starting out

T

terrym

New member
Ok guys and girls I've been surfing here and there for a few months now and I'm about ready to pull the trigger on starting a hood and duct cleaning business here in the metro NY area. I've been fortunate to have John Z. allow me to accompany his crew so I can see first hand what it will take to perform the actual job. I will be hooking up with his crew hopefully this week. I know certification isnt required but still think it may be best for me to attend one of the schools due to me being below rookie status.

I have done some local research and found that there is a market for me in this business. As I have posted earlier, I currently work in the restaurant industry and find myself in all types of restaurants daily so I'm hopeful there will be benefits there in getting me started.

Here's what I'm looking for as far as questions and equipment.
1. School recommendations Hoodcleaning school or Delco? Is one certification more valuable then the other in any way? $ also comes into play here.
2. I'm thinking Karcher or Landa for my unit. From what I gather these are pretty good units. I'm thinking 3500 psi and 5 gpm. I know some H/D cleaners may feel this is too much, but I'm thinking I could use for other applications as well. Gas or deisel? Anyone that can recommend a model would be great. I have a local dealer who has both, so I feel comfortable with service as far as any problems.
3. Due to me living here in the NE I'm thinking of going with a van set up. I'm looking into Ford 250-350. I'm hoping this will be big enough even if I get into some fleet washing down the road.
4. I've already looked into insurance and it's pretty expensive here but what can you do. I'll probably need to get a carrying permit due to some of the areas I'll be working in.
5. If anyone has any knowledge of my area or any challenges I haven't anticipated please chime in.

I'm looking forward to hooking up with John and getting certified in the next month or so. I'd like to be up and running by Febuary. I know there's quite a bit here but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Your best school is working with John Zema. Hood cleaning school is a good program but is set up to be a one person cleaning operation., if you are OK withthat then go for it. They use real restaurants to learn in and it covers not only the cleaning but the buisness aspects as well. Delco also has a good program as well and they will teach you how to clean them well. Look at them both and decide if you need them. As far as pressure washers LANDA makes a great machine and you can get it serviced ANYWHERE, but again look around Mi-T-M and Alkota make great machines as well and have a great warranty. Watch the PSI's anything above 3000 and you run a chance of setting off the Ansul system if you hit it too hard with the pressure washer.
Vans are a perfect choice if you are in town/cities alot of people run trailers but parking is sometimes difficult. Get a diesel, they cost more but last longer by far. E series Fords hold up great, due to the weight involved I would get a E-250 minimum, and that is the smallest chassis you can get a diesel in.
Insurance, well is insurance, you gotta pay the piper on that not much you can do but do shop around amazing the diffrences in costs. i got mine through Erie and am happy withthe coverage and the cost is fair. Feel free to e-mail or call everyone here is pretty good about sharing info.
GOOD LUCK!
 
Thanks Alexy!! I appreciate the feedback. I'm getting to the point of where decidng on schools, truck and unit are imperative. I just don't want to spend $ on things and later say to myself "dumb ass". I'm trying to be decisive but finding myself indecisive on these issues.
 
Get the Landa - don't get the Karcher.
 
getting started

Thanks guys. I'm now starting to get somewhere in regards to narrowing down some issues. It seems the biggest issue is training/certification at this point. I'll get with John Z. and go from there I guess in regards to moving forward.
 
gettin started

Ok. I'll continue to keep my options open. I'm a rookie so the proper sales technique could probably push me one way or the other.
 
I went with a Mi-T-M machine...I love it for Flatwork but I think it's a little much for hood work (5.5 GPM) that's a whole lot of water. I think there are lots of good machines...most important things are the guts of the machines..you'll find that all the top of the line machines ( different brands) all use the same quality components...it's a lot like the whole Ford Ranger/Mazda Pickup scam.....same machines just different badges,trim packages and price levels!! You are on the right track with hooking up with John Z....GO SLOW!!!!!! I feel like I rushed things a bit and my accounts are coming in 3-4 weeks after first contact. Then again do not over analyze the whole thing as many a veteran told me I was doing this...I tend to agree now I did over analyze ( Analytical Background in Environmental Industry)... Good luck to ya!! The guys here have taught me a whole lot about the world of Grease.
 
EnviroClean said:
I went with a Mi-T-M machine...I love it for Flatwork but I think it's a little much for hood work (5.5 GPM) that's a whole lot of water. I think there are lots of good machines...most important things are the guts of the machines..you'll find that all the top of the line machines ( different brands) all use the same quality components...it's a lot like the whole Ford Ranger/Mazda Pickup scam.....same machines just different badges,trim packages and price levels!! You are on the right track with hooking up with John Z....GO SLOW!!!!!! I feel like I rushed things a bit and my accounts are coming in 3-4 weeks after first contact. Then again do not over analyze the whole thing as many a veteran told me I was doing this...I tend to agree now I did over analyze ( Analytical Background in Environmental Industry)... Good luck to ya!! The guys here have taught me a whole lot about the world of Grease.
Click to expand...

what about us lowly flatwork guys
 
Please also be sure to use your PPE all the time from the begining and do not form bad habits of not protecting yourself from chemical exposure/fall-trip hazards, Electrical hazards, etc. etc.
 
The lowly flatwork guys have taught me boat loads of good things!!!!!! The vetrans in general have taught me way more than i could ever have learned by myself......DUCT TAPE is GOOD!!!!
 
OD Green..Is my favorite...AKA Missile Tape..AKA Hundred Mile An Hour Tape
 
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