Hard Decision

[grasshawg]

I've just made a very tough decision. Even tougher than the one about starting a business. The decision to either get out or extremely downsize.
Reason? I've been plagued with back problems for about 12 yrs. (Three deteriorating discs.) It's been getting continually worse over the years. Now, my spine will simply no longer support any strenuous activity.
Therefore, I can't operate the biz anymore. I have to support my family, so I went back to truck driving full time. I still have a small handful of faithful customers whom I will not let down, but my activity will be greatly reduced.
I noticed a problem when I was forced to turn down jobs because I was in too much pain.
I must have disc replacement surgery sometime in the near future, which I am NOT looking forward to, but it's either that or a wheel chair in less than 10 yrs. (Or so I'm told.) I just turned 37 for Heaven's sake!
It takes about a week and a half to recover from an "occurence" where I can remember 10 yrs ago, taking about 2 days. so I know something has to be done.
Sorry for the babbling, but I just wanted all my BB friends here to know what's happening, and to say thanks for some great advice , everyone who gave me some. I even got some butt chewings I also appreciate in a way.
I said when all this was just an idea in reply to people who asked me, "Do you really think you can do this?"
"If I don't try, I'll never know." Well, folks, I tried. I failed.
I know from some previous posts that some of you, like me, have close relationships with God. I need whoever will to pray for me and my family.
Thanks again, guys, for everything. I'll still be here once in a while, lurking around, and maybe even offering an opinion at times. Those of you who know, I have lots of those! LOL Take care, everyone. God Bless you all.
Randy

 

[PressurePros]

Best of luck in your endeavors, Randy. God Bless.

 

[Mark]

We wish you the best Randy.
You & your family are in our prayers.

 

[Clean County]

Good Luck Randy and I hope your back gets better again. Keep you chin up!!

 

[Larry L.]

I do not see where you failed,get that part out of your mind and go on with life.Look at how lucky you are to jam gears in the AC......good luck Randy

 

[Dan S]

I could not not of said it any better then what Larry just did.

Good luck dude!

As tough as it is why dont you hire somebody to work it for you?
Just do the paper work !! and reap the rewards !! ( some weeks few ) but do-able !
Either way..........>> wish you nothing but the best !!

 

[grasshawg]

I could not not of said it any better then what Larry just did.

Good luck dude!

As tough as it is why dont you hire somebody to work it for you?
Just do the paper work !! and reap the rewards !! ( some weeks few ) but do-able !
Either way..........>> wish you nothing but the best !!

Actually I have thought of that. It's just hard to find someone that I'll be able to trust. You know:
1. Fibbing about how much the job paid & pocketing the difference.
2. Doing jobs on their own and leaving me out completely.
3. Not doing quality work and putting my name on it.
4. Not treating my customers in a professional manner.
5. Not showing up on time or not at all.
6. Not to mention stealing me blind,
7. And just generally tearing up my sh**.
Everyone I can think of have fulltime jobs. There are two people I can talk to: My retired uncle, or my wife's nephew. I'll see about it. Thanks, Dan.

 

[john orr]

I feel your pain. Not just the physical, but the mental pain of having to figure out how to do your business through someone else.

Last year, due to a fall and several operations, I could not physically work. (Leg injury/surgery and 2 shoulder operations.) What to do? I hired a friend of a friend's kid. I had him do the work under my supervision, so, while not actually doing the work, my customers were served with the usual level of service. My income was reduced somewhat, but at least there was income.

Good luck at whatever you decide.

 

[Scott Stone]

that is an idea. Supervixe a crew. They might be able to be left alone for short periods while you rest in teh truck, go get other work, or whatever else comes up. This could be one of the greatest things that has ever happened to your business. Just look where it could lead.

 

[grasshawg]

I agree. It's a good idea. Problem is, I can't afford to sit around. I have bills to pay. I may be able to train someone, but it will take some time, since I am away during the week and only get home on weekends.
You're right, though. After a while, when I'm confident with my new hire's abilitites, I can cut him/her loose on their own. I'd have to train them to essentially run things for me. That includes bidding and scheduling. I hold myself to a very high standard. Finding someone who can meet my standards could prove to be difficult at the least.
But worth a shot. Thank you, everyone for the words of encouragement.
Randy

 

[john orr]

Would it be possible to sub-out work to other contractors in your area? At least you can see whether they know what they are doing and don't (or shouldn't) need too much training. You may make less money, but if you can find a good contractor, maybe you won't have to worry too much about them trying to steal your accounts.

 

[grasshawg]

I suppose that is possible, Jon. Most of the other guys in my area are friends of mine, and the last time I spoke to them, they pretty much had their plates full.
One is a full time college student who has all the work he has time for.
One is a local pastor who stays pretty busy pastoring as well as running his business.
One I don't know very well, and the other, I don't like very much.
I spoke to my wife last night about her nephew. I like the kid alot, but I wanted to find out if I could trust him. (he's got two brothers who are a couple of sorry losers.)
But he's her sister's kid, and has been taught some values and has strong character.
So I think I'll train him to work for me at first and when he gets the hang of it, I can teach him to bid jobs and deal with customers. I'll keep you posted.
Randy