The way you put it, I guess I would have to answer, There is Mom and pops like you describe and then there is like Helen and me. Sure I can do like most single truck operators go work the truck alone, do the job by myself. Naw, Think I would be doing something else.
I also understand Helen and I don't have the same criteria as most.
We got put on the truck out of desperation.
In 2002, our son Jay did the majority of cleaning, I would be the 2nd on the trk when needed or have the 2nd truck in busy times. Otherwise I pre-estimated every new job, did 90 % of our water damages, ran the mini rug plant and was the boss. Helen ran the office like you described.
Helen was having some sort of health problems, was going to the DRs alot. We were busy as all get out. A client called and had just inherited an elderly couples home which had 22 old ori rugs of various sizes she wanted to be picked up and cleaned. Jay slipped packing a rug down the spiral staircase. We finished moving the beds, dressers and sofas to remove all the rugs. This was a Friday, Monday Jay couldn't walk. (He also tried to play Basket Ball on Sunday) He had a torn ACL and Maniscus.
He was not allowed to do his job for 10 months. Helen, after a few trips to the emergency room was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was put on heavy medication. Our daughter and granddaughter move 300 miles away to add to Helen's depression. She couldn't answer the phone without crying, she couldn't function so I was now doing all the work and had to baby sit Helen too. Couldn't leave her at home without some one to watch her. So I took her on the truck with me. It took almost 10 months for her doctor to get her perscription doses down pat and after a 2 year period she has 1-2 bad days a month or even every other month.
We found we worked very well on the truck together and our clients said they really enjoyed us also. Is it perfect? Heck no but it sure beats doing it by my self..
