power wash school, what do you all think?? please help.

[kevin t]

hello,
i am 19 years old , i live in southern california. i really want to learn the power washing trade and start my own business someday.
i see there is a 6 day school in texas for 2,000 bucks . do you think that would help me out at all? or no?
i also see there are many books on the subject to. now books will give me info , but dont give me any "hands on" experience.
now im sure most of you will tell me , try to work with a local pw compnay . but there are only 4 in the area and none will hire me .

well thanks in advance and all the help is needed.

kevin

 

[Scott Stone]

What part of California are you in? There are pressure washing companies that are all over your state. It all depends on what you want to specialize in. There are a bunch of different areas. I have had people come to train with me for a few days, but the last guy almost died, he just could not get out of bed. I would be glad to take your $2000 to train you, but you would be working pretty hard while learning.

Scott

 

[Glenn]

Kevin,
Do you have good common sense? Do you own a home or have a relative that will let you practice on their stuff? If you answered yes to both of those questions and are already here on this great board, then invest the 2000 in equipment. You can practice on your or your relative's home, deck, vehicle, etc. and post questions, or problems you don't understand here. This is how most of us got started. Don't do any jobs for customers untill you get a good understanding and working knowledge of this business or buy some dang good insurance.
Glenn

 

[Scott Stone]

See how you are Glenn. Here I was going to make an easy couple of grand and you go and tell him how to avoid it. Seriously, there are some areas of the country where house washing is practically non existent. I happen to be in one of those areas. There are some people that do it, but for me there are not enough to build a business on. There are also some areas that require some expertise. That would be fleetwashing and even more, Vent hood cleaning. Especially Vent hood cleaning. I could not se someone that was just starting out getting into hood clening without a heads up. I also trhink that the pressure washing school covers maintenance and repairs as well. This could be very advantageous for a start up to learn how to repair their own machines. I probably save a minimum of $7000 a year ( not including labor) because I am able to do my own repairs and am able to buy parts at a better price. I think that this gives me a significant competitive advantage. Of course, if I had Jons money I could afford to have someone repair it for me.
Scott

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>Kevin

If you can afford it go to school,you'll learn alot of stuff as Scott said working on your own eqt. can save you several dollars in a years time.It will also save you on trying different chemicals as in each job which can and will turn into alot of money before you learn whats what.You will also have a better chance at making it work without going into it blind.All this free stuff trying on someone else's stuff will you cost you plenty to learn and you want learn what you can in school in the short time it takes to go though it.I think you would be better off knowing some of all the basic's in this trade,which covers alot.I think you'll gain your money back quicker then you would by just learning own your own,there is more to it then just holding a wand in your hand and squriting water.The schooling will give you more knowledge and you'll feel more a'sure of yourself as in charging for cleaning daddys house or someone else's which is money made not gave away.Sometimes you have to send money to save money,it doesn't take long to send 2000 in over all cost in learning on your own.Not only that but you'll meet others in school that may last a life time in helping each other after school is out and that my freind is worth more then the money it takes to learn.You can save the 2000 on eqt. along in knowing what to buy and what not to buy,,,,some say its not worth the money but it depends on what you want out of it as to its worth.</b></f>

 

[Laurie Grathen]

Kevin,

We invested in the school for Randy three years ago when we started this business. I can tell you that it was one of the best investments we could have made starting out. Not only did he learn about all the aspects of pressure washing, he gained a lot of confidence in being sure he could talk to customers, sell, and compentently do the job. It also helped him narrow down the different aspects of the industry that we would focus on in our area.

In addition, as previous posters mentioned, he learned more about the equipment and maintenance than he already knew (he'd previously sold and serviced pressure washers for a living!). Even then when he had a problem he couldn't fix, the folks who run the school gave him unlimited time and patience in helping his troubleshoot and repair the problems over the phone. You almost can't put a price on that.

Finally, you leave the school with a set of video tapes and reference material that we've referred to time and time and time and time again.

I say yes! Spend the money for the school. Then make sure you contact your local SCORE chapter and get them to help you put together a business plan. Your chance of success will be increased many times over.

Laurie Grathen
All American PowerClean
Lake of the Ozarks

 

[Clean County]

Thats a tough decision to make considering that he's only 19 yrs old. I wish I started at 19 in this field.

The way I started was probably one of the safer ways to go. I borrowed a friends pw and I cleaned my house with it. Then I did my parents house. Adventually I cleaned some friends houses and decks for a small amount of money. This is how I learned.

