Just A Few Thoughts

Guy Blackmon

Roundtable Host 2009
There's been a lot of talk about "Getting Out From Behind The Wand". I find myself in this position and feel my time is almost there. So I wanted to share some thoughts about "When The Time Is Right". This is not a "Dig" at anyone or any situation. I am not this most knowledgeable or successful Contractor here, but we are gaining ground daily and have done quite well to be in business for 5 years now.

First as a Business owner only you will know when that time is right. You were smart enough to build a Business, you will be smart enough to know when to step away from the wand.

Employees are the ones that will allow you to do this...Fully Trained Employees, and this takes time. Your Senior Wash Tech, Crew Leader, whatever should be as knowledgeable (Or More) as you. He will be the key to leaving the wand. You will have to have complete confidence in him as the Leader of his crew and the face of your Business in front of the Customer, remember you won't be there. He is the one that will be responsible for the job being done correctly, and the one responsible if it is not.

Equipment, whatever aspect of washing you do, you've got to have the proper equipment. If you have a large project, 1 or 2 four gpm machines ain't gonna get it. Have a back up unit for the back up unit, and the parts to support your equipment. The break down of a machine because of a $50.00 part can cost you thousands of dollars in down time and productivity.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Listen to that little voice in your head, he got you to where you're at. Don't be afraid to say you can't do the job, or you can do it but will need some outside help. Be smart and push the ego aside.

Have A Plan. Whether building a Business or starting a project....Have A Plan before you start. Write it down like you're writing a novel. Where to start, where to stop, problem areas, precautions, etc. This should be something that you and your crew leader will be on the same page with, and should probably be written together with him (Or Her).

Letting Go should be a smart Business Decision and not "Peer Pressure" this should not be rushed by anything or anyone.

The Business Plan I wrote in '05 says that I would be full time this year, I am. Projected revenue was exceeded in June. Business Plan says that I should be able to step away in 2 more years. The Plan hasn't failed me yet, so I'll stick to the Plan.

Plan For Success, Not Failure.


Please add any thoughts or advice to guys that may be planing to step away.

Thanks.
 
From several different industries the thoughts are similar, get out of the van, get out from behind the paintbrush, hand over the chainsaw, give the wires to the lead, etc..... so what they are saying and from what I have read and talked to guys is that once you make that move, your business will experience a growth, but you have to be prepared for it like more rigs or a backup rig, lots of spare parts to keep downtime to a minimum, guys that know how to do the job without being supervised all the time, etc....

It is a big step and a leap of faith in the guys that you are trusting to not only do a good job but not rip you off by doing side jobs on your time using your chems and equipment, I have seen a lot of that here growing up so I am not so easily to trust people as it does not take much cash to get someone to do extra work and not report it to the boss or owner or even a whole job and say that they were delayed at the job, gas station, traffic, etc...

I have had a couple guys in the past few years that I was going to trust with this opportunity but thankfully they screwed up, quit or did something else to make me realize that they were not the right guys for the job and it could have cost me a lot of money and possibly customers as over time you get to know workers better and their real personality starts to show and you decide if they are right for the advancement or not. In this case these guys were not only not ready but were not interested in thinking long-term, just week by week which is not what I want.

I believe that when you have the right worker you need to pay them well to keep them as they want to keep moving up the pay scale and if they cannot do that at your company then they will move on to another. You will be investing so much time and money into a worker so it only makes sense that if they are serious about staying with you then you need to give them motivation to keep staying with you with more pay (when deserved) otherwise they will probably go looking to the competition as they now have some kind of experience to offer the new company since you will not pay them more. I understand that there are guys that are not going to be a crew leader and keep the guys motivated but some of these guys are always going to be there, always going to be doing a good job, they just don't want the responsibility of being in charge and getting the blame for screwed up jobs.

I think that this is a great thread, hope more participate in it, especially the guys that have already went through this large step and share some of their experiences and advice.
 
There's been a lot of talk about "Getting Out From Behind The Wand". I find myself in this position and feel my time is almost there. So I wanted to share some thoughts about "When The Time Is Right". This is not a "Dig" at anyone or any situation. I am not this most knowledgeable or successful Contractor here, but we are gaining ground daily and have done quite well to be in business for 5 years now.

First as a Business owner only you will know when that time is right. You were smart enough to build a Business, you will be smart enough to know when to step away from the wand.

