Integrity Curb Appeal
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Posts posted by Integrity Curb Appeal
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Heres a 911 call from a woman who is sitting in the Burger King drive thru and can't get her order corrected because they are cleaning the inside of the store. At first I thought it was someone mad because they were pressure washing the drive thru(which people do get very mad, at least at the Arby's that I do). Its completely ridiculous and funny.I must admit. That is GREAT!
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This is actually what got me into PWing. I modified an inexpensive surface cleaner with a perimeter vacuum attachment to clean tile/grout in my restaurant. I took a 3 man (2 hours each) job and cut it to 1 man (1.5 hour) job and the tile had never looked so good. The difficult part I have found is that restaurants require a system for cleanliness. Cost for frequency at even medium rates are sometimes impossible for operators to budget.
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TDWhitaker,
Hello, I am Scott and Im just up the road from you. I have some friends in Somerset but know very little about the area. What do you specialize in. I know there a lot of trucks from 75 or do you focus on homes? I would really measure whether the city could support you full time. Ken has a great point on marketing. You will need to have a large gross revenue to afford the contribution margin of full time. One question I have for you is; do you have enough business coming at you now that you need to turn it down because of your current career? Once you have that problem then you should feel more confident.
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I must agree with these guys. I am new and a part timer. I have spoken with a seasoned cleaner locally and he is a member of this board as well. I got a call once when I was outta town about a big house from a realtor friend of mine and immedietly called him. The thing is, I read a post on here about if people consider this a true industry or profession. Well I know it is. Why? Were making money. But that statement came from the publics view, which tells me it is an industry that is in its infancy. As we all work together and create consumer awareness we will create a field that every homeowner/business owner/ property manager believes is a necessity. Together we create synergy for this industry. People used to think that they had to cut their own grass, change their own oil, and cook their own dinner. Take a look now. Those are quite easy on the physical work and time to do spectrums. What we do is not simple and fast without having both the expertise and equipment. What person will spend that much time and money to do it correctly specially if someone just wants to maintain their own home.
That relationship could likely create opportunities for the both of you.
just my .02
Scott
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I've never done a house wash before so this may seem like a dumb question. If you have the right chem mix do you even need a p/w? Couldn't you apply chem mixed w/water with a shurflow, and rinse with a garden hose? Or is it that you couldn't get the distance (height) or coverage to get the whole house?Good question. I am no pro but I have had a similiar thought. Connecting my x-jet to a water bib. I do not have a sureflow but I have a solid brall hose attachment that reaches further than my x-jet. If you could apply chems at the correct height, then I am sure you could rinse with the right hoze nozzle given you had a strong enough water pressure. With the hose nozzle I have connected to a hose at my home I can stand 20 feet in front of my house and spray over my roof and water the plants on my second story deck out back. Get a solid hose nozzle with a 1/4 in. opening and measure your distance.
Again I am not yet a pro but I would love to know how it turns out.
Scott
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Hey Barry,
Quit kidden us... I see that you just built him 2 new decks. lol
Looks great!
Scott
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We have been mainly using a sealer called Aquanil Plus 40 bu ChemMasters, I'm sure youve heard of it. It says 12hrs curing before heavy traffic. We do a bunch of Wendy's in the area and found that if we get done at about 4am the sealer is ready to be walked on by 8am. It is however pricey, so we have to charge more, but we have noticed like i mentioned earlier that gum doesnt stick to it if its not too hot outside and gum comes off so incredibly easy if it does stick but we have no idea how long the sealent will hold up like this, do have any idea? We are new and only have the products so called garuntee to go by. Also we used the HD-80 on a dumpster pad the other night for the first time because the store was getting there asphalt redone the next day, in case it streaked. Also used a citralic neutralizer. The concrete looked amazing afterwards, but despite all are attempts to rinse, rinse, rinse the asphalt it still streaked it. You say that you do all this type of work - what exactly do you use at the front of doors and walkways where the dirt is so ground in that pressure washing alone just doesnt even come close to getting it off? Obviously the HD-80 works great but because of the side effects we cant use it around asphalt.I know this doesnt answer your question but john has a mix for concrete that is giving him good results in another thread. I though you may like it as a reference for dumpster pads, as they typically have irrigation rust stains.
http://forums.thegrimescene.com/showthread.php?t=7725
As for your question above;
A simple restaurant grade indoor outdoor degreaser like Kay Titan, (ask your Wendy's contact) works quite well with little to no peripheral contamination effects. Its about $8.00 a gallon and made for low perimeter impact because high school kid's are the main users of it. It is an alkaline detergent and I use it often as I am in the restaurant business as well as PW business. 15 minutes dwell at full strength with no evap on entry door pads, dilute 4 to 1 on lightly soiled sidewalks and hit it with a surface cleaner, and follow with oxalic 6-8 oz per gallon to brighten (No more than12 oz per gallon as it will be difficult enough to mix over 8oz.