I think that school that most people are referring to is probably worth it for someone that is somewhat seasoned in this field. If your real fresh under the collar then the school may not be a WIZE idea. If it turns out that he doesn't like powerwashing because he finds out it is to much labor intensive or whatever then he will immiedetely be $2000 in the hole which is alot for a 19 yr old.

The safest advice I would give to him would be get some experience under your collar first then if you feel like you could be successful in this industry and you want to expand your operations then at that point I think the school would be worth it. Thats where I'm at now after 6yrs of having my own business. Either way good luck.

[boing]

 

[Scott Stone]

Jon,
I know how to swim. No throwing this Stone across the lake. Besides, I am way to big for you to handle.
As for the getting out of bed, I think that the guy was WWAAYY too old.

Now, back to our ORIGINAL conversation.

Here is an action plan for you.
1. Get a business plan. It will do a bunch of things for you. It will help you to set goals for your business, If you have SCORE help you, they will give you a lot of tings to think about, before starting your business. And it will help you plan your next step.
2. Start acquiring Catalogs. You do not have to purchase from them, but it will help you to see the variety of things that are out in the pressure washing field.
3. Decide on a specialty. Most of the large contractors, (gross over $250,000 a year) specialize. You can try to be the guy that does it all, but it really helps to have a specialty.
4. Go back over your business plan and make any adjustments that need to be made.
5. Work with someone, even if it is only for a couple of days to see what the work is like.
6. Then spend the $2000 for the formal schooling. There are a multitude of different schools for pressure washing out there. Some are reall general, and some deal with one area of pressure washing. You have to decide what is the best for you.
7. If after you have jumped through all of these hoops it still looks good to you, Then start to buy your equipment. That can add up to several thousand dollars, before you even do your first job.
8. If you ever want to call and chat, and get some ideas, my number is on the board, all of the time. I will give you an honest response. Be forewarned that I can sometimes talk too much,if I am in the mood.

Scott Stone

 

[kevin t]

hello all,
thank you for all of the advise so far . all of the informaton and the people on this board are wonderful .
please keep all of the useful advise comming .
well i have started my business plan about 2 months ago . except i have not finished the yearly projection part yet .
my mom is an accountant so thats a big help to me because she works with spread sheets and taxes . plus she had mangaged many businesses before .

im sure all of you are probally wondering why i am interested in power washing . well you see about 6 months ago i wanted to get into mobile detailing . but as much as i wanted to do it i would never really be able to earn a living doing it . plus there is way to much liability involved and the market is way to limited . i mean there arnt that many people out there willing to fork out 200 bucks to have the car detailed and to acually make real money in it you would you woud have to do minium 5 a day which is im possible consider a full job takes 3 hours .

then it wasent until a few months ago that i discover power washing was a pro trade . once i discovered that i then jump on the net and did a few searches and came across all of the bb's . read them and learned what this trade involes . now i go out driving late at nite and track down the FEW pw crews on site at the banks , malls and other places .
according the the phone book there are only 7 pw companies listed , but i now that does not mean that there the only ones out there . i also look around the city , i see a lot of properties in need of clean up .
i would really love to have a profession that improves the looks of my community and serves the fine people as well . im sure all of you love the feeling that you get when you see a happy customer thats really appreceates your services.
i know this trade is very labor intensive and can make you a very good living if the business in run properly .
before i start this whole thing i want to obtain as much knowlege and skill as possible . trust me i dont want to be labeled as a "weekend worrior" . i also want to comply with all epa regulations .
sorry for the long post . i just wanted to fill you all in.

please keep all the helpful info comming

kevin

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>Kevin

Thats funny alot of people make a good living detailing not only that I'm thinking more and more each day as to go into detailing.

There is enough people out there that do have the 200 for their cars or trucks,these are the ones your looking for not the ones that could care less about keeping a shine-e car.

There are alot of people in this trade that are not making a living doing it,they haveta have another job to make ends meet.It will depend on you and you only as to make it in any trade,like I said this trade is more to it then just squirting water just like detailing its more to it then wiping.If you learn the right way to squirt water it can be up lifted to the next level as to what chemicals will and will not harm things,you can do more damage in this trade then in detailing as not knowing what chemicals to apply to what.
200 is not bad for 3 hours work in detailing,you want make that in this trade on a average,your looking at 100 to 150 depends alot on which trade plus the cost to make it will be more then the 200 you can make in detailing.
There is a need for good detailers just as there is a need for good powerwashers,you just have to find the ones that needs it.If detailing was your first thought don't give up on it find more info as you are doing on the powerwashing,have you been to the detailing bbs(s) to ask Q'tions,,they are a few like this one that can help you.
There are alot of people in this trade that don't make 30 an hour but you'll never hear them say so if you get my meaning.To start out it would cost you less money to go into detailing then powerwashing................If you can drive around and spot powerwashers and 7 listed your maket around you is are really full because more then half are not listed,,there is one listed in our local phone book but I can count 8 without doing to much thinking.

