For Those Who Read Books

[BRSUMMERVILLE]

I heard an interview on the radio. The host was talking with Tom Gegay, who created Tire Plus.He sold his business for 2.8 millon dollars. He wrote a book "The Big Book of Small Business. How he and his partner created a successful service / retail business.

Listening to the interview was interesting. To me, it's another version of SFS.

Has any one read this book? It sounds like an interesting read.

Bob Rock

 

[rgerard]

Bob,

I read this book about a year ago. It kept my interest all the way through and that is rare for me. I usually skim through books after the first few paragraphs. It is written like Tom is having a conversation with you about his trials of running his tire shop and he hit on a lot of concerns that I have with my business.

I would recommend it to any small business owner, particularly owners with employee issues. I may read it again sometime because I did enjoy it quite a bit and there is more information in it that I want to go through again. Good book!

Randy

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Thanks for the suggestion Bob.

I'll look for it at the book store this weekend!

 

[BRSUMMERVILLE]

Big Book of Small Business

Went to Barnes & Noble. Bought the last one in the store.

In the introduction, it mention mentors. Great. Not has easy has it states.

My problem, as I see it. I am the only Dry Foamer in the area of Charleston SC (been cleaning since 1995). Most other cleaners are HWE. I am into cleaning, not restoration (insurance) work. I'm not a 24/7 cleaner. I don't have deep pockets. I am an owner/operator.

I'm in the same community where Al Bradham of Carpet Care Service is located. I've told him in the past that I considered him as a mentor. He is a busy fella. I have stopped by his placea couple of times. I don't want to bug the heck out of him.

This is one of the reason I bought this book. But, I'll still needs to asked questions.

QUESTION: The first chapter mentioning partnering up. I can not afford a partner. Heck, sometimes I cannot afford to pay myself. I've been thinking of having a family member (who help me on big jobs once in awhile) be some what of a parner, to give feed back or a sounding board.

Will this do? Need serious feedback or suggestions?

If you want to make a wise crack remark, go to the bird room.

Can anyone be mentor on this board?

Bob Rock

 

[Mike Brummett]

2.8 million?

Not exactly that much in todays economy. Not that I would'nt mind having to squeak by on that amount!

Another great book: "How The News Makes Us Dumb" by C. John Sommerville.

any relation?

MIKE

 

[BRSUMMERVILLE]

I'm going to start having a meeting once a month with people that help me with big jobs. The discussions will be about improving the business and solving problems. The meeting will be at a restaurant. I will compersate them by paying for their meals.

Any other suggestions on this idea?

Bob Rock

 

[Bryan Irvin]

Hey Bob,

If you have big jobs you need help with, I can help you, I just need about a weeks notice so I can fit it in my schedule. I'm sorry I havent called ya about getting together for lunch yet, I've been working day and night! If I get some free time next week, I will call ya!

 

["The" Al Bradham]

Hi Bob and the rest of you.

As I said in the past you are all welcome at my shop, what there is of it. I have had the great opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world that has helped me and my business grow and I am always open to share. The most I have to share is what NOT to do, I have done it wrong every which way, but still here. I believe we have a wonderful profession that you can make a good and happy living at what ever stage your business is in.

Cleaning is easy, business is HARD.