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Great thread Rod...sorry to hear about you ankle, hope it gets well soon.What does it cost to do business? I think it costs you, your life. If you want to be successful, you have to give it your all. I only actually work (clean hoods) about 20-30 hours/ week, but I'm always working. Everywhere I go, just about everything I do is work related somehow or another. It becomes a way of life when you own your own business. Sometimes, you just want to give it all up and say to heck with it...it's not worth the headaches, but when you've found something that you love to do, and you're good at it, and you can make good money doing it....your perspective changes. Don't get me wrong, if I had to go flip hamburgers to support my wife and daughter I would be the best flipper out there, but since I have been blessed enough to have the choice, I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers.
Well said Anthony...
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Scott...I feel the same way you do..."if you only knew me". I've never started a fight in my life. I'm not an aggresive person, but I do stand up for justice and right vs. wrong. Sometimes, tact works, but sometimes a good ol' butt woopin is needed. The butt woopin is used when all else fails. I never recommended woopin the theives butt, what I said was to capture him/her and letting the law take it from there--no vengence, no retaliation.....just justice! It will teach that person a lesson.You mentioned earlier that you are from KY...so am I. Ashland, it is about an hour and 15 mins from you. My mom lives in Mt. Sterling now.
No way. I grew up in Ashland... lol. That's the old school. I have rental property there. I was just in Sunday.
We likely have common aquaintances...
Did you go to Blazer?
Scott
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you're right Scott...if and when I did something like this and my dad found out...oh man, I was dealt with and I never wanted to do that thing again.Short little story for ya.....I took my wife out for dinner this one time and we were in a really nice place...(Sizzler I think...j/k) anyways this loud-mouth, foul mouthed idiot was about 3 tables from us and just cussing up a storm. We, along asked the waiter to tell him to quite down a little and the waiter went over and politely asked the jerk if he wouldn't mind keeping it down a notch. The man nearly laughed in his face. I had enough...I went over to the guy, slammed my hand on his table and told him that he better shut the hell up or he was going to get a plate upside his head. I didn't offer him any cookies or anything and he stopped talking and the restaurant clapped and somebody there bought my food for me....
I've seen it on somebodies signature, can't remember whos...but the saying is..."diplomacy is saying nice doggy until you can find a rock". Sometimes you just gotta grow some cajones and defend yourself!!!
Hot Shot,
After I went to bed I was thinking. I likely would not have gone to that table. I was pretty apathetic concerning things that did not specefically threaten myself back in my aggressive days. I applaude your willingness to stand for what you believe, and for standing up for the surrounding group of frustrated patrons. And as I read this, as it was very late last night, it almost reads as though I am laughing at you. This is not the case. I was laughing at how different we all are. I find it honorable that you stood up for those others that may never have stood up for themselves. I just wanted to clarify.
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Mike,
Whatever works best for you bro. Good luck. I must admit I can't wait to find the result whatever route you take. Please share with us.
It's a shame 3M doesn't make lifesize 8ft X 8ft glue traps like we use for mice.
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you're right Scott...if and when I did something like this and my dad found out...oh man, I was dealt with and I never wanted to do that thing again.Short little story for ya.....I took my wife out for dinner this one time and we were in a really nice place...(Sizzler I think...j/k) anyways this loud-mouth, foul mouthed idiot was about 3 tables from us and just cussing up a storm. We, along asked the waiter to tell him to quite down a little and the waiter went over and politely asked the jerk if he wouldn't mind keeping it down a notch. The man nearly laughed in his face. I had enough...I went over to the guy, slammed my hand on his table and told him that he better shut the hell up or he was going to get a plate upside his head. I didn't offer him any cookies or anything and he stopped talking and the restaurant clapped and somebody there bought my food for me....
I've seen it on somebodies signature, can't remember whos...but the saying is..."diplomacy is saying nice doggy until you can find a rock". Sometimes you just gotta grow some cajones and defend yourself!!!
I appreciate you candor. I must admit I have not had a laugh like this for some time. I find it so funny that my approach likens me to someone whom lacks 'cajones'. That would be a solid statement if you knew me and my lack of courage/aggression was in question. If you only knew me. I had a life changing experience 7 years ago. Before that, I must admit I would probably have beaten you to the table. My business name has the word Integrity. To me that word means. Making the most honorable decision even when you can justify less than honorable behavior. You said it yourself "you're right Scott...if and when I did something like this and my dad found out...oh man, I was dealt with and I never wanted to do that thing again." Maybe you didn’t want to but maybe you did it anyway. That's where the note comes in. If you do it anyway, when you think you're getting away with it... BAM there is the note from DAD! Now you're looking around and wonder just how much DAD sees. Perhaps to you it's lack of cajones, and to me it is tact.
