Chat transcript from 2/10/05

[Beth n Rod]

02/10/05 20:03:21 BethnRod Logs in [63.159.49.21]
02/10/05 20:03:40 BethnRod: Welcome to the chat
02/10/05 20:15:04 MikeIN Logs in [4.252.70.156]
02/10/05 20:15:13 MikeIN Logs Out
02/10/05 20:17:00 Jeffrey_Robison Logs in [68.19.120.46]
02/10/05 20:17:12 BethnRod: evening Jeff
02/10/05 20:17:30 Jeffrey_Robison: hello
02/10/05 20:18:03 BethnRod: where are you from?
02/10/05 20:18:05 Jeffrey_Robison: Have you ever cleaned playground equipment at a daycare:
02/10/05 20:18:10 Jeffrey_Robison: Atlanta GA
02/10/05 20:18:23 BethnRod: we bid one, but didn't get it.
02/10/05 20:18:41 BethnRod: we have done swingsets for people tho...wooden ones
02/10/05 20:18:41 Jeffrey_Robison: I have one on saturday, thinking heavy bleach for the grime and stuff
02/10/05 20:19:11 Jeffrey_Robison: This is the commercial rubber coated steel, and plastic stuff
02/10/05 20:19:16 BethnRod: make sure to rinse tthoroughly. what type of structures are they
02/10/05 20:19:21 BethnRod: ah
02/10/05 20:20:03 BethnRod: use the bleach at 1/2 cup to a gallon of water
02/10/05 20:20:19 BethnRod: too much will dry out the rubber/plastic
02/10/05 20:20:20 Jeffrey_Robison: do you have your prices of shurflo's with viton seals on your website? i didn't see them
02/10/05 20:20:42 Jeffrey_Robison: I had not thought about the drying out part!!
02/10/05 20:20:46 BethnRod: I may have not gotten that far, but we have the whole pumptek line
02/10/05 20:21:11 scottk Logs in [68.217.222.162]
02/10/05 20:21:19 BethnRod: Hi scott
02/10/05 20:21:23 Jeffrey_Robison: is this big scott from south ga
02/10/05 20:21:29 scottk: yep
02/10/05 20:21:41 Jeffrey_Robison: jeff from titan
02/10/05 20:21:47 scottk: hi jeff
02/10/05 20:21:56 Jeffrey_Robison: coming to atlanta this week?
02/10/05 20:22:16 scottk: nope
02/10/05 20:22:32 scottk: we have all ofour crew this weekend
02/10/05 20:22:49 Jeffrey_Robison: pwna ran you off? i am having second thoughts, but will go and see
02/10/05 20:22:50 scottk: we do our best not to travel with all 5 unless we have to
02/10/05 20:22:55 Jeffrey_Robison: That is a big crew
02/10/05 20:23:22 Jeffrey_Robison: Beth, any used hose reels?
02/10/05 20:23:45 BethnRod: don't have any used ones.
02/10/05 20:24:23 King_of_the_Universe Logs in [4.252.70.156]
02/10/05 20:24:27 scottk: jeff you looking for pressure reels
02/10/05 20:24:32 Jeffrey_Robison: Scott I called the place you told me too, but the core is too small for a water hose he said.
02/10/05 20:24:42 BethnRod: King of the Universe...do you have a name?
02/10/05 20:24:43 scottk: sorry
02/10/05 20:24:44 King_of_the_Universe: here I come, straight from the I 75 overpass :)
02/10/05 20:24:49 scottk: lol
02/10/05 20:25:10 King_of_the_Universe: let me go change my name :)
02/10/05 20:25:13 King_of_the_Universe Logs Out
02/10/05 20:25:31 Mike_IN Logs in [4.252.70.156]
02/10/05 20:25:38 BethnRod: Hi Mike
02/10/05 20:25:45 Jeffrey_Robison: Hello
02/10/05 20:25:46 Mike_IN: hey everyone
02/10/05 20:25:48 BethnRod: you getting snow there?
02/10/05 20:25:48 scottk: jeff do you remember what my hose reels looked like???
02/10/05 20:26:04 scottk: the bluee cox reels?
02/10/05 20:26:07 scottk: blue
02/10/05 20:26:08 Mike_IN: yeah we got the white stuff all day, but not much accumulation
02/10/05 20:26:09 Jeffrey_Robison: Yes, from Northern right? I thought that would do the trick
02/10/05 20:26:11 scottk: hi Mike
02/10/05 20:26:15 scottk: yes
02/10/05 20:26:18 Mike_IN: hey scott
02/10/05 20:26:50 Jeffrey_Robison: Scott, what did you use for the playground equipment at the park, I have a daycare on Saturday
02/10/05 20:27:15 scottk: $169 I just looked at them online...that rpice is hard to beat....most other places sell the same reel for $189
02/10/05 20:27:34 scottk: We use a weak bleach/citrcleen mix
02/10/05 20:28:02 Jeffrey_Robison: Did it clean well? Pretty much spray on, rinse off?
02/10/05 20:28:13 BethnRod: I really like the regional chat idea
02/10/05 20:28:18 scottk: yes,it cleans great
02/10/05 20:28:42 Jeffrey_Robison: Perfect!!, I think this could lead into a big chain, if I can get to the right people.
02/10/05 20:28:48 Mike_IN: sounds like a good idea beth, we'll see it it flys :)
02/10/05 20:28:52 scottk: what chain?
02/10/05 20:29:16 Jeffrey_Robison: A big one, I will let you know how it goes.
02/10/05 20:29:17 scottk: we just bid one for a chain down here
02/10/05 20:29:44 Mike_IN: Scott just so you know, between your comment & Bob's I am still laughing
02/10/05 20:29:58 scottk: good to know I make someoen laugh
02/10/05 20:30:03 scottk: someone
02/10/05 20:30:21 Jeffrey_Robison: I have been working on about 100 centers in Atlanta, not all one chain. I have been marketing to different ones and finally getting somewhere.
02/10/05 20:30:38 scottk: CF is the initials of the chain we are working on
02/10/05 20:30:55 Jeffrey_Robison: CF?
02/10/05 20:31:05 scottk: childrens friend
02/10/05 20:31:12 Jeffrey_Robison: Never heard of them
02/10/05 20:31:40 scottk: they have over 100 locations state wide
02/10/05 20:31:52 Jeffrey_Robison: Most equipment I have seen looks disgusting, no way I would have mine play on it. High dollar place to0.
02/10/05 20:32:19 Mike_IN: Jeffery, whats your "post" name?
02/10/05 20:32:36 scottk: yeah....we do a playhouse monthly of one daycare because they have cat issues
02/10/05 20:32:50 Jeffrey_Robison: No marketing to 100 different centers, different names, finally got hooked up with corporate of one and think they may mandate that all of them have it done.
02/10/05 20:33:06 Jeffrey_Robison: Post name Jeff Robison Titan Pressure Washing.
02/10/05 20:33:19 Mike_IN: Ok thanks, nice to meet you.
02/10/05 20:33:48 Jeffrey_Robison: I am a newbie like you, from your earlier various post.
02/10/05 20:34:13 scottk: childrens friend has over 100 locations....4 in albany alone
02/10/05 20:34:17 Mike_IN: I guess I'm still a newbie of sorts, I've been part time for a while now, but still learning :)
02/10/05 20:34:23 Jeffrey_Robison: Cat Issues???
02/10/05 20:34:46 Jeffrey_Robison: You bidding the whole chain, or just local
02/10/05 20:34:55 scottk: yeah teh cats from the surrounding area like to use the bathroom in the playhouse
02/10/05 20:35:32 Jeffrey_Robison: The colts, gonna finally do it this year?
02/10/05 20:35:42 scottk: just local for now...but i have let ot be know that we would clean within 150 mile ....or i would line them up with other contractors in other areas
02/10/05 20:35:43 Jeffrey_Robison: Good friends with Jeff Saturday , the center.
02/10/05 20:36:10 Mike_IN: haha, i wish. I am an atlanta braves fan, I have been for a long time, how use to it I am now seeing my teams make it to the playoffs and choke
02/10/05 20:36:19 Mike_IN: i re named the colts, the indianapolis braves
02/10/05 20:36:26 scottk: lol
02/10/05 20:36:27 Jeffrey_Robison: Could you charge for travel? Or it's just built in?
02/10/05 20:36:50 Jeffrey_Robison: HA HA HA the braves are funny like that.
02/10/05 20:37:30 scottk: i would build it in to the price if we were to do them all
02/10/05 20:37:47 Jeffrey_Robison: sounds good, hope it works out.
02/10/05 20:37:56 Jeffrey_Robison: Beth, busy up north?
02/10/05 20:38:10 scottk: i would prefer to do the SW ga locations only
02/10/05 20:38:14 Mike_IN: Beth's always busy doing something
02/10/05 20:38:33 BethnRod: we're getting busier
02/10/05 20:38:53 BethnRod: January is always slower, but it's picking up and we are getting alot of calls now.
02/10/05 20:38:56 Jeffrey_Robison: The big one I am hoping to land has South GA locations, so maybe if it happens we can work something out.
02/10/05 20:39:07 BethnRod: deck, houses, gutters, commercial work,
02/10/05 20:39:43 Jeffrey_Robison: decks seem real profitable, but I cannot seem to get interested in it. Mine is horrible.