Employees are the ones that will allow you to do this...Fully Trained Employees, and this takes time. Your Senior Wash Tech, Crew Leader, whatever should be as knowledgeable (Or More) as you. He will be the key to leaving the wand. You will have to have complete confidence in him as the Leader of his crew and the face of your Business in front of the Customer, remember you won't be there. He is the one that will be responsible for the job being done correctly, and the one responsible if it is not.

Equipment, whatever aspect of washing you do, you've got to have the proper equipment. If you have a large project, 1 or 2 four gpm machines ain't gonna get it. Have a back up unit for the back up unit, and the parts to support your equipment. The break down of a machine because of a $50.00 part can cost you thousands of dollars in down time and productivity.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Listen to that little voice in your head, he got you to where you're at. Don't be afraid to say you can't do the job, or you can do it but will need some outside help. Be smart and push the ego aside.

Have A Plan. Whether building a Business or starting a project....Have A Plan before you start. Write it down like you're writing a novel. Where to start, where to stop, problem areas, precautions, etc. This should be something that you and your crew leader will be on the same page with, and should probably be written together with him (Or Her).

Letting Go should be a smart Business Decision and not "Peer Pressure" this should not be rushed by anything or anyone.

The Business Plan I wrote in '05 says that I would be full time this year, I am. Projected revenue was exceeded in June. Business Plan says that I should be able to step away in 2 more years. The Plan hasn't failed me yet, so I'll stick to the Plan.

Plan For Success, Not Failure.


Please add any thoughts or advice to guys that may be planing to step away.

Thanks.

Very well put. Guy, you always seem to be level headed about these things and unbias. Thanks for being a leader.

AC
 
I have stepped away from the perverbial wand over the years a few times only to have to come back !! There is NO ONE thats going to take your biz over and run it like you. I have found that just being there and not having to do the work seems to be the best bet. Babysitting is the proper term I use, ask any one who runs the road as a mobile contract cleaner. I am very happy to not be on the road anymore it's a young man's game, and it takes alot of hard work and knowlege of the logistics involved in making it profitable.

Russ is a great example of this and there are a few others here that do it on that level, but as far as getting away from the wand, I find that impossible for many to do. I personally know that if I was to send guy's out of town to do 40 centers that buy the first night I would be heading out to meet them. I had guy's leave my equipment on the side of the road because they could'nt handle the work. I had my Big Tough Iron Worker Brother In-Law leave in the middle of the night get on a plane and go home leaving only 2 guys to do all the work.

I laugh when the new guy's would come aboard and say it's only pressure cleaning I have done this with my uncle before or whatever. The next day they were gone never to be seen again, not even call for their pay out of embarassment. I would have a collection of new white boots lined up in my lock-up like fallen soldiers...lol...I can tell stories about the road all day, but getting out of the picture is not an option if u want to survive. Just having to have a great guy on the job isn't the answer, can he do all the repairs at 3am that are going to happen.

Will the other guy's making less money listen to him, will they make sure that everything is done as it would be if you were standing there....answer is NO. Some others like Ron who have guy's for many years are doing the job themselves 1 rig 1 guy, that works because they are soley responsible for the work period. And they dont travel out of state that I know of. There are many who have tried this I'm sure but in my experiance over many years in this biz and others I have owned, nothing works better than hands on. When your ready to get out from behind the wand, sell the biz and move on...I know for a fact that works.
 
"Get out from..." is a great concept for some people but it shouldn't be shoved down someone's throat like it's the only goal. Not everyone wants to be a "boss".

But I do love reading Guy's posts...I knew him way back when he was asking questions and am immensely honored that we have traveled the road with him.

Celeste
 
Lol I remember big bad iron worker leaving. He waited for your eyes to close and was gone!
I have stepped away from the perverbial wand over the years a few times only to have to come back !! There is NO ONE thats going to take your biz over and run it like you. I have found that just being there and not having to do the work seems to be the best bet. Babysitting is the proper term I use, ask any one who runs the road as a mobile contract cleaner. I am very happy to not be on the road anymore it's a young man's game, and it takes alot of hard work and knowlege of the logistics involved in making it profitable.

