That's why I listen when Mike chimes in. I'm sure there are a lot of things we might not agree on but I believe the guy knows this craft as well as anyone and I respect a straight shooter. I'm here to learn, not pretend to be something I'm not.
There are a couple basic things I NEEDED to learn before I could become a quality or "high end" carpet cleaner.
The first seems silly to me now and that is vacuum the carpet first. Most home owners DO vacuum, at our request, prior to our arrival. The problem is...their vacuum doesn't work very well for a variety of reasons. There are times when I don't vacuum but they are rare in residential situations (and I'm alone...for now).
The second is equally important. AGITATION. It's key to being a great carpet cleaner. I spent @ 14 years with only a Grandi Groomer to agitate carpet. I honestly feel foolish now. If you are not using a
CRB, 175, or Rotary Extractor you are setting the stage for a great