02/10/05 20:39:48 scottk: Sounds like a plan....i try to stay out of Atl so i could try and throw you the work from the one we are bidding
02/10/05 20:40:04 Mike_IN: Scott, did you post photos from your RT? or is it like vegas.. what happens in GA stays in GA ?
02/10/05 20:40:12 scottk: decks??????hahahaha....we have given up on decks
02/10/05 20:40:19 BethnRod: 'we love decks, but then we are wood lovers.
02/10/05 20:40:28 scottk: they are on TCN in teh orange fever section
02/10/05 20:40:42 Jeffrey_Robison: Not much happened in Albany. As far as action
02/10/05 20:40:46 BethnRod: we didn't get in to this for the power washing, we got into it for decks
02/10/05 20:40:47 Mike_IN: ok thanks
02/10/05 20:41:04 Jeffrey_Robison: The RT was great and I learned a lot. Kind of fired me up!!!
02/10/05 20:41:10 BethnRod: the power washing was a part of the process we needed to learn, so we learned to do other things too
02/10/05 20:41:15 Mike_IN: great to hear Jeff
02/10/05 20:41:32 BethnRod: you guys should try one of the DC round tables.
02/10/05 20:41:36 Mike_IN: Scott & Steve seem to be good people to get hooked up with down there
02/10/05 20:41:43 Jeffrey_Robison: Too far for me!!!
02/10/05 20:41:54 Jeffrey_Robison: Going to the one in ATL this weekend.
02/10/05 20:42:12 scottk: wow...i have mike fooled
02/10/05 20:42:14 BethnRod: we have some folks staying in town one or two days
02/10/05 20:42:17 scottk: lol
02/10/05 20:42:41 Jeffrey_Robison: they only let Scott out on the weekends to see his kids.
02/10/05 20:42:50 BethnRod: some of us get together after the round table too
02/10/05 20:43:12 Jeffrey_Robison: Did anything happen after we left Scott?? I had to hit the road.
02/10/05 20:43:21 Mike_IN: they wont let scott anywhere near DC, he scares the secret service
02/10/05 20:43:58 scottk: final totals for our meeting were: 21 contractors from 7 states,from what Steve says it's one of the biggest meetings hehas had
02/10/05 20:44:00 BethnRod: we see the SS up here on the beltway sometimes
02/10/05 20:44:08 Mike_IN: *evil*
02/10/05 20:44:21 scottk: some of us went outto dinner later sat.night but that is it
02/10/05 20:44:57 scottk: I'm kind of like a pitbull MIke.......you can look but don't try to pet
02/10/05 20:45:04 Jeffrey_Robison: everybody seemed great. that is one thing I love about this business. Just good people trying to make a living
02/10/05 20:45:05 Mike_IN: *meow* bad cat, stay away from the play house!
02/10/05 20:45:54 Jeffrey_Robison: Did you get rid of the American Bulldogs. Those are awesome dogs. We house sit for one every so often
02/10/05 20:46:04 Jeffrey_Robison: Full blooded?
02/10/05 20:46:39 scottk: they are full blooded but tehy don't have papers
02/10/05 20:46:41 Mike_IN: beth you need to have a big grime scene get together in the off season next time and get us all to come up
02/10/05 20:46:58 BethnRod: Might have to do that!!!
02/10/05 20:47:25 Jeffrey_Robison: I wanted one but have 3 kids, 2 big dogs, Lab and Part Mastiff, my wife would have flipped.
02/10/05 20:47:35 scottk: but let Mike know a week in advance so he can dig his way out of the snow..................lol
02/10/05 20:48:30 Jeffrey_Robison: Beth how is the sprinter working out? I am looking for a good box truck right now
02/10/05 20:48:34 Mike_IN: tell me about it scott, im sick of this snow, its gonna warm up soon though
02/10/05 20:49:01 BethnRod: Jeff, we love the sprinter. look at them. seriously. Only thing we want to buy anymore is a sprinter.
02/10/05 20:49:01 scottk: it was 74 yesterday and will be 28 tonight....how mesed up is that
02/10/05 20:49:08 Jeffrey_Robison: Indianapolis is nice, one of my biggest accounts is in Marion.
02/10/05 20:49:32 Mike_IN: it was mid 70s in florida when I went down this past weekend, sooooooo nice
02/10/05 20:49:50 scottk: did you drive down?
02/10/05 20:49:57 Jeffrey_Robison: I will wait until I get a little more established first. No need to get ahead of myself.
02/10/05 20:50:06 Mike_IN: when we flew back it was directly over atlanta, I saw turner field and the georgia dome, I was kinda surprised I was able to see it
02/10/05 20:50:09 Mike_IN: i flew
02/10/05 20:50:39 Mike_IN: Whats in marion Jeff?
02/10/05 20:50:51 scottk: i was going to say...if you drove and didn't blow the horn on the way by i was gonna be mad
02/10/05 20:51:14 Jeffrey_Robison: CVS Systems, they buy a lot of flags. I am operations manager for a manufacturing company
02/10/05 20:51:19 Mike_IN: I go to south florida, so its like 24 hours of driving, not my cup of tea, its a 2 hour flight
02/10/05 20:51:47 Mike_IN: CVS is all over up here
02/10/05 20:52:19 Jeffrey_Robison: they originated in the satellite market and for some reason got into flags. Impressive company
02/10/05 20:52:32 Mike_IN: not to mention, last time I drove down I 75 there was a georgia state cop at every exit it seemed
02/10/05 20:52:53 Jeffrey_Robison: NOT CVS the pharmacy
02/10/05 20:52:57 Mike_IN: they get sneaky in GA, and clock you from the over passes, not very fair
02/10/05 20:53:00 jbpowerwashing Logs in [207.43.155.169]
02/10/05 20:53:05 Mike_IN: Hey Barry
02/10/05 20:53:07 scottk: hey barry
02/10/05 20:53:12 BethnRod: hi barry
02/10/05 20:53:21 jbpowerwashing: Hey all
02/10/05 20:53:40 scottk: nothing wrong with GHP...how do you think they afford those fancy cars......................lol
02/10/05 20:53:49 Mike_IN: is it cold up north ? :)
02/10/05 20:53:59 scottk: dude you have to look up once in a while
02/10/05 20:54:08 Mike_IN: they do have some nice cars
02/10/05 20:54:48 Jeffrey_Robison: Beth, how many employees do you have?
02/10/05 20:54:56 jbpowerwashing: not bad 27 for a high today
02/10/05 20:55:08 Jeffrey_Robison: Rod still doing most of the work, or employees
02/10/05 20:55:20 scottk: wooohooo...break out the shorts and flip-flops
02/10/05 20:55:39 BethnRod: It varies. normally in peak season we run between 6 and 12. Last fall for one project there were 26 of us, but just for that project.
02/10/05 20:55:55 BethnRod: we have employees, but he is on certain projects.
02/10/05 20:55:57 Mike_IN: i was so depressed packing away my shorts again, thats all i brought to FL, and wore them 24/7
02/10/05 20:56:05 Jeffrey_Robison: That's great
02/10/05 20:56:15 Mike_IN: 26? what was that beth?
02/10/05 20:56:32 jbpowerwashing: won't be long it will be hot and humid again
02/10/05 20:56:32 BethnRod: Hotel - construction cleaning - tight deadline.
02/10/05 20:56:36 Mike_IN: barry you said you had some ?'s
02/10/05 20:56:53 Mike_IN: true barry, i am waiting for that for sure
02/10/05 20:57:00 Jeffrey_Robison: Anybody advertise in local papers? About to place my first one. 2"x4" for a month straight.
02/10/05 20:57:10 BethnRod: we have 4 crews in the building cleaning in blocks of rooms
02/10/05 20:57:29 scottk: we did the paper last year...had 3 calls and only one paying job from it
02/10/05 20:57:31 Mike_IN: papers can be great, they usally have a "service" area you can adevertise in for not much money at all
02/10/05 20:57:35 Jeffrey_Robison: A lot of new construction clean up??
02/10/05 20:57:46 scottk: but remember how differentthe market is down here
02/10/05 20:57:53 BethnRod: yes. that was all new construction cleaning. we do a fair amount of that.
02/10/05 20:57:55 Mike_IN: thats true
02/10/05 20:58:12 Jeffrey_Robison: Avoiding the service guide and going with a full ad. Hopefully it will seperate me from the painters.
02/10/05 20:58:21 Mike_IN: most of the calls I got was because of gutters, cleaning them in the fall, I guess you dont have the leaf problem we have down south
02/10/05 20:58:36 jbpowerwashing: not sure now if I can afford the conv/boot camp, feeling down about it
02/10/05 20:58:52 Mike_IN: barry I wouldnt worry about it
02/10/05 20:59:07 Jeffrey_Robison: Who goes to the convention?
02/10/05 20:59:14 Mike_IN: there will be alot there for you see
02/10/05 20:59:23 jbpowerwashing: Just feel like it would help a lot
02/10/05 20:59:32 BethnRod: pwna members and non-members and lots of newbies, and some old timers too
02/10/05 20:59:48 Mike_IN: check out the house washing class, it's not extra. I think there's also a newbie class
02/10/05 20:59:49 BethnRod: then GO.
02/10/05 20:59:56 Jeffrey_Robison: Gutter cleaning is an area of interest, but alot of high gutters around here, I am not breaking my neck for a little more $$
02/10/05 21:00:17 BethnRod: There are good things to be learned at the conventions.