Just a note::.....look how old Luckyboy is hallowering where are you in Cal.,,,,,,he don't need no more comptition around him

With either one you'll have to climb the ladder to make good money just as you would in detailing and with either one your best chance at getting there faster is schooling.</b></f>

 

[Glenn]

Kevin,
If you want to go to school, email me and I will refer you to a 3day school that ranges between 500 and 600 and includes 3 days lodging.
Glenn

 

[jschessler]

kevin

Hey , what city are you located at? maybe Jon can give you a hand.

 

[kevin t]

hello all,
i live in chatsowoth california , if you dont know where that is , im a few miles away from northrigde califorina . you know wehre they had that big earthquake in 1994?
jon is in redlands , i beleave that is about 2-3 hours away from here.
just to let you all know . i know this trade will take a lot of time , hard work and determination . just as any other career would in life .
i certainly know there is alot more to is then squiting water other wise i would not be comming to this board for so information .
now one thing i have thought i doing is once i have obtained my knowlege to get going in this feild is i thought of being diverse and offer auto detailing as one of my services . know i have some experience in the feild . but the market is not large enough to make a living out of doing soley auto detailing .

thanks

kevin

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>When I said squirting water I wasn't pointing my finger at you it was in general.

If your still throwing the ball around as to what to get into why not take a look at DENT repair,there is a demand for it too if your good at it as in any trade.I know some that have a shop plus a mobile unit they use going to the gold feilds which means hail storms.I'm not trying to talk you out of going into this trade just pointing out some things,this is a hot and cold trade weather wise,this time of year a AC would feel great,some of it or most is dirty work.
At your age don't get in a hurry on picking a trade,look at some of the others which you or like you said where is info on the net,,,like doing paperwork in school.There is alot of trades out there you can get into with low cost starting.

Anyway welcome to the powerwash trade,,,,with 7 powerwashers listed there should be more than enough for detailing.By you saying you would have to do 5 cars aday at 200 in detailing to make it your thinking this trade is a gold mine like I said welcome to the powerwash trade,its out there.</b></f>

 

[kevin t]

bigboy,
is what i mean is , detailing only as oppsoed to the power washing trade . there is alot more diversity in the power wash trade . you not limited to just cars .
where is what i want to cover with my biz once i get that far.

both commercial and residential service of the following : desk/fence and wood siding restoration . house and building washing and restoration . flat work , windows and parking lot/game court striping .

well i know this is not get rich quick trade . but im sure if it si worked rite and marketed properly you can end up making decent money . of coasre it will require employees and a lot of work and time and determination.
and no i dont plan to launch all of this at one time .

thank kevin

i know your just telling me the truth and i apprecate that .

thank for all the good info .

kevin

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>I understand,It seems you have all your marbles in a roll as in "of the following" in your post.

I think you will do really ok in this trade but detailing is not limited to just cars,theres more to it then wiping a shine.Polishing aluminum is a high dollar trade its part of detailing,dent repair,chipped paint repair,the list so on and its part of detailing.I think what your judging as not making a living in detailing is what the detailers call the bucket boys.
Like I said I'm not trying to talk you out of this trade,,,,if you will notice some of the weekly accounts have gone monthly or do their own now,some of the monthlys are going to 4 maybe 6 times a year this is what I'm talking about not that you cann't make your dreams come true.Just because alot of things around are dirty doesn't mean money,some of those places never get washed unless someone does a free be,,,,,,,,,,,,all trades have their better spots even lawn care.All I doing is getting you to see deeper in this trade as the need for shooling or you may in up like alot of them still trying to make it own their own for several years and still cann't do it.

There is one trade I like doing no I love doing but cann't make money at it but some make more in one day than I could all my life in that trade,,,,want to take a guess on the trade</b></f>

 

[kevin t]

bigboy,
thats for the input . might that trade me fishing ?? now i want you to know that i have researched the mobile detailing trade in side and out . i even have the prep excellence manual from auto international. i know what a bucket boy is. and i even thought about the whole once stop shop idea for the detailing as in covering everything from full service detail .3 step paint restoration . paintless dent repair and interior uposltry repair as well as odor removal .
have given this alot of thought as well , offer the following services .
paint striping , layout and design
seal coating and asphalt repair
comercial and residential flat work
commercial and residential house and building wash and restoration (1-3 stories)
window cleaning .
in season deck and fence cleaning sealing and restoration.

this is once established though . and i know it will require employees .

i also dont plan to take a loan if possible . om going to work 80 weeks for the next 6months to a year.

thanks again

bigboy what areas of power washing do you cover?


kevin

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>lol I see you know daddy Ron ,,,our you the one that ask about the buses?

