What it would take for me to join the PWNA

Scott Stone

Scott Stone

New member
I have been a pressure washing contractor foe about 14 years now. I would say that i have achieved a somewaht comfortable level of success. I also understand some thigns that would make any organization more successful. Here are some things that I think would make the PWNA more successful, and would compel me to join.

1. I think that more distributors should be actively contacted to join. The board is already set up sothat the contractors are in charge, so that it would be difficult for the distributors to take over, unless they are like Chris and both a contractor and a distributor. The reason that I feel that more distributor memberships should be solicited is because of two reasons. The first is that it would make more people aware of the PWNA making it a larger and more viable association. If there were more distribtuors involved they would be more likely to actively promote the PWNA to the contractors that they serve.
2. More Manufacturer memberships. This would make the trade shows more interesting. I went to teh last Vegas show, and the displays were pitiful in their number, and a coupel of the exhibitors felt that they had been mislead on how many contractors would be there. Pretty sad since I was in no position of authority. Juswt a contractor that can get people talking.
3. Target more things to helping established contractors. Granted there appear to be more classes at the shows to help established contractors, but I think that the majority are still targeted at the new guys. That makes it appear that the only reason the member distributors are there is to make the sale. Not a bad concept, but what are they going to do for me, the established contractor?
4. A very good step was taken in changing management companies. Now it needs to be made public knowledge what they are doing to help the power washing industry. If they are doing nothing, it is time to change again.
5. From the outside looking in, it appears that the leadership of the PWNA is mostly the same old boys. SOme of them are really good people, and There is no doubt in my mind that Robert, Michael, Daryl et. al. are sincere and giving in their efforts, but every once in a while there needs to be a total change in leadership. I do like the concept of having the immediate psat president higly involved. That does help the continuity of the organization, but I think that after having served as the immediate past president that there needs to be a moratorium on serving in some official capacity, on the executive board.
6. Have the conferences on both coasts, on a regular basis and try some active local chapters, or regional chapters. This would help the PWNA a force to be heard, and an organization that could actively help the contractors market their services.
7. Finally, it appears that the certifications are targeted at two areas of the power washing industry. Hoods and Decks, two areas that use pressure washers in an incidental manner,a nd not as a primary tool. There needs to be other certifications for other major areas of pressure washing, most notably Fleets and Flatwork. I think that these two areas are the basis of the pressure washing industry, yet they are largely ignored.

Well, I don't check in often here, but I just felt that this rant was necessary. I will even drop the gauntlet. If the PWNA can get 30 more paying distributors by the end of January, I will join and become active in the organization. This will include doing what I can to write certifications, programs etc. and making sure that i attend the conferences, no small feat for me. I will even make my signup public at the next convention.

SO what do you say PWNA, do you accpet my challenge?

Scott Stone
 
Scott brings up something that I see as a very big plus but let me give examples in another way so all of you will indeed understand what I am saying.

If there were more distribtuors involved they would be more likely to actively promote the PWNA to the contractors that they serve.

The above is what Scott said, now to give an example, how many times have you gone out and bought something new, DVD, VCR, TV, some other item and once you open it and read all the papers one or two of them offer some sort of free or discounted membership in something?

I just bought my first DVD, in it was an over large ticket offering 15 days of FREE DVDs if I were to join one of those monthly rental clubs, in this case it was Netflix, they had no moneytary claim to the maker of the DVD but still there was a free offer.

Same type of advertising could be included with those distributors and other dealers, include some type of discount or freebies to PWNA members.

Heck offer to pay a part of the first years membership or more based on how much $$$$ was spent with that distributor.

Ok I am stepping off this stump now.

I would love to see some of those distributors post replies here, both the member and many non member ones.

Jon
 
LOL, that would be great, besides sunbrite and delco i see no distributors PWNA members active on the BBS, we have many that choose not to support the PWNA.

I have contacted about 50 in the last week. some are curreently thinking about it and others Flat said no. I had about 8 say they would Join if they could display a banner on the Site.
 
Ron if they want to pay extra to display their banners why not since it increases the money for PWNA.

Still want them to post their reasons, what do they have to loose, they would have more to gain by joining but then it would show their competitors what they are doing.

Now that would be great for all us pressure washers, watching the price wars.

YEAH
 
Ron,
We're new to selling products, but we are active. Do you mean distributor memberships? We are considering that for the new year. :)
Beth
 
Let's see, 51 views on a forum that is less viewed, and not one reply form anyone int eh leadxership of the PWNA.
For me that is curious.

If you want to call me, you have my numbers. If you want me to call you, E-mail me your number, and I will do it on my dime. I want to know why won't make an effort to improve the organization beyond the original scope and marching orders.

Scott
E-Mail The-washer@msn.com

Numbers below.
 
It would be great to have more distributors as members, but alot of them don't want to so they can keep their customers sheltered in their little corner of the world, and not expose them to other places to buy their stuff............I can see the logic there, and I'm not sure how to work around it.

I'm sure it will be something we work on in the near future.........because we certainly want as many people involved as possible.

30 by January? I'm not sure that's possible......but why not try??
 
