2019

[steve_64]

Just picked up another apartme t complex on the clean out end already doing the carpets. Might do the painting too so I can give my brother some work.

That's two new accounts in a couple weeks and bids out on more.

We are finding our groove...




Getting a good look at my heart would be a good idea too.

 

[Acp]

changed our process for carpets towards the end of this year along with some marketing to push the new process. Basically making it sound more complicated to customers but the jist of it is we leave the carpet completely dry when we are done with the job. So far its going really well.

Also going to be selling a lot more of these jobs

 

[Mikey P]

what all did you do to that shower?

 

[Acp]

what all did you do to that shower?

steam cleaned, removed a ton of sloppy grout in joints that had caulking over the top of it, salvaged the grout on the walls and replaced it on the pan. Last minute job so didnt have time to color match really anything and they wanted house on the market asap. 2nd pic is before the last washing/touch up on the pan

 

[Mikey P]

How are you going about removing the floor grout?

 

[Acp]

How are you going about removing the floor grout?

oscillating multi tool with these blades,
Amazon product

either hold shop vac right where your cutting or tape shop vac hose to end. I taped it at first but then was more comfortable just holding it.

 

[Papa John]

Im no longer trying to conquer 'the world". Downsizing to just a part time tech and me. Going to semi-retire and slow down and take time to relax.

 

[Chris A]

Hired a new guy to handle the 3 and 5 roomers to allow my other tech to focus on bigger combo carpet, furniture, tile jobs, which will allow me to mostly take care of our VIPs and spend more time working on the business

 

[steve_64]

Im no longer trying to conquer 'the world". Downsizing to just a part time tech and me. Going to semi-retire and slow down and take time to relax.

If I do all the work myself even with a helper I still won't have time to relax. But I'm on my way up. Too young to think of retirement yet.

 

[Cleanworks]

If I do all the work myself even with a helper I still won't have time to relax. But I'm on my way up. Too young to think of retirement yet.

Sounds like you're doing well Steve. Time to start thinking of supervising more than actually doing the work.

 

[steve_64]

Sounds like you're doing well Steve. Time to start thinking of supervising more than actually doing the work.

I think I've found some young guys that are trainable. So far Riley is the most impressive. From the time I met him I have seen him as a someone who could take the reigns. He thinks its fun and is really into it.

I am really trying to make this happen.

 

[Cleanworks]

I think I've found some young guys that are trainable. So far Riley is the most impressive. From the time I met him I have seen him as a someone who could take the reigns. He thinks its fun and is really into it.

I am really trying to make this happen.

Let him know that as he progresses, so will his pay and responsibilities.

 

[steve_64]

Let him know that as he progresses, so will his pay and responsibilities.

He's one of the sharpest 17 yo I've met. He gets it. I've told him what I charge on jobs and he broke down my costs. He has a grasp of business.

His dad is part owner of a roofing business that riley doesn't want anything to do with but he mustve been paying attention.

 

[Acp]

Thats great finding workers coming from roofing, framing, etc are the best because to them 8hrs of carpet cleaning is so easy.

 

[darcie smith]

Steady as she goes or will you be taking a different approach to cleaning, marketing, business structure or your real life?

2019 is on track to be every kind of different. Most aggressive sales goals ever, new van (2 on the road full time, one in reserve), IRA for employees, setting up health insurance, and this spring Scott’s going to rock the world. It’s go time.

 

[Charlie Lyman]

In 2018 my wife was able to quit her accounting job and take a job as a high school business teacher. It was a huge pay cut, but we were in the position to do it. She will have the summers off and will hit the streets with doorhangers. Last time she handed them out we went up 41K in sales and i had to ask her to stop.
This year we will be adding a second full time employee and I plan on taking the repair and stretch jobs while the employees handle the cleaning with the two vans. If it gets too busy I'll pull the trigger on a third van and clean part time. I am also going to try and get my senior carpet inspector certs and try to add some work that way. I am trying to get off the cleaning truck soon.
I think it will be a good year.

 

[Jim Williams]

I'm getting ready to switch from room pricing to Sq. ft. It's beyond time. I've worked myself to death for 15 years trying to feed my family and pay the gubmint too. If people won't pay higher prices I'm going to get a job as a Walmart greeter.

 

[hogjowl]

What is your service area like?
Metro
Suburban
Rural

 

[Jim Williams]

What is your service area like?
Metro
Suburban
Rural

Mostly suburban. I live in one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Yuppies everywhere. But I'm at the edge of a rural area too so I still get some country folks if I drive a few miles the other way. I think sq. ft. pricing will work good because there is a mix of small houses built in the 50's with tiny rooms and McMansions in between.

 

[Nomad74]

Mostly suburban. I live in one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Yuppies everywhere. But I'm at the edge of a rural area too so I still get some country folks if I drive a few miles the other way. I think sq. ft. pricing will work good because there is a mix of small houses built in the 50's with tiny rooms and McMansions in between.

Sqft pricing is the great equalizer.

 

[Jim Williams]

Sqft pricing is the great equalizer.

Yep. The folks with tiny bedrooms will still pay a reasonable price but I can actually get paid for those larger houses. Today I did 4 rooms for $200. But it was about 840 sq. ft. so even if I price at .32 a ft. that's an extra $53. I really need to start working less and making more. I'm too old for the 12 hour days.

 

[hogjowl]

The problem is, you get too busy, or too old, to go out on all the estimates

 

[Jim Williams]

The problem is, you get too busy, or too old, to go out on all the estimates

That's one thing I worry about. Right now I'm only doing 2 or so jobs a day and it would be easy but when the end of March hits it's going to be tough to work in estimates. I guess I better get good at over the phone estimates.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

CUSTOMERS are too busy for estimate trips.

 

[hogjowl]

CUSTOMERS are too busy for estimate trips.

You’re too old

 

[Lee Stockwell]

You’re too old

I'll work on that...

 

[hogjowl]

If you have breakthrough, let me know!