Adrian

Caulk and putty knife???????????????????

I might have put this into the club house, but, if in fact I land this job ( hope hope hope ) I will post the process here. I show up on time, get my swag together to give the customer after introductions, and ring the bell. She answers the door, and the first ( stupid ) thing that pops out of my mouth is " Hi, I'm Adrian with ABC and you look just like Sarah Palin" She said she gets that all the time and that it's because of her glasses. I said, I understand. I get dims and pics of her project ( deck and arbor ), do a swatch for her and prepare to leave. The entire time I am thinking to myself how much she really does look like Sarah Palin. Amazingly so. As I am leaving, I tell her "I look forward to doing business with her" and exit by saying " it was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Palin". Talk about feeling like a fool. I'm a prankster and a joker at heart, but, I truely didn't mean to call her Mrs. Palin. It was just on my mind. She snickered and corrected and thanked me, and told me I made her day. I hope I didn't blow the sale.

Well, you know where I am at Celeste. My little sister lives in S.A. and I'm sure I'm overdue for a visit. Might even be able to book a show there, so you can toss a brew or two. P.S. there is plenty to do in S.A. to fight seperation anxiety. And, for goodness sakes, get some REAL Tex=Mex while you are in the Lone Star. Nothing like it in the world. You have my number.

Now that's funny!!!!!! LMAO blowing milk through my nostrils. Pricelss.

me too!!!!

Obviously I am no guru, and most of the vets probably do this as well. But wanted to share this if you haven't tried. I went back in my books 3 yrs. and called close to 80 customers yesterday ( after my pity party) to let them know I am still here for them. Seemed almost like a waste of time at first, especially after the mood I was in. Lots of my customers either moved or told me that the property is still clean. However, even as I am typing the phone is ringing and next week is almost full, and some are being scheduled for March. umm........yaaaaaay!!!!!

I love my job. Almost 7 yrs. on my own now. First and foremost. I love the satisfaction of a happy customer and getting a nice fee. But, sometimes I just shake my head and would rather just be a full time musician again. Right now, I do both. The distance between both of those worlds are a million miles apart. Same ol same ol. Anyone ever get burned out on this whole PW thing I got myself into? How have you re-ignited the "Fire"? Maybe a new routine, or even possibly my working past 1 in the afternoon. hehe. Kidding of course. Alot of folks tell me I have a very cool existance being able to operate in both realms. Very seldom does it cause conflict. I get the same satisfaction blowing someone away with a cool tune as I do cleaning the pigsty's some people choose to live in. ( maybe I said that wrong). But again, burnout seems to be rearing it's ugly head. Sometimes in both worlds. Very open to suggestions. Yes I actually do work past 1 in the afternoon sometimes and not all of the musical performances are at midnight in a smoke filled club. Both are very respectable trades for me which I love. Balance, I know is the key. I do consider myself very lucky to be able to operate in both worlds. But burnout is another issue all together. Thx.

All American and Bilge Cleaner, could you please go in your profile and complete your signature line so I know who i am talking with? I appreciate your input, but really would like to know who you are. It's house rules anyways. Thx. Welcome to TGS.

Well, this is my 7th yr Beth and I hear you loud and clear. Unfortunately, my books only go back 3 yrs. in Texas. In Atl, I have been having my painting Friend take care of my previous customers for a small commission. We got one of his trucks nicely setup with a rig and surface cleaner from Sun Brite. He is also doing more washing than painting nowadays. For what it is worth, I trained some of his crew members before I left, and appearantly they ate a bowl of stupid for breakfast. Now he does all the cleaning himself and loves it. Atl, is a bit out of my service area, so I can't go any further back in my books.

Right on Beth. I can definately relate to that. I have been playing hooky the past couple of days doing some yard work ( I am actually going to build myself a deck) and clearing the Winter droppage from the trees.. It has taken my mind off of my "future" temporarily. I just need to get back in the "happy" saddle and try and enjoy what I do for a living. It's always nice filling the books, that changes everything. ......bring on the wood.

An industry leader, I won't say who ( but he talks really really loud and attends every RT expo etc.) called me today. Just that in itself is BIG in my world. ( not as big as meeting Cindy Crawford... but big nonetheless) He asked me (little 'ol me )MY OPINION of how I and the rest of the industry views his "overall involvement" in the cleaning world. In short... I told him the truth, point blank. I told him I wouldn't be where I was (for what that is worth) without his involement. Please don't take that as an insult to those others who have contributed to what growth I have along the way. Hats off to all of you. But this cat.... when he speaks, and especially takes time for me without my asking ( I listen, actually I can't help but listen he is so loud) lol. That says alot about this gent. A true modern day maverick for the industry. Relentless in a positive way. I truely am honored that he values my ( again... little 'ol me) opinion. Again I won't mention his name, but it really made my day. By now I am sure you know of who I am speaking of, that called me. So, that being said, I am digging deep into my gut and am hoping no one thinks of me as just being a "taker". Hopefully, I have been able to "give a little" of what I have learned so far back to those who might have benefitted from my babblings over the past few years. I really do like to help others in the pw world if at all possible, and just hoping someone has maybe gained a bit of an edge from something I have said as well. Right on!!!! adios " I love my Stratocaster" because she whines so much.

