JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Hello all! I'd like to tell you all how fabulous I think this forum is! So much knowledge and expertise all in one place. Truly invaluable. I'm the Julie half of "JulieAndKelton". My husband, (the Kelton half) is active duty Air Force and we are now stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. We've long been discussing life After Uncle Sam and, lately, feel we are being led to the power washing business. We've researched and prayed. Prayed and researched. Herein lies the trouble... my husband is an aircraft electrician. He's NOT a power washer. I'm a licensed massage therapist and salesperson. NOT a power washer. :( We are wondering if it is inappropriate to contact some local businesses and ask for an internship. For both of us. He, clearly, would do most of the actual work. I would like to be able to ask questions about licensing and clerical work. We can see why some, if not all, business owners would shy away from this type of thing. However, we'd like a little bigger picture of what we would be leaping into before sinking thousands of dollars in a business we may hate. So... After all that rambling (apologies) would it be inappropriate to contact local business owners and ask them to mentor us, guide us and teach us some of the slippery ropes? Thanks for any help. I'm going to continue to scour these forums and hopefully answer a lot of my questions. JulieAndKelton Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPetry 564 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Hi Julie, Your approach to local P/W businesses could be a tough sell if you plan on opening a similar business in the immediate local area. Few firms relish the idea of increased competition in their market. Possible recourse would be to travel out of area and spend some time with an experienced, successful P/W company. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Mr. Petry, That is pretty much what we figured. Unfortunately, with both of us still being fully employed, our travel time is quite limited. I suppose we were hoping for a miracle! First hand knowledge always is better than what you can read in a book or watch in a video. I do thank you for breaking the bad news gently (and quickly!). I just quickly viewed your website and I love how professional it looks! Lots of good information there, as well. Kindly, JulieAndKelton Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Julie - Call me :) We're right up in NC - 5 hours drive. 336-270-4598 Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron Musgraves 240 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Hi Julie,Your approach to local P/W businesses could be a tough sell if you plan on opening a similar business in the immediate local area. Few firms relish the idea of increased competition in their market. Possible recourse would be to travel out of area and spend some time with an experienced, successful P/W company. I would help her even in My own Backyard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Ms. Gothorp, When would be a good time to call? Also, I'd like to thank you for being an Air Force parent and your child for being a hero. It's not an easy life... this I can speak from experience. Thank you, Julie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 I would help her even in My own Backyard. Mr. **********, Can we come to your backyard?? ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dollarspa 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 His backyard starts on the west coast and stretches all the way to the east coast. lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhenson 15 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Julie your in good hands when it comes to Roger & Celeste. I had a pleasure of meeting them at the Ft Worth Round Table. They will steer you right. Just keep positive and work on your business not in your business. You run it dont let it run you. Below are some more helpful links. www.ptstate.com www.propowerwash.com/board/upload/indexold.php www.fleetwashacademy.com/index.php www.pressurenet.com/forums www.josephdwalters.com (pressure washing insurance) Mobile Power Wash Pricing Survey (pressure washing pricing survey) Good luck and hope to see you guys around. Get plugged in to some up coming Round Tables. Its a great networking tool. Tons of information is shared, taught and the giveaways are fantastic. Bryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 Bryan, you are certainly correct. Thank you, Mrs. Gothorp, for your time today! You are certainly a wealth of information. I look forward to speaking to you, and anyone else who is willing to guide us in the proper direction, soon! Julie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirtgun 122 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 OMG.........you called the crazy "Squirrel Lady". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JulieAndKelton 14 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 OMG.........you called the crazy "Squirrel Lady". Well, no. She called me. :) But, let me tell you, I sure am thankful for the "Squirrel Lady". It's nice to have people help you reach your goals and give you a chance to make your dreams come true. The world could use more "Squirrel Ladies". ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 LOL - There are NO MORE SQUIRRELS in my house :) We are certainly looking forward to working with Kelton & Julie. You know the Carolinas turn out some good contractors! Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirtgun 122 Report post Posted December 10, 2009 LOL - There are NO MORE SQUIRRELS in my house :)We are certainly looking forward to working with Kelton & Julie. You know the Carolinas turn out some good contractors! Celeste YET!!! I have a whole bunch of traps set and the little critters will be delivered before Christmas.They are however being delivered Fedex so there is a very good chance the same idiot will deliver them to the same idiot who signed for stuff that wasn't his............lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Orr 206 Report post Posted December 13, 2009 Not sure how I missed this thread, but any, well, most, er some pw contractors would welcome the opportunity to help you - even in their own backyard. My position is that there are too many dirty houses/buildings/walks for me to clean by myself and the better educated my competition,the better prices we'll all get. If your eve in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, I'd be glad to let you wash a house or two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
