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jbruno

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Posts posted by jbruno

  3. Posted · Report reply

    It was the first time this has ever happened, which suprised me probably because I thought it may happen eventually, but it caught me off guard.

    I'm willing to help anybody in this business, to insure that it gets done correctly, and it gets done for a good price (no lowballers). But these guys need to approach me in a different way. Hell, I approached Tom D. and offered my help (which he's taken plenty of LOL)

  4. Posted · Report reply

    Got a call yesterday from a guy looking for a price on a patio... here's how it went down

    Me: "hello"

    Caller: "yeah, what do you get for a patio"

    Me: "get? to clean it? well it depends,I would have to see it."

    Caller: " do you price it by the square foot?"

    Me: "Yes, but I also factor in other things. Where are you located? (no answer)

    Caller: "could you tell me over the phone, so I could figure it out myself?"

    Me" NO, I don't give prices over the phone"

    Caller hangs up...

    I'm still trying to figure out what fly-by night "powerwashing" company this is, because there's no way a homeowner asks "by Square footage?" Plus he would never tell me what his name was, or where the the job was.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    It was $20 for 1.3 gallons, Defenitely expensive. But like I said before, I couldn't budge it. I never got to the f-18 or HD-80. And my Roof Magic (rowlett) was last years mix. Couple in the fact that I was NOT there the first time my guys tried to strip it, and they probably didn't let the RM dwell long enough. So off to the paint store I went...

    Hell, even at $20/gallon, I'll just pass it on to the consumer. but I'm not going to make a habit it out of it! LOL

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I posted a few weeks ago about the solid color Cabots, Well I have been saved by a product newly out by Wolmans... Homeowner went to the paint store and found this stuff. It strips water,acrylic and oil based stains. I sprayed it on, let it sit for 15 minuts and then washed it off. It worked great. This stuff is brand new this year, I couldn't believe it worked so well. I never got to the f-18 or hd-80, because I thought this Wolmnans wouldn't work, and I would prove that "over-the-counter" strippers didn't work... Well, I was Wrong! LOL

    It's a bit pricey, but it worked great!!

  8. Posted · Report reply

    My problem is that they want to go from a solid to a semi-trans. Unbeknownst to me, because they only told me "we're gonna use Cabots again" So I did the cleaning. he then called me and asked why all of the stain didn't come up(about 2/3 of the stain was off due to failing and foot traffic). He then told me of the color change and the 2 layers he had put on??

    And Yaz, I completing agree with you... if it's solid on solid, I just Clean it no stripping. (which is what i thought was happening here)

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Probably not all of it.. and as much as they can dissolve into water. Re-do your bid, bro or you are gonna hate life.

    I already lost on this one, I told the guy I would do the entire deck (strip and stain) for $600, But He said no. I should have walked then...other problem is that he has my moeny for the house wash I did. (also at a great price). I never learn!! Other problem is I can't do the work myself because I got burned (which came with a skin graft) at job #1 and have been sending the 'knuckleheads' out to do the work

  10. Posted · Report reply

    Some how I got bamboozled into "cleaning" a guys deck floor. His wife told me 'yeah we're gonna use Cabots again.' Well long story short, I tell the guys to take up whatever will come up, but don't go crazy (only charging $125). So some of it comes up, but spots in the shaded areas are still on pretty good. Customer calls me up and says "well I'm going with a lighter color" So I send the guys back and the stuff doesn't budge. Seems the guys really layered on the Cabots.

    Tom D. gave me some f-18 (which I've never used) So I need to know 2 things, will this get Cabots (solid color) off? and what's the mix ratio using a pump up sprayer??

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Tom,

    I told you I was the BEST powerwasher in Orange County. Some day you will hold that title! I got your message but I just got home from crappy night and will be taking a nap. I'll call you today. I actually have a cleaning job to do that may interest you. and I can show you the suface cleaner!

  14. Posted · Report reply

    Sure your rpice was on the numbers if you figure 5 hours of work for $550. It looks like you've got a 'small' machine, maybe 2 to 4 gpm? If I were doing this job, I wouldn't take me more than 2 hours set up to pulling away. That's because I have an x jet, great chems, a helper, good equipment set up, and a big machine (6gpm).

    You could probably spend a couple more $$ get a commercial machine (belt driven) with more GPM and make the same money in half the time. especially with no gutters. let me rethink that time frame... 1 1/2 hours for me and my helper.

    Also, the amount og hose you have (high pressure and filler hose) will help speed up or slow down the process. for example: I have the capability of putting 250 ft. of high pressure line off my machine. and 125 ft. of filler hose. So instaed of moving my machine 2 or three times, I just make sure I have enough hose to reach the spigot w/ filler hose, and the farthest point of the house w/ high pressure. (150ft. usually does it)

    And if you didn't want to splurge on the machine, at least get an x -jet and use the housewash mix that most guys are using (Rowlett's mix) there will be NO scrubbing in the future for you!! and hire a kid for $10/hr. to move your stuff around.

