Bobby from Lumberton, TX

[cajuntexan1969]

Hello PWI and all of the members and staff here. Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Bobby Wheeler and I will be starting Hydro Services Power Wash in March of 2010. I have 22 years experience in the industrial cleaning market primarily with hydro blasting in 10,000 psi to 40,000 psi and Vacuum services with 27" Hg Blowers @ 5500CFM in refineries and chemical plants. I have worked for Carylon Corporation for 22 years starting as a Techincian and working my way through Sales and finally as Division Manager and now I want to drop off in the deep end into the world of power washing owning my own company. I have cleaned hoods and flatwork in the past working with a friend who owns a PW company, just so I could get some experience and see if it is something I want to endeavor. I have learned so much from PWI and all of the information and tips given. PWI has really made my choices in purchasing equipment and adding service lines easier based on everyone elses experiences. I am a very determined person who refuses to start this as a fly-by-night company. It has been a few years in the making. With a solid business plan, purchasing quality equipment and insurance very shortly, and the continuing thirst for knowledge and experience in our industry, I believe I can make this work. I want to thank everyone here at PWI and I greatly appreciate everything everyone is doing. :thumbup:

 

[Russ Spence]

good news to hear Bobby, we are glad to have you here!

 

[Christopher]

Welcome Bobby.

Just curious, with all that experience, why not start up a high-pressure cleaning business like where you were working or you don't want to be a competitor with a previous employer?

 

[cajuntexan1969]

Welcome Bobby.

Just curious, with all that experience, why not start up a high-pressure cleaning business like where you were working or you don't want to be a competitor with a previous employer?

Well Christopher, the minimum startup costs for the business I am in now is probably close to $1.5 MM. Insurance is $7MM aggregate and to be honest, a pain in the rear end to get started. Most work in this industry is by contract and the profits are not that substantial in this economy not to mention the fact that competition is fierce. I am still employed at the same company. Just want to venture out into the PW business on my own.

On the other hand, PW business in my area is great with few competitors. Some of the work I see lowballers and fly-by-night companies do is really poor workmanship and quality. My brother owns 2 McDonalds and is the Region VP in my area and will give me the opportunity for bidding a multi year contract. I also know a few PM's who have also shown interest in having someone local versus someone from the Houston area. So I see more opportunity with greater profits and less of a headache than the business Im in now.

 

[The Cleaner]

Well Christopher, the minimum startup costs for the business I am in now is probably close to $1.5 MM. Insurance is $7MM aggregate and to be honest, a pain in the rear end to get started. Most work in this industry is by contract and the profits are not that substantial in this economy not to mention the fact that competition is fierce. I am still employed at the same company. Just want to venture out into the PW business on my own.

On the other hand, PW business in my area is great with few competitors. Some of the work I see lowballers and fly-by-night companies do is really poor workmanship and quality. My brother owns 2 McDonalds and is the Region VP in my area and will give me the opportunity for bidding a multi year contract. I also know a few PM's who have also shown interest in having someone local versus someone from the Houston area. So I see more opportunity with greater profits and less of a headache than the business Im in now.

I honestly think you will find 10 times more competition in this field than in the one your in now. Honestly I thought FL had the most P/W but I think TX has us beat although it is probably 5 times larger than us. Hey Good luck with whatever you do.:welcome: