Ref: Ron networking

[Jon]

Ron,

I like your idea about networking and I agree with you not everyone has the same standard of "clean".

Sure I am only hours from you but would be more then willing to jump on your network in my area.

For fleet washers:

7up has a distributor about 2 miles from my house also there is a beer distrubitor near here too. Then a lot of trucking companies a few miles down the road and no one from this board doing fleet up here. Would like to network with fleet washers here, you clean the trucks and I clean their docks and ramps etc.

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Beep beep, the OPC Roadrunner coming through.

Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633



[This message has been edited by Jon (edited December 17, 2000).]

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I would love to start a network of guys who pressure wash. We could have an org. nation wide and help people grow their businesses all over the country.


Questions

1. How would attempt to start.
2. Where would you grow the network first?
3. What type of training would be involved?
4. What would the qualifications be for your cleaning contractors?
5. What areas would be easiest to network? Fleet, hoods, flatwork
6. Would it be a nonprofit org. or for profit?
7. Who would be willing to participate?
8. Is it reality with the low start up cost of pressure washing?
9. You would have to hold seminars & training classes each month.
10. A real organization to help pressure washer’s build & educate them selves to grow their businesses.


It could only be possible if a few good people wanted and had the drive it would take to tackle such and effort.

Benefits
1. Don’t become a trade org. be a force within to establish buying power.
2. Nation wide account recognitions with approved pressure washing contractors.
3. Information unlike anything you could imagine.
4. Strength in numbers.
5. The presence of legitimacy among large corporations.
6. Safety training.
7. Standing together on ideals.
8. Applying standards to cleaning processes.
9. Keeping tabs on new things as group.
10. Automatic vendor approval for major corporations.
11. First and only approved certification for pressure washers. (Get it accredited}
12. Standardized pricing. {Not price fixing}


I’m sure this list could be larger, hey it’s just an idea and I’m sure that many of you have thought of this. Like myself where would you get the time to do all this? I don’t know. I’m not even convinced the idea would even work. I do know that the org. now has no real benefit to helping the contractors. They seem they are more interested in the trade aspect rather than the skill itself. I will attend to the pwna convention in Feb. Maybe if certain people where interested we could have a meeting their one night to discuss and figure out a more serious step to putting things together. all those interested please post, if you are afraid to post e-mail.

Personal reasons why I would think this would help us all.

Form a unity among pressure washers nation wide to share knowledge and wisdom. Establish standards in our industries not only on quality but standards as well. Inform and educate customers to standards. Have continued educations to stay up with all advances in our field.

This board is great and has served a vast knowledge to many. The board only allows so much. With out a formal unity some are reluctant to share secrets. I don’t blame any one for I am among those as well. Lets face it there are people in need of pressure washers, there are pressure washers that have better skills than others. To truly share knowledge face to face and develop a network of professionals nation wide to handle large accounts and train rookies properly in this field would only advance the skills of our industry and force the standards all around to rise.


I encourage everyone to post and pose the pros & cons. I also would like to know if you have a real interest in helping start and org.

It could be reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now its just fictions.


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Ron Marshal Phoenix AZ
1-888-fleetwash

 

[EDROCK]

Ron i could'nt have said it better myself.I'm very interested and would be willing to travel and meet with others the same.Let's keep this rolling ,we have nothing to lose but alot to gain.this would also help to control lowballers which i have a problem with.
ROCKWELLE@PRODIGY.NET

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[washman]

Are you thinking about something other then pwna or are you looking to compete with fleetwash,car wash guys, sparkle wash,etc? there is a real need for a real org. Other than the ones trying to sell there powerwashers,chems,etc..........We would love to talk with you guys. thanks Rock on John & Pat Maxey's Mobile Wash LLC

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[Scott Stone]

Now would we network by markets or specialty. The reason that I ask is because Ron and I are in the same market, and I would hate to step on his toes, but I do have a few cross marketing ideas that could do just that. The only saving grace is that they are low grossing area of the business, They do have a decent net though. It is an interesting concept. We should look into it and get it going. One big problem is it will eat time, and those with the time to do it probably don't have the experience to do it. I see a lot of benefits as well as a few problems.
Scott

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Any statement that I make about equipment, processes or your hair color is my own personal opinion. I usually base it on personal experience. If you disagree with me you are free to reply on both the BBS and by e-mail. If I am totally off base please explain why on the BBS so that we may all know why
Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Scott,

Share the ups & downs; I would love to hear them.

I don’t know how you could split this up. I know it would have to be done in some manner.


Obviously we are in the same market, but two heads are better than one. I think your right; it would take a lot of integrity, honesty & plain old trust.


