DCOutdoors

Best advice I ever got... My Mom: Be the best. If you're not, find out who is and learn from them. The Army: Know your limitations. It is the only way you can overcome them. That is what I am doing here and why I appreciate people like you and Guy who will, I am sure (and hope), have no problems telling me when I am wrong and how to do things right. My marketing skills are based on College (throw big bucks at it till it sells) and having had my own businesses over the years. You both have been in this field for years and know what does and doesn't work. In other words, you are the experts - I am the student. Teach me Obi-Wan (I have no idea if I spelled that right). I figure I can't be to bright... I was a combat photographer for many years! Went out with the 82nd Airborn, Special Forces, and Rangers. Shoot at me with an AK and I will shoot you with my Nikon... yea... real bright.

Thanks Guy - I actually agree with everything you have said... well... except I was more optimistic about the time frame... I figured three to five years. I have a business and marketing background and am aware of the required hats so am pretty comfortable with that. While I will probably use wordpress for the website, I am capable of designing and maintaining my own site. Insurance - $195 to start - $62 per month for a million dollar policy. I will up this when I move to commercial. Marketing Note: the easiest businesses to market are the high end or the low end - never in the middle... you compete with the other two. I will seperate myself by stressing I am niether a painter or yard maintenance guy - I specialize in caring for your home, decks, docks, and fences. I want to learn a bit more before I tackle a 500-foot dock. As for pressure washing specific marketing, again, I am all ears. I can't describe how committed I am but will say, one way or another, it's going to work. I will start with residential till I am established and comfortable before moving to commercial. For now, I will stay off the roofs (to easy to mess up) and out of the driveways (they are huge around here). My intentions are to hire veterans for a couple of reasons that I won't get into here. My wife claims the Army brain-washed me when it comes to things like: "The mission always comes first," Loyalty, Dedication, and a lot more. Most importantly, I will gladly listen to and learn from everyone who has experience and cares to share! I am a fanatic about doing the job right and exceed expectations. Thank you for your time and thoughts - God Bless you as well. PS: If you need help with that assault force, let me know...

Uncle Sam Ain't Released Me Yet (US Army). Holding fast. Thank You

Allison: Thank you for the call and suggestions. John: If this works out, I would be honored to have you as a sponsor. I'll just have to resist teasing you about being Navy (I was Army)! Hope you have a sense of humor. Do you know the difference between the Boy Scouts and the Army? The Boy Scouts have adult leadership... Grahams: I thought about Craigs list but was concerned about what the previous owner ran through the pump and how it was cared for. Most power washers around here are painters or yard maintenance people who offer pressure washing as another form of income. Thanl you all for your suggestions - David