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RCIA Founder

RE: Lurkers and newbies...

Guest

I know Chris, some of the guys I had talked to aren't even registered on this forum.
And as Dave said, they want us to CONVINCE them it's worth their time.
The best information is here at RCIA and those who choose to take advantage of it for FREE are the ones who will have a leg up in this business.

Jeff

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:

I know Chris, some of the guys I had talked to aren't even registered on this forum.
And as Dave said, they want us to CONVINCE them it's worth their time.
The best information is here at RCIA and those who choose to take advantage of it for FREE are the ones who will have a leg up in this business.

Jeff

BINGO!

Well Said, Jeff and Chris!

If they don't get it?

More business for those that do?

Kleen Roof and Exterior Cleaning · Apr 14, 2009

I could not agree with you more.. �There is no other small business that a person could start and get all the needed info on how to do it, what works, what doesn't.

�All of the veterans on here have gone above and beyond in helping us newbies get started just by the posts on here. In this business, just like any, there are trade secrets that guys have, and we shouldn't expect them to hand them out. We have to go for it, and figure out the best way for us with the info that has been given. �Who knows, maybe one of us newbies will stumble onto something that will have everyone calling us. �Think about it.

Guest

whynot me wrote:
I could not agree with you more.. �There is no other small business that a person could start and get all the needed info on how to do it, what works, what doesn't.
�All of the veterans on here have gone above and beyond in helping us newbies get started just by the posts on here. In this business, just like any, there are trade secrets that guys have, and we shouldn't expect them to hand them out. We have to go for it, and figure out the best way for us with the info that has been given. �Who knows, maybe one of us newbies will stumble onto something that will have everyone calling us. �Think about it.
�

�Thanks!!� Good understanding post!!

Jeff

�

Guest

Well said everyone. I have mixed feelings, just as Dave does. I WANT to help and pay it forward like the guys who helped me out when I first started. BUT, I will not spoon feed just anybody who calls me. So, for ALL the lurkers, newbies, etc, here is my message:

DO NOT enter this business just to make money or "because I see a good market for it in my area". there's good markets for everything. Choose something else if you're doing it for the money. I'm serious. Choose something else if you're doing it because you lost your job. Choose something else if you're doing it because "you think it would be a great add-on service to your landscaping business".

REAL, GENUINE, PASSIONATE ROOF CLEANERS do it because WE LOVE IT! Yes, the money is good, but the money is good in plumbing toilets too. We do it because we have a passion for it. We do it because we enjoy the look on the homeowner's face when they realized that we just showed them and the rest of the neighborhood a magic trick. We do it because we were BORN TO CLEAN ROOFS!

We are a brotherhood. We are the Roof Cleaning Institute of America!

��

kfish · Guest

Guilty as charged. I too am a newbie and a lurker. I have made a phone call trying to get some information. I have been reading on the post for weeks. A couple of those days I have spent nearly 8 - 10 hours straight reading and searching. I am greatful for the knowledge here and intend to keep learning. Some of us new guys want to be part of the brotherhood of roof cleaners. I understand that some people are just trying to make a little dough and not motivated by anything else. Money does make the world go round, but helping others out is just a gratifiying. I have been in a position to train others in my previous job and plenty times I got frustrated especially when someone was just expecting you to hold their hand. Ocassionally their were others that just HAVE IT to work hard and learn by doing. On the job training is essential to have one perform more effectively and this forum has been extremely valuable. I just feel like a sponge that may need a little wringing.

Now get off the computer and get out there and make America beautiful from the Roof down.

RCIA Founder

kfish wrote:

Guilty as charged. I too am a newbie and a lurker. I have made a phone call trying to get some information. I have been reading on the post for weeks. A couple of those days I have spent nearly 8 - 10 hours straight reading and searching. I am greatful for the knowledge here and intend to keep learning. Some of us new guys want to be part of the brotherhood of roof cleaners. I understand that some people are just trying to make a little dough and not motivated by anything else. Money does make the world go round, but helping others out is just a gratifiying. I have been in a position to train others in my previous job and plenty times I got frustrated especially when someone was just expecting you to hold their hand. Ocassionally their were others that just HAVE IT to work hard and learn by doing. On the job training is essential to have one perform more effectively and this forum has been extremely valuable. I just feel like a sponge that may need a little wringing.

Now get off the computer and get out there and make America beautiful from the Roof down.

And - Guys Like YOU that READ the forum and USE the Search function will always get help from us biggrin

�

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

Roof Cleaning Evansville Indiana 270 860 7894 wrote:

�
Well said everyone. I have mixed feelings, just as Dave does. I WANT to help and pay it forward like the guys who helped me out when I first started. BUT, I will not spoon feed just anybody who calls me. So, for ALL the lurkers, newbies, etc, here is my message:

DO NOT enter this business just to make money or "because I see a good market for it in my area". there's good markets for everything. Choose something else if you're doing it for the money. I'm serious. Choose something else if you're doing it because you lost your job. Choose something else if you're doing it because "you think it would be a great add-on service to your landscaping business".

