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Post Info TOPIC: Where do you, as a member of the RCIA want this board to go?


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Where do you, as a member of the RCIA want this board to go?
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This letter is to all RCIA Members,

Recently I have been dealing with some personal and business matters and have not been around as much as I would have liked lately but its peak season and I am not going to sit and wait for the work to come to me.

In this economy, if you aren't getting after it someone else is going to come in and undercut you and win the job. I don't know about you all but I need to work all I can.

In my opinion, if the phones aren't ringing like you want them to, its time to start beating the bushes again, know what I mean?

And I don't know about you all but for me, in my small community and in my small business, this economy has not been playing favorites, its effecting EVERYONE and with cutbacks and paycuts and forclosures everywhere you turn, this has economic climate has got to be hurting more than just me in my neck of the woods. I sincerely hope you are doing more business in your local area and if so, god's speed and congratulations.

Well enough said in that department...moving on....

I want to say that I really hope that this board, its info, and its terrific membership has helped to support you and guide you to a profitable year in the roof cleaning business and welcome to all the new members and hello again to all the members I know but haven't been so personally active with recently. I haven't forgot about you all, I have just had my hands very full lately.

Recently, we had to temporarily ban a member, our very first ban. I really did not like to do this and it was done with much thought and reservation but after having one of our volunteer moderators call me and tell me what what was occurring in a recent thread I personally read the posts and decided to take action as this was not the first time this has occurred with this very vocal member.

If after thirty days you all want hime to resume his posting activities and he agrees to abide by the board rules we will continue and reactivate his membership.

That is all I have to say about that matter at this time.

Now, I would like to call your attention to a more pressing matter. Here is my recent thoughts on the board and its future.

It seems to me as of late, the we have said most everything we can say about roof cleaning and cleaning agents and rigs and hose diameter, and that may be why "the natives are restless".

We can only speak about the same thing over and over in just so many different ways without being utterly redundant.

So what's next? I have a lot of ideas and plans for the board and the industry but do you want to hear from me?

I have been quiet now for a little while hoping to see where you all would like to take the discussions on the board, as a group member community.

But we are just a forum. My questions are?

Where do you want this board to go?

What detailed opinions can you bring to light to help us get there?

Do you all want to participate in taking this to the next level as an legitamite association?

Do you care? How much do you care about this as a way of life? Does this forum even really matter? We have huge membership but less than 100 active posters?

Are you just a weekend warrior with no more thought to this other than this is a good way to make some summertime money? Thats cool if that is all it is too you but let us all know where your heart is?

Some of us, like myself LOVE this business and are passionate enough to dream about it. Yes, I said dream and daydream and plan between jobs what we can do better and where have meade mistakes we ask, " How can I improve or make my businees even better"?

Speak your mind, everyone.  I urge you to consider the future of this forum.

I challenge you to take a blank legal pad and write down as many earthshaking, atom shattering, roof cleaning, business building, marketing strategizing,  head scratching, RCIA directions and coordinates so that we can juice this forum up.

Lets take it to the next level!  What about it guys? Did I get anyone's blood pumping even a little?

If your as passionate about this concept as I am, its time to get fired up and get on board as things may be ready to REALLY get fun again. 

Fall and winter are coming, do you know how to properluy winterize you rig? I do and I may just tell you, if you PM me, lol.

What can you share here, on this board to make us all better at what we do, huh?

I encourage all the board veterans to start to put our heads together.

Again, I have a huge amount of ideas and plans but I am only here for you, as a volunteer on this board.

I will reserve my written plans, once I have seen an interest and some enthusiasm in this thread, plus I really like hearing what all you members have to say. Some of you come up with soem very, very COOL stuff.

In fact all of us that help to make this board run smoothly don't and haven't got paid a red cent from this board for our time. We do it because it is one of our passions as well as work.

I bring this up because many have taken freely of the detailed info that took many of us that share it, years to learn, and some seem to so easily and readily read it print it, digeast it and us all that knowledge then without so much as a sincere thank you, many discount what some of us worked so hard to figure out and to build from nothing so they could obtain it for practically nothing and utlize it to make a living.

