrity and morals. Some may say I have less integrity because I service the club industry. These clubs are clean nice and all management has degrees. They check out my credit Dunn number and requested for not three references but six. I gave them a high bid thinking they would not accept and the next thing I knew they said we came highly recommended and when can we start. Now my integrity was in question, this club was acting better and conducted the way I wish all customer pursued contractors. Next releases for a criminal record check. I filled out the request thinking to myself why am I being so worried about servicing this client. I’m passing judgment on people for a legal business that morally I disagree with. One may start thinking too themselves if I service this place I’m condoning morally that I disagree with. If I decline the work the referral was given to me by a customer that had invested in the real-estate the place sits on. This was a southern company called the Baptist foundation. (Currently not in business) you can read the story online. They robbed old folks out of millions of dollars. Reflecting back who here has the integrity? The clubs that are legal operated for a profit and pays the bills by hard working customers that patronize. I’m still at a toss up on the morality thing being a factor in the play of anyone’s professionalism. This statement that Celeste made I don’t agree with totally. I’m sorry Celeste I disagree, I’m sure that most will not agree with me. I respect most things you stand for and admire your hard work for the industry. That statement maybe I have taken it wrong, I believe that with out those things you’re a fool. A professional educated business person requires these things. If I wanted to hire you I would request your financials and look them over as most fortune five companies require this to be and approved vendor. Financial stability is a professional trait and is as important to me as my integrity. Paying my employees and vendors on time is a professional characteristic’s. My third beef, don’t ask Scott about this one he may have photos of some of my trucks. Having new trucks has very little too do with being a pro. My trucks are old, the maintenance on my vehicles are well kept. Some look a little rough but I guarantee the equipment is safe and clean. Yes if you show up in a pinto and borrow a ladder to do a house wash this is ridiculous and considered not professional. I how ever can’t stand if my office help send a letter and hand writes the address. LOL The most important thing I do on a daily basis is be fair with people and customers in my life. Practicing this is the single thing that makes me professional.

How much is the software? What is the name of the software? Will it take .AVI files and turn them into high quality files? What file format would that be? Can we send this file to a cell phone that is capable of recieving video?

Uhaul may be the only one. Budget got pissed when i came running in towing a rig with one of there trucks.

Rob is Beths Boyfreind, SHHHHHHHH

I didnt take any video, that was stupid.

I remember years back when a guy from Florida (cody) made the same claims about contractor education. Its kind of the same subject, usually something sets these topics off. I believe to some extent it has and impact. It will in reality land, I do see the point also that DYI people will always exist like low balers will always be there. The impact and effects of this bbs or any other on our business is non- existent. Some of us want to believe bbs have larger impact on things than reality. I have been in business for years and the positive impact has always out wade the negative by large margins. If you conduct yourself like a clown then I will assume it’s possible that a customer may see you. I’m certain a DYIER may see Chris online but also knows if he is reading that if I choose a guy I would use Chris. Heck, I might hire Chris to wash my roof and I have a PW.

I'm sure your right, I have no idea about the residential thing. I have no marketing except myself that high. If I could expect that return i would spend 100,000 a month on advertisment. My investment on customers is much lower, although mine are not one hit wonders. I can see in the res market you need a higher margin.

Thats about a weeks gas and postage fr the month. do i get anything back for that? LOL Kens numbers i may not agree with but telling you to advertise is correct. I keep empty crews out ahead of all my advertising. Filling up and not being able to keep up with your demand can cost you more than having people standing around. Your a one man show i assume? send out mailers again even if you had just done it. often on teh second delivery people remember to call and often will even say i'm glad you sent a second one because i lost the first one. marketing is retention, if you have alot of free time knock some doors down. I'm affraid the residential is only going to get worse as the election approaches.

In a nut shell...I know people who used others and thats all they do is show up.

I don’t do residential stuff so what I do may be very different. I myself as choice would know the material cost and all additional cost but would just be all included in my square foot price. My reason would could you imagine a person coming out of the back saying I don’t need that plastic I have some or whatever. Or even question the price of my plastic; I just keep all those hidden costs. I may let customers know they are getting all the frills. I would not break it down for them. Just my thoughts, maybe wrong on the residential side?

I have water problems feeding my 10g machines. Indsutrial setting is all i can ever use them at. Have you had any issues Tony?

Scott, how do i get off the lists? LOL Just kidding, Scott loves these gov jobs. My business quit them long ago, well I have a couple but I won’t solicit them. They have advantages, I quit back when they where catching people billing a toilet seat for 3000 and selling it. A couple bad apples ruined this for everyone, since then they have loosened up a little but often still take the low bid. I do open PO’s for most cities and Scott and I maybe take turns on occasion and don’t even know. I know he gets more work because he has the regular contracts. I often refer city stuff over and request they take me off the bid lists. Somehow the purchasing people find me in there system and call. I just hate renewable agreements, this is my preference. The economy has been fantastic and I’m sure if it goes in the toilet I can get a job with Scott washing the downtown sidewalks for one of the cities. Since I have some experience. Inclosing this is my choice; Scott likes them and does well with them. I just don’t like the Hoops often you have to jump through. Once you get them your good to go.

If it and oring it easy to change, Not to disregard what Paul’s telling you because you may have and oring. Mine have no changeable ring on that part of the equipment. They often leak from the rotary union and it can be re-built. Mine often leak months before we change them. Does yours have grease fitting on the unit? If it does grease the unit, it takes and special grease that’s not automotive. Often people put auto lube in them and this tears the sealed fittings up.

Scott Knows his goverment stuff. Its economy proof also.

Rob, do you know the Dikmens in noblesville?

I think it all depends on how you build the business.

I have completely separate divisions and customers don’t even know my name. I have managers that run and completely take care of the business. I can see your point when you’re a single operator and do everything. I have purchased a lot of equipment from people that have gone out because they couldn’t find a buyer. In my case if I wanted to sell you might actually increase the sales more by coming involved. My growth accelerates when I do get involved. I starting another segment of my pressure cleaning now, I will hardly see my other divisions run. I’ll bet I see and increase while I’m away at first.

Round table experiences, Could you give testimony on how round tables have helped your business. Did you make friends? Did you sub work or get a referral? Share parts or knowledge. Please share your stories in this thread.

Most i had was 22, the first one was only 11. multi citys we had about 126

Time has gone by, I heard Celeste had over a 100 at the last one?

So why do you think its a bad process?

I can agree with that, however no experience trying to sell at that stage to back it up. I can see how perception from customers would be very different see me one day and you another. Jon, i think residential would be tougher for sure.

You bet Scott, i would love one.

Marino Ortega, what that EA round table? Did you used to do decks? and change to commercial?

JOhn are you drunk? LOL happy new year buddy.