Andrew Carnegie once went to two men smoking in a hall of one of his steel mills, and they happen to be standing directly under a NO SMOKING FLAMMABLE MATERIALS sign. He never raised his voice. He handed each a cigar and said " When you enjoy this fine cigar I would appreciate it if you do it outside". Andrew C weak? No way. He made his point and they never smoked inside again.
I respect your opinion though. If we both thought exactly the same... one of us would be irrelevant...
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Mike,I'm with you. If they can't afford gas, then destroying their car will likely drive them to more aggressive crime.
Nah, that's what we've been lead to believe. Don't fight back, just play dead and hope they hurry. How does that apathy help your family, your community, or your nieghbors?? The proverbial ostrich with his head in the hole. These are the same arguments Dems use when saying we shouldn't be fighting terrorism so hard, etc......it is just going to make them more upset and more resolved to hit us. How would you feel if our country was following that pattern of thought?? You'll say this is apple and oranges; I say nobody has the right to take your gas or your life, and the pattern is analagous. I say take a stand and make them pay for their crime whether it is through prosocution, assault, or having the Dobie gnaw off his berries.:) But you are a respectable guy and will do what is best for you and your family. It's always easy to tell someone what to do, different when you are wearing his shoes.
I appreciate your honest feedback. What I like about these boards is we are all so different but very similar. You know in the old school. I would have probably just shot em. I live in KY, they don't even ask questions about your firearms here. But in my new school of thought I have learned much. I volunteered for some time working with youth in Los Angelos, and Brooklyn. Most of the time it is the youth that do these things. They feel justified if you challenge or compete. Notice I did not say, ignore or look away. Let them know you are watching. Freak them about a bit at your uncommon recourse. I'm telling you. Leave the cookies and a note. They will NOT be back.
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I would set up my tree stand and go hunting a night or two. Forget the cameras and that. Once he/she sees the flash they can walk over and destroy it, or just take it. This person needs to be caught and dealt with!!! In a couple of years instead of stealing gas they will be breaking into houses, then killing people. Catch the perp and let the law take it's course.Leave him some cookies? You've got to be kidding me right?
You could be right maybe I am wrong... It could be a her.
I bet 95% of all of us on here have done something comparable to this, or LIKELY worse in our young age. God knows I have. It's an annoyance, not a terrorist act. Sure I believe they should be punished. But hey, we all have our ways of dealing with people. I was a volunteer youth worker for over 5 years, and I got great results with subtle techniques. We all have our own opinions. Spin the wheel and see which one produces the desired results.
One thing I will never be accused of... being too agreeable.
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Ahh, but the OTHER issue here, for me at least, is what is the RIGHT thing to do? As the saying goes, what would Jesus do? Catching them is one thing...destroying equipment/vehicles is entirely another.Mike,
I'm with you. If they can't afford gas, then destroying their car will likely drive them to more aggressive crime. Leave them a plate of cookies next to your gas can with a note that reads, "Here are some cookies for you to eat as you load my gas." If this doesn't take them back then I dunno. They can't be angry with you, but they will definitely think you are at least slightly crazy. And I don't mean poison the cookies. Give them some fresh baked, maybe a glass of milk as well. I’ve got 5 bucks that says they don't come back..
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Finding Forrester ???
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It seems as though I read more and more of people going from x-jetting to downstreaming. Why would that be so? Is it just to keep from toting the chems? Would you not have a lot of wand and hose issues with all of the 12%?
Scott
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I am thankful I live in this great nation. I am thankful I can share my thoughts and views with everyone on this truly generous forum. I am also thankful that I can experience everyone else’s thoughts and concerns as well. Regardless of whether I agree or disagree. Sometimes we must all agree to disagree agreeably. We will never see eye to eye as we all have different visions, values, missions, roles, & goals. I try to understand everyone’s point well before I try to make one. At the end of the day I am thankful, for I am in my bed in my home with my family and we are fed. My heart just goes out to ANYONE that doesn't have that luxury. Perhaps one day I will not have it. I know that if our country dissolved and the only thing I could do to feed my 4 year old little girl and pregnant wife was to sneak to another country to work, I would. As a man I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Whenever, wherever, however, as long as it did not cost another human their health. That is why I take the stance I do. No other reason. If that was the only way for your families to survive, I would have a tough time believing any of you honest upstanding entrepreneurs would not do the same thing.
Your friendly neighbor,
Scott
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Ron....you had 4 fathers? Is that kinda like heather has 2 mommies?....just giving you a hard time :)My daughter ate some cherries at my brother-in-law's house and had an allergic reaction. We took her to the emergency room. It took 3 hours to get her in for the doctor to see her and that was at 11:00 pm. I pay a lot of money to have my family insured. They pay nothing!!!! yet get the treatment.