  15. Posted · Report reply

    Jeff,

    "It's a mere flesh wound"

    Actually that sucks, My son is 4 and I'm suprised he hasn't been to the ER yet. His time is coming because he has no fear. I caught him standing on the frame of his bike as he went down the sidewalk 3 days ago. He hasn't taken a good fall yet so he has no idea how it feels. On the other hand my Neighbors' daughter went off a chair she was standing on at the top of the basement stairs and went down the entire flight. luckily she was wearing her bike helmet. I never want to here her mother screaming like that again. I thought someone was shot...

  16. Posted · Report reply

    Let me pose this question to the members of the PWNA or anyone else for that matter. Do you really feel that having a "logo", or a "certification" legitimizes your business? then ask yourself this. How often do you hire a guy or gal to do work for you because they have a certification from some organization?

    Most of the people I have hired over the years come from a recommendation or word of mouth. Never have I had to ask someone for there certification to cut my lawn, or install my toilet, or hang my wallpaper. I know exactly how many certifications I have in Powerwashing...ZERO. But I sure wash a lot of houses and decks every summer and noone asks if I'm certified.

    From what I gather of the PWNA it sounds like a few guys (who have powerwashing cos.) got together and formed an organization that could further enhance themselves financially. They began teaching classes for a fee and giving out certificates afterwards. And noone knows if they are really teaching you the way to do it correctly, just look at these boards. there are many ways that people clean wood, vinyl, shingles and fleets. All of this information is readily available for FREE and most often times you're going to do it how you like to do it.

    This PWNA (from what little I know and have seen or read about) seems like it may be getting away from itself when they decide the membership isn't entitled to opinions, or answers to questions.

    and that's why I haven't joined

  18. Posted · Report reply

    Dripped Gutter Shock on a brand newly sealed driveway. ate the sealer right off. had t pay $250 for the re-seal. I had charged the guy 240 for the house wash. drove over 2 days later and gave him $10. He owned a body shop for 30 years and as I gave him the $10 he told me about learning the hard way and how many times in business he had learned it the hard way. It was a good experience in the end, but a little embarrasing.

  20. Posted · Report reply

    Get the new Golf digest or the 'other golf' magazine. They have the top 100 courses you can play. Myrtle has 4 of them. If you're really into Golf they would be must plays in my book. (the cover of the magazine is the hybrid club touting four shots with the club, sept. 06 issue)

    I'll be doing that at Easter next year!

  21. Posted · Report reply

    Gotta love those numbers Mike.

    Case in point. Tried to Have Tom out at a House wash, but the machine fouled up. Went home and got the spare, but by this time Tom had to leave. (i was a LITTLE embarrassed). Job got done fine with spare. Had Tom come with his van and machine, he would ahve gotten paid as a sub and we could have used his. That is something to think about. I think someone else gave the example of blowing a hose on Sunday afternoon??

    Oh and the machine had a broken o-ring in the check valve that actually got lodged in it... fixed it myself. I'm getting better at the fixing part, soon I won't even need a mechanic! LOL

    any one ever have that happen? I'm wondering if it wasn't seted correctly?

  23. Posted · Report reply

    I'm glad to Hear that Hugh is up and running Mike!

    I'm also glad to hear that I've inspired a few thoughts about this topic. But let me tell you 1 more thing that has been goiung through my mind. remember when I was 'getting' out and then I was back in?? Well someday I may sell this business, or just sell off the equipment and when and if that day comes, I don't want to leave my previous customers in the dark when I stop powerwashing. Eventually I will get a few raises in the fire dept. and maybe even promoted, and maybe by then I WON'T have to powerwash or maybe I'll be doing something else (yada yada yada!). And maybe by then the market will be flooded with powerwashers. And I'm not saying that i'm going to teach EVRYONE how to powerwash, but a select few will get my help if they want it. But there is SO much to be washed, that I haven't even scratched the surface.

    So if I pass on my knowledge and feel confident that I can refer my past customers to someone else then I won't have any guilt when and if I close up shop.

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Bruno, thats the best post i have ever seen, hats off

    Thanks Ron. Mostly I was influenced by Mr. Rowlett and a few other people I have met through these boards. Of all the things I have learned from these people I think the MOST helpful things are the ones that have taught me how to run my business, and how to be an 'ambassador' of powerwashing. (wow that was corny!LOL)

    Because Powerwashing is so new to my area, I also want to the consumer to be educated in what Power Washing really entails. I would say that 80% of my business this year was new business, but probably 50% was becasue of recomendations...

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