johnny said:
PWNA was originally started by a businessman in Texas looking for a way to increase his power washer sales. PWNA has served it's purpose because the founder has left and gone with another group. PWNA doesn't have any power and is made up of mainly newcomers to the business who are being lead around by the nose. It's more like a model airplane club. They offer to certify members for a fee to wash trucks and clean decks and kitchen hoods, by whose authority? In short, PWNA is a joke on its members. Save your money or better yet, invest it in some new hose.
Your quote has an interesting perspective that lacks complete accuracy. We are all in business to make money and I would not fault PWNA's founder for that point. Many do not know that Robert and others like him within the PWNA have spent more money supporting the organization then they will ever get back.
Why would anyone want to support his or her industry? PWNA certify by whose authority? Again PWNA is about educating, supporting and representing our membership and the industry. Someone else posted on the PWNA website sometime ago a brilliant analogy relating the PW industry to the auto repair industry. Years ago anyone with a wrench and a hammer could open a mechanic shop. The consumer was getting ripped off and there was no consistency. We (PW's) are in the same place. Do we want the company’s performing poor workmanship to represent the industry through their reputation or would we rather have a place the consumer can look to as a leader?
Some of you may think PWNA is a "Joke†I do not!
There are a lot of outstanding people on the board and within the membership that are working on something greater then themselves. Countless hours spent working to improve benefits and gain recognition for not only PWNA but for those out in the industry, like you, that will rep the benefits without participation.
PWNA is talking to the EPA, fire, and health officials, who else in the industry is doing this? Who is representing the PW? I talked with more then 200 EPA officials this last week educating them about PWNA. In another 2 weeks I will be talking with more then 1000 EPA industry related officials.
I would say not too bad for a “model airplane club.â€
PWNA is being represented by Phil Ackland who is currently educating fire and building officials across the US for those who perform kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Why are we qualified to educate? Because we have the experience and support of the membership. All money that PWNA gets through membership and education goes back to the organization. The instructors are not even compensated for the expenses i.e. flight, food and hotel.
I am pretty annoyed with the cynicism. I probably should expect some criticism but when the facts are not facts and based on perception, a continued ignorance is perpetuated.
I cannot expect others to see what has not been experienced and I highly doubt others with this same thought process have attended a PWNA meeting or convention.
Want to be a part of PWNA, welcome aboard? Want to continue along your own path? This is fine too. I am always available for conversation either on my cell or at home.
Cell 847-922-4921
Home 262-639-1812