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Forum: Operating a Certified Roof Cleaning Business
Operating a Certified Roof Cleaning Business

No New Posts   Veterans Day !!

November 11, 2010

Many Many Thanks to all of our Veterans for giving us this day and our tomorrows!


veterans-day-honoring-all-who-served-flag.jpg?w=219&h=217

No New Posts   We were shut down

November 10, 2010

This happened a few days ago. We werent roof cleaning. We were softwashing the buildings of an apartment complex. It just happened to be that this was a HUD project.

We were shut down by a Hud inspector who just happened to be making his rounds that day. At the time I didnt know that he couldnt stop us from working but not wanting any trouble I played as nice as possible.

I was not allowed to explain our process.

I was told to present an msds from my supplier stating that what comes out of our guns is safe. Knowing that wasnt happening we packed up at 2:00pm and drove over an hour back home.

That afternoon I faxed a letter to the inspectors office outlining our process (we softwash with large gpm pressure washers at a 20:1 ratio) and example uses of Sh. We were told that the Hud inspector could not stop us from working but our letter would be passed along and research would continue.

So we went to work the next day not knowing if we would be left alone or who knows... Seriously guys, I never expected this. We were dsing buildings. They wouldve stroked out had they smelled a 30% roof mix! It was a shock to me in front of my customer whos trust I had gained.

I posted this story on a few other bbs the evening after it happened looking for others opinions. I received some good advice from many different contractors by pm and phone. Thanks everyone.

The next day I was contacted by the PWNA. They offered to put together a letter for the inspector and my customer supporting me as a contractor and the methods that I use. What was I to say to this?! A NATIONAL organization taking my side against an....... over zealous government worker. I believe we wont have anymore trouble on this job and I know that as long as I wash I will be a member of the Power Washers of North America.

Ive posted this here for a few different reasons. I didnt mean for it to run this long.

This is real. It could be anyone of us at any time for no other reason than were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I wanted to thank the PWNA. I never expected that kind of support.

I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization.  A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.


Chris

No New Posts   Media 1 - Amazing company

November 8, 2010

Guys I wanted to give a shout out to Media 1 in Orlando. These are the guys who designed and wrapped my trucks, cut the stencils for me, and came up with the idea for the surface cleaner rack and a couple other brilliant ideas.

Damon and Dale are a couple of young guys who have built an amazing small business and do great work. We made change after change and never heard a peep of complaint from either the owners or the technicians. They just complied with every request until we were 100% satisfied.

Thats Damon on the right in the black shirt. We had an issue with the tailgate because the bedliner company sprayed it on a little too thick. Damon actually came out in the shop and fixed the problem for us and he did it with a smile (none of us could figure it out for an hour).

DSC01202.jpg

Heres a couple of their guys working, rewelding, and carving metal until we were happy. Thats Lumpy on the left.

DSC01199.jpg
DSC01198.jpg
DSC01201.jpg

Before you have any wraps, graphics, stickers, yard signs, etc designed, printed or priced call these guys first. They are awesome designers, but more importantly they know how to design graphics that SELL and BRAND not just look pretty.


-- Edited by Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX on Monday 8th of November 2010 08:11:52 PM

-- Edited by Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX on Wednesday 10th of November 2010 06:01:50 PM

No New Posts   Shingle Care Systems

November 9, 2010

I was trying to locate all of my competition when I found a guy who serves the same area I do.  It says "Shingle Care Systems" on his trailer, so I googled it.  If I new how I would put a link in here for y'all, but I don't have a clue as to how that is done.  I wasn't able to find any info on them in the forum, but if y'all want a good laugh, go check out their prices.  My competitor is called 1st Choice Roof Cleaning and his trailer appears to be bigger than the one that they're asking $17,000 for.  I almost feel sorry for this guy. 

No New Posts   Introdution

November 7, 2010

Hi All,
     My name is Art Green and I just started Roof Stain Removers in Wilmington, NC.  I bought used equipment 9 days ago, got liability ins., started on my website, and found this forum.  I have read everything I could find on sales and marketing and quite a bit of other stuff.  My wife told  me to sit on a different couch cushion because I' ve been reading so much I dented my usual one.  I have never seen a forum before and I hope I didn't step on any toes by not introducing myself before.  I'm not even sure that this is where I should be posting.  Anyway, thanks in advance for all the great info. 