I hope that you guys don't run your households the way you treat illegal behavior. Let's say I told my daughter don't throw rocks at the neighbors house. Then a week later the neighbors come over and say that she broke one of their windows with a rock. I ask her wtf? (just kidding, thought it sounded funny) and she replies, well I did take out the trash and feed the dog this morning.
What does that have to do with anything? She still must be punished for her crime against dad's law. She broke the rules, therefore there is consiquences for her actions. It doesn't matter what "good deeds" she has done or "if she paid her taxes". The line must be drawn.
ON the filp-side. My wife's cousin was a pro hockey player. He is from Canada. It took him 7 years to obtain citizenship...that's rediculous! Like I said before, the process of obtaining legal status needs to be fixed. With today's technology it shouldn't take that long to figure out who somebody is. It needs to be fixed, but before we can heal the wound, the bleeding must be stopped.
I don't think any sensible person is against immigration as long as it's legal. I also don't think anybody that's against illegal immigration said anything about race. I don't know why that keeps coming up.
I hope your daughter is o.k. Kid's being sick really pains me to see. I pay a ton for health insurance as well. However when it comes to sick or hurting people I don't care about money. If I lost my legs tomorrow and could not provide for my family I would be thankful (as I am sure you would) there are caring doctors to see my 4 year old little girl. Just be thankful you are fortunate enough to pay for insurance. At least you can buy medicine when you leave. That's not the case for everyone in the waiting line. But I am thankful that anyone can go to the hospital, even if it drives my payment up.
Im not trying to be synical here, please don't take me the wrong way. I am just always trying to put my self in the other persons shoes. At the time if it were my daughter in that situation I may have been near sited as well. I really do hope she is healthy, food allergies are very dangerous.
Scott
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People say don't hire or do business with illegals or people whom hire them... I have NEVER met anyone that advertises "I hire illegals"! This is an non-merit statement in my opinion. I have 11 Spanish-Americans that report directly to me, as well as Bosnian, German, African, Canadian, American, etc... One thing they all have in common is they're human beings. All with families, & kid's to feed. Just for the fact and not opinion, my by far most ethical & highest achieving performers are of Latin decent. I think many times we fear that. Ethics & performance are not governed by green cards!
I'm just glad the American Indians did not have an INS.
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There is a lot of talf concerning oxalic acid and driveway cleaning. I have found a list of different types (below) what is the safest thereby recommended form of oxalic acid for concrete? What is a safe/effective dillution ratio?
Thanks in advance?
Oxalic Acid, Anhydrous, Crystal, Reagent
CAS #: 144-62-7; Formula: (COOH)2
View MSDS for Oxalic acid anhydrous
Chemical Catalog > Alphabetical Listing of Chemicals > O
2Oxalic Acid, Dihydrate, Crystal, Reagent, ACS
CAS #: 6153-56-6; Formula: (COOH)2•2H2O
View MSDS for Oxalic acid dihydrate
Chemical Catalog > Alphabetical Listing of Chemicals > O
3Oxalic Acid, Dihydrate, Crystal, Technical
CAS #: 6153-56-6; Formula: (COOH)2•2H2O
View MSDS for Oxalic acid dihydrate
Chemical Catalog > Organic Chemicals
View MSDS for Oxalic Acid, 0.1N
Chemical Catalog > Standard Solutions
5Oxalic Acid, 7.5% (w/v) Aqueous Solution
View MSDS for Oxalic Acid, 7.5%
Chemical Catalog > Alphabetical Listing of Chemicals > O
6Oxalic Acid, 5% (w/v) Solution
Chemical Catalog > Alphabetical Listing of Chemicals > O
7Oxalic Acid, 10% (w/v) Aqueous Solution
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I usually downstream my house wash over the concrete, clean with surface cleaner, rinse clean, and then apply a thin layer of 50/50 to straight chlorine to the concrete via a pump up while it's still damp, then leave last thin coat of chlorine to dry and nuetrilize on it's own. This is for standard Florida dirt, mildew, algea, mold removal. For rust or grease there's a few more steps involved.Forgive me I am very new, when you write "50/50 to straight chlorine" do you mean 50% liquid chlorine to 50% water? When the term downstream is used does that mean pump through the hose (dillute even more) as opposed to pump sprayer? Thanks for taking the time to help.
Scott
Do You Have What It Takes? (to be an entrepreneur)
in Business Topics & Tips
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I have a simple business plan worksheet that I update monthly that rolls quarterly. This way you are always following your trends and projecting 90 days out. It is simple and userfriendly if anyone wants to use it as a place to begin.
Biz plan.xls