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is it just me ...
- Thread starter DJ Carroll
- Start date
Allison Hester
New member
(My sound card is messed up so I don't know what the video says.)
I want to back up and give Cleaner Times some credit. When Pressure Concepts folded, it honestly would have been easier to just let the contract cleaner fall by the wayside. Instead, Cleaner Times decided to extend its subscription base to the contract cleaner, which was pretty controversial at the time. But they felt like the contract cleaner needed an industry magazine. As I mention in my editor's note this month, they also let me run a controversial editorial sometime around 1997 that said basically contract cleaners deserved to be treated with respect. While there were some good distributors around, the contract cleaner was still seen by many as an unwanted stepchild. That editorial caused advertisers to threaten pulling out and also left many distributors in an uproar. Our publisher knew there was going to be a price to pay, but she let me do it anyway. So kudos to them.
I do believe that CT wants to support the contractors, but it's a balancing act for them. They don't want to leave contractors out in the cold, but they cannot devote the attention to contractors that the contractors want/need/deserve without stepping on their primary target's toes.
I want to back up and give Cleaner Times some credit. When Pressure Concepts folded, it honestly would have been easier to just let the contract cleaner fall by the wayside. Instead, Cleaner Times decided to extend its subscription base to the contract cleaner, which was pretty controversial at the time. But they felt like the contract cleaner needed an industry magazine. As I mention in my editor's note this month, they also let me run a controversial editorial sometime around 1997 that said basically contract cleaners deserved to be treated with respect. While there were some good distributors around, the contract cleaner was still seen by many as an unwanted stepchild. That editorial caused advertisers to threaten pulling out and also left many distributors in an uproar. Our publisher knew there was going to be a price to pay, but she let me do it anyway. So kudos to them.
I do believe that CT wants to support the contractors, but it's a balancing act for them. They don't want to leave contractors out in the cold, but they cannot devote the attention to contractors that the contractors want/need/deserve without stepping on their primary target's toes.
jlpressure
JL Pressure Washing
Ron I think you should start a for profit Org. The UAMCC I feel may never get off the ground again, it was to damaged and to many have lost trust. at the end of 2011 they will need a new BOD, I dont think anyone will even want to be on that BOD and it may shut down
The PWNA I was quietly watching and waiting to see if they were going to step up to the plate. I just don't see it. They saw the UAMCC growing some and then they woke up some and started doing some RT's but what have they really done. I hear they have all these smart men and companies on the BOD or in membership. Can you tell me what they are doing to further the org for their membership.
I hear the PWNA is there so those big companies can get their KEC certs cheap for their companies. I don't know all this for sure, but it makes sense
So we see the PWNA last year but dont really hear much about them now. All this big money, these big names and it just seems like they can't come up with any big ideas to move the industry forward
Cert courses, public awareness would be great, but I havent seen them do it
This is why I say maybe you and a handful of other contractors should start an org. You are a smart guy, some may not like you at times but you have a great grasp of the industry
I have thrown my hands up or gone back to my way of thinking of just do what I got to do to grow my business and don't worry about anything or anyone else. But I will tell you I wish there was a good org to promote and help us
I see the managers orgs I am involved in, they are done chapter by chapter. They have the big mother org over them to help them but its up to the chapter to grow. Some chapters I am in are great, some are so so. They work on the good ones and make them better, the bad ones they work on and grow them, if they can't get the involvement they need they basically stop working on them and look at them later as the other chapters grow the weak chapters are tried again with a new group to breathe life into them
I really feel the PWNA could do this, but I see nothing that really shows me they want to
Ron you did all these RT's spent all kinds of mone, what if you put your all into starting an org or what if the PWNA membership hired you to come up with 2 or 3 good things to bring to the contractors. Say Certifications and starting local chapters,
If you don't do it and the PWNA which has a base and name recognition doesnt do it who is going to do it?????? I feel the beating and self destruction of the UAMCC over a year ago will stop anyone else from trying for many years and by then it may be to late and our industry and we may find ourselves working for chump change with no voice to battle for us
I know orgs can be good I am involved in many, just none for pressure washing
Oh well back to worrying about my own company now
Scott Stone
New member
Jeff,
You know the beating the UAMCC took was well deserved. You may not admit it publically, but the prime leadership, the guys pulling the strings were what brought it down. This was all due to their own avarice, and the thought that they could be someone important. (For what it is worth, you were not one of those, when I was there.) I know you have heard the things out of some of the leaderships mouths, that if it was not an outright lie, was a severe distortion. That is what brought the UAMCC down. Am I, as a dues paying member of the PWNA disappointed in some of the things they have done? ABSOLUTELY. There is no perfect organization, and there are too many contractors that want everything, yet have no desire to make it happen by showing the money. I free;y admit I am cheap like that. It is not often that someone can get me to spend money on my business without an obvious return on investment.
I will turn off the rant, now.