Russ is a great example of this and there are a few others here that do it on that level, but as far as getting away from the wand, I find that impossible for many to do. I personally know that if I was to send guy's out of town to do 40 centers that buy the first night I would be heading out to meet them. I had guy's leave my equipment on the side of the road because they could'nt handle the work. I had my Big Tough Iron Worker Brother In-Law leave in the middle of the night get on a plane and go home leaving only 2 guys to do all the work.

I laugh when the new guy's would come aboard and say it's only pressure cleaning I have done this with my uncle before or whatever. The next day they were gone never to be seen again, not even call for their pay out of embarassment. I would have a collection of new white boots lined up in my lock-up like fallen soldiers...lol...I can tell stories about the road all day, but getting out of the picture is not an option if u want to survive. Just having to have a great guy on the job isn't the answer, can he do all the repairs at 3am that are going to happen.

Will the other guy's making less money listen to him, will they make sure that everything is done as it would be if you were standing there....answer is NO. Some others like Ron who have guy's for many years are doing the job themselves 1 rig 1 guy, that works because they are soley responsible for the work period. And they dont travel out of state that I know of. There are many who have tried this I'm sure but in my experiance over many years in this biz and others I have owned, nothing works better than hands on. When your ready to get out from behind the wand, sell the biz and move on...I know for a fact that works.
 
He is on SS disability now, he was and always will be a loser. He is a perfect example of family working for you, and my son was just as useless, but you live and learn.
 
Guy you are correct on your post. I'd like to add 2 things when you hire someone you will never find anyone that does a job faster or more efficient than you so don't get your hopes up. I have had some decent guys but they take twice as long to do the quality I do in half the time. Also don't hire a sales person expecting instant results they need a system in place that will create a lead bank that is continuously farmed and managed for them.
 
Guy great post as always buddy, I can relate in painting terms its called getting out of the bucket lol a lot of guys want to achieve this some do some dont, I was able to achieve getting out of the bucket about 6 years ago, and I would say the most important thing like you said is the right people in the field, with out them you dont have a chance. It aslo takes time to get used to, but man it is nice most of the time. You are a great guy and wish the best for you and your buisness,
 
Just a thought, did anyone ever make a hand burger better than Ray Crock? I think McDonalds is a great example of building systems against the potential failure of your weakest link.

AC

Hey a burger cost a buck, try replacing 400,000 sq ft or more of destroyed concrete or chemicaly destroying the ashphalt parking lot of a mall or strip center. Stick to what you know which by the way seems like very little. None of the work we do is on the dollar menu.
 
And yes plenty of people make better burgers but no one has marketing like Mc Donalds.
 
I have to agree with nick. It may be a great goal but isn't practical for many. I made th e decision last year to hire a full time helper. He worked out for saving me the things that killed me physically. But at the end of the year he was gone. Th is year I lucked into two guys that are great. I can trust them to complete most jobs but still arent as detail oriented as I, so I still have to baby sit. My lead guy is excellent and is almost ready for the keys to the truck, except. His driving record is atrocious, so the keys stay with me. But I can leave the site for extended periods to do estimates, get parts or whatever. Just by making the decision last year caused things to change for me. Last year was my best year ever and I just surpassed that revenue mark with 5 months to go. Do I think ill ever be able to completely let go? No. 75% of my residential customers ask if I do the work. They don't want someone with no skin in the game working on their property.
But its a worthy goal and I do believe the only way to really get big enough to actually sell your company for any real money.
 
you can build all the systems you want but a chitty day for an employee can ruin a small business. Some of us our word and reputation mean everything to us. Just one disappointed customer due to our killing a few plants or damaging property will hang over our heads for a long time. I can tell you everything I have dammaged or killed over the last 6 years. I remember them because of the hard work and dedication i have put in. I make sure I dont for get them so I never have that issue again. Most of the occured due to new employees but I was the one at fault so I personally went out there and fixed the problem no matter what the expence. Because it was my reputation.
 
I have to agree with nick. It may be a great goal but isn't practical for many. I made th e decision last year to hire a full time helper. He worked out for saving me the things that killed me physically. But at the end of the year he was gone. Th is year I lucked into two guys that are great. I can trust them to complete most jobs but still arent as detail oriented as I, so I still have to baby sit. My lead guy is excellent and is almost ready for the keys to the truck, except. His driving record is atrocious, so the keys stay with me. But I can leave the site for extended periods to do estimates, get parts or whatever. Just by making the decision last year caused things to change for me. Last year was my best year ever and I just surpassed that revenue mark with 5 months to go. Do I think ill ever be able to completely let go? No. 75% of my residential customers ask if I do the work. They don't want someone with no skin in the game working on their property.
But its a worthy goal and I do believe the only way to really get big enough to actually sell your company for any real money.

