"A PWNA conversation"for members and non members

[johnny]

Ouch. Let's see if I have this right. Everyone, especially me, who thinks PWNA is a waste of money is suffering from paranoid delusions and ex-members don't have a clue about anything. Oh and you work cleaning grease but don't think it's good enough for you. That pretty much sums it up. That PWNA is a selling club for the executives is a no comment. OK, sounds like a good defense. To that I say, bunk!

Save your money and invest in hose.

 

[johnny]

Here's a suggestion for PWNA. Purify the board of directors by removing everyone who has a vested interest in selling merchandise, products or services to the rank and file. That would leave Clean country John, Mike Hughes and a couple of more. Make it an organization for power washers run by power washers, not retailers looking for a power base to reach out from. Put the merchants in their own category - not directors. Let them flog their wares at the conventions - which would level the playing field for all the merchants and make it an organization of cleaners for cleaners. Doc and his grease collectors, etc. would have to remove themselves.

 

[Dan S]

Johnny,

You are not going to change the way PWNA runs things.
Even though you have some ideas.
It is their Org. and they do what they do.

Sounds like what you have in mind is the direction we talked about here years ago.
The way I see it is you really dont need to belong to a club to be successful. Sure it MAY help to have a title or a piece of paper saying you spent $1500.00 for classes and you are now certified to wash the toilets at the Helton. But you can still land such a job without it as well. UNLESS some freaky situation where the OWNER or MANAGER whats to hire you because he thinks that b/c you have that title that you may be the best there is. When in actually you may be the worst and went to one of those classes. But the night before you stayed up all night in the pub and showed up for class the next day with a hang-over. You still get the certificate b/c you paid the $ . But what did `ya learn when you are so burnt from the night before. Not to mention you may have the jet-lag or drive lag going on and you are tired from all that.
Okay now you got the title jobs will now flow in like hot butter on a hot skillet.

The only way you are going to be "the best" in this business is getting out and doing the work and learning from your mistakes ....What soap?What pressure? heat or no heat? Trail and error is our best teacher. This BB is a great way to help with the error's but . You will still not REALLY REALLY know untill `ya get your feet wet.

I do believe Doc. does do a great job he is very profesional when answering all of our questions. He offers his #'s and is open for debate. It's one of those things where it easy to cut it down when we dont know a whole lot about it.

Dont mind me We had a cook-out tonight and everybody is finally gone wife is in bed and all that wine I drank is making me hyper. Didnt mean to ramble off like that .It wasnt directed to ...........~~just conversation in general~~!!

 

[johnny]

Yes Dan you are right. It's their ball and they want to play the game their way. I don't agree that Doc answers all the questions. He only answers what he wants. He evades the core question and makes rediculous statements. I think he fancies himself as a "politico." Gullibility is what he is looking for.

 

[Clean County]

Johnny,
Doc does answer the questions but he doesn't give the answers that you want. You know how that saying goes about not being able to please all the people all of the time. No matter what Doc is going to say to you it won't be to your liking.

You know what take Doc up on his offer and give him a ring. He is very personable and extremely likeable. Can't hurt.

 

[MR ALAN]

"What has the PWNA done for me?"

One of the most often asked questions, and my answer is...


For the $195.00 a year it is another place to get your name exposed to the public. I have landed numerous jobs, both repeat and one time from the listing that they offer on their main site to all members.
Now they may not have hired me based on being a PWNA member, but that is how they found me. Just another way to reach your potential clients.

 

[onecallpowerw]

Lets move on.......

We all know this thread will get us no where.... You have the same ole, same ole sticking up for the PWNA. Lets see, Clean County, Everett, Doc, Beth, Rod, Alan. This is the crew from ever ever land. They are devoted to PWNA in their own minds. Each one feels they are doing something good for the industry or maybe just for themselves.....

The real deal is no one does something for free. Nothing in this world is free. Let's take a look:

Doc - Current President of PWNA. Also works for a company that sells products (Chemicals for hood cleaning) Does he promote his products on PWNA ? YES

Clean County - Just a board member with all true intentions other than the a** kissing that takes place. He has found a home. People to talk too, People to conversate with. John is a police officer. A well respected trade in my view and very underpaid. Power Washing and the PWNA is John's outlet. This is understandable.

Everett - Wants to be the big boy on the block. Does he promote products on PWNA ? Yes. Does he sell franchises ? Yes

Beth & Rod - Owns their own power washing bbs, sells chemicals, products etc......Do they promote products on PWNA ? Yes

Alan - Very active member on PWNA. I am surprised he has not run for a board spot. Alan, I can not figure out other than he stays with the pack in a heated debate. Just wants to be a part if PWNA succeeds.

So in summary: You have 60% of the above that have an agenda and 80% that are board members just from the above 5.

Take it for what its worth....

 

[johnny]

One Call, if you wasted $195 to join a buying club (like Sam's Club without the discounts), you'd be defensive too.