You know the beating the UAMCC took was well deserved. You may not admit it publically, but the prime leadership, the guys pulling the strings were what brought it down. This was all due to their own avarice, and the thought that they could be someone important. (For what it is worth, you were not one of those, when I was there.) I know you have heard the things out of some of the leaderships mouths, that if it was not an outright lie, was a severe distortion. That is what brought the UAMCC down. Am I, as a dues paying member of the PWNA disappointed in some of the things they have done? ABSOLUTELY. There is no perfect organization, and there are too many contractors that want everything, yet have no desire to make it happen by showing the money. I free;y admit I am cheap like that. It is not often that someone can get me to spend money on my business without an obvious return on investment.
I will turn off the rant, now.
jlpressure
JL Pressure Washing
Scott I have publicly admitted to what the down fall of it was. Thats why I wrote in that post the self destruction of the UAMCC but Scott my post really had nothing to do with the UAMCC, it was just an example of why another org would have a hard time starting up and why I think the PWNA should do more or Ron should help to start an org. Like I said a strong org would only be good for all of us
Tony Shelton
BS Detector, Esquire
We are a joke to the manufacturers. (With a very short list of notable exceptions) Why do you think they happily trod out the same old stuff every year and just paint it different colors to make it look like they have been innovative?
If Marty Mcfly had took off in the time machine and went back in time last year in Charleston he'd have a hard time figuring out if he was in 2010 or 1990.
We need innovation. That's why we piece together so much of our own stuff. It's not because we are so cheap as much as it is because the manufacturers couldn't care less what we need.
What is new since 1990? I'll tell you what - now we have the manufacturers lobbying for stronger regs so they can bring out the leftover vacuuming equipment from 1990 era carpet cleaners and sell it today. Otherwise, that's just about it. My 1989 skid is virtually identical to my 2006.
No industry can sit on it's old technology like this unless its market is the dumbed down public who can be convinced they have to buy a new skid everytime a hose pops.
For once DJ, we are in agreement. We are a joke.
If Marty Mcfly had took off in the time machine and went back in time last year in Charleston he'd have a hard time figuring out if he was in 2010 or 1990.
We need innovation. That's why we piece together so much of our own stuff. It's not because we are so cheap as much as it is because the manufacturers couldn't care less what we need.
What is new since 1990? I'll tell you what - now we have the manufacturers lobbying for stronger regs so they can bring out the leftover vacuuming equipment from 1990 era carpet cleaners and sell it today. Otherwise, that's just about it. My 1989 skid is virtually identical to my 2006.
No industry can sit on it's old technology like this unless its market is the dumbed down public who can be convinced they have to buy a new skid everytime a hose pops.
For once DJ, we are in agreement. We are a joke.
Mike V
Member
I read Cleaner Times once....it was nine years ago, I was in the hospital reading it while my wife was in labor with our first child. I thought it sucked then and chose not to read it again as it was not beneficial to me or my business. I am not a golfer either...I don;t read Golf Magazine but I am not upset that it is there for guys that like golf. There is no difference....this is a free country and anyone can print whatever they want.
I will continue to stand by the fact that orgs are a waste of time, energy and money.
I am not a joke, you are likely not a joke but this whole conversation is a joke. What is the point? The time wasted on this topic could be better spent building YOUR business.
I know that not everyone agrees with this....jus my personal opinion.
I will continue to stand by the fact that orgs are a waste of time, energy and money.
I am not a joke, you are likely not a joke but this whole conversation is a joke. What is the point? The time wasted on this topic could be better spent building YOUR business.
I know that not everyone agrees with this....jus my personal opinion.
Mike, its great you dont need orgs. You dont need anything but customers and marketing. Yet you have no clue the vary dollars you make we protect and have for years.
In this thread as we speak there are contractors being shut down. In your own state contractors hurt by the same stupid people. Contractors that lost there business and damage not reversable.
We do need a True association that stands behind everyone of us and helps when the goverment is over regulating the industry.
Recently the PWNA helped with a HUD problem that could have taken the same turn about a problem using Chemicals on Roofs. You think they would have listened to little ole you? We know the PWNA is not a large powerful association but they affectively helped this single contractors in a time of need.
Your a success no doubt Mike, but when they tell you that you can't wash houses and that the chems your using are no good please don't call me and you where wrong.
Houston contractors are being put out of business as we Blog, this could come to a neighborhood near you.
So your right if you think the subject isnt worth talking about or that this whole Blog is a Joke then I guess I would say find another proffession. I'm not going through another day without a Good association. If you do not want to belong to one thats your choice.
These associations are starting Certifications, all the people who bitch about low ballers and weekend pressure washing guys the days are nearing the end. Yes this will not prevent but it will separate you and your proffessional Company from guy who do not belong. Trust me it will happen!!!!!
One day a customer will ask if your certified, property manangers will be asking sooner than you think. KEC soon will need it to get insurance and customers will not be able to hire them without the certification. Some of this is already happening!!!!!
So sit back relax, dont get involved. Just make posts that say its ok, we dont need you. I wish I had a good assoication to help me with all the problems when they tried to shut us down in Phoenix 1996. No offense Mike but you might have been in Diapers. Did they have pull-ups then?
Mike V
Member
I just graduated from The Citadel in 1996, a year early by the way.
The certifications are a joke too....I was told by one guy that I just had to have a certain number of posts on a Blog to be certifiied. How is that legit? How does tha build confidence or credibillity? It doesn't, it makes people look like jack legs with a fancy little logo that doesn't mean anything.