02/10/05 21:00:26 Mike_IN: Jeff, get a good heavy duty ladder with a stabalizer and rake in some cash
02/10/05 21:00:37 scottk: Barry attending teh conv. isn't goingto make or break your company.....admittedly you might have learned a lot but with the different BBS you should be able to gain the knowledge youare after
02/10/05 21:00:45 Jeffrey_Robison: I need a heavy duty one to hold my big ass.
02/10/05 21:01:00 jbpowerwashing: I'm trying to include it in my start up costs, we'll see
02/10/05 21:01:09 Mike_IN: haha jeff, I would not go smaller then a 300lb ladder
02/10/05 21:01:35 scottk: if you need a big ladder jeff...then i must need a crane...........lol
02/10/05 21:01:38 Mike_IN: barry, you can learn alot from working with guys in your area also, on job triaing for free, you'll just have to work for it :)
02/10/05 21:01:53 Mike_IN: training
02/10/05 21:02:00 Jeffrey_Robison: that would do, what ladders do you guys recommend, Little Giant??
02/10/05 21:02:11 jbpowerwashing: true
02/10/05 21:02:35 Mike_IN: i have werner ladders, rated at 300lbs 24'
02/10/05 21:02:42 scottk: i prefer the fiberglass extentions(werners)
02/10/05 21:02:46 jbpowerwashing: its tough with a full time job but I know it would help
02/10/05 21:02:54 Jeffrey_Robison: Weighing about 260 right now, need to get to 242 for a competition.
02/10/05 21:02:56 scottk: giants are nice but pricey
02/10/05 21:03:04 Mike_IN: same here scott, fiberglass werners are the best I think
02/10/05 21:03:13 jbpowerwashing: thinking of changing company name
02/10/05 21:03:28 scottk: oh man i weigh 290
02/10/05 21:03:30 Jeffrey_Robison: I did this week, having new cards printed up
02/10/05 21:03:34 jbpowerwashing: from J&B Powerwashing to Midwest Pro Wash
02/10/05 21:03:38 scottk: jeff you are such a light weight
02/10/05 21:03:47 scottk: il iek the latter barry
02/10/05 21:03:52 scottk: like
02/10/05 21:04:10 Jeffrey_Robison: Titan pressure washing to Titan Exterior Cleaning. Expanding my services a little bit.
02/10/05 21:04:27 scottk: I went with Karvonen's Pro Clean for several reasons
02/10/05 21:04:37 Mike_IN: I use exterior in my name, not pressure washing, it allows me to expand my services
02/10/05 21:04:38 Jeffrey_Robison: Gutters, more commercial hopefully.
02/10/05 21:04:55 Jeffrey_Robison: I like the Pro Clean
02/10/05 21:05:16 scottk: it left the door open for janitorial and other forms of cleaning if we expand later...and by using our name no one else will try to take it
02/10/05 21:05:40 Jeffrey_Robison: When you go international will you drop the Karvonen??
02/10/05 21:05:43 scottk: yes we are the only Karvonen's in the state
02/10/05 21:05:56 Rod Logs in [63.159.49.21]
02/10/05 21:05:59 jbpowerwashing: I agree you have to look ahead
02/10/05 21:06:00 Mike_IN: hey Rod
02/10/05 21:06:11 Rod: sup Mike!
02/10/05 21:06:14 scottk: naw we'll keep in and add the international
02/10/05 21:06:15 jbpowerwashing: hello
02/10/05 21:06:18 Mike_IN: a name should be simple, catchy and leave room for expansion
02/10/05 21:06:21 scottk: whatsup rod
02/10/05 21:06:22 Rod: hello jb
02/10/05 21:06:31 Brian_Sawyer Logs in [68.209.234.247]
02/10/05 21:06:36 Mike_IN: hey brian
02/10/05 21:06:41 Rod: dust! been cleaning
02/10/05 21:06:42 Brian_Sawyer: Hi
02/10/05 21:06:50 Brian_Sawyer: That was a pain
02/10/05 21:06:58 jbpowerwashing: hey brian
02/10/05 21:07:10 Mike_IN: barry, email me hoosiermike@hotmail.com and I'll answer any questions I can. I'm also part time.
02/10/05 21:07:16 Jeffrey_Robison: How long were you part time scott
02/10/05 21:07:20 jbpowerwashing: k
02/10/05 21:07:35 Mike_IN: but feel free to ask questions now to
02/10/05 21:07:40 Mike_IN: thats why we are all here :)
02/10/05 21:07:43 scottk: we PW part time for a year
02/10/05 21:07:44 jbpowerwashing: I am interested in info on a local roundtable mike
02/10/05 21:07:55 Jeffrey_Robison: Brian, where are you from
02/10/05 21:07:58 scottk: we were washing windows fulltime back then
02/10/05 21:07:59 Rod: hi Brian
02/10/05 21:08:01 Brian_Sawyer: KNoxville TN
02/10/05 21:08:06 Mike_IN: barry, I am talking to a few guys about getting one set up
02/10/05 21:08:29 Jeffrey_Robison: Screw windows, I don't have the patience.
02/10/05 21:08:35 Mike_IN: I'll post information about it for sure if we can get it worked out
02/10/05 21:08:37 Rod Logs in [63.159.49.21]
02/10/05 21:08:41 Brian_Sawyer: I'm considering starting a PW business. I'm reading and learning all that I can
02/10/05 21:08:51 jbpowerwashing: bye rod, hi rod
02/10/05 21:08:53 scottk: lol....i hatet hem..but they are super easy work and fast money
02/10/05 21:09:04 scottk: hate them
02/10/05 21:09:05 Rod: huh, am i here? or there?
02/10/05 21:09:07 Mike_IN: Welcome to the mess brian :)
02/10/05 21:09:20 Jeffrey_Robison: Brian, you have come to a very good place, I started a year ago and hit the BBS all the time and learn something new all the time.
02/10/05 21:09:22 Brian_Sawyer: Thanks
02/10/05 21:09:23 Rod: modem trauma
02/10/05 21:09:26 Mike_IN: i dont do windows either :(
02/10/05 21:09:29 BethnRod: *) *slap*
02/10/05 21:09:38 jbpowerwashing: ouch
02/10/05 21:09:42 Brian_Sawyer: Theres alot out there to soak up.
02/10/05 21:09:44 scottk: we do commercial more than residential
02/10/05 21:09:58 Rod: that was meant for my modem
02/10/05 21:10:02 jbpowerwashing: u do residential right? mike
02/10/05 21:10:24 BethnRod: *choochoo* :o
02/10/05 21:10:26 Mike_IN: Brian, there sure is man, dont be afraid to jump in anytime either, read read read and ask questions :)
02/10/05 21:10:28 Jeffrey_Robison: I just have to find out what works best for my schedule. My full time gig is good and not looking to leave it.
02/10/05 21:10:32 Mike_IN: barry yep
02/10/05 21:10:32 scottk: residential windows pay great but i hate working around all the stuff people have in their homes
02/10/05 21:11:31 BethnRod: so do we.
02/10/05 21:11:37 Brian_Sawyer: I'm probaly going to drive down to Atlanta for the round table that is this weekend
02/10/05 21:11:51 Brian_Sawyer: I hope to get some good info there
02/10/05 21:11:53 BethnRod: it should be good
02/10/05 21:11:59 jbpowerwashing: think I should buy used or new PW
02/10/05 21:12:09 jbpowerwashing: cold water
02/10/05 21:12:11 Jeffrey_Robison: That would be good!! A good place to start and meet some nice people
02/10/05 21:12:12 BethnRod: if you can afford new, get new
02/10/05 21:12:19 Mike_IN: barry, get up on a ladder and clean some gutters this spring, its a good start. develop some good relationships with clients, then you can sell them on your PWing, gutters can have very low overhead cost
02/10/05 21:12:21 scottk: you looking for a skid or cold water barry
02/10/05 21:12:28 Jeffrey_Robison: I found a very good cheap used unit.
02/10/05 21:12:40 BethnRod: hot or cold
02/10/05 21:12:46 Jeffrey_Robison: when i started, just look hard and don't jump too early.
02/10/05 21:12:47 jbpowerwashing: cold
02/10/05 21:12:50 BethnRod: if hot how many hours on it
02/10/05 21:12:56 BethnRod: whoops nevermind
02/10/05 21:13:32 scottk: what is your budget for a machine barry?
02/10/05 21:13:47 Jeffrey_Robison: I AM looking for a smoking price on a used hot water unit. At least 5.5 if you know anyone.
02/10/05 21:14:07 jbpowerwashing: well I have about 5 grand to start up for everything
02/10/05 21:14:16 BethnRod: there were a couple things int he Bargain Basement forum
02/10/05 21:14:22 jbpowerwashing: I have no equipment
02/10/05 21:14:39 BethnRod: heck, we started with a used cold unit
02/10/05 21:14:44 scottk: are you going to do only residential work?
02/10/05 21:14:51 Mike_IN: barry if you just going to do residential work, cold water is fine, but if you want to do flat work or commercial, you'll want to get hot water one day
02/10/05 21:14:55 jbpowerwashing: basically my company only exists in my head right now
02/10/05 21:14:59 scottk: so did we Beth...still have it
02/10/05 21:15:01 Jeffrey_Robison: I got into it for 4,000 for the equipment. Hot water, surface cleaner, wands, trailer, misc. thats why I said don't jump at the first thing you see.
02/10/05 21:15:01 Mike_IN: i still use cold water myself.
02/10/05 21:15:07 BethnRod: same here
02/10/05 21:15:56 jbpowerwashing: Since it will be part time I will put money back into the company
02/10/05 21:15:57 Jeffrey_Robison: Rod, two 4.0 or one 8.0 machine, if you had your choice.
02/10/05 21:16:16 Jeffrey_Robison: Don't you have a 8.0
02/10/05 21:16:45 Rod: y es, we have an 8/2 gun system and a 4.6 single man unit
02/10/05 21:16:48 scottk: barry you are fine with a cold unit.....i know a lot of guys that strted with Lowes or HD $1000 cold units and they are doing good with them
02/10/05 21:16:57 jbpowerwashing: yes scott only res.
02/10/05 21:17:07 Rod: would rather have another 8.0 2/man, space saving,efficient\
02/10/05 21:17:45 Jeffrey_Robison: That is what I am thinking but have heard otherwise.
02/10/05 21:17:49 jbpowerwashing: really, HD sells high gpm machines?
02/10/05 21:17:52 Mike_IN: WOW this is bright
02/10/05 21:18:05 scottk: 3500psi/4gpm
02/10/05 21:18:06 Rod: like what??
02/10/05 21:18:07 Mike_IN: ok how about this?
02/10/05 21:18:17 BethnRod: ouch. yellow hurts
02/10/05 21:18:22 BethnRod: :(
02/10/05 21:18:24 Jeffrey_Robison: What if it goes down, you have nothing etc...
02/10/05 21:18:29 jbpowerwashing: pick a color any color
02/10/05 21:18:38 scottk: the rainbow
02/10/05 21:18:38 BethnRod: *whip* Bad yellow!
02/10/05 21:18:46 Mike_IN: sorry :)
02/10/05 21:18:50 BethnRod: lol
02/10/05 21:19:08 Mike_IN: *choochoo*
02/10/05 21:19:18 Mike_IN: there thats better
02/10/05 21:19:23 jbpowerwashing: nice
02/10/05 21:20:10 Mike_IN: I dont even think you need 3500 psi for doing houses scott
02/10/05 21:20:29 Mike_IN: most homes here are vinyl siding
02/10/05 21:20:37 jbpowerwashing: when I buy insurance do I have to buy for a full year or how does that work?
02/10/05 21:20:56 Jeffrey_Robison: Any body have a used Coress? or Pitch Witch for sale?
02/10/05 21:20:56 Rod Logs in [63.159.49.21]
02/10/05 21:21:12 BethnRod: yes! we have a used pitch witch
02/10/05 21:21:21 Brian_Sawyer: Does insurance cover any damage that you may cause?
02/10/05 21:21:28 scottk: 3500psi/4gpm...i never sadi that all 3500 psi had to be used
02/10/05 21:21:38 Jeffrey_Robison: Most damage, never had to use it.
02/10/05 21:21:52 scottk: i saw a new 24dft coress for $350 tonight
02/10/05 21:21:56 scottk: 24ft
02/10/05 21:22:02 Jeffrey_Robison: Joe Walters bills quarterly so you could back out I guess at six months
02/10/05 21:22:12 BethnRod: jeff - yes on the used pitch witch
02/10/05 21:22:33 jbpowerwashing: k, jeff
02/10/05 21:22:35 Jeffrey_Robison: How much? I'm interested
02/10/05 21:22:50 Jeffrey_Robison: The pitches are steep in Atl.
02/10/05 21:22:55 scottk: call me...and i'll fill you in
02/10/05 21:22:56 BethnRod: $150.00
02/10/05 21:23:01 jbpowerwashing: jeffrey, sorry
02/10/05 21:23:10 BethnRod: it has 5 nozzles
02/10/05 21:23:41 Jeffrey_Robison: I would be primarily working from the top
02/10/05 21:23:45 Mike_IN: Jeff, you need to get over you fear of ladders :D
02/10/05 21:23:49 scottk: that's a good price for the 5 nozzle
02/10/05 21:23:54 BethnRod: We have a new 24' extend-a-wand for 295.00
02/10/05 21:23:55 Jeffrey_Robison: What width are those?
02/10/05 21:24:12 jbpowerwashing: Hey mike what do you have for a rig
02/10/05 21:24:13 Jeffrey_Robison: Ease of use?
02/10/05 21:24:22 jbpowerwashing: truck, trailer?
02/10/05 21:24:32 Mike_IN: no trailer
02/10/05 21:24:35 BethnRod: nozzles on the pitch witch are 15 degre
02/10/05 21:24:39 jbpowerwashing: pickup
02/10/05 21:24:44 Mike_IN: 3000 psi 4gpm cold water
02/10/05 21:25:00 jbpowerwashing: cool
02/10/05 21:25:03 Mike_IN: work from my truck
02/10/05 21:25:17 Mike_IN: trailer... one day soon! :)
02/10/05 21:25:28 Jeffrey_Robison: You gonna buy it Scott?
02/10/05 21:25:29 jbpowerwashing: I understand
02/10/05 21:25:38 scottk: the wand???
02/10/05 21:25:39 jbpowerwashing: do you have a water tank
02/10/05 21:25:45 Jeffrey_Robison: yes
02/10/05 21:25:58 Mike_IN: i have one, but i havent used it yet, its in my garage
02/10/05 21:26:00 scottk: nope...i have a 24ft i'm happy with
02/10/05 21:26:15 Mike_IN: i have not had a water problem at any residential job I've done
02/10/05 21:26:33 jbpowerwashing: I know you were looking into some sample chems
02/10/05 21:26:34 Jeffrey_Robison: Buying it for roofs primarily, so I want it to be light!!
02/10/05 21:26:45 jbpowerwashing: did you decide on some
02/10/05 21:26:51 Mike_IN: yeah but that was a lost cause, haha
02/10/05 21:26:52 Rod Logs Out
02/10/05 21:27:02 Mike_IN: nobody wanted to share
02/10/05 21:27:03 jbpowerwashing: really
02/10/05 21:27:23 jbpowerwashing: doesn't seem right
02/10/05 21:27:26 BethnRod Logs Out
02/10/05 21:27:31 Mike_IN: to be honest, i've found things locally that work just as good
02/10/05 21:27:42 Jeffrey_Robison: No free samples surprises me.
02/10/05 21:27:54 scottk: jeff call me and i'll fill you in about the coress
02/10/05 21:28:04 Jeffrey_Robison: Will do!!
02/10/05 21:28:12 scottk: $350 is a great price
02/10/05 21:28:21 Jeffrey_Robison: Yes I know.
02/10/05 21:28:24 Mike_IN: Scott told me about purple power and it's my new best friend :)
02/10/05 21:28:35 jbpowerwashing: whats that
02/10/05 21:29:00 jbpowerwashing: house wash
02/10/05 21:29:01 scottk: a lot cheaper than guttershock or gutterzap
02/10/05 21:29:06 Jeffrey_Robison: Scott are most of the rt's like yours tis weekend.
02/10/05 21:29:12 Mike_IN: it's a degreaser
02/10/05 21:29:51 Jeffrey_Robison: Thinking about another, but not sure. Would like to see some demo's, Could not believe steve did not show something.
02/10/05 21:29:58 scottk: the ones that steve has are...now cujo's in Atl will be a little different because of the pwna format
02/10/05 21:30:13 jbpowerwashing: have you done any decks or fences yet mike
02/10/05 21:30:24 Mike_IN: to be honest barry, most homes I can clean with just water, if I do need a house wash its just a mild mix of soap and an anti mildew, but with all the vinyl siding here its easy to do with water
02/10/05 21:30:36 scottk: i wasn't real thrilled with the demo part of the meeting
02/10/05 21:30:55 Mike_IN: a few barry, most people dont want to pay the money it takes to clean them, and I'd still like to learn more about wood chems
02/10/05 21:31:13 Jeffrey_Robison: I already use Quick books, and I really just went to meet some people.
02/10/05 21:31:15 Mike_IN: I can clean gutters and houses all year and stay busy so I dont mind
02/10/05 21:31:27 jbpowerwashing: thats cool
02/10/05 21:31:47 scottk: Mike you need to use some kind of surfactant to help susoend the dirt until you rinse
02/10/05 21:31:49 Mike_IN: but when I got full time I'll have to expand my services I'm sure
02/10/05 21:31:52 scottk: suspend
02/10/05 21:32:05 Mike_IN: suggestion scott?
02/10/05 21:32:08 Jeffrey_Robison: Show me the product you want me to buy!!!
02/10/05 21:32:08 scottk: i know what you mean jeff
02/10/05 21:32:42 Brian_Sawyer: Do you all stay busy with work during the winter months?
02/10/05 21:33:00 Mike_IN: depends on the weather, it's been a coooold winter here brian
02/10/05 21:33:10 scottk: we use citracleen...but you could xjet on a mild bleach and dish soap mix(old school mix)
02/10/05 21:33:18 Jeffrey_Robison: I personally have been really slow!! But this is my first year and very little commerical cleaning so far.
02/10/05 21:33:32 jbpowerwashing: from a customer point of view it does seem expensive to wash and seal a deck
02/10/05 21:33:33 Mike_IN: thanks scott, I'll check it out
02/10/05 21:33:59 Mike_IN: is that one of steves?
02/10/05 21:34:06 Jeffrey_Robison: On vinyl, a little bleach and dawn is just fine.
02/10/05 21:34:10 scottk: citracleen is
02/10/05 21:34:25 Jeffrey_Robison: Mike do you x-jet
02/10/05 21:34:30 Mike_IN: I need to drive down there and see hime sometime
02/10/05 21:35:04 Mike_IN: Jeff, not really, but I do need to look into it.
02/10/05 21:35:08 Brian_Sawyer: are any of you in the atlanta area?
02/10/05 21:35:19 Mike_IN: indiana here brian
02/10/05 21:35:28 jbpowerwashing: indiana also
02/10/05 21:35:35 scottk: Mike buy one...it'll cut your housewash time by at least 1/3rd
02/10/05 21:35:44 Jeffrey_Robison: It changed everything!! After my first two jobs I just about said screw it, then I discovered it.
02/10/05 21:35:45 scottk: jeff is in ATl brian
02/10/05 21:35:51 Mike_IN: they pretty easy to set up?
02/10/05 21:35:57 Jeffrey_Robison: Nothing to it.
02/10/05 21:36:13 Jeffrey_Robison: Just put it in the end of your wand and go to work.
02/10/05 21:36:21 Mike_IN: I'll have to buy one from beth soon
02/10/05 21:36:29 jbpowerwashing: you use downstream injection mike
02/10/05 21:36:50 Mike_IN: no barry, i spray with a sprayer
02/10/05 21:37:03 Jeffrey_Robison: Brian, I am doing a little work at a day care early saturday, then you could come to the meeting
02/10/05 21:37:20 jbpowerwashing: shur flo
02/10/05 21:37:42 Mike_IN: most times just a simple power sprayer, but an x jet would be nice
02/10/05 21:37:51 jbpowerwashing: ya
02/10/05 21:38:02 jbpowerwashing: do you have a telescoping wand
02/10/05 21:38:04 Jeffrey_Robison: BUY one!!!! I got the M-5 version
02/10/05 21:38:09 Mike_IN: like I said, it doesnt take much to clean vinyl, but vinyl sure seems to get mildew and dirty quickly
02/10/05 21:38:30 scottk: wax my man wax
02/10/05 21:38:36 Mike_IN: telescoping wands are a bear, I have a long wand and a short wand, ladder if needed
02/10/05 21:38:53 Jeffrey_Robison: x jet bleach with soap two sides then rinse the first and then the second. Repeat for the other half
02/10/05 21:39:00 Mike_IN: wax on wax off, yes daniel son
02/10/05 21:39:17 Brian_Sawyer: Jeff are you inviting me to go on a job with you?
02/10/05 21:39:33 scottk: we add a liquid wetwax to out housewash that helps slow the mildew and mold growth
02/10/05 21:39:53 Jeffrey_Robison: It is just a little playground equipment, not really a true scope of the work, but yes.
02/10/05 21:40:03 jbpowerwashing: Jeff what is the mix ratio of bleach, soap and water
02/10/05 21:40:04 Mike_IN: hmm scott, I'll have to try that, I bet mildew is a big problem in the humid south
02/10/05 21:40:43 Brian_Sawyer: cool, what time is the job? I'm going to be driving from Knoxville
02/10/05 21:41:25 Jeffrey_Robison: I use 4 gallons of 12% a gallon of Powerhouse from Sunbrite a couple ounces of foamer. Apply at 10:1 thru the m-5. Vinyl houses are very easy.
02/10/05 21:41:49 Jeffrey_Robison: About 8:00 am!!! Probably a 4 hour drive.
02/10/05 21:42:00 scottk: we love mildew it translates into $$$$$$
02/10/05 21:42:25 Brian_Sawyer: ouch
02/10/05 21:43:16 Jeffrey_Robison: Maybe another time but the invitation will still be open for a another time. Maybe I can line up a couple houses in March on a Saturday.
02/10/05 21:43:23 Mike_IN: is the x jet pretty universal?
02/10/05 21:43:56 scottk: you have to specify the gpm of your machine when you order mike
02/10/05 21:44:06 Mike_IN: i'll keep my sprayer for roofs and go for the x jet :)
02/10/05 21:44:12 Jeffrey_Robison: Universal? easy yes. There is the m-5 which is adjustable and the original you have to screw pieces into the end.
02/10/05 21:44:25 Mike_IN: so i could not use it on different units
02/10/05 21:44:46 Jeffrey_Robison: It should be able to be used on all pressure washers.
02/10/05 21:44:48 scottk: you could but you might not have the same draw rate
02/10/05 21:44:55 Jeffrey_Robison: exactly
02/10/05 21:45:05 Mike_IN: ok
02/10/05 21:45:08 scottk: you can order different orafices if you needed to
02/10/05 21:45:22 Jeffrey_Robison: BUY ONE!!!!!
02/10/05 21:45:51 Mike_IN: yes sir
02/10/05 21:46:26 scottk: NOW and let me give you a list of stuf fyou can buy for me.................lol
02/10/05 21:46:27 jbpowerwashing: sorry jeff but could you explain "apply 10:1 thru X-jet
02/10/05 21:46:39 Mike_IN: now you sound like my wife
02/10/05 21:46:54 Mike_IN: oh no, she's behind me
02/10/05 21:46:54 Jeffrey_Robison: For mold without it you have to get up close and move sort of slow. With x jetting you just apply to one side of the house then the other. Disconnect the hose(just pull it off) When you walk back to the first side the mold is gone, just a quick rinse
02/10/05 21:47:54 jbpowerwashing: k, thanks
02/10/05 21:48:04 Jeffrey_Robison: They have proportioners that you put in it. Different ratios for different fittings. Most people seem to use the staight 2:1 ratio that is standard.
02/10/05 21:48:16 Brian_Sawyer: I would like to take you up on that sometime Jeff.
02/10/05 21:48:21 jbpowerwashing: i see
02/10/05 21:48:42 Mike_IN: basically it's your water / chem mixture ratio barry
02/10/05 21:48:53 Mike_IN: 2 parts water to 1 part chem
02/10/05 21:48:57 Mike_IN: and so on
02/10/05 21:49:05 Jeffrey_Robison: anytime. 678-360-2518. I am helping because so many have offered the same to me. I just went at it blindly.
02/10/05 21:49:26 scottk: we use the 2:1 ...it beat the heck out of me trying to change those tiny little proportioners
02/10/05 21:49:46 Mike_IN: watch out for the cats on the playground *meow*
02/10/05 21:49:59 jbpowerwashing: you do any roofs yet mike
02/10/05 21:50:08 Jeffrey_Robison: With the stronger mix, I can knock out a house with only one 5 gallon jug. Just don't see the benefit
02/10/05 21:50:15 Mike_IN: I've done mine and the inlaws :)
02/10/05 21:50:53 scottk: we do most houses with five at the 2:1 ratio
02/10/05 21:51:01 Mike_IN: not alot of mildew on roofs here
02/10/05 21:51:08 Mike_IN: but I'll try this year for sure
02/10/05 21:51:25 Jeffrey_Robison: Only 10 gallons of water?
02/10/05 21:51:44 jbpowerwashing: sorry for all the questions
02/10/05 21:51:47 Jeffrey_Robison: Just asking
02/10/05 21:51:57 jbpowerwashing: you have a surface cleaner mike
02/10/05 21:52:08 Mike_IN: dont be sorry barry, thats wht this thing is for, to ask and learn, we all have done it, I'm still learning myself
02/10/05 21:52:32 Jeffrey_Robison: Give me a call tomorrow Brian.
02/10/05 21:52:57 Brian_Sawyer: are you goingto be out the roundtable jeff?
02/10/05 21:53:13 Jeffrey_Robison: 95% sure I will be.
02/10/05 21:53:16 Brian_Sawyer: cool
02/10/05 21:53:16 scottk: our standard housewsh mix is 1 gallon citracleen 2 gallons 12% chlorine and 2 gallons water(4oz wet wax,4oz of foamer) xjetted at 2:1
02/10/05 21:53:20 Mike_IN: I am buying one this year, I dont do much flat work commercially, the driveways I've down with a spinner, but I'll be getting a surface cleaner soon too, I have a list of thing I want to get as I continue to upgrade and grow
02/10/05 21:53:48 jbpowerwashing: you are my hero
02/10/05 21:54:05 jbpowerwashing: maybe I could come hang out sometime
02/10/05 21:54:05 Mike_IN: your not gonna sing are you?
02/10/05 21:54:22 Jeffrey_Robison: One five for a house? Just curious, not harassing
02/10/05 21:54:26 Mike_IN: sounds good to me barry, I'm an hour south of indy
02/10/05 21:54:44 scottk: up to about 1800 sq ft
02/10/05 21:54:51 Jeffrey_Robison: Interesting.
02/10/05 21:54:52 jbpowerwashing: I have aunt and uncle in Carmel
02/10/05 21:54:56 scottk: after that we have to mix a second bucket
02/10/05 21:55:13 Mike_IN: then I wont say what I normally say about carmel then, :)
02/10/05 21:55:24 jbpowerwashing: won't bother me
02/10/05 21:55:27 Mike_IN: you married barry?
02/10/05 21:55:31 Jeffrey_Robison: Gotta go, an early day tomorrow. Brian you going to be there. Scott what is your #, or I can look it up.
02/10/05 21:55:41 scottk: 229-776-7856
02/10/05 21:55:53 Brian_Sawyer: I will be there saturday.
02/10/05 21:55:54 jbpowerwashing: ya 14 years w/ 3 kids
02/10/05 21:55:57 scottk: cell229-344-5596
02/10/05 21:56:12 Jeffrey_Robison: I'll holla about the coress
02/10/05 21:56:19 scottk: cool
02/10/05 21:56:26 Mike_IN: I've been married a year now, no kids yet
02/10/05 21:56:47 jbpowerwashing: so you still get lots of ***
02/10/05 21:57:15 Jeffrey_Robison: take care studs. Brian I will look for you. I am the big ugly guy. Wait that doesn't narrow it down much
02/10/05 21:57:16 Mike_IN: haha im not divorced yet
02/10/05 21:57:23 Brian_Sawyer: lol
02/10/05 21:57:26 Mike_IN: take care Jeff, nice to meet you
02/10/05 21:57:35 Mike_IN: thanks for the info
02/10/05 21:57:37 scottk: later jeff
02/10/05 21:57:39 jbpowerwashing: see ya
02/10/05 21:57:43 Brian_Sawyer: bye jeff
02/10/05 21:57:55 Mike_IN: i'll be heading out shortly, about 10 more min or so
02/10/05 21:58:01 Jeffrey_Robison Logs Out
02/10/05 21:58:26 Brian_Sawyer: Mike how long have you been doing this work?
02/10/05 21:58:52 Mike_IN: 2nd year part time
02/10/05 21:59:29 Brian_Sawyer: I'm wanting to start a part time business
02/10/05 21:59:39 Mike_IN: go for it
02/10/05 21:59:45 jbpowerwashing: me 2 me 2
02/10/05 22:00:02 Mike_IN: You need to hook up with Steve Rowlette, he's in the volunteer state also
02/10/05 22:00:22 Mike_IN: he's a wealth of knowledge
02/10/05 22:00:31 jbpowerwashing: heard of him, he sells chems and stuff, right?
02/10/05 22:00:32 scottk: starting part time will give you a chance to see if this is what you want to do fulltime
02/10/05 22:00:43 Mike_IN: yes he does barry
02/10/05 22:00:53 Brian_Sawyer: one of the questions that I have is, should I jet get a PW from lowes or HD and start small or should I lay down the big bucks and get a really nice unit so I don't have to upgrade after a short period of time?
02/10/05 22:00:56 Mike_IN: he has The Cleaner Network BBS
02/10/05 22:01:00 jbpowerwashing: been to his site
02/10/05 22:01:13 Mike_IN: nothing wrong with HD or lowes units
02/10/05 22:01:17 Mike_IN: to get started
02/10/05 22:01:22 Mike_IN: and upgrade as needed
02/10/05 22:01:23 scottk: i agree
02/10/05 22:01:45 Brian_Sawyer: I emailed Steve today. I'm going to give him a call tomorrow
02/10/05 22:01:54 scottk: a lot of people start with Lowes and HD machine
02/10/05 22:02:17 scottk: ask lots of questions and take note brian
02/10/05 22:02:26 Mike_IN: I use a cart unit still, I'll upgrade to a skid when I get a trailer
02/10/05 22:02:30 scottk: 1-800-357-6295 is his number
02/10/05 22:02:41 jbpowerwashing: is there anything you have to do to HD mach. Like upgrade or anything
02/10/05 22:02:47 Brian_Sawyer: thats steves number?
02/10/05 22:03:02 scottk: i know guys that still use carts in conjunction with their trailers
02/10/05 22:03:10 scottk: yes brian
02/10/05 22:03:16 Mike_IN: not really barry, they are good units, they may not last as long as a industrial unit, but they get the job done
02/10/05 22:03:42 Mike_IN: and they might be a little slower, but it's ok to get you started
02/10/05 22:03:53 scottk: keep the engine oil and pump oil chanegd and make sure it has a clean air filter
02/10/05 22:04:18 Mike_IN: to do residential work, you dont need a huge machine, unless you want to do big commercial jobs one day
02/10/05 22:04:56 Mike_IN: take care of it like you would a car
02/10/05 22:05:01 scottk: buy the $1000 unit...most are 3000psi/4gpm...anything smaller and you'll work a lot harder
02/10/05 22:05:32 Brian_Sawyer: I'll take any work that I can get, but I don't want to get a PW and realize that its not big enough to do the job.
02/10/05 22:05:54 Mike_IN: true scott, then as you work more, you'll want a faster machine and you can upgrade as needed, but to get started, you'll be fine with a HD or Lowes
02/10/05 22:06:15 scottk: our skid was under $4000
02/10/05 22:06:27 jbpowerwashing: I learned a lot tonite thanks mike and everyone
02/10/05 22:06:46 Mike_IN: my next step is a used skid unit, and then a new unti after that
02/10/05 22:06:52 jbpowerwashing: bedtime, gotta get up early and be a wage slave
02/10/05 22:07:01 scottk: nothing wrong with that mike
02/10/05 22:07:05 Mike_IN: take care barry, email me anytime
02/10/05 22:07:06 scottk: night barry
02/10/05 22:07:12 Brian_Sawyer: night
02/10/05 22:07:13 jbpowerwashing: will do, thanks
02/10/05 22:07:21 Brian_Sawyer: is everyone leaving?
02/10/05 22:07:23 jbpowerwashing: later
02/10/05 22:07:31 Mike_IN: yeah I got a few things to do before bed
02/10/05 22:07:37 Mike_IN: it was nice to chat with you all
02/10/05 22:07:39 jbpowerwashing Logs Out
02/10/05 22:07:42 scottk: later mike
02/10/05 22:07:44 Brian_Sawyer: cool. thats for all the info
02/10/05 22:07:45 Mike_IN: brain hook up with Steve
02/10/05 22:07:50 Brian_Sawyer: I will
02/10/05 22:07:51 Mike_IN: brian
02/10/05 22:07:53 scottk: i'll stay a little longer
02/10/05 22:07:56 Mike_IN: he wont do you wrong
02/10/05 22:07:58 Mike_IN: take care
02/10/05 22:08:03 Brian_Sawyer: night
02/10/05 22:08:04 Mike_IN: talk to you on the bbs's
02/10/05 22:08:10 Mike_IN Logs Out
02/10/05 22:08:23 Brian_Sawyer: so how long have you been in the business scott?
02/10/05 22:08:37 scottk: we are into our second year fulltime
02/10/05 22:08:49 scottk: we were part time for a year also
02/10/05 22:09:11 Brian_Sawyer: is the money good enough to go fulltime?
02/10/05 22:09:30 scottk: it has it's ups and downs
02/10/05 22:09:55 Brian_Sawyer: my girlfriend and I are wanting a parttime business to make some extra money to pay off bills..
02/10/05 22:10:05 scottk: this is a good one then
02/10/05 22:10:19 Brian_Sawyer: what type of setup do you have?
02/10/05 22:10:44 scottk: 3500psi/5.5gpm hotwater skid .12ft trailer
02/10/05 22:10:49 scottk: 225 water tank
02/10/05 22:11:02 scottk: 30" and 16" surface cleaners
02/10/05 22:12:15 Brian_Sawyer: this is what we have been looking at. Its very fancy. Not sure if we want to jump in this far yet though. http://www.magnumclean.com/term.html
02/10/05 22:12:27 scottk: part time you could make an extra $500 to $1000 a month just doing housewashes
02/10/05 22:13:24 Brian_Sawyer: how many hours would that take. to make about $1000?
02/10/05 22:14:42 scottk: if you were doning housewashes at $150 you would have about 20 hr or less into them...assuming they are 1 story
02/10/05 22:14:56 scottk: that is a nice unit...but pricey
02/10/05 22:15:23 Brian_Sawyer: cost is $6725
02/10/05 22:15:48 Brian_Sawyer: doing house washes, is hotwater nessecery?
02/10/05 22:15:57 scottk: no
02/10/05 22:16:25 scottk: we only use our burner on commercial work and concrete
02/10/05 22:16:54 Brian_Sawyer: when someone says Flatwork, what does that mean>
02/10/05 22:16:55 scottk: last time i saw that unit it was $8000
02/10/05 22:17:26 scottk: drivewasy,sidewalks drivethrus
02/10/05 22:17:44 scottk: diveways
02/10/05 22:17:46 Brian_Sawyer: I think 8000 is retail. The place that makes them is about 2 miles from my house. and they said i would get it for the factory cost
02/10/05 22:18:14 scottk: a dual axle trailer would be better
02/10/05 22:18:44 Brian_Sawyer: if I was to get a HD unit, how often will I have to turn down work cause I don;t have the right equipment?
02/10/05 22:19:06 scottk: often if you want to do commercial
02/10/05 22:19:30 scottk: hotwater is a must for fastfood drivethrus and dumpster pads
02/10/05 22:19:31 Brian_Sawyer: is it better to stay with res work or do commercial too.
02/10/05 22:20:07 scottk: commercial is done regularly so it provides a more consistant pay check
02/10/05 22:20:45 scottk: if you can line up a few commercial accounts monthly they will pay bills whiel you pick up res
02/10/05 22:20:51 scottk: while
02/10/05 22:20:52 Brian_Sawyer: We really aren't looking to replace our day jobs. this is strickly for the extra money
02/10/05 22:21:35 Brian_Sawyer: we have good jobs that we really like and they are good paying. just want to get out of debt quicker
02/10/05 22:21:50 scottk: there aisn't anything wrong with that
02/10/05 22:21:53 scottk: isn't
02/10/05 22:22:17 Brian_Sawyer: my girlfriend is worried that it will take over all of hour free time
02/10/05 22:22:55 scottk: you can takle care of that when you schedule jobs.....don't take on more than you want to do
02/10/05 22:24:06 Brian_Sawyer: are customers cool with only working in the evening and the weekends? or do you think that will cause problems
02/10/05 22:25:23 scottk: i think most are cool as long as you tell them you do the work part time...really if your project a professional image they won't care
02/10/05 22:26:16 Brian_Sawyer: my girlfriend wants us to be very profesional. have a good looking truck and equipment
02/10/05 22:26:31 scottk: it helps a lot
02/10/05 22:27:17 scottk: a clean rig and truuck draw attention and that inturn helps bring in business
02/10/05 22:28:28 Brian_Sawyer: thats kind of the reason that we are leaning toward getting the nice Magnum rig
02/10/05 22:29:54 scottk: it's a nice setup
02/10/05 22:31:20 Brian_Sawyer: where are you located?
02/10/05 22:31:48 scottk: SW Ga little town cal Sylvester
02/10/05 22:31:53 scottk: called
02/10/05 22:32:05 scottk: we are about 4 hrs south of Atl
02/10/05 22:32:18 Brian_Sawyer: thats near albany right
02/10/05 22:32:38 scottk: yes 10 miles
02/10/05 22:32:45 scottk: ooops 20
02/10/05 22:32:50 Brian_Sawyer: I worked there for awhile that the mars m&m plant
02/10/05 22:32:59 scottk: cool
02/10/05 22:33:07 scottk: i used to work for cooper tire
02/10/05 22:33:29 Brian_Sawyer: I do electrical design work sometimes. PLC programing and such
02/10/05 22:33:56 scottk: coo
02/10/05 22:33:59 scottk: cool
02/10/05 22:34:15 Brian_Sawyer: are you going to be at the round table saturday?
02/10/05 22:34:49 scottk: no...i held one here last Sat...and we have all 5 of our kids here this weekend
02/10/05 22:35:19 Brian_Sawyer: is your company a LLC or sole proprieter?
02/10/05 22:35:30 Brian_Sawyer: how do you have it setup
02/10/05 22:35:33 scottk: sole propieter
02/10/05 22:35:51 Brian_Sawyer: how about insurance?
02/10/05 22:36:07 Brian_Sawyer: I heard its around 800 to 1200 per year
02/10/05 22:36:19 scottk: we get it through a local company 1million liabi;ty
02/10/05 22:36:26 scottk: $790
02/10/05 22:36:38 Brian_Sawyer: ever had to use it?
02/10/05 22:36:47 scottk: no...hope we never do
02/10/05 22:36:56 Brian_Sawyer: no kidding
02/10/05 22:37:33 Brian_Sawyer: what about being bonded. I see that on ppls ads sometimes. whats the importance of that?
02/10/05 22:38:21 scottk: we aren't bonded...if you were going to be inside customers homes maybe ...but not for exterior work
02/10/05 22:39:19 Brian_Sawyer: what about when their ads say that they are licenced. what is that? a business license?
02/10/05 22:39:22 scottk: we have considered some office cleaning...if it happens then we will get bonded
02/10/05 22:39:28 scottk: buiness
02/10/05 22:40:01 scottk: through the county,city or what ever authority requires it...if the require it
02/10/05 22:40:57 scottk: we have to have a license out of our town and other accept it......but that doesn't work everywhere
02/10/05 22:40:58 Brian_Sawyer: I'm assuming that you have a business license. do you have tax number where you aren't taxed on your purchese. I hope I'm not being to noisy.
02/10/05 22:41:44 Brian_Sawyer: so when you get a business license, its only for the town that you are in>
02/10/05 22:41:45 Brian_Sawyer: ?
02/10/05 22:41:46 scottk: we did without the tax number in 2004 but have one ofro 2005
02/10/05 22:41:59 scottk: for 2005
02/10/05 22:42:48 Brian_Sawyer: does it work when you buy your equipment?
02/10/05 22:42:59 scottk: we have a license for Sylvester.Albany,Tifton and surrounding city recognize it
02/10/05 22:43:45 scottk: i haven't bought anything new this year........makes me want to cry
02/10/05 22:44:16 Brian_Sawyer: I was wondering if it would work when buying a truck for the business
02/10/05 22:45:35 scottk: you can write off a huge portion of the purchase....the IRS is watching the purchase of suv's though
02/10/05 22:45:58 Brian_Sawyer: it would be a pickup
02/10/05 22:46:05 Brian_Sawyer: is there any major misstake you made when you first started out
02/10/05 22:46:13 scottk: it should qualify
02/10/05 22:46:31 scottk: not buying quality chemicals
02/10/05 22:46:57 scottk: HD chems don't do a professional job
02/10/05 22:47:18 scottk: buy an xjet....one of teh biggest time savers we have
02/10/05 22:47:21 scottk: the
02/10/05 22:47:38 Brian_Sawyer: I've been seeing ppl talk about them. I don't even know what they are
02/10/05 22:48:17 scottk: buy a quality surface cleaner.....steel eagle...big guy or something line that
02/10/05 22:48:44 scottk: steer away from the ones that are under $500...they just don't last
02/10/05 22:49:22 Brian_Sawyer: surface cleaners. is that one of the round sprayers for doing concrete?
02/10/05 22:49:34 scottk: yes
02/10/05 22:50:33 Brian_Sawyer: those look like they would really save alot of time
02/10/05 22:51:33 scottk: they do....we clean 8 McDonalds restaurants...the fjat work is around 4000 sq ft ...we clean them in about 2 1/2 hrs
02/10/05 22:51:46 scottk: a surface cleaner is a must for concrete
02/10/05 22:53:42 Brian_Sawyer: those steel eagles are expensive
02/10/05 22:54:11 scottk: yes but they are built like tanks and will last forever
02/10/05 22:54:43 Brian_Sawyer: did it take you long to figure out a pricing structure?
02/10/05 22:54:59 scottk: lol....still am
02/10/05 22:55:45 scottk: you start by doing sq ft...,.then move into looking at jobs and knowing(res0
02/10/05 22:55:52 scottk: residential
02/10/05 22:56:03 scottk: commercial you always measure
02/10/05 22:56:44 Brian_Sawyer: I know there will be a learning curve. how much would be a good starting price for drive ways a things like that>?
02/10/05 22:57:24 scottk: standard 2 car drive way(1000 sq ft)$65
02/10/05 22:57:55 scottk: housewash up to 2000 sq ft 1 story $145
02/10/05 22:58:34 scottk: decks(strip and clean only)$.95 sq ft
02/10/05 22:59:13 scottk: strip,clean,brighten and stain $1.35 sq ft
02/10/05 22:59:20 scottk: we don't do a lot of decks
02/10/05 23:01:41 Brian_Sawyer: driveways and concrete seem to be the easist stuff to start out with
02/10/05 23:02:01 Brian_Sawyer: I think I will wait before doing a deck
02/10/05 23:02:18 Brian_Sawyer: seems like alot could go wrong with those
02/10/05 23:02:30 scottk: they are a lot of work
02/10/05 23:02:53 scottk: you need to kow the right chemicals to use to make them look good
02/10/05 23:03:46 Brian_Sawyer: are houses hard to do? depending on the siding I would guess
02/10/05 23:04:12 scottk: vinyl,hardi board are easiest
02/10/05 23:04:31 scottk: brick isn't too bad as long as it's not new construction
02/10/05 23:04:48 Brian_Sawyer: why is that?
02/10/05 23:05:04 scottk: we can wash an 2000 sq ft single story house in under 2 hours
02/10/05 23:06:13 Brian_Sawyer: is that by yourself or with help?
02/10/05 23:06:19 scottk: me and the wife
02/10/05 23:06:31 scottk: she pulls hoses and mixes chemicals
02/10/05 23:06:49 Brian_Sawyer: what my plans are is for me to do the work and she goes around handing out business cards and fliers
02/10/05 23:06:55 Brian_Sawyer: thats a good idea
02/10/05 23:07:21 scottk: that's a good wayto meet new potential customers
02/10/05 23:08:00 Brian_Sawyer: are there any types of work that you turn down?
02/10/05 23:08:29 scottk: we do low pressure roof cleaning and i won't do roof i can't walk
02/10/05 23:09:06 scottk: 290 lbs hits the ground hard. you would feel the aftershocks in knoxville
02/10/05 23:09:12 Brian_Sawyer: lol
02/10/05 23:10:40 Brian_Sawyer: what pressure do you use for asphalt shingles. We have alot of house in my sub division that has alot of stains from the leaves and rain. and what chems would you use?
02/10/05 23:11:17 scottk: 60psi
02/10/05 23:11:36 scottk: wehave done them up to 500psi
02/10/05 23:12:27 scottk: if you do some reading on Rowlett's BBs you will find what the guys in Fl use is the fatsest and easiest
02/10/05 23:13:31 scottk: 1.8 to 3 pgm shurflo pump,200ft of braided hose and a phelps wand(Don Phelps shared teh design he uses so it gotthat name)
02/10/05 23:14:07 scottk: chlorine mixture mixed 50/50
02/10/05 23:14:37 Brian_Sawyer: what is a shurflo pump?
02/10/05 23:14:43 scottk: average 2000 sq ft house requires 30 to 50 gallons to get it clean
02/10/05 23:14:57 scottk: 12v liquid pump
02/10/05 23:15:27 Brian_Sawyer: I'm confused. would you not use your PW for it?
02/10/05 23:15:33 scottk: nope
02/10/05 23:15:50 Brian_Sawyer: 30 to 50 gallons of clorine?
02/10/05 23:15:53 scottk: you can but this method is easier
02/10/05 23:16:03 scottk: 50/50 mix
02/10/05 23:16:03 Brian_Sawyer: or the 50/50 mixxture
02/10/05 23:16:50 Brian_Sawyer: and the 200ft braided hose? whats the benifet of the braided hose?
02/10/05 23:17:23 scottk: regular clear hose will collapse under the suction created by the pump
02/10/05 23:17:50 scottk: the braide has stronger wall strength
02/10/05 23:18:28 Brian_Sawyer: how much chems do you think that I will need to get started>?
02/10/05 23:18:56 Brian_Sawyer: just for flatwork, house spraying and maybe roofs
02/10/05 23:19:36 scottk: we started with a 55 gallon drum of housewash...you can buy degreaser for commercial work 5 gallons at a time
02/10/05 23:19:58 Brian_Sawyer: is that what its called. Housewash?
02/10/05 23:20:11 scottk: steve rowlett can give you the low down on chemicals
02/10/05 23:20:23 scottk: RPCcitracleen
02/10/05 23:21:14 Brian_Sawyer: I'm going to give him a call tomorrow. he invited me to come out one saturday and he would show me a few things.
02/10/05 23:21:40 scottk: it's worth the drive
02/10/05 23:21:54 Brian_Sawyer: it amazes me that everyone is so helpful.
02/10/05 23:22:15 Brian_Sawyer: and the are so many boards to read
02/10/05 23:22:21 Brian_Sawyer: I've found 4 allready
02/10/05 23:22:31 scottk: we all have the same goal.....make money and raise the level of profesionalism in the trade
02/10/05 23:23:23 Brian_Sawyer: I figured everything would be closely gaurded secrets so ppl to lose work from someone else
02/10/05 23:23:23 scottk: go abck and read the old posts on them....threr is a wealth of knowledge to be had for free
02/10/05 23:23:34 Brian_Sawyer: I am
02/10/05 23:24:06 scottk: most guys will help...ther are some that won't if you live close to them
02/10/05 23:24:22 Brian_Sawyer: I can understand that
02/10/05 23:24:31 Brian_Sawyer: I don't want to take work from other ppl
02/10/05 23:24:40 Brian_Sawyer: I just want to make alittle money
02/10/05 23:24:58 scottk: nothing wrong withtaht whe you do it professionally
02/10/05 23:25:03 Brian_Sawyer: I would think theres enough work out there for alot of ppl doing this
02/10/05 23:25:14 Brian_Sawyer: oh yeah
02/10/05 23:25:21 Brian_Sawyer: if your going to do it. do it right
02/10/05 23:25:50 scottk: there is work everywhere...you have to knock on doors and talk to people
02/10/05 23:26:12 Brian_Sawyer: you won't make money for long if you do shotty work
02/10/05 23:26:34 Brian_Sawyer: what type of advertising do you do?
02/10/05 23:26:46 scottk: professional equipemnt,attitude,chemicals and appearance = professional results
02/10/05 23:27:25 scottk: newspaper,direct mailers,flyers....word of mouth
02/10/05 23:28:39 Brian_Sawyer: I've seen that most ppl seem to get alot out of ads in the yellow pages
02/10/05 23:29:53 scottk: i can't justify the price...for a 2"x3" ad they wanted $300 monthly andthing smaller was $190 monthly
02/10/05 23:30:22 Brian_Sawyer: wow
02/10/05 23:30:23 scottk: that is $$$ we can use to direct mail upper scale neighborhoods
02/10/05 23:30:55 Brian_Sawyer: interesting
02/10/05 23:31:50 Brian_Sawyer: do you cold call ppl?
02/10/05 23:32:12 scottk: commercial only
02/10/05 23:33:36 scottk: we do blanket bid neighborhoods on occassion
02/10/05 23:34:24 scottk: if the houses are all similar in size(sq ft,concrete etc) we can bid the same price from house to house
02/10/05 23:35:11 Brian_Sawyer: do you have ppl come up to you while your working on someone else's house in a neighborhood and give you work?
02/10/05 23:35:21 scottk: we did 30 bids like that today
02/10/05 23:36:29 scottk: we have a few times...we do most res during the day when people are at work...but we do put out flyers and cards on the houses close to teh one we are working on
02/10/05 23:37:17 Brian_Sawyer: have you ever had a problem with a job? like something was damaged?
02/10/05 23:37:46 scottk: not yet
02/10/05 23:38:58 scottk: you have to be methodical....work fast but not so fast you get careless
02/10/05 23:39:37 Brian_Sawyer: how long did it take you to get started to the point that you were making some money, and what type of equipment did you start out with>
02/10/05 23:39:38 Brian_Sawyer: ?
02/10/05 23:40:53 scottk: when we went full time we started with a rig similar to what you want..........when we were part time it was a cold water machien in the back of the truck
02/10/05 23:42:11 scottk: we are starting to show a little profit now...but i hope by this time next year that has doubled
02/10/05 23:42:50 Brian_Sawyer: is this all the work that you and your wife do?
02/10/05 23:43:25 scottk: yes..there are times that money is tight
02/10/05 23:43:53 scottk: you have to be a good steward with your money
02/10/05 23:44:49 Brian_Sawyer: if things slowdown, I have my primary job to fall back on for extra money. I just get sick of doing CAD work all the time. lol
02/10/05 23:45:17 scottk: lol
02/10/05 23:45:42 Brian_Sawyer: I work for a log and timber frame home design firm
02/10/05 23:46:14 Brian_Sawyer: I do drafting and design work.
02/10/05 23:46:23 Brian_Sawyer: it get old after awhile
02/10/05 23:46:29 scottk: i have thought about going back to part time.......there are advantages to corp amercia(steady paycheck)
02/10/05 23:47:02 scottk: i spent 20 yrs in factories and it's nice being my opwn boss
02/10/05 23:47:07 scottk: own
02/10/05 23:47:30 Brian_Sawyer: do you think it would be crazy to purchese a rig like the magnom one, with us just doing it parttime?
02/10/05 23:47:37 scottk: but if tehy pay and benefits are right i would go back
02/10/05 23:47:57 scottk: not at all....ig you can afford the best buy it
02/10/05 23:48:02 scottk: if
02/10/05 23:48:22 scottk: it'll last longer than an HD or Lowes machine
02/10/05 23:49:09 scottk: and it'll bring you more work
02/10/05 23:49:26 Brian_Sawyer: well we can't buy it straight out, but I think it would be a great investment if we are planning on doing this long term. which I do. this isn't something to get some fast money, I would really like to keep this going. but not sure I would ever want to do
02/10/05 23:49:30 Brian_Sawyer: fo it full time
02/10/05 23:49:58 Brian_Sawyer: but you never know how things change
02/10/05 23:50:21 Brian_Sawyer: you said that it will bring me more work. How?
02/10/05 23:50:34 Brian_Sawyer: just cause it looks profesional?
02/10/05 23:50:54 scottk: yes
02/10/05 23:52:00 Brian_Sawyer: when you started out, did you plan to make this a fulltime job?
02/10/05 23:52:52 scottk: yes.....i left a job after a workers comp settlement....and wanted to be my own boss
02/10/05 23:53:00 scottk: it was a hrd step to take
02/10/05 23:53:03 scottk: hard
02/10/05 23:53:46 Brian_Sawyer: I would say it was harder on the wife. they don't go for things risky like starting up a new business
02/10/05 23:54:37 scottk: yeah..she has stressed alot during the slower months
02/10/05 23:54:52 scottk: but when we are busy she forget all that
02/10/05 23:54:52 Brian_Sawyer: my girlfriend isn't completely sold on the idea yet.
02/10/05 23:55:15 Brian_Sawyer: I think she is warming up to it slowly
02/10/05 23:56:04 Brian_Sawyer: she's the one that suggested us gettiung the magnum rig. she thinks if we are going to do this, lets do it right and be a profesional as possible.
02/10/05 23:56:27 scottk: if you aren't going to jump fulltime...i say what's the harm....if you decide 6 months from now you want out you can get $6k for the rig and just about pay off the loan on it
02/10/05 23:56:59 Brian_Sawyer: thats a very good point
02/10/05 23:57:29 Brian_Sawyer: does good equipment have a good resale value?
02/10/05 23:58:15 scottk: yes....most well maintained rigs will bring $5k+ on resale
02/10/05 23:59:03 Brian_Sawyer: thats good
02/10/05 23:59:30 scottk: you are on the right track
02/10/05 23:59:53 Brian_Sawyer: the guy at the magnum place says the he give alot of tech support with his product
02/10/05 23:59:58 scottk: you are asking all the right questions
02/11/05 00:00:18 scottk: until you learn the machine that is and will be worth it's weight in gold
02/11/05 00:00:31 Brian_Sawyer: you have been a huge help answering all of them
02/11/05 00:01:05 scottk: out machine cam eout of Decaturville Tn(Largo) and if i have a problem i call them and tehy get me an answer
02/11/05 00:09:03 scottk Disconnects
02/11/05 00:09:03 Brian_Sawyer Disconnects