Work Dry Spell

[Richard R.]

Well, I have to say, when I read Schmutzman's post, I too thought it was about the best idea yet. However, what Clean County has mentioned, I too thought of. I didn't know how to say it like John did, but I was aware of the way these people act.
As for what David Saulque said, he's so right.
With all the negative publicity the Police Officers have received over the last several years, (Thanks to the Media), we are not as well thought of as many people might think. As a matter of fact, there were times I've tried to hide the fact that I was a cop because I knew how some felt. Though, not uncommon, my own Son has had to take the blunt end of a few issues from his peers after they discovered he was the Son of a Cop. Unfortunately, but understandably, it seems as though the respect for Cops are split amoung many people.
Even my own peers became jealous of me when I received so much publicicty from my shooting. It appeared at times that some of them would have rather me died. It was said that one officer went as far as saying, "I wish something would happen to someone else where they would shut up about Richard, I'm getting tired of hearing about him." You wouldn't believe how some of my own police friends treated me 3 months after I was shot. Pretty cruel. The slug in the chest wasn't half as bad as the spears throught the heart. But it happens everywhere with everyone. Not just us.
I would never expect anyone to know about things like this, so please know this JOHN, I got a moment of glory when I saw your post.
I still think your idea is a very good idea. I just don't know if it would get the results I would hope for.

Thanks a Million

Richard R.

 

[David Saulque]

Richard

When you mentioned your child-I thought of the nuts out there and to take some perverted revenge on a cop would not be uncommon. Just go out and look for those opportunities to make money with the PW-that is it-then the plan will come into view.

David

 

[Schmutz Man]

Hi Richard,
Go for it. Don't let negative thoughts drag you down! As a lifetime taxpaying member of society, non-law enforcement, I have to say I would feel a whole lot better having my elderly mother's house or my house, deck etc. PW'd by former officer Richard, than a guy named Stanley, who works parttime at the Pic & Pay. This ficticious Stanley may be a church going altarboy, I don't know ! What I do know is officer Richard was a great policeman and that tells me a lot. It's a matter of perception and you are the winner !
Unless it screws up your pension - use the PR to your advantage, it's the best foot in the door you'll have !
Tell them who you are and guarantee the work. You're a celebrity - once they hear about you they'll be lined up waiting for your visit.

Best of luck

John

 

[ghouchu]

did this thread get moved as beth suggested or did it just peter out? i found many of the ideas thought provoking, and , as a rookie, i'm delighted to have found this site. i've quit practicing law after 18 years on account of narcolepsy, exacerbated by adhd. it's hard to practice law when you can't stay awake. desk jobs were out for the same reason. if i'm sitting down for more than 20 - 30 minutes, i'm gonna fall asleep. having made that brief introduction, i'd appreciate some opinions on a few matters.

first, i decided to put handbills on mailboxes (they are photocopies on 1/3 of a sheet of heavy-weight colored paper that i tie a string thru and hang on mail box posts) rather than make cold calls. my theory is that a)it keeps me from wasting time knocking on doors where no one is home, b) it allows the would-be customer time to reflect, rather than saying "no" as a reflex, and c) i know that the folks that call have at least some interest and so will not be scared off by a fair price. does that make sense or am i losing some business by not seeking personal contact?

second, would it be a good idea or a bad one to write an estimate on each handbill?

third, should i adopt and offer a two-tiered rate structure--one charge for a thorough job and a higher one for a great job? the difference would be in the special effort i would make on stains that don't come out during the course of a thorough job. i'm inclined to think not, but i find myself bidding jobs based on how long i think a thorough washing will take, but then do the extra work necessary for a great job.

finally, how long do you think i should wait before going back to a neighborhood to do subsequent rounds of distributing hand-bills?

i appreciate whatever advice ya'll can give this 45 year old rookie with all of 6 weeks as a pressure washer under my belt.

 

[Beth]

Hi Ghouchu,
I wanted to take some time to answer your post. First off, those of us with neurological disorders understand completely the challenges you face. I empathize. Hang in there. We all have a cross to bear, and somehow I am convinced we all find a way to be better people through them. If you ever want to talk, my number is below.

Personally, I would not put an unsolicited estimate on a flyer, for a couple of reasons. A thoughtful estimate takes time to prepare, and it will slow you down if you try to do one for each home. Also, it is more effective use of your time to put the flyers out and then respond to the requests for estimates one at a time, face to face if you can. While it is true that you will get no's you will get yes's too. You will want to get in from of folks so that you can begin to present yourself, and your company. Over time you will find yourself developing specific answers to questions, as well as standard items you wish to convey to the homeowner. Be proud, be polished, be professional. Above all, be prompt.

As you work on your pricing factor in your costs. ALL of your costs. I would suggest that you have pricing for washing as well as for sealing. But you might want to ask that one question on the "Just wood" thread and see what responses you get. But we do have prices for various service types.

With regards to the level of service, I would say no. Anyone who want you to clean something will want it as clean as it can be for the money. If it could be cleaner, get it cleaner. The one exception to that is stripping wood vs. washing wood. Stripping wood is another animal, and should cost more. Again, see the "just wood" forum for info on stripping wood.

Please let me know how else I can be of assistance, and WELCOME to the board!