No New Posts   Donating time and material. No power washing roof cleaning

November 9, 2010

I Donated my time and material to clean the roof on this house in Delaware over the weekend. The owner is a widow and on a fixed income. I try to Donate my time And do one job a year. This is giving back to the community for me.

Started By: Glen

Comments: 3

Views: 923

Last Post: Nov 9, 2010 by Glen

 

No New Posts   WHY DID YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS???

October 14, 2010

This is just a general question.. i am just wondering why you guys started your own businesses..  and how did you take the leap of faith from being an employee to being a business owner?  any stories would be appreciated.

Started By: kse1221

Comments: 29

Views: 2689

Last Post: Nov 6, 2010 by WDE

 

No New Posts   Business on a handshake?

October 31, 2010

i hear you guys talking about getting your customers to sign a contract..  and i have heard one reason is that it is easy to clean a roof but hard to sell.. and if you get a customer to agree to clean there roof with no contract, you give them a chance to shop around and get a better price.. there is always going to be someone cheaper.. 

my question is, do you really want to work for these people who are looking for a bargain roof cleaning? 

even if you get them to sign a contract, they have 3 days to back out..  so why have them sign it?...  why pressure them in to a sale they don't want?  why cant you just inform them that you can clean their roof and if they agree, just do it on a handshake? 

if your doing a quality job then why is there a need for a contract?? 

is there anyone doing business on a handshake? 

this is just a question..  as a home owner i don't like people showing up and knocking on my door and pressuring me in to buying something i don't want..  and then making me sign a contract.. even though i have three days to cancel.. 

i would rather have someone show up at my door and tell me i have a dirty roof and that they can help me if i want it.  home owners know if they have a dirty roof..  hell i had a really dirty roof at my last home..  i moved before i even knew that it could be cleaned..  i wish someone would have informed me back then.. my new home doesn't need it yet..

No New Posts   We Are Rigged For The Journey.

October 23, 2010

Moving truck is all packed, huge company truck is all packed, we are going some where warm for the winter, sorry I can't display any photos even the camera is packed.

Ed, Mike, Dan, and the rest of you Jersey boys have a nice winter!

talk to you in a week or so!

This is Clyde over and Out!



-- Edited by Roof Cleaning NJ on Saturday 23rd of October 2010 04:08:07 PM

No New Posts   Roof Cleaning in Lusby MD

October 24, 2010

 It was a long day for Vantage Point we had three roofs to do and when we were rolling up after the third I got a call from the first guy wanting to know if we had time to go back to his house because his neighbor wanted his roof cleaned also, being a small company we had to go back to the shop for more chem. We are not like the bigger companies out there this is a great day for us. The only pics were taken with my phone and they do the work no justice it looks like I was a mile away.

-- Edited by Patrick Carder on Sunday 24th of October 2010 08:43:35 PM

Started By: Patrick Carder

Comments: 7

Views: 3328

Last Post: Oct 24, 2010 by Patrick Carder

No New Posts   Holiday Lighting add on for Roof Cleaners

October 20, 2010


In my area of Oregon, most our services we do are seasonal.  We like to keep busy year round.  We found doing Holiday lighting helps us so much keeping busy November and December.

This is just a little video I made last year when I was home with a cold....no wise cracks about my sniveling...lol!!!  Purpose of this video is to show how easy installation of Christmas lights can be.  Hope it helps somebody interested!!

Started By: gleamingtheview

Comments: 12

Views: 1204

Last Post: Oct 23, 2010 by Toy2

 

No New Posts   Ipad

September 4, 2010

 AC Said it could be a great marketing tool for presenting my company to customers, so I Just bought one today..  Anyone else using one for their business?

Started By: Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX

Comments: 51

Views: 3797

Last Post: Oct 19, 2010 by white fox

 

No New Posts   Is Stainedroof a good name to use in roof cleaning?

October 4, 2010

StainedRoof.com  

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning NJ on Monday 4th of October 2010 09:53:39 PM

Poll   Best soap to clean SH off your hands?

October 14, 2010

I apologize if this has been covered here, but I couldn't find it with the search button.  I woke up 3 times last night my face was on my hand and I was gagging.  Can be good or bad, but in this case I'd say I am fortunate not to have a wife or girlfriend at the moment.  I want to hear how many spouses complain about the smell and/or the best soap to clean your hands with?