John Clean Country appears genuinely gullible in his replies, an ideal PWNA member.

I am happy for Mr. Alan, other than the board members he's the only one to benefit.

PWNA should be a done deal, the internet opened the world up to the power washer. On websites you can find inexspensive and free seminars to "learn" the business. The "PWNA shopping club" is not needed.

 

[onecallpowerw]

Sell, Sell Sell.....

Johnny,

I am not a member of PWNA. I have not allocated $195 in order to join a club, I have a dog (ha ha). Needless to say, after becoming a member, were you ever asked, or preyed upon to buy products for the so called sammy club (PWNA) ?

 

[johnny]

No One Call, I was referring to the way Club members respond. Sorry for the confusion. I don't believe the club is as out front in their sales technique, it's more subtle.

Save your money-invest in hose!

 

[Clean County]

Onecall just doesn't understand the purpose of why Organizations exist in the first place. He is either incapable or just flat out closes his mind to what us PWNA insiders are trying to explain here. His mind won't even listen to anything where saying because he has all the answers. Thats the way he feels so will leave it at that. He already knows that the reason why I'm involved with the PWNA is because I need an outlet...How come I didn't even know this about myself.....See what I'm saying.

As for Organizations look up the Swimming pool ORGANIZATION at www.nspi.org When I last checked awhile back they had at least 5000 paying members who on average pay $500/year. Why would there members pay that amount?? Why.....Because Organizations work...Thats why!! If you don't agree with the Philosophy of an Organization just say so but don't disparage them because of it.

I also feel thread such as these do go places. People can read them and they can form there own opinions about what is being posted. This is what bb's are all about....again a difference of opinion compared to what Onecall stated belowWe all know this thread will get us no where Just read that line again "We all know".....................

 

[Clean County]

Maybe a fair question here would be should we continue on with this post. I see green, Onecall see's blue, Johnny see's red and Dan S. see's orange. Is it worth continuing on with the ever so lively debate. I don't mind but if others do then that should be brought into the mix.

What do you guys think??

 

[onecallpowerw]

Oh, I understand completely

You really dont want to get me in a pissin contest.

Those that like organizations also like to have their hand held. They generally are ok with more government, more taxes etc.... Those that like organziations are generally republicans. Its funny how republicans claim to be the party that want less government.

Have you ever thought about (what if) PWNA is successful ?

What will it do for you ?

What will it do for the distributors that sell PW Equipment etc.....?

How much more money will you have to spend to be PWNA/Government compliant ?

What do you think the yearly dues will cost once (you have to be certified) through PWNA OR EPA ?

What is the awarness that PWNA really promotes ?

Do you really think there are that many bad power washers out there ?

How many have you run across ? Really ?

For $195, you get nothing but a couple of stickers. Are you willing to tell me I am wrong ? Only and Only after you pay an additional $250 can you claim the ethical, environmental, safety and value.

Do they really teach you to learn something you should already know ?

This subject is null and void. It represents nothing. It will not change your mind or mine, LETS MOVE ON......

 

[Dan S]

What the heck is the orange about?

I think that any debate is a good debate as long as folks dont get their underware in a bunch and think that what they have to say is the Gospel. even though we may have our opinion it really does not mean that anybody else will share the same, And it really makes no sence trying to convince anybody to understand your opinion. Just like a ford and chevy they are both good trks both come with a payment............both has seats,tires,bed.etc.etc................(even though the bowtie is a tad~bit better) . I cant make you change your mind On why some of you cant live without a title . Just like you cant change mine. I cant justify flyng/driving to some show for a demo. on how to remove gum .......or how to wash a trk........or how to clean and seal a deck................. I do believe that it is only geared towards the new guys
who have no clue how to lower the pressure
or how to tape off a door.or how to use the proper dilution rate of your chem. I do believe in what some of Johnny post that it may be geared to the suppliers and what they can get in return.

I still stand by what I have said for years .........You dont need any title or and org. period under your name to be good at what you do.
As far as buying your supplies >> most of us has been buying supplies off of the same suppliers for years <<>> and in most cases they are not even CETA members or PWNA. and they are just as successful as the ones who are.

So what do you really get for being a member of anything?

More junk mail and new ideas to make some body else money!![/red]
Okay so I will stop my need less post ............... can you tell Im home alone ? nice and quite!!

 

[Dan S]

Gord. we must of posted @ the same time......

It dont hurt to have this debate at all ..................heck if it was not for this thread we would be typing about nothing ............

I think it is great to talk about this once in awhile ...I dont think this type of thread will ever go away. There will aways be another one sooner or later.

I am interested to see just how many pages this thread will create.

This may be the PWN record >>>>>>>> I know it dont mean nothing but I wonder if this thread is the logest or not ..................24 pages and counting!!

 

[Dan S]

Maybe a fair question here would be should we Is it worth continuing on with the ever so lively debate. I don't mind but if others do then that should be brought into the mix.

What do you guys think??