I am glad many folks feel the need for an org to stand up for them, I wish them well.
I'm not getting into a pissing match with anyone, this horse has already been beat to death.....This goes back to Politics and Religion, we all have our opinions and our minds are not goign to be changed easily.
Would someone enlighten me and point out an Org with some teeth, one that has done something good, something tangible for the "industry".
The certifications are a joke too....I was told by one guy that I just had to have a certain number of posts on a Blog to be certifiied. How is that legit? How does tha build confidence or credibillity? It doesn't, it makes people look like jack legs with a fancy little logo that doesn't mean anything.
I am glad many folks feel the need for an org to stand up for them, I wish them well.
I'm not getting into a pissing match with anyone, this horse has already been beat to death.....This goes back to Politics and Religion, we all have our opinions and our minds are not goign to be changed easily.
Would someone enlighten me and point out an Org with some teeth, one that has done something good, something tangible for the "industry".
EcoClean
New member
I see where you're coming from Mike. I agree about the 100 post deal - what a joke. Some of the certifications are so elementary it's not funny. What's worse is some of the associations except members with zero experience and label them a professional to the public. Isn't that a bit misleading?
However, I think of when we had the drought here in the Upstate. The car wash industry could still operate. EVERY car wash - from the coin operated to the hand wash guys. I asked the county council why they were able to operate when other businesses that required water could not. The reason was they had a strong association that came and backed them up. Voice in numbers can really help in a situation like this.
Its not about politics or religion, its about the industry advancement for real. Making it easier to those in the industry who are legit. Please Mike posting making you certified???? COME ON!!!
No pissing match, I respect your views and your ok to have your opinion on this matter. This is PWI and everyone here has a Voice to express there views. This is why I started the place for guys to have a point of view. So the industry one day wouldn't be looked at as a bunch of retards running around spraying water.
PWI is just a little ole BBS, nothing more.
You guys are referring to RCIA and Chris Tuckers Laying hands? Thats all gone they are looking at standards and really are trying to raise the bar. Not the liquor bar but the standards of how each member practices there business.
Micah thanks for confirming another reason to have and association. Kory Finley single handedly made the county he's in during a drought the only form of washing that could be done was by a pro- a licensed pressure washing contractor. Did all the other guys send thank you to Kory after he made the city see his way? Maybe they did, but regardless if NCE had not been a motivator for witched the County listened then he may have been just another guy flapping his jaw.
I hope Mike it never happens to you, no worries will be there to help you. Heres why: any threat to you or anyone else means a threat to me. I personally have more to loose so I will be there regardless. :winknudge:
Mike V
Member
Anyone can join an org and put a logo on an ad or a business card, that does not make them superior or give them a leg up on their compeition. Until, there is a strong, legit Pressure Washing Industry Org, I will not have any part of any of them.
Also...religion and politics is a timeless expression....meaning those are two things that people are very passionate about their minds are not going to be changed. I was not suggesting that either came into play in this discussion, simply relating that in some cases, people's inds are not going to be changed......like religion and politics.
Also...religion and politics is a timeless expression....meaning those are two things that people are very passionate about their minds are not going to be changed. I was not suggesting that either came into play in this discussion, simply relating that in some cases, people's inds are not going to be changed......like religion and politics.
Mike V
Member
BUT......on the other hand.....this discussion also has a tie in to a great quote!
“In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other”
-Mark Twain
“In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other”
-Mark Twain
Carolina Prowash
Exterior Surface Pros
At the end of the day, here it is in a nutshell. NO national org will EVER succeed until all of the little whiney, freely-fed companies stop fighting each other and decide to fight something together. Why do you think this country is in the mess it's in. Too many selfish people who only care about themselves.
I'm out.
I'm out.
Anyone can join and org, but can anyone be certified in the org. Thats what will separate orgs from general population.
Also anyone can enroll in that School you graduated from. So you education doesnt mean anything?
Org's can make a Difference, this website has made a difference in your business. Over the years you have been inspired to create Steal or change ideas given to you right here or other forums. You come here I assume for that purpose, the same as most and to work a little SEO. Maybe your just here for entertainment?
The reasons are that this un-official site in the industry helps you in one way or another. You joined and belong here, so if you dont use it in your marketing thats great. Some do and some dont, all orgs have value and need more. Maybe if they actually provided smething you would belong.
Mike your a bit like my Company was ten years ago. We tried it all!!!! Now I'm happy to say that we spend our time targeting rather than quanity we go for targets. I like life a bot better now!!!
Good Luck to you in the future, one day you will see what I'm talking about. You just not ready and it hasnt happened to you yet
We have a Chain right now with 160 locations that just bought there own. We have never pressure washed more until they bought there own equipment. LOLOLOLO
The Cleaner
Vetran Washer 30 Years Plus
Anyone that can come here day in and day out, and say they have learned nothing is full of Chit !!
Doug Rucker
Roundtable Host 2009
Just to add my 2 cents. 90% of my customers have a pressure waher in their garage. I have "hauled off" many a perfectly good working pressure washers for them.