Mike Hughes saidthey can keep their customers sheltered in their little corner of the world, and not expose them to other places to buy their stuff

And it is exactly that reason I shop around and price others. Also would not buy without enough of a sample to do real testing.

I have found some send a little 2 or 4 oz. sample, not enough to bother with.

I feel if they are afraid to join because they don't want others to see what is out there then they are not being fair to the customers they have.

Or is it they are over charging and don't want their customers to find out?

Ah the possibilities a sneaky company can be like if you open up and think like I do.

I always look at all sides to something and that is what makes me so leery of things.

How often have you seen FREE, nothing to buy, not catch totally FREE? yeah right, nothing is FREE, there is always some catch to it even if it is to get your name and address to sell to some mass marketing company for a junk list.

How I see things.

Jon
 
To Rejoin PWNA what would it take?

The one and only thing that I would ask is that standards be set for the members of PWNA. Now, all you need is $250, what is the pride in that-only until the members are challenged with a competence bar that will reduce the members numbers to a group that is active and competent.

The group is going the other way-low dues and lots of people with limited longevity in the field. The winners will be the people that select subs based on low price and just get by work level.

In two years we will be talking about the same thing. The core problem is that each company does not purchase a good deal of product. If we did everyone would be at the shows. We are in a service labor market with limited purchases. Thus we are limited in the open window of the players that set the rules.

A group of 300 strong has a better chance than a weak group of 1000 or 10,000.

David
 
Scott,

Did you get a chance to read my post over at the pwnabbs.org? It's under Questions & answers forum (so everyone can see) Then it's titled Up the organization, Let's Roll.

It addresses the very things you mentioned , believe me none of these things are new , they have just never been acted upon yet, It's time we have a real membership and disributor campaign. This may take some time but that all depends on the manpower & womenpower we can muster up. and who is willing to spend some time. I'm going to do my best to get the rest of the board going

Thanks
Chris Detter
 
Ron:
The Associate Banners are up now on the PWNA BBS. I have also contacted each of the Associate members via e-mail to let them know about it.


I will also be working with Mike and the Website Committee to implement a tracking script so that we can send the vendors a monthly count on how many people click through to their sites from the PWNA BBS.

We are also working on trying to secure discounts exclusively for PWNA Members. When the PWNA Members are getting discounts and the Associate Members are getting more business as a result, I think you will see a little more activity and support on both sides.
 
Hey Scott........here's a blast from the past :) Looks like much has come full circle!
 
scott stone said:
i have been a pressure washing contractor foe about 14 years now. I would say that i have achieved a somewaht comfortable level of success. I also understand some thigns that would make any organization more successful. Here are some things that i think would make the pwna more successful, and would compel me to join.

1. I think that more distributors should be actively contacted to join. The board is already set up sothat the contractors are in charge, so that it would be difficult for the distributors to take over, unless they are like chris and both a contractor and a distributor. The reason that i feel that more distributor memberships should be solicited is because of two reasons. The first is that it would make more people aware of the pwna making it a larger and more viable association. If there were more distribtuors involved they would be more likely to actively promote the pwna to the contractors that they serve.
2. More manufacturer memberships. This would make the trade shows more interesting. I went to teh last vegas show, and the displays were pitiful in their number, and a coupel of the exhibitors felt that they had been mislead on how many contractors would be there. Pretty sad since i was in no position of authority. Juswt a contractor that can get people talking.
3. Target more things to helping established contractors. Granted there appear to be more classes at the shows to help established contractors, but i think that the majority are still targeted at the new guys. That makes it appear that the only reason the member distributors are there is to make the sale. Not a bad concept, but what are they going to do for me, the established contractor?
4. A very good step was taken in changing management companies. Now it needs to be made public knowledge what they are doing to help the power washing industry. If they are doing nothing, it is time to change again.
5. From the outside looking in, it appears that the leadership of the pwna is mostly the same old boys. Some of them are really good people, and there is no doubt in my mind that robert, michael, daryl et. Al. Are sincere and giving in their efforts, but every once in a while there needs to be a total change in leadership. I do like the concept of having the immediate psat president higly involved. That does help the continuity of the organization, but i think that after having served as the immediate past president that there needs to be a moratorium on serving in some official capacity, on the executive board.
6. Have the conferences on both coasts, on a regular basis and try some active local chapters, or regional chapters. This would help the pwna a force to be heard, and an organization that could actively help the contractors market their services.
7. Finally, it appears that the certifications are targeted at two areas of the power washing industry. Hoods and decks, two areas that use pressure washers in an incidental manner,a nd not as a primary tool. There needs to be other certifications for other major areas of pressure washing, most notably fleets and flatwork. I think that these two areas are the basis of the pressure washing industry, yet they are largely ignored.

Well, i don't check in often here, but i just felt that this rant was necessary. I will even drop the gauntlet. If the pwna can get 30 more paying distributors by the end of january, i will join and become active in the organization. This will include doing what i can to write certifications, programs etc. And making sure that i attend the conferences, no small feat for me. I will even make my signup public at the next convention.

So what do you say pwna, do you accpet my challenge?

Scott stone
Click to expand...

lololol
 
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