I do mostly fleets and some farm eqt.& hy.eqt. the later is for extra spending money.I have done most of the money makers in this trade as to the reason I say schooling is the way to go to learn a trade,I still could kick my butt for not going,I was talked out of it my other powerwashers that never went either.Still after 2 years in this I still wanted to go to school but they told me I could learn own my own which I have but not without climbing over alot of rocks and hills before I learned other stuff besides squirting water.I got into it as a hoddy but turned into a bussiness,thats when I should have stopped and went to school to find out more about what I was getting into,heck anybody can squirt water afew chemicals and have a clean spot thats the easy part .The other stuff you'll learn in school is the harder part of this trade,its worth learning more than squirting water.

Ok let me say this too: you said work 80 weeks for 6 months to a year,thats great to have that kind of out look to where your going and how long,I understand.Do you know what burnout means? slow down are you may find out, its not funny when you get it.You will or can get more then you can take care of and finding help in this trade is a tough-e which means from sun up to sun up you work work work no time for family work work work even on weekends work work,,how long can you keep this up,I did for over 7 years,went though several employee's nobody wants to work for somebody long or some don't anyway,they want their own bussiness squirting water.

I know one thing if I had it to do over again,I'd put my money in a carwash and go by everyday and get my money out of those little boxes and grin at the guy pulling or hauling a powerwasher around ..........ok last little note,,,,first detailing and now powerwashing,,this is just like detailing to make it you have to go get it which is just like detailing its harder to get then you think,again welcome to the powerwash trade where squirting water gets your money wet.Will try to help all I can plus the boards are a great learning tool,,,,tell daddy Ron he lost one .</b></f>

 

[kevin t]

bigboy
trust me i know what burn out is . i am only 19 i have handle the 80 hour week thing no problem . i have done it before .
who is ron???
is it common or uncommon for a power washer to offer many services ??
why do you say its hard to make it in this trade ? is the work that hard to get or is the pricing not high enough to make money from it?
thanks again

kevin

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>who is ron??? ,,,hes on the mobile detailing bbs,hes every smart in that trade,,go to WWW.MOBILEWORKS.COM and give him a hallower.

is it common or uncommon for a power washer to offer many services ??,
,,,,no its not common if your after the money,most have just one trade wheather fleets,flatwork,hoods,ect....It not uncommon tho to see someone doing a little of everything to make a living.

why do you say its hard to make it in this trade ? is the work that hard to get or is the pricing not high enough to make money from it?
,,,,Yes bussiness is hard to get we're talking about the better accounts now not just washing anything that comes along.These type of accounts is your bread and butter and they are in some case harder then heck to take the butter off someone elses table.
Yes,some of the accounts are to cheap for me to even think about wanting any of the bread because there is no room for butter.
I get 55 for a big rig,most around here are 35 to 45 (cheaper on bigger fleets)and if I wanted to get bigger I would have to match that price or cheaper or better service.Right now in this trade alot of the accounts are looking for cheaper or cutting back on the wash's.
Like I said I'm just pointing some things out to you as to this trade not being a bed of gold as some tell you,you'll have your work cut out for you no matter what trade you go in,this is a good trade to be in so is detailing but both take time to build.

Lets say you got into this and later found out it also is hard to make a living as to not enough bussiness around you to share with the other powerwashers,,will your area support another powerwasher,some will some want.I see several every year get into this and before the years up they are gone,couldn't make it becuase the area couldn't hold another powerwasher.Four years ago I seen 4 newbee's start within a week of each other,those didn't last but just a few months,wasn't enough bussiness to go around in the area even with their cheap prices.

Your doing ok by doing the bookwork on this trade but dig alittle deeper to see where your money will come from around you,it may be in your backyard or it could be 100 miles away.I know you have been scouting around by watching other powerwashers and seen alot of things dirty but that doesn't mean there is enough to go around to support another.
Like I said welcome I'm not trying to bust your bubble you can get your share but it may be slow coming to you.They are several on these bbs that are just part timers that have being trying for years to make it as you in the detailing bussiness.Good luck on whatever you decide to do,its a big world out there.</b></f>