David Saulque
Senior Moderator
Lets get a list of people that are in need of help-so that we can have a better idea of what is going on. Anything short of that is sure speculation.
Relief fund
- Thread starter Russ Spence
- Start date
pressurepros
New member
I sympathize with the guys down south suffering from the effects of the drought. Its a smart move on your persons to band together and appeal to the powers that be to not have laws passed (or repeal) those restictions that affect your livelihood. This can happen to all of us at any time.. so can a million things that affect a company's bottom line. Every person in business should plan for these contingencies before they happen. Among other things, you do this by making the right amount of profit. This drought is a blessing in disguise. Is that harsh? Maybe. The way I see this, companies that have thrived on volume and price selling will be eliminated. That cannot be a bad thing. Its natural selection, survival of the fittest.
I'm done for the season. I have five months of PressurePros service business generating zero income. Where is my relief? Where is the outcry and public support for those of us that have winter? I know what the downfalls of my business are. I'm a big boy, I live with the good and the bad.
My vote is "no" I would not contribute directly to a fund to help other businesses. It has nothing to do with being Christian. It has to do with giving one plight precedence over another. We will then need a fund for guys that are slow due to poor marketing. How about another for guys injured on the job with no disability insurance? Where would it end? Where would be the motivation to become better business people? I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, owning a business is not for everyone.
I'm done for the season. I have five months of PressurePros service business generating zero income. Where is my relief? Where is the outcry and public support for those of us that have winter? I know what the downfalls of my business are. I'm a big boy, I live with the good and the bad.
My vote is "no" I would not contribute directly to a fund to help other businesses. It has nothing to do with being Christian. It has to do with giving one plight precedence over another. We will then need a fund for guys that are slow due to poor marketing. How about another for guys injured on the job with no disability insurance? Where would it end? Where would be the motivation to become better business people? I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, owning a business is not for everyone.
Ken, I agree
jlpressure
JL Pressure Washing
I think the best would be for an eail or letter writing campaign. I havent seen any addresses posted. Post them and I will call, write fax, I'll add it to my list of things to do
Russ Spence
Commercial Pressure Wash Expert
not pretty or candy coated as usual Ken , that is why I like you , and I agree , if we all paid each others bills we would all be in business together , however I say yes to contributing to a fund that gives us a voice in congress and no to supporting someone, personally I could never ask for help, I may ask to work or sub under someone, even if it was in another state .... Last year I had a guy from Indaina call me and ask to come down and work for a couple of months during the winter months so he could make it through his first year ..... I didnt need any more help but it was agressive on his part
Squirtgun
New member
I really think hiring lawyers and going before congress is putting the cart before the horse.We as an industry can't even trust each other enough to support something that most in the general public would consider a worth while cause.
No one except for Carlos knows all the details of how this fund will be managed and who will determine how fund are dispatched.Sitting back and speculate on the works of something you know nothing about is absurd.
I personally have 15yrs of customer cabinet/furniture building experience to fall back on if need be.If that falls though I know how to use a a shovel and the south has plenty of chicken houses.
No one except for Carlos knows all the details of how this fund will be managed and who will determine how fund are dispatched.Sitting back and speculate on the works of something you know nothing about is absurd.
I personally have 15yrs of customer cabinet/furniture building experience to fall back on if need be.If that falls though I know how to use a a shovel and the south has plenty of chicken houses.
gks72
New member
Gee Ken, don't you have a plan for winter work...like shoveling snow or interior painting services?
I too voted no, my decision is based on knowing what it has taken to get into business and planning. YES, through my planning I knew the potential for drought issues, fortunately they haven't been an issue.
I would be more inclined to donate where the 'extreme' case exsists, like an untimely death without life insurance, homeloss due to a catastrophe, or injury (not caused from lack of PPE).
Squirtgun
New member
Gee Ken, don't you have a plan for winter work...like shoveling snow or interior painting services?
I too voted no, my decision is based on knowing what it has taken to get into business and planning. YES, through my planning I knew the potential for drought issues, fortunately they haven't been an issue.
I would be more inclined to donate where the 'extreme' case exsists, like an untimely death without life insurance, homeloss due to a catastrophe, or injury (not caused from lack of PPE).