Great post Jon, for some "Coming Out" may not be an option....and that's cool. One of my greatest fears is that quality will suffer if I'm not there. Kory is right, no one will be able to wash as good or as fast or with the attention to detail as me. But finding and keeping that person will be the stepping stone to removing yourself from the wand. I would not hire a salesman, ego aside, I'm the best person for that job, plus I love selling. Customers are always taken aback when I tell them that their satisfaction is guaranteed, why? Because I own the Company and I say so. Knowing that the owner is on site can be the difference between "Deal Or No Deal" this fact closes a lot of Business.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Great post Jon, for some "Coming Out" may not be an option....and that's cool. One of my greatest fears is that quality will suffer if I'm not there. Kory is right, no one will be able to wash as good or as fast or with the attention to detail as me. But finding and keeping that person will be the stepping stone to removing yourself from the wand. I would not hire a salesman, ego aside, I'm the best person for that job, plus I love selling. Customers are always taken aback when I tell them that their satisfaction is guaranteed, why? Because I own the Company and I say so. Knowing that the owner is on site can be the difference between "Deal Or No Deal" this fact closes a lot of Business.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed Guy, usually no one can sell as good as the owner for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AC
 
Hey a burger cost a buck, try replacing 400,000 sq ft or more of destroyed concrete or chemicaly destroying the ashphalt parking lot of a mall or strip center. Stick to what you know which by the way seems like very little. None of the work we do is on the dollar menu.

Dude you can disagree with me but the personal attacks are gona end.

AC
 
Please guys lets keep this a "Civil Professional Discussion"! Lets stay on topic.

Kory, excellent post. The fact that you have never forgotten those mistakes is probably why you're Company is as successful as it is. In 5 yrs. I can remember every repeat Customer we've had and can describe they're property in detail, but can"t remember to pick up bread when I go to the store.
 
I have stepped away from the perverbial wand over the years a few times only to have to come back !! There is NO ONE thats going to take your biz over and run it like you. I have found that just being there and not having to do the work seems to be the best bet. Babysitting is the proper term I use, ask any one who runs the road as a mobile contract cleaner. I am very happy to not be on the road anymore it's a young man's game, and it takes alot of hard work and knowlege of the logistics involved in making it profitable.

Russ is a great example of this and there are a few others here that do it on that level, but as far as getting away from the wand, I find that impossible for many to do. I personally know that if I was to send guy's out of town to do 40 centers that buy the first night I would be heading out to meet them. I had guy's leave my equipment on the side of the road because they could'nt handle the work. I had my Big Tough Iron Worker Brother In-Law leave in the middle of the night get on a plane and go home leaving only 2 guys to do all the work.

I laugh when the new guy's would come aboard and say it's only pressure cleaning I have done this with my uncle before or whatever. The next day they were gone never to be seen again, not even call for their pay out of embarassment. I would have a collection of new white boots lined up in my lock-up like fallen soldiers...lol...I can tell stories about the road all day, but getting out of the picture is not an option if u want to survive. Just having to have a great guy on the job isn't the answer, can he do all the repairs at 3am that are going to happen.

Will the other guy's making less money listen to him, will they make sure that everything is done as it would be if you were standing there....answer is NO. Some others like Ron who have guy's for many years are doing the job themselves 1 rig 1 guy, that works because they are soley responsible for the work period. And they dont travel out of state that I know of. There are many who have tried this I'm sure but in my experiance over many years in this biz and others I have owned, nothing works better than hands on. When your ready to get out from behind the wand, sell the biz and move on...I know for a fact that works.

Great advice from a Man that's been around the block a time or two!!!

Basically, that's where I'm at Nick, on site running the crew (Babysitting). But in order to keep the crew running I need to be out in the field hustling up more Business. Not just for profit for our Company, but to be able to pay our guys.

Which brings up another situation, your employees problems can become your problems. I can't stand that fact but it is true to a point. And like it or not you are responsible (By paying them) for the food on they're table, lights on, etc.. this could be a heavy load.
 
Back
Top