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mikew

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Posts posted by mikew

  6. Posted · Report reply

    The gas cans & tanks are temporary placement for now, my other trailer are set up with areas for fuel cans.

    On my other open trailer you can see we added a frame to hold 3 cans on each side of the trailer in front of the wheel fenders, it sticks out slightly past width of wheel fenders. I like it set up like that and then the enclosed I had made a 2 level bin which holds 6 cans. I'll come up with something for the new rig, just havent put much thought into it yet.

    I have 150' feed line on the reels and could hold another 100' i think

    The pressure reels hold about 450 we have usually 400' on each

    All that custom fabrication really makes a stock trailer look nice and be functional.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I did buy a generator. I bought a North Star 8000 watt max, 6600 running watts. 13 HP Honda with electric start. The item number is 165920M if you want to check out the specs on Northern's site. I have not had to use it yet but will be putting it to work next week.

    I also bought a Sirroco PEV2 vacuum. Now I have to figure out how to haul all of it around when I need it.

    Doug,

    Looks like a nice generator. Should give you a long reliable service life.

    I'm trying to figure out how to haul all of my gear around as well. I went with a Nikro vacuum. I haven't purchased a generator yet but I will soon.

    Thanks,

    Mike

  11. Posted · Report reply

    I read as much as I can. I really like your posts Ken, I just don't often reply much, but I think you have great content in all your posts. There may be others like myself that do a lot of reading, that just don't hit the reply button all that often. Thank you for all the good information!

    Ken,

    Ditto what John said. I read your posts because I know that they will have great content that will be of benefit to me and my business.

    Thanks,

    Mike

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Anyone have any experience with North Star (Northern Tool) generators? I need to buy a generator and the prices on the North Star looks good.

    Hi Doug,

    I haven't used the North Star generators. I need to get a generator as well. I'm thinking about getting this one from Home Depot. Seems to have more features for the money then the ones from Northern Tool.

    Coleman Powermate 5000 Watt Generator Suburu 10hp - PM0435001 at The Home Depot

  14. Posted · Report reply

    When I speak to the customer beforehand, I tell them I'll leave a bill and ask if they'll just drop a check in the mail the next day (if they're not going to be at home). I don't like to ask for a check to be left, unless it is a repeat customer who knows me. I want them to be satisfied that the job is done to their expectations (or beyond) before they write the check.

    Usually the check arrives within a few days...every once in a while it takes a bit longer, and I've had a few go 2-3 weeks...one guy left town and forgot to pay...gave me a $25.00 bonus when he got back 3 weeks later.

    I noticed earlier this year that I had a LOT more slow payers...but that's more or less stopped.

    If things are particularly tight, I'll leave a note on the bill that I'll be back later that evening to collect a check, but I don't often need to do that.

    This is how I handle residentials as well. So far it hasn't been a problem. I think customers like that I don't require them to leave a check somewhere adn they get to view my work before payment. I leave them a stamped envelope with the invoice if they are not home.

    Mike

  17. Posted · Report reply

    Hi Mike,

    Yea the lone star is the place for me. Just need to dig in and get the name loopin.....

    I got the same email, but ironically already am listed for fences.

    Man, did I ever thank you for the Maghee resi..... If I didn't , I meant to. So much was going on during the move and shutting things down.

    Thanks a million. I hope I can return the favor someday. Still getting alot of calls that I am subbing in Ga. I should just sell my customer list.

    Thanks again.

    I love my deeeeeecksterrrrr

    Hey Adrian,

    You're welcome. I was glad to know someone in her area that I could refer her too. If you get any leads in my area send them on over. Take care.

    Mike

  19. Posted · Report reply

    Actually, there were probably 2 or 3 contractors that got the lead - which is now up to $15. As a long-time SM contractor, I am only charged if I accept the lead (though as a "preferred" contractor, I get leads that bypass the usual bid process.) Newer contractors don't have the option and must pay for every lead - up to a pre-determined monthly limit.

    I must say that I have been very pleased with the quality and quantity of SM leads over the last 4 years, but it kills me that they keep going up. (I started at $5 per lead!)

    Yes, thats why I said some contractors. Typical 3 get the lead. I've been with them for close to 2 years so I pay the fee regardless. Which fee is $15? Power washing leads are now $12. Are you talking about for staining?

    Mike

  20. Posted · Report reply

    I 've been w/ SM for a good while now and they have made $ for me. Not the best vehicle, i'll agree ( for all the SM haters), but, combined w/ all of my other methods they do produce leads.

    That said, why have they raised their rate for leads, and why are their sales reps calling and offering contractor referral $ to me? Why are they copying and pasting some of my own text ads in other sources of ads. and asking if I would like to become a service contractor member not knowing that I already am via email. Do they actually communicate w/ each other ( ROLLING EYES )?

    Anybody else having tech dif's w/ SM?

    I LOVE MY XJEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

    Hey Adrain,

    Hope Texas is treating you well. I noticed the price increase as well. I got an email from them a few weeks ago asking if I was qualified to do fence building. Email said they had several thousand requests for fence building and many of the leads went unfilled.

    Mike

  21. Posted · Report reply

    wow, that was quick.... i just found their site, filled in some info & entered a "request" for some deck work, cleaning, washing, staining, etc in my area just to see who may be around (competition wise)... then filled out a "pro services" application for consideration...

    it wasn't but about 6 minutes, 5 various e-mails about my requests & a phone call to my cell from a rep in colorado responding to my inquiry. he was professional, offered info their service & options that were available... he said that there had only been 1 recent inquiry here in the 2 counties i was interested in.. i don't like somebody to glaze the donut either....

    told him i wanted to do some more research & that i wasn't ready (due to our mountain weather here) to use them yet. he said ok & would call me back in 2 weeks... then i got an email to confirm resched. w/in 3 minutes.... don't know if it's something to use, but he was quick to respond (maybe not much else going on there..??) & he was wasn't pushy about why to sign up NOWWWW!!!

    will continue to read the posts here & learn what others have to say regarding this potential avenue.... thanks for all the great posts & advice .....

    If you filled out a request for work to be done (to check out the competition) then you just cost some contractors $12 for a bogus lead.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    ? What are you looking at? I see the same thing I did the first time. Where is the mention of Mel? If there is a link to something new please share it....

    Beth :cup:

    At the top below the photos is the following:

    *** This information and photos were reprinted with permission from Vero Under Pressure, LLC in Vero Beach Florida. The PWNA thanks them for their support of the industry. ***

  23. Posted · Report reply

    I'll add my background to the mix...

    Worked the usual stuff right out of high school...fast food, grocery store, and a restaurant.

    Moved to Georgia in 1990, worked in a warehouse for 6 years driving a forklift, loading/unloading trucks, and pulling orders. Worked with a friend on weekends installing gas lines in new construction housing. Completed a 2 year technical college degree program in Computer Programming at night during those 6 years. After graduation I got a job with a software company that writes billing and data collection software for telephone companies. I have been with this company for 10 years now. I do a mixed bag of tasks. I do software development in C on OpenVMS system platforms. I also handle some customer support of existing Alpha Server and Vax Server systems running VMS.

    I started pressure washing part time in 2005. I'm closing in on 2 years now. I enjoy seeing the results of a successful cleaning. I hope to continue to grow the business over the next few years.

    Mike

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