REAL, GENUINE, PASSIONATE ROOF CLEANERS do it because WE LOVE IT! Yes, the money is good, but the money is good in plumbing toilets too. We do it because we have a passion for it. We do it because we enjoy the look on the homeowner's face when they realized that we just showed them and the rest of the neighborhood a magic trick. We do it because we were BORN TO CLEAN ROOFS!

We are a brotherhood. We are the Roof Cleaning Institute of America!
�

Well Said Kevin!

Two Thumbs And Two Toes Up!

The Brotherhood of Roof Cleaners Institute Of America!

You have to Love It to Clean It......

�

Guest

Yes the help is here, all you have to do is search and ask. I was getting to the point where I could tell who was actually reading and who wasn't,..I was being asked questions that were so basic and already well covered in posts,...that's when it started getting old.

Jeff

-- Edited by Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 03:49:33 AM

Guest

Ditto that Jeff. That's about the same as I was experiencing. You can tell who's been reading, who wants in for the enjoyment, and who just wants in for the add-on service to their "cleaning company". When I first started, I literally stayed at the computer and read until my eyes would hurt.

Then, I made one (1) phone call to Chris Tucker. Not the black actor who starred in Friday, but the Chris Tucker who literally changed my life.

Tucker talked to me for about 45 minutes BEFORE we ever spoke roofs. He later said he was trying to see whether or not he liked me before he gave out any information. biggrin

That night, Tucker said he realized I had studied, studied, studied. And I also bribed him with a FREE barbecue dinner!

The majority of people who are calling me are asking very basic, simple questions that shows me they haven't discovered the search function yet.

A1CC&PW · Guest

All the information to start a great business is right in front of you. Take the time and read all the passages and you will learn a lot.. I sure have..THANKS GUYS!

completewash · Guest

As a new lurker and newbie I have to say that I greatly appreciate the vast wealth of information available from this site. I currently own/run an outsourced IT business (i.e. - "the computer guy") and I understand some of the trials and tribulations you run into when running a small business. Now I'll cut right to the chase so as to avoid wasting anyone's time.

As I stated, I currently provide outsourced IT services to small businesses. While I enjoy the work, I miss doing "real" work. I'm no stranger to manual labor and I'm hearing the call of the outdoors beckoning me to start a new business. I heard about low pressure roof cleaning a while back and realized that it could be a very enjoyable profession, as well as a very profitable one. Ever since I began reading about the methods and I viewed pictures of the results I now notice dirty roofs everywhere I go. I usually drive between 50 and 200 miles a day visiting clients. That windshield time allows me to see a ton of roofs, many in dire need of cleaning. Oddly enough, this is what has really driven me to start this new business. And now for the details -

A good friend and I are in the building stage of setting up our company and I use this site as a daily reference. I've checked many other forums and so far I have to say this is the most comprehensive. I am allergic to ignorance, so I try to learn as much as possible prior to bothering others with simple questions. I've remained quiet, lurking on the boards and reading as much as possible in an effort to educate myself. Over the next three weeks I should have most of my ducks in a row, e.g. - business license, insurance, equipment, chemicals, etc... While I'm confident in my abilities I still feel like it would be good to work hands-on with someone who has experience in the business. I know that most of you started out with a trailer and a dream but I'm sure you would have jumped on the opportunity to be able to work with a professional who knows ropes. I have emailed one member of this forum in an effort to work out some hands on training and I hope that it works out. I envision meeting up with a current RCIA member and working, obviously without pay, with a crew for a day or two in an effort to obtain the most basic skills and to see everything in action. In addition to trading free labor for hands on experience I have remote computer support sevices to offer. If I need to speak with someone I'd be more than happy to exchange remote support to remedy any software related computer issues you may have.

Again, thank you all for providing so much valuable information. Sites like this are absolutley invaluable in helping the newbies, as well as the industry.

Scott

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

Hi and Welcome Scott,

Yes there is plenty to learn here Lurk on!!!
Please post as you learn and ask lots of questions, you will get plenty of support here!! Use the search bar if you arn't already.

Take a look at the other members signatures and try to create a similar one as it will give customers and us a way to see your website (if you have one) as well as easy contact info for potential customers.

Trials and tribulations.....whatever could you mean lol confuse

I think it is great that you have reached out to try and get some field training, that should help alot, especially if you are not familiar with ladder work.

Thanks for joining and read read read... Enjoy, I look forward to seeing your future posts.

Balyki · Guest

Hey Guys,

I too am an newbee to the site although I've been lurking in the site shadow for a while before registering this week. I too have reached out for the same "hands on" training Scott is looking for. I have read a lot here and have learned tons of info; but, I believe I would learn a ton more by being there to help/observe. With the info I've found on this site, I have cleaned a couple roofs but believe I have a lot to learn-and I want to learn from the best.

I am willing to drive several hrs for learning/hands on training from the Savannah, Ga area. I would even be willing to pay for it as if it were a seminar.