We should do well to tread lightly with others ideals and passions that some have worked so hard for to just share for the betterment of all in this industry, mostly for volunteer wages.

Enough of that, pardon me. Anyway....

Again, I ask all who dare to take the "yellow pad" challenge. Think, remember all the little timesavers you came up with while you were cleaning roofs this summer and paost this info for all to share and benefit from and while your at it, please brainstorm about where you want to see the RCIA eveolve into in the next 6,12,18, 24, 36 months and beyond?

I and I am sure many here will really appreciate your insights and wisdom and ideas so please post them ALL on this thread and keep it topic specific?

Thanks for reading my rant and have a profitable day.

Your Roof Cleaning Brother,

David-RCIA assistant admin./Roof Clean USA-Operations Manager 

Ps. I sincerely, really would like to hear from our membership? That would be you, so speak up and step up to the plate and take a swing at my challenge and see what YOU can come up with?

I appreciate you all and hope you have a profitable day.

-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Friday 21st of August 2009 02:55:10 AM

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Dave I believe Pat was right but not for the same reasons. We need to close this forum and make it a paid membership. Not to keep competition from starting up but so that RCIA may do more for it's members. The information is available in other places on the web but it is not as readily available as it is here. I would have paid for this information and have donated and will again. Heck I know of 2 starters within 80 miles of me, one just starting and the other has his rig together and has cleaned a roof. Both have contacted me because of this forum.

I would say $100 initial membership and $25 per month subscription or something like that. Initial fee would not be enough to cover costs and it would probably bring the membership down to less than 200 members. One caveat to that is we do need to get the domain (roofcleaninginstitute.org) that Chris reserved up and running to provide information to potential customers so that they may see we are using the truely correct methods for roof cleaning. Maybe a section that can list RCIA members like a find a contractor page. I know it is not a lot of money, heck if we dropped to 100 members then it would still be $2500 per month or $30k per year. I belong to another org that I am paying $$45 per month for.

Even if moderators remain as volunteers, RCIA can do alot with 30K for it's members. I will try ot think of more but that is all that comes to mind at the moment.

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I was going to save my comments for later when I had some time to really sit down and put my thoughts together, but the thread just keeps slipping further and further down the recent list.

Sooooo.....................

One of the main things I would like to see this board become is a nationally recognized presence. I would like to see the RCIA be synonomous with roof cleaning! The board could become a powerful association that markets itself and it's members. People looking for roof cleaning contractors would look to the RCIA to find someone in their area. Commercial accounts looking for roof cleaning would come to us as the authority on roof cleaning. We could use our member status as leverage for buying equipment and chemicals.

Since I have an automotive background, I can compare the RCIA to ASE Certified Technicians. When you go to get your car fixed, you look for places that employ ASE certified technicians! This certification gives people a sense of comfort and trust. It tells them that the people working on your car know what they are doing! ASE started as a very small association and has grown to a nationally recognized organization that is growing across the world. General Motors, Chrysler and Ford all require their technicians to be ASE certified in order to be 100 Factory Trained!

I have a lot of other thoughts, but I need to write them down before I try to type them here. I just wanted to see this post back up in the recent list

Dave, I hope this is what you were looking for.

Brian

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I agree with making this a paid 'Organization'. It will give us all credibility. I am getting frustrated with contractors in my area that have no idea what they are doing and they are getting jobs over me mainly because PM do not really see the difference as of yet in terms of accreditation and certification.
I got a call about an hour ago from a contractor asking how I clean roofs because he just landed a job consisting of 25 x 10 unit apt buildings. He told me he doesn't have a clue how to go about cleaning them. WHY in Gods name did he win that bid!!! I told him that he needs to educate himself first by taking the time and the effort to become part of good organizations and LEARN.
Sorry for the rant but this guy just pissed me off... and no I didn't tell him my method. I told him I charge a consulting fee.

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I hear ya Nick. I should have a 1-900 service and charge $5/minute LOL!