Other board members,

Guys, just don’t be cheerleaders, give me your reasons you like the idea. Also tell me and share your thoughts. Don’t just join this org to be a part. Remember an organization that will help you not support you. Put something in and get back ten fold. This would be a lot of work. Its sole purpose would be to increase business. If you’re a guy who wants something for nothing don’t respond, please


I am very interested in the opinions on both sides. Everyone sees things differently so post your opinion. Merry Christmas




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Ron Marshal Phoenix AZ
1-888-fleetwash

 

[Mike Hughes]

A great idea......but who has time to do it properly? It would take one of us quitting pressure washing to do it right.......or maybe one or two of our wives or something like that.

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[David Saulque]

I also think that the idea has lots of merit. We are in the best network in the market and that is this BB. The goal could be is to develop a method to regulate those on this BB as to profile/ins./workers comp and years in the trade or sub trade.

Even PWNA with all the meetings and so fourth can't come close to this network. We within this BB can develop a good network that is now working.

Just take a look at how we answer question, problems, & referral business. Many networks would love to have this relationship.



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[Ron Musgraves]

Hey Scott,

I see what your saying about crossing paths, I know you have turned down flat work just like I have turned down fleets. Neither one of us has made a penny doing that. Networking in ones own market might not work. Although if it where broken down to specialty instead you could market everything and give the over flow to your partner in the other field. Just a thought
I have family in Chicago very close doing pressure washing. Only one time in ten years I had a nephew try to take a gas station my brother was doing. he knew he made a mistake when the owner told him are you nuts, I use your uncle. I have also networked hotel chain business to other in the past. I don't do it any more because there's no gain in doing it.


Mike,

Not a bad idea to have the wife's help. I don't know about mine?????

We would elect a board, I'm sure that together we could find the time.

I believe that we should at least meet face to face with the parties that are serious about starting a real organization to raise standards and promote more business.


David,

I agree that the bb is the best, the problem with the guidelines you gave are the new bees as we call them will not want to share experiences. There fore we could loose good people that are just coming into the business. I agree with you but this is a problem that might be solved by making and accredited course so that you eliminate idiots that would be out of business in a couple of months years ect. Become such a force that we are the standard and set the pace. Remember we would like to raise standards so we can make the market look more professional. If we where going to expand the network we would not want to shut out good people just because they where new. I realize this make this a big job because certifying and having the network believe that a couple of processes are right and something that you or I have been doing since conception is wrong might be a lot to swallow.

About the bb???????????

I think that the bb as well as others could obviously help the network. But it would take a separate or private section where the network could do business. Remember if you start competing against others they will not come and participate freely in this board. [I wouldn't.]

Remember I'm not talking about a bunch of good old boys on this bb. I'm talking about really sharing the success of our business with other in different markets to uniform how a pressure washing business is run from a-z and taking to the org. for money. [[[[Nothings free.]]]]It would not be franchising but something close and all those who would participate can make more money. Lets face it there are some who struggle but are good people. Maybe there with out the money it requires to make their business run well. There are others that want their business to be larger but can’t seem to get over that hump. None of us on this bb are giants just some larger than others. Some smaller, but they make more money. How? Well that’s the secret we all want to know how we maximize our potential. David, I like your posts and the things you mention and the advice given. Help to make this a reality, no one could do this by himself or herself.

What a great board……………..

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Ron Marshal Phoenix AZ
1-888-fleetwash

 

[AranServices]

Let me play a little Devil's Advocate!

Isn't that what "COMMERCIAL SERVICES" does?
They get the accounts & farm it out.

What about "QUALITY CONTROL"? Poor quality make for EASY PICKINGS with the non-member competition.

DON'T GET ME WRONG:
I see the talk going to cloud 9 - thought it would do a bit of good to drop an anchor to keep it grounded.

Good Luck!

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ONE MORE THING:
Isn't that basically what we are doing here & now on this BBS?
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Cleaning America - One Job At A Time!
Once this shell of a body is vacated, may the Great God above know that I have tried to do better than I did the day before!

E-MAIL: aran@bellsouth.net
Our URL: http://easypath.to/pressurewashing

[This message has been edited by AranServices (edited December 18, 2000).]

 

[Larry L.]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Ron know what you saying BUT you can do it without making money off each other,check with your uncle for some of it.Networking will work if done with teamwork that likes to share and make money themself's.Some would have to learn to share more then others because of being in the same area.All of the team would make a profit and not haveta pay anything to the one that drumed up the accounts.Lets say you want one of the food chains in your area but can't get it b/c its under a bigger contractor(o no) that can handle several stores under one contract.OK now you have a team in several states that could be worked under one contract,that along is worth more then paying you a share of the profits.Heck I'm a old salesman if every member was going to haveta pay a share on the accounts to the one that got the accounts for as long as they have the account,LOOK out road here I come cuz I can see $$$$$$$$ with free lador,hahahehe.The only problem I see is the extra paper work it will take if the accounts pays from a central office.As of now I think your wasteing your money on the other,,why,they have sub teachers in your schools today that has no paper hanging on the wall saying they can teach and for less money too.</FONT f>Your going to have some members that will never be able to pass buss on to others b/c of the area their in but will be able to help in doing an account.Would he be less of a member if the paperwork showed he never gave anybody anything but was making more(doing more accounts)on the accounts that you drumed up.
There is a place done started and they keep asking for members,they keep asking for help,they keep asking for change,they keep asking for you to change it.Wouldn't it be better for all if they jumped in and help the one thats done started.
Hmmmm just think with all the buss I gave away here while back I could still be making money hmmmm hey wait a min. what if they decide not to pay me my share or tell me I could have the buss back hmmmm Think I'll just gave it to ya and you can have all the profits,you'll run into alot of problems like this.