Thanks,
Roger
Advanced Pressure Wash
www.PressureWashSavannah.com

RICH/SUNSHINE ROOF WASH · Guest

How's it going Jeff? We've had a few nice days here and there but nothing consistant. I knocked out my first ten jobs with much success and the calls continue to roll in!!!! I hooked up with a realtor, I cleaned a small 200 sq ft section of her garage for free and she did a presentation for me at her weekly sales agent meeting. I've already had a few referrals from that. So, long story short, I've had a great start and appreciate all your help.......thanks again..........Rich

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

Balyki wrote:

Hey Guys,

I too am an newbee to the site although I've been lurking in the site shadow for a while before registering this week. I too have reached out for the same "hands on" training Scott is looking for. I have read a lot here and have learned tons of info; but, I believe I would learn a ton more by being there to help/observe. With the info I've found on this site, I have cleaned a couple roofs but believe I have a lot to learn-and I want to learn from the best.

I am willing to drive several hrs for learning/hands on training from the Savannah, Ga area. I would even be willing to pay for it as if it were a seminar.

Thanks,
Roger
Advanced Pressure Wash
www.PressureWashSavannah.com

Hi Roger,

Welcome to the RCIA!

I hope you take the time to read, read, then use the SEARCH feature and read some more, then post, post post.

I visited your website and it looks like you have a thriving business in the pressure cleaning segment.

Adding roof cleaning will be a natural progression for you but you will need to adjust your idea of what cleaning is and how it is done without pressure, as opposed to WITH pressure.

Hang around and learn. Share YOUR experiences and post pictures of your roof jobs and get a solid roof cleaning setup. Spring is here and you have a great market.

Get after it and you may be suprised at how well you do.

Keep in touch.

-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Thursday 23rd of April 2009 10:23:17 PM

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

completewash wrote:

As a new lurker and newbie I have to say that I greatly appreciate the vast wealth of information available from this site. I currently own/run an outsourced IT business (i.e. - "the computer guy") and I understand some of the trials and tribulations you run into when running a small business. Now I'll cut right to the chase so as to avoid wasting anyone's time.

As I stated, I currently provide outsourced IT services to small businesses. While I enjoy the work, I miss doing "real" work. I'm no stranger to manual labor and I'm hearing the call of the outdoors beckoning me to start a new business. I heard about low pressure roof cleaning a while back and realized that it could be a very enjoyable profession, as well as a very profitable one. Ever since I began reading about the methods and I viewed pictures of the results I now notice dirty roofs everywhere I go. I usually drive between 50 and 200 miles a day visiting clients. That windshield time allows me to see a ton of roofs, many in dire need of cleaning. Oddly enough, this is what has really driven me to start this new business. And now for the details -

A good friend and I are in the building stage of setting up our company and I use this site as a daily reference. I've checked many other forums and so far I have to say this is the most comprehensive. I am allergic to ignorance, so I try to learn as much as possible prior to bothering others with simple questions. I've remained quiet, lurking on the boards and reading as much as possible in an effort to educate myself. Over the next three weeks I should have most of my ducks in a row, e.g. - business license, insurance, equipment, chemicals, etc... While I'm confident in my abilities I still feel like it would be good to work hands-on with someone who has experience in the business. I know that most of you started out with a trailer and a dream but I'm sure you would have jumped on the opportunity to be able to work with a professional who knows ropes. I have emailed one member of this forum in an effort to work out some hands on training and I hope that it works out. I envision meeting up with a current RCIA member and working, obviously without pay, with a crew for a day or two in an effort to obtain the most basic skills and to see everything in action. In addition to trading free labor for hands on experience I have remote computer support sevices to offer. If I need to speak with someone I'd be more than happy to exchange remote support to remedy any software related computer issues you may have.

Again, thank you all for providing so much valuable information. Sites like this are absolutley invaluable in helping the newbies, as well as the industry.

Scott

Welcome to the RCIA Scott,

Hope you enjoy and prosper from your membership.

Dave

Guest

RICH/SUNSHINE ROOF WASH wrote:

How's it going Jeff? We've had a few nice days here and there but nothing consistant. I knocked out my first ten jobs with much success and the calls continue to roll in!!!! I hooked up with a realtor, I cleaned a small 200 sq ft section of her garage for free and she did a presentation for me at her weekly sales agent meeting. I've already had a few referrals from that. So, long story short, I've had a great start and appreciate all your help.......thanks again..........Rich

Just getting started Rich!! You're making feel lazy. If you think it's been nice cleaning rofs so far wait till the weather gets warmer,...then you'll see what the buzz is all about,..although it sounds as if you already know what the buzz is all about.

Have lots of work, but I'm really weird about temperatures and waiting patiently, ha,ha!!
Glad it's going well for you.

Jeff

Mobile Prowash · Guest

Here is my opinion of this forum and the guys on here. The forum will teach you about 70% of what you need to know about roof cleaning. When you have question ask here in the forum these guys will give you the advice you need and there will be more than one answer because everyone has their own way of doing things but all will be the right answer. Your choice to which to use. I have not called anyone from the forum but I have talked to Dave and I know that he will help you with anything you need. If you would like to talk to someone ask here first and some of these guys will tell you to call them, if they do, call them on their time they have available.

Stuart

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

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"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"