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One thing I wanted to add and forgot on the original post. I don't think that RCIA should be used as a vehicle to restrict competition. Like I said there are at least 2 that have started or going to start within 80 miles of me and there are plenty of roofs for all of us to do. As long as we don't get into a price war then everyone wins and business thrives. I don't think either of these 2 gentlemen would engage in that practice. I welcome them. They are both on here so I know they will learn the correct way like I did.

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confuseLets do it ! I agree with all the above $100 up front $10-20 a month and lets pay the big guys ,hell look what they did for us and will continue to do , yes we will most likely lose 80% of the members  , that will just leave the BEST in the USA smile i would like to see a certificate and an id card showing that we are certified roof cleaners lets do it Dave

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I would really appreciate a paid organization. I have a feeling that in a matter of time there are going to be as many roof cleaners as there are lawn mowers because of the free info that this forum puts out. We would really do us a favor in the long run for those that are so serious about roof cleaning. My vote is to make it a paid forum by Jan 2010.

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Dave,

I am very pumped about the future of the RCIA and the roof cleaning industry. I am not a weekend warrior. This is my bread and butter and how I feed my family. I am extremely appreciative to the RCIA and all the members who have freely given their time and knowledge for the betterment of our members and trade. Dave, I too think about roof cleaning a lot and I think what we do is awesome. For the money, nothing has more of a positive impact on the look of a home than roof cleaning. It is a very cost effective facelift that the average Joe can afford to do to their home. That's awesome and I'm proud and pumped to offer this service. I am an instant gratification type person and I like to see the fruits of my labor quickly so this line of work is right up my alley. I was on cloud nine when I left my first job and I saw first hand what I could do with what I had learned here. Moving on...

I agree with you that you can only talk about pumps, rigs, hoses etc... before you've beaten that horse to death. I'm sure a lot of the veteran's are tired of talking about it. Here are some ideas that I put together that would be taking the RCIA to the next level in my mind.

-Create how to videos on rig sets, spraying techniques, safety tips among other things.
-Magazine or newsletter
-More education to the public on what roof cleaning is and why it should be done. This industry is virtually unheard of in my area.
-Training schools for certifications, different levels of certifications
-Technical support help line. (This person would definitely be paid)
-Trade shows with seminars, new product lines, workshops, etc...
-Approved suppliers that give discounts to members
-Create a section on the website where members can sell/trade equipment
-Maybe offer complete rigs already setup for sale
-Create a "Code of Conduct" or "Rules of the Game" that if you are a certified roof cleaner you only engage in practices that are RCIA approved. This is a little vague but I hope you see what I'm getting at.

That's all I got for now.

I agree that there should be a membership fee if we are going to take this to the next level, not because I want to close people out, but frankly some of the things I threw out would take money to make happen. I think there should be paid positions within the RCIA. If you look at a lot of major organizations there are tons of volunteers, but there are also some paid positions that are vital to running the organization.

This organization will be what we as the members make it to be. I am happy to do whatever it takes to make the RCIA as great as we can make it. This is a great organization with great members, so lets take this to the next level. I'm pumped and I stand with you Dave.

Let's keep this at the top of the recent posts. Everyone has ideas so lets hear them.



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I agree with Dustin.
I am new here but I would be happy to pay for the info found here. But even more, I love the support. As a firefighter I know the value of a "brotherhood" based on a career path. You guys have created that here, a brotherhood.
I am determined to be certified by this institute because, to me, that means something.
I too am excited about this business. It is the most impressive thing for the housing industry that I have seen in decades, maybe ever. The difference it makes in a properties curb appeal and property value are amazing.
I too will do whatever I can to help make RCIA even better.
Patrick

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You ALL are the future of this great and valid market segment called "non pressure roof cleaning".

The info you are ALL providing here in this thread WILL help shape, the future, of the forum and the direction of the roof cleaning services industry.

All of you are to be highly commended for taking the time to provide insight for the sake of our brotherhood of contract cleaners in the roof cleaning industry.

Thank you to ALL of you and keep the TERRIFIC ideas and strategies flowing!

Respectfully,

David Westerman
Roof Clean USA- Operations Manager
RCIA- Asst. Forum Administrator


-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Saturday 29th of August 2009 05:40:28 PM

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Hey, hope all is well. Been checking in on you guys from time to time, and I see the problem I addressed in the begining is finally bothering the other legit roof cleaning companies out there. I noticed that the board has almost 1000 members but only maybe 20 legit companies that offer anything or do roofs right. People come here to ask the same questions over and over again. That is why I don't post here much anymore. Business is not slow its the large number of hacks out there reading these treads then going out and cleaning roofs for 2 or 3 hundred dollars. We have at least 6 wanna be's out here that did maybe 1 roof a week if lucky.  The only reason they do roofs is cause they undercut by hundreds, with an S. We found out that they all say there are rci certified. Our name comes up certified but we don't even tell anyone cause it has no credit right now. We have found a way around the hacks and now get most of their roofs also. I know some of you are dealing with what we were so here are my ideas for this. After all don't complain if you don't have a solution, right?

I blame it on this site, but don't get me wrong the site and idea are good if properly done.
1st, delete all the members with 5 or less post. They are just window shoppers and to lazy to do there own due dilligence. 2nd Start charging for membership either up front or monthly. 3rd Make some kind of FAQ's section so that people quit asking the same dumb a$% questions over and over again. The rest of you, share good info privately with those who ask and those who actually contribute, don't just give out the kfc recipe any more. It has gotten out of control and this is becoming as common as pressure washing. Soon Lowes will be reading the site so they can start selling home roof cleaning machines. My best  suggestion is to give the rci some exclusivity and we can stop breeding hacks like the ones here in Wilmington.


That is my rant for the day. Hope to see this site get fixed cause I did enjoy posting here and I do see the potentional.

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Roof Rejuvenators Roof Cleaning Wilmington, NC (888) 366-3051 wrote:

Hey, hope all is well. Been checking in on you guys from time to time, and I see the problem I addressed in the begining is finally bothering the other legit roof cleaning companies out there. I noticed that the board has almost 1000 members but only maybe 20 legit companies that offer anything or do roofs right. People come here to ask the same questions over and over again. That is why I don't post here much anymore. Business is not slow its the large number of hacks out there reading these treads then going out and cleaning roofs for 2 or 3 hundred dollars. We have at least 6 wanna be's out here that did maybe 1 roof a week if lucky.  The only reason they do roofs is cause they undercut by hundreds, with an S. We found out that they all say there are rci certified. Our name comes up certified but we don't even tell anyone cause it has no credit right now. We have found a way around the hacks and now get most of their roofs also. I know some of you are dealing with what we were so here are my ideas for this. After all don't complain if you don't have a solution, right?

I blame it on this site, but don't get me wrong the site and idea are good if properly done.
1st, delete all the members with 5 or less post. They are just window shoppers and to lazy to do there own due dilligence. 2nd Start charging for membership either up front or monthly. 3rd Make some kind of FAQ's section so that people quit asking the same dumb a$% questions over and over again. The rest of you, share good info privately with those who ask and those who actually contribute, don't just give out the kfc recipe any more. It has gotten out of control and this is becoming as common as pressure washing. Soon Lowes will be reading the site so they can start selling home roof cleaning machines. My best  suggestion is to give the rci some exclusivity and we can stop breeding hacks like the ones here in Wilmington.


That is my rant for the day. Hope to see this site get fixed cause I did enjoy posting here and I do see the potentional.




Hi, I'm one of the non posters that has been just reading.  I have been cleaning roofs for years with bleach and sureflows part time.  It's no secret,  why I come here is to pick up the online tips, I'm trying to put together a website currently.  My thoughts concerning to blame this site for the influx of hacks are no way!  The economy is terrible atm and people are out trying to make ends meet.  The hacks that everyone is speaking about will drive themselves out of business because the don't know how to run a business.  Many of you think this is a high skill trade? And or using bleach to clean house and roof mold is a secret?  No different than painting,  simple easy learning curve and who doesn't know bleach kills mold?

Obviously, the purpose of this forum is to gain internet exposure,  not teach people how to clean mold and algae with bleach. If it isn't close it...why keep it open then?

 



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I've been p-washing homes since 1989. I wanted to learn how the pros clean roofs because the market here was calling for it. Thanx to everyone. I used to clean roofs before I logged on, but not the proper way.
I have an extensive plumbing and hydroninc heating backround. 14 years experience. Regardless of how long Ive been in the trade I need 4 years of national accredited schooling to take the state exam. I'm now in my 3rd years. They certainly dont make it easy. Used to be you only needed to work 5 years under someone elses license to qualify for the state exam. Why is it so difficult? Because a bad pumber can put peoples lives in danger. You'd be a fool to hire a non-license plumber. My point is, I suppose, if you cannot show the possibility of great personal or financial loss, people may not recognize a licensing, or in this case certification, as relevant or crucial.


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If it were that simple you would be doing it full time for a living like some of us. Its the " its just cleaning a roof with bleach" mentality that kills the rest of us. We do roofs that most of the posters here don't know a thing about and we are also into cedar shake restoration while the hacks run around lowballing the asphalt jobs cause thats all they know, from reading our posts. All you did is validate my hack rant. Keep cleaning roofs for 200 bucks with clorox. P.S If you were doing things right you wouldn't be hurt by the economy right now. People clean roofs more now cause they can't afford new ones. Bussiness has never been better. As you said about driving themselves out by not knowing how to run a bussiness, you have been doing this for years and are still trying to put together a website, weird huh?





-- Edited by Roof Rejuvenators Roof Cleaning Wilmington, NC (888) 366-3051 on Wednesday 23rd of September 2009 07:37:39 PM

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You missed my point,  completely.  I'm a teacher and we have the summers off btw...

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you have some good points...also i feel your pain I've been outbidded by some bleach cowboy 2 times this  week.the guy go's to wal-mart buys 20 gal's of bleach.then runs around the roof. also he is working off my advertisement.  the guy works out of the back of his broken down car.it has gotten to the point that i am no longer upset at him i feel sorry for him....

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If it were that simple you would be doing it full time for a living like some of us. Its the " its just cleaning a roof with bleach" mentality that kills the rest of us. We do roofs that most of the posters here don't know a thing about and we are also into cedar shake restoration while the hacks run around lowballing the asphalt jobs cause thats all they know, from reading our posts. All you did is validate my hack rant. Keep cleaning roofs for 200 bucks with clorox. P.S If you were doing things right you wouldn't be hurt by the economy right now. People clean roofs more now cause they can't afford new ones. Bussiness has never been better. As you said about driving themselves out by not knowing how to run a bussiness, you have been doing this for years and are still trying to put together a website, weird huh?




I thought we were stopping this kind of negativity!



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I have been posting and reading til my eyes bleed for a month or so. I wish you all could see how long someone is logged in and reading. Chris from Apple was kind enough to take my phone call, nice as could be and guided me here. I still have not set up my rig because I am just not ready at this point. I do not want to be a weekend cleaner....I want to do this the right way, but times are tough.
I got 3 kids at home and one in college with Xmas around the corner. I am going to make sure I do it right if I do it, thats why I read, read, read.
I have asked a few questions here and there, but for the most part I read.

Would I like to see this Board go somewhere? Yes
Can I afford it? Not yet
If i were just slingin clorox on a roof and running to the bank, yes I could. But again, not til Im ready.
So, that being said...If you were to charge for membership like PWNA, UAMCC, and a ton of other places...No. And thats just because of the times, not because its not worth it, because I think it is.

Many Thanks,
Dwayne


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By the way....
Some small things I would like to see.

Swap Shop.
A place to put used rigs that you dont need for newbees to purchace.

Clothes Line.
Where to get RCIA logos to add to your flyers, shirts and hats....etc.

Coffee Shop.
A get together of local cleaners in your area to sit, converse and just shoot the s@#t.

I dont think there is a need for conventions like PWNA has, they charge up to 3-500 to see them. I would rather meet you at a BBQ in someones back yard. Im a jeans and flip flop kinda guy....

Dwayne


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Lake Marion Citrus & Sumter Counties in Florida


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