I don't mind shareing and helping anyone and ask only one thing of you,,that ever you do never put a knive in my back or some day I'll walk up to you and hand it back to you handle first to see if you want to do it again.This has happen to me and know it has happen too others that thought they their talking to some one they could trust as a pw buddy.I think you should help the one thats done started and change it,,the old saying goes with #######'s...........

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When In Doubt,,,,Think It Out.

 

[washman]

Bigboy, good post!! We believe you hit the nail on the head. PW's as a whole are not ignorant people - we are business men and woman and we need to make decisions based on our past experiences. Every one gets burnt from time to time. We have had it happen to us and it sucks! However, to learn from those times, a $$ amount cannot be placed. This BB has it's place, but for the most part paranoia seems to run deep. To really get to the heart of a situation and get a detailed explanation it seems it has to be done via e-mail - how come?? We have posted replys on this BB and have gotten responses via our e-mail site stating we are one of the few that cuts thru the BS and gives the straight poop - again, how come? We have our share of competition here in the frozen north, and we actually like it. It elevates us and seperates us from the rest.

Rock on
John & Pat Maxey's Mobile Wash LLC 715-723-2062
john@maxeywash.com

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[Scott Stone]

the first thing that would have to be done is to develop the certification program. I have done some training programs in th past and they are work to just develop them, if you are going to do it properly.
The next thing is establish the experience standards that are going to be required. I don't necessarily adhere to the volume requirement, mainly because there are a lot of guys that have a lot more units out there than me every day, but, they do not generate the net that I do. It could have to do with management skills, it also could have to do with the ability to track their expenses.
As for the competing contractors in the same area. In our case it would work. I do fleets and government contracts and you do flatwork. There should be no problem there. I know that there are some guys out there that are willing to clean anything. If there are two or three of them in the same area then there could be a problem.
I think that it could be a multi faceted organization, I think that you and I need to spend some time and talk about it, especially since we are the only two that are really in the same area, as far as I can tell. We could figure out how we could make it work for us.
As for the central billing office issue, Most of the customers that I have are billed by location. So it would be no big deal for each contractor to bill seperately. As far as everyone getting a percentage of what is sold, The one that I see losing out the most on this type of deal would be the larger contractors. I would worry about the guys that really do not contribute to the effort.


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Any statement that I make about equipment, processes or your hair color is my own personal opinion. I usually base it on personal experience. If you disagree with me you are free to reply on both the BBS and by e-mail. If I am totally off base please explain why on the BBS so that we may all know why
Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

 

[Larry L.]

True some of the billing is done local,but some fleets and others pay out of a central office which in most cases you have your money in 3 or 4 days if not setup for direct deposit.They do this b/c it saves them on bookwork all the way around the big table.One person to write the one check instead of writeing several smaller ones which means bookwork for them at a cost,,get the ideal.

True on loseing out the most,but who is really loseing out the most.You came into this buss to make a life for yourself to be somebody and to make something of yourself.You already know most can get all the buss they want "if" they want it.

Figure out:If two or more where in the same area they could be friends and still get each others buss,haha.If you where to get one of my accounts it doesn't mean your a better cleaner then I just wiser.If it wasn't done my knive what harm is it for use to compete againest each other.Like most I have what I want or know how to get it.Nobody is going to keep putting gravey in the bowl for others,its just life.Some can work with each other in the same area but some can not and will not b/c they do not want to share.
We're lucky to have these bbs for the ones that do not care to share with others.Its the same thing as walking over knocking on your competitors front door and telling how you done it,smart ant we.

Worry,contribute to the effort,Those are the type that will benefit from all your efforts.There is nothing you can't do or not do by working as a team but a team can't do it along,it takes someone up there on the wagon to pop the whip.Still think you should pull together and help change the one done started.

I'm just thinking out loud and don't mean to sound as if for againest cuz its already happening....

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When In Doubt,,,,Think It Out.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

Great thread and great Read

 

[FullBlast]

Definitly an old thread!!

 

[Reider]

Great thread and great Read

I admire and appreciate what you and the other veterans of the industry have done for our profession. Hopefully I can make an impact for the better someday.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I admire and appreciate what you and the other veterans of the industry have done for our profession. Hopefully I can make an impact for the better someday.

You will Jason