John I think those who read and do not post are worried to speak up because they may get slammed. Maybe they think that silence is the best way for them to go. I would think that if I was a member I would speak up and help out the PWNA. but you dont have that .............you always have the same folks over and over and over. and no body has changed their mind.

I would love to hear from othe PWNA members heck man 250 members of such statis you would think that there would be @ least a dozen poeple that can type. ...............okay wait >>>>>>>> the PWNA did not make that a course yet!

 

[johnny]

John Clean Country,
You are a sincere guy, but comparing PWNA to a swimming pool association is a stretch. Power washers, however join PWNA because they don't know any better. They mistakenly think it will make them better on their jobs. Like Dan said that's something one best learns on the job. Dan Flynn and others have even pointed out the vast library of knowledge available on this board. Anything you could possible want answered is a type stroke away.

PWNA has a convention 1 time a year at which the members get to hear guest speakers who are selling their wares. That's when the directors and others get to show off their merchandise to the nobbies (newbies) and try to flog it to them. It's not even like an automobile show with sexy babes. You do get to see Doc face to face, hold on there! That convention costs the members approximately 1 grand for travel, hotel and food, not to mention lost time from work. The rest of the year - nothing. Unless you count the sparcely attended meetings, like the one in New Jersey or the trips to get deck, kitchen, etc. certification. Another grand for travel, motel and food, not to mention the cost of the certificate and books. Consider PWNA what it is, a social buying club, you get to spend your money and mingle with people you may never see again. Think of it as Sam's Club without the discounts.

Save your money - invest in hose!

 

[Clean County]

Johnny,
That swimming Organization represents buyers and sellers of swimming pool equipment and installations. A friend of mine has a built in pool installation business and this is his organization which is very successful. The point being that Organizations can and are proven to be successful in alot of cases. I was not comparing them with the PWNA as in similiar type businesses.

Quick note to Onecall I believe that Democrats are known to believe in larger Government. Also I will answer some of his questions.

Have you ever thought about (what if) PWNA is successful ? I already consider them to be a success. I've seen first hand there operation and I am impressed by it.

What will it do for you ? Just today I picked up another job thru the PWNA which is the 3rd one in the last few months. Net
$1200 additional income so far this year.

What will it do for the distributors that sell PW Equipment etc.....? I don't know since I'm not a distributer.

How much more money will you have to spend to be PWNA/Government compliant ?PWNA and the Government are 2 seperate issues. To be PWNA Certified is your choice but to be Government Compliant such as towards reclaiming issues that is another thing all together.

What do you think the yearly dues will cost once (you have to be certified) through PWNA OR EPA ?Certifications thru the PWNA usually last a few years as for the EPA will not pretend to know.

What is the awarness that PWNA really promotes ?The main issue I feel that the PWNA is promoting is Education thru certification. On the job training is also important obviously but as in all education documentation is parramount.

Do you really think there are that many bad power washers out there ?No of course not. Never thought that for a second. I wish all of the Powerwashers out there would all belong to this Organization so we can all be in this together and.....strength is in the numbers.

For $195, you get nothing but a couple of stickers. Are you willing to tell me I am wrong ? Only and Only after you pay an additional $250 can you claim the ethical, environmental, safety and value.100%wrong and I could give you many reasons why but to be a smart ass for a second(Just playing) you also get the Cleaner Times Magazine.

Do they really teach you to learn something you should already know ?This is assuming that you know everything and except for you I don't know anyone else who does. Seriously there is so much in this industry that alot of people don't know and once again the more education one gets the better off they are. This is a rule that I teach to my own daughters. I wish I followed this rule when I was younger.

This subject is null and void. It represents nothing. It will not change your mind or mine, LETS MOVE ON......Holy crap I think I can agree with you on this statement.

When others read this thread I would just like to add in my 9 yrs in doing my Powerwashing business I was at first not a member of the PWNA. Then I was for a year or two then I wasn't once again. Now I've been a member for the last 3-4 yrs. Since I can talk from experience here about being a member and not being a member I found out that the more involvment one has in this Organization the more you get out of it. This is the KEY but isn't this true in most every aspect of ones life??

Plain and simple...I talk from experience and experience is like "On The Job Training".

 

[Clean County]

Dan S.,
I would also like to see more PWNA members and non members reply here but like you said alot are probably worried about getting slammed. I would just like to add that getting slammed is no big deal because even though it isn't pleasant you do get used to it. Just look at Dan and I.....where still standing or is that bouncing [white]

 

[oneness]

"What has the PWNA done for me?"

One of the most often asked questions, and my answer is...


For the $195.00 a year it is another place to get your name exposed to the public. I have landed numerous jobs, both repeat and one time from the listing that they offer on their main site to all members.
Now they may not have hired me based on being a PWNA member, but that is how they found me. Just another way to reach your potential clients.

This is probably the ONLY reason I'd be interested in joining...Of course, who knows if I'd get the same type of results.