Beth

 

[ghouchu]

thank you. it's gratifying to find this many all-stars in one place. you really don't know how good it feels to know others are out there willing to help and pulling for me!

richard

 

[Beth]

Believe me, we were all new once, we all remember our first jobs, our first washer, cleaning our own deck or house, or a friends. We all remember the first call for an estimate off of a flyer or an ad.

Ask us lots of questions, none are stupid.

Beth

 

[Doug Rucker]

Hello Richard,

Look for additional services that you can provide using the equipment that you already have! Look for additional services that you could provide if you added to the equipment that you have.

Look for additional projects that you can do for your present customers. If you do truck fleets maybe you can clean their shop floor and or walls, remove decals when they retire units, etc.

We started out doing industrial accounts (heavy equipment, and manufacturing equipment). Added kitchen exhaust systems after being in business for a couple of years. Added paint stripping (whole building) and graffiti removal about 5 years in business. Flatwork for restaurants, gas stations, banks, hotels, etc. started after being in business for about 10 years. Added air duct cleaning after one of our better customers asked us to clean some of their systems (used subs and then purchased a negative air machine).

We have grown considerably since starting out in 1984. Still have slow times though! Our year to date revenue this year is down about 25% from last year! Sometimes it seems that the only one that calls is someone wanting to sell me something!! Then there are times it when you have a hard time keeping up with all of the work!

Dave Olson

I wonder how Dave is doing???? Anybody here from him??????

 

[New Look]

I wonder how Dave is doing???? Anybody here from him??????

Naa....

Thought about him around the Holidays.

Never met him but spoke to him a few times over the last 8 years.....a real gentleman.

I know he had his rig/equip up for sale because his health wasn't doing too well.

 

[Dave Olson]

Dave Olson 11-14-42 - 12-23-11

Hello,

This is Peggy Olson, Dave's wife. I deeply regret to inform this wonderful Forum that Dave passed away on December 23, 2011, from lung cancer.

Dave got many hours of enjoyment conversing with all of you on many different topics and threads. Thank you so much for your friendship with him!

God bless you all, and keep up the good work and great conversations!

Peggy Olson

 

[Doug Rucker]

Hello,

This is Peggy Olson, Dave's wife. I deeply regret to inform this wonderful Forum that Dave passed away on December 23, 2011, from lung cancer.

Dave got many hours of enjoyment conversing with all of you on many different topics and threads. Thank you so much for your friendship with him!

God bless you all, and keep up the good work and great conversations!

Peggy Olson

Peggy, thank you so much for letting us know. Please accept our condolences. While I never got to meet Dave I did enjoy great phone conversation with him. Please let us know if we can ever do anything for you or if you ever need anything just let us know.

God Bless You.

Doug

 

[New Look]

Peggy,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. Over the years, Dave has touched so many pressure washing contractors with his advice, help and honesty. A man of his caliber only comes through our industry once in a lifetime and all of us at PWN and the industry at large are so very grateful of Dave's unselfish ways....a true gentleman and a man of integrity. Your husband will be missed for years to come.

As my colleague Doug mentioned above, please let us know if there is anything that we can help you with. On behalf of a grateful industry we pray of Gods speed during this difficult time.

Dave....we miss you buddy!

 

[Mark]

Peggy,

Doug and Carlos hit the nail on the head in regards to Dave, unfortunately as we grow older,
too frequently we lose friends and loved ones. Dave will be missed by all of us, along with the
attributes mentioned above, I remember his love for God which was evident in all that he did,
I can picture The Master (Jesus) telling him:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. " Matthew 25: 21

In Daves case we have assurance that he is with Jesus.........

Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. 7 I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that
Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Here are some things for all of us to consider regarding death: Death of a Believer « Westfield Community Church

 

[Dave Olson]

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your thoughts, kind words, and prayers about Dave!

Thank you all so much!

Dave really enjoyed the chats and meeting, via forums, phone, and in person, many members. He loved sharing his knowledge and experiences, and learned so much from all of you, as well! His Power washing business was his love, along with his antique tractors! "Do what you love, and love what you do" could certainly describe Dave!

Thank you for your thoughtful responses and your prayers. They are very much appreciated!

God bless you all,

Peggy Olson

 

[Clean County]

Peggy I am so sorry for your loss. I'm in this post back in 2001 responding along with David any many others. This post went right thru our nations worst attack 9-11. The nation was stunned as we all were and that moment will never be forgotten. Your husband David was an inspiration to many of us in this industry even through the worst of times such as 9-11. I remember Davids website well and I do recall him saying that you design some of it and also the religious part to it if I remember correctly. That website was cutting age for many of us Here..

David was always honest in his replies and he was very helpful to so many of us all these years. He was always open about sharing his ideas and showing his amazing equipment set up design in those box trucks for all of us to see and learn from. I also had the honor of meeting him in person at the NC Roundtable in 2007. The amazing thing about David was he was the exact same in person as he was on the net. He always told it straight and he was just one of the all around nicest people I ever met within this industry and also on the outside.

I'm thankful for his post, his emails, his friendship and his honesty. He was an industry giant to so many of us.. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten-----Thanks Dave.
John t.

 

[Clean County]

David Olson is gone but never forgotten. Reading some old post here and ended up on this thread. I miss David. I read this stuff and I go back in time on these bulletin boards and have fond memories of guys especially David who always helped us so freely and never asked for anything in return. He was aces!!