No New Posts   New Employees In A Small Roof Cleaning Business

October 5, 2010

We hired a new employee last week, and he is fitting in very well. In a small roof cleaning company that is family owned and operated, all employees must get along.
Everyone in my company is cross trained, able to handle most any roof cleaning situation they may encounter. We have hired employees that just did not fit in before, can anyone relate to what I am saying ?
In a small company, ALL must get along, with a minimum of Drama!

No New Posts   everything must go!

October 4, 2010

hotzy hot water skid unit 3000 psi @4.5gpm 16 horse Honda
all american cold water maching 3000 psi@ 10 gpm 25 horse kohler enging
Simpson cold water machine 3000 Psi @ 5.5 gpm
alkota hot water unit
24 inch ground force surgace cleaner
3 Reelcraft hose reels
2 all flo pumps
1 Rigid air compressor
water tanks
1 pick up truck
1 box truck
1 flat bed truck
1 open trailer
1 closed trailer

tried to load pic wouldnt work

 

moving to Florida getting a job with Lori at PWP

 

No New Posts   Watermark Pictures

September 5, 2010

Anyone got advice on what program I could use to enter watermarks on pictures? Too many people can just take what they want anymore. I have the lgog creator program, but it is not the best thing to use. Keep it cheap or free please lol!

-- Edited by Washed-up on Sunday 5th of September 2010 02:31:39 PM

Started By: Washed-up

Comments: 9

Views: 1088

Last Post: Oct 4, 2010 by Roof Cleaning Kissimmee FL 407-452-4526

 

No New Posts   Part of the business Plan.. please shoot some holes for me

September 28, 2010

I am in the process of getting everything in line to kick off the business.

So far I have an 18 year old that will be my roof guy.  He is a close friend of mine that I coached in football.

I do not want to deal with all the payroll and tax stuff, so this is what I plan on doing.

I will make him a 10% partner of the LLC.

He will receive 10% of the profits and I will receive 90%.

He will receive 1/8 of the bid price for the roof for his labor.

1/4 of the bid price will go to me. 

1/4 will go to chemicals and other parts/needs

1/4 will go towards the business. (minus other over will equal profit)

the other 1/8 will go to who ever "sells" the job. 


So if we do a house for $400.

If my buddy sold the house.

He will end up with $100..

I will end up with $100..

$100 will go towards chemicals and other

$100 will go into the business.


If we are both "partners"...   we both be business owners and have to file our own taxes at the end of the year correct?  I will not have to actually pay him and myself a payroll check with taxes already deducted?

Please feel free to shoot this full of holes.. that is why I am asking.  biggrin


I know some out there will ask why I dont just do the work myself and pay this guy a minimal amount to be the ground guy...   but the reason is..   Im about 6'2 340lbs..  and I have no plans on climbing any ladders anytime soon.



Also, in terms of paying solely on commision.

How is that taxed, or contracted?

If I have a couple of people who want to sell for me, and I offer them an 1/8 of the bid price for a sell..   how does that need to work?

Thanks guys..  

No New Posts   4000 flyers

August 13, 2010

Well this week put out about 4000 post cards... had 2 guys put them on driveways. I got 4 calls so far, 2 complaints saying that we are making their neighborhood look bad. the other said you can't throw them in the driveways no soliciting etc etc then she said that the neighbors are talking bad about our company because we put them on the driveways. but have two estimates to do today. I wanted to know what you thought about that....should i just do door hangers, it would take a lot longer to pass out? thanks guys

No New Posts   North Vs. South

September 6, 2010

Ok Boys, it's that time of year again when the Birds fly south for the winter.

So here are a couple questions for the Northern Boys (Girls)
1. When does work slack off due to the Birds?
2. What do you do to compensate?
3. When do YOUR Birds come back?
4. Do you lick your wounds or prepare for battle in a few months?
5. Have you thought about tracking the Birds and working in the South?

Southern Boys
1. When do your Birds show up
2. How long till you hear from them
3. What % of your winter work is for the Birds?
4. When do YOUR Birds leave?
5. What do you do in anticipation of their arrival (sales)

Feel free to add to the questions....

By the way Happy Labor Day to All!

Started By: Washed-up

Comments: 11

Views: 1144

Last Post: Sep 8, 2010 by Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367

 
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