I did it, i had enough!!!!!

starbrite

starbrite

New member
Ive been thinking about it for awhile now but havent had the guts to do it. Two weeks ago it was my foreman then a couple moreafter that, tomorrow will be the last of seven. I FIRED THEM ALL! Tired of all of the BS, things are slowing down to managable levels. I CAN DO IT MYSELF. Yesterday and today I did a 196 unit apt complex (buildings) for 3640, no payroll, no breakdowns that couldnt be fixed with common sense and about 3150 net in my pocket. No more full of themselves pressure washers, no BS no drama. I am going to take a lesson from William Page and take a few guys that want to work, no experience, and train them myself to do it the right way, my way! By spring when things are out of control again I should have a few reasonably priced pw crews back out there handling things. I have six months to work with them. For now though, my window cleaners better be ready to fill in and get dirty, hell, one or two of them might work out.
 
That takes some balls!!! If they are out of control, that was your best bet. Take the responsibility and learn from your management mistakes. If you get that one good guy, pay him what he is worth and make him a real team player. This could be the best or worst thing you have ever done, but the balls in your court.

Good luck and stay positive!
 
I had to can a crew leader last week myself. So I spent a lot more time behind the wand for the last two weeks then I have been quite a while. Realize that it really ain't so bad and I kind of miss it. Congratulations on taking the initiative and making a change.
 
Bad employees are just that..... Bad employees! Unfortunately the world is full of them. When you do find an exceptional, hard working employee you need to make sure you pay them very well. The extra money you pay them is far less than what you lose with poor work, broken equipment and poor production. People tell me I am crazy when I tell them what I pay my main guys, but I don't have turn over and they work the same way that I do when I am on the job.

Brian
 
I have been known to call my wife on the way back to the yard and tell her to have the checks ready. One time, it was the worst possible week. It all worked out though, and the survivors flew straight for a very long time.
 
HA HA Scott, the only survivors are my window cleaners and they have been with me since I started. They have seen them come and go by the bus load. They have tightened up a bit since Ive been on my strict no BS rampage the last two weeks. Brian, you are so right. When I find the right people I really take care of them. The one that is going tomorrow makes more than I do some weeks and that is why Im so pissed that he stole from me. He doesnt know that I know yet but he will when he gets his check and pink slip.
 
If they are lying or ripping you off, they are going to find more ways to take advantage until this happens. Employees are the biggest expense of any business, and therefor need to be your most productive asset.

@ Ray, Employees tend to respect a boss more that is willing to pick up a tool and get in the trenches once in a while with them. I know I always respected the boss that was like that, more than the suit.
 
That is a big step and will change things a lot and the remaining guys will have more respect for you and see that you are serious so it will make them work a little better and be cautious for a while.

Good luck.
 
Good luck, I know cleaning house can be liberating and stressful at the same time. You are definately better off than dealing with a bunch of rotten apples. I hope it all works out.
 
I have been very, very luck in my years. My foreman is phenomenal and two of my other three employees are excellent also. I judge them based on the amount of complimentary phone calls I get from my customers. Customers praising your guys is the best feedback you can get. My employees are the main reason for most of my referrals. I give most of the estimates and the employees are "my company" when the work is being done.
 
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