There have been many people in the past, both contractors and vendors who have hosted events ( some multiple ones) and some continue to do so. For example, Tom & Barbara hold them twice a year in PA. Maybe it would make better sense to have one in say...NJ were there are not any held? Or say....Virginia which had one once, but has not for years? Spread the love around...
Also - that whole "old ways" thing....that whole "banding together" thing....it's nothing new, other than we are operating outside of an organization rather than from a place of membership and conventions. We are a fragmented, dysfunctional industry in many ways. Not knocking it, it's what it is, but it is that way. Hopefully this will change. It's not as though all the people who have made efforts before were wrong - not that at all actually. It's not like there is a new breed that suddenly has all the right answers. I hope something solid happens in this industry. We need it. Everyone is searching for something. Lots of people want to help. But you know what's kinda sad? There is an org, you may not like it but there is, and they are hurting and need help, and rather than suck it up and help, everyone is prepared to walk away from it. That....is sad.
Ok...off my soapbox.
Beth
The PWNA was given and open invite to join me, if you recall when I started round tables up back in 2001 the PWNA was given the program in 2004 and it was put by the side.
I know your history with the PWNA doesn’t travel as far back because at the time you were a newbie on the block and learning the ropes. Beth your dedication to the PWNA was wonderful, in the end you got shoved by the way side also. I wish no ill to the PWNA, If they came and said Ron I heard that you wanted to promote the org thru round tables again. I would help, will I seek them out? Doc has mentioned this to the current leaders and thus far no response. I offered a formal proposal to Boost the membership and get some money coming in. Still waiting and will continue to keep moving forward.
Some are confused and my intentions, I’m not starting a national org. I’m simply getting to know my fellow contract cleaner, in each and every place I travel I learn about the markets. Bama was very interesting to me, it reminded me of 1989. People still not sure what PW is, how refreshing yet disturbing. 13 years we have had a pressure washing org. people; business owner, children and everyone else that might use us don’t even know we exist.
I have offered to help the PWNA, the problem is that they cannot do it alone.
Besides I heard they are having a convention, from my understanding it will be in Chicago.
Here we are again, two years later and still talking about what could of, should of, or would of.
Beth, Like everyone I extend the offer to you to have a Maryland round table. A small gathering of fellow contractors in your backyard. (Feel the benefits of the meeting and greeting the guys closest to you.)
You have one of the most popular BBS on the web, Network with others and feel the power and structure of building relations with your local contractors.
The foundations for PWNA where never built, it has been held together primarily for dist, education and vendor use. (Associate Members)
Its time, Evolution can’t be stopped. The movement is happening and contractors are networking and learning that they can save and make more money working together and we will rid this industries plague and rise up and for once be recognized and a true profession.
To truly be together one needs to understand the benefits, I have been trying to unite the industry as a whole for years. Other fields in our industry are advanced more than the main stream.
The segments of this industry are vast, it’s quickly growing and no one will truly be able to stop what on the horizon. It happened in past industry with rapid growth and will continue to happen in ours.
This is just a funny ignorant statement I have heard many make. We have been hurting since LOWES started advertising PW on TV. I can’t wait for LOWE and Walmart to start marketing PW for ME. You see we are worried about a home owner buying a PW when in fact until he watched the commercial he didn’t even know what one was. Lowes , HD and others help us with selling and make the consumer more aware. (DYI) people will always be DYI. For everyone DYI that see the commercial 20 will see it and think I wonder if we can hire someone instead of buying another tool that will sit in the garage.
Today, network with someone, call a friend and ask them to refer. Or just call and extraction company and let them know you PW. Call a restoration company and let them know you PW. CALL SOMEONE!!!!!! Don’t wait by the phone pick it up and call.