Winner winner chicken dinner!!!!!!!!

Acknowledged John, I understand what you are saying completely. Each year I get a swamper during the Summer months. In a few cases I end up getting call backs ( and not the good kind either). It's very hard for me to leave a swamper on a job site by himself for this very reason. Once you leave a bad taste in a customers mouth, it makes it harder to maintain that customer. An unnessesary (sp?) headache IMO. Now I just handle each project one at a time. However I do understand "taking the plunge", I did it when I first started the biz, but might just be a bit reluctant to take the next step. Just being honest with myself. When a company takes on employees, they ( in a lot of cases ) take on a whole potato sack of issue that employee brings along with them to the company. Who needs that crap? Who wants grey hair? ....Just saying...... it really is a hard decision to make.

That is funny!!!! Actually William and I have never spoken so I will spill the beans on who it was................. Sam Kennison :)

Yeah RC, the music world is DOG's life, but some of the rewards are sometimes more than dog bisquits, if you know what I mean. In 25 yrs. of seeking a label, one, only one, Crown Records, a mexican label gave us a hard as hell 2 yr. run across the states. Most just don't know what's involved with labels. It's like being held captive sometimes and I am just too old for that crap anymore. The irony is I love the music but hate the business. It sux man. Hence the old age burnout. Pw has been a part of me for only a little less than 7 yrs. now. I don't want to quit ..... I just don't want to be bored with it anymore. I'll work it out I'm sure, because I'm definately not going to go anywhere with the house note I have. hehe. Glad you understand the dilema. Clubs just suck anymore, getting old. I don't even drink man and everyone always wants us to stay and "close the bars" with them. Time to grow up I guess. lol. Thx man. I 'd love to hear some of your material anytime by the way.

Well John, 7 yrs. later, it looks like you have overcome the burnout. Look how big you are now. Much respect.

From one old school to another, William, you never cease to impress me. I guess I just need to identify which bug ( if any) is knocking at my door. Much respect for the firefighter in you. I am an ex EMT-II for 7 yrs. and always leaned on you guys for support in the field. But guess what happened............. burnout.

James this might be the first time I have to disagree with you. We have been together for 12.5 yrs. before I popped the question. ( quit possibly the longest date in history) No Blues in that dept. for sure. ( just between you and me, she's doing pretty darn well w/o the help ABC Pressure Washing) Met her at one of my bands shows in Austin, and never looked back and never looked at another ( well, except Cindy Crawford). All is well in that category. She's the only class I got. hehe

Thanks Mike. You are right, always thinking about one or the other. I think maybe my beautiful bride may have switched the coffee to decaf or something. Maybe that's why I feel so blah blah blah about everything. Or maybe I need another honeymoon. hehe. Thanks for the calls and good words you guys. It means alot. Really. I just need to shake this "ho-humness" and get off these stupid crutches and get back out there swinging.

You are right Scott. I am tired from my occupations. However I love them both. I have never had more satisfaction than both of these paths. Musically ( and I know what I am talking about here) I have performed in front of 80k people in a stadium called the Cotton Bowl 2 yrs in a row. Talk about a feeling of success. Not to mention playing clubs in L.A. on the strip all the way over to the east coast. And made some great $$$$ and great friends and contacts. I'm just not 25 yrs. old anymore and I have the "been there done that, got a cigar" attitude. I write material for several other musicians acxross the country as well as still collect some pocket change in royalties. At 47 now, I am just so tired, you are correct. As a business owner ( and I am in touch with my feelings ) I simply see no changes, just the same steady road after all these yrs. Wood really gets me fired up. Cleaning really gets me fired up......... but only for a moment. I actually hope to rule the residential market some day and have a solid name and reputation for being a vet in the industry. BUT...... Again, you are correct, I am so very tired. I have no intention of quitting either of the things I love and ( at least from my standpoint ) am very good at. I simply hate the fact that I am getting too bored, too old or too lazy. Even flying for me has lost a bit of it's lustre. And anyone who knows me, knows that flying is my favorite way to blow $$$$. I guess I just need a motivational kick in A$$, from someone who's been there and turned it all around for themselves to re-capture the initial feelings and drive it takes to keep plugging along. Thx Scott, good food for thought.

Len, I am not to that point yet. But when I hang out at the bus station with all the homeless and the druggies and the hookers I have a sign on my guitar case that says will ROCK for food. It works the same for underpasses and subway tunnels and dark alleys. People just walk by and throw their scraps in the case and I am fed for one more day.

It's bookmarked. Thx Beth

I have bartered for radio spots, door signage, business cards, newsspaper ads, website pop ups and banners plus other stuff I can't even remember. The most recent is a Catfish diner that I clean their dumpster area qrtly. Haven't paid for a a catfish meal since. Ha. Well worth it too as the area is only 10x10 or so. Takes about as long to setup as it does clean, so I am not there long. Does bartering for sustainance count?

Mel, I seem to remember that Fenner told me about adding sodium metasilicate??? to a stripper ( degreaser home brew) once along with a thick soap for grippage and cling. However I had no access to that chem and just used caustic beads and soap. Worked fine. Maybe he will chime in this thread.

jayk2005 please go to your profile and complete your signature line. House rules!!!! Welcome to TGS.