That is exactly what the idea is.
Groceries to hold a family over until another form of employment can be lined up if water restrictions get tighter.Money to buy clothing if a contractors house is hit by a tornado/fire/flood.No one is talking about paying household bills or sending Johnny Power Washer on a vacation to the islands.
gks72
New member
Scott, unfortunately the timing of the drought and its related problems has put certain things into some people's feeble little minds.
I actaully like that idea, raffle a ticket at a 100 a piece and we could win a vaction while helping the powerwasher get back on his feet. That idea would work. I'm sorry Scott but if Bob gave away a trip to vacation spot instead of a T-shirt you might raise some crazy money.
You see another idea....Light bulb...
Russ Spence
Commercial Pressure Wash Expert
yeah , the local high school wrestling team sold chances to win $10,000 , they reaised over 30k in 3 weeks ? sounds like a winner too , how would we do it here ?
gks72
New member
This is where I think a "not for profit" attorney/accountant's advice would be of benefit. Uncle Sam will want his piece otherwise.
Squirtgun
New member
What exactly would those things be?
I must be out of the loop because I have no idea what you are talking about.
I asked some contractors to write some emails not pay my darn bills.
Write,don't write it's strictly up to each individual.I am making sure my voice is heard to the appropriate state officials.
http://www.chandlercompadres.org/4x4.htm
Thats pocket change Russ, this is and event i go to every year. The freinds and customers that i have met here are wonderful freinds and i actually have a great time.
They raised 100,000 just at the poker event the nite before the raffle and dinner.
Outback supplys the steaks and the president of the entire company will be present and i will meet him.
300 bucks and my check book is all that required.
I even met a few guys that powerwash while i was there last year. And yes i bought tickets for anyone that wanted a shot at the SUV in my office as long as they came. Kari my office mang got third place in the poker and won 1100.00 she donated it back to the boys and girls clubs.
What ever we raise money for if we do raise money i realize we start small.
How about a nationwide carwash for teh children. How about KId for brokers.
Make the fund raising a win win for contractor and the children.
gks72
New member
I'll reiterate...the timing of the "relief fund" and the drought and work stopage/shortage may give the impression to some that its a "poor me" thing.
I remember that you wash windows, as well as have some finish carpentry experience, I'm sure you have no issues paying your personal bills.
Honestly, the letter campaign is a great idea, but letters from companies outside of the affected areas are likely going into the round file.
jlpressure
JL Pressure Washing
Scott dont let any negatives of what the good things you & Carlos are trying to do bother you. I can see what your are trying to do and after speaking to Carlos I know he's just trying to help too. dont forget LIFE IS GOOD
I'm glad someone finally posted some email addresses for your state I sent a couple and will get some out late tonight.
Maybe a sample email might help those that are willing to write a letter to GA reps
The Cleaner
Vetran Washer 30 Years Plus
Good topic, but i would have to say no. I have seen first hand how this could be abused, and it just dont seem to work.
I think a good buisness person needs to look ahead and plan for times like these. We had water restrictions down here in florida also, and you just have to plan on having some kind of back up to carry yourself and your family thru these times.
I think a good buisness person needs to look ahead and plan for times like these. We had water restrictions down here in florida also, and you just have to plan on having some kind of back up to carry yourself and your family thru these times.
Squirtgun
New member
I'm typing this slowly so everyone understands it.
I have nothing to do with the relief fund.It is seperate from the PWM and any requests I have made for email support.
I have provided Carlos with some details of the water restrictions as they apply to both N.Ga(level4) and my area(level2).
Be sure to read this carefully:
The state of Ga. has explicitly exempted pressure washing from all restrictions.This does not prevent each city from enforcing tighter restrictions that ban it completely.The problem is they are not enforcing the same restrictions/bans on carwashes and the like.
At this time we(my company) are very much able to work and are doing so.
So there is no poor me.
Carlos does have my support in his efforts since I feel good things could come from his idea.
gks72
New member
H a v e y o u c o n c i d e r e d t h a t t h e c a r w a s h r e c y c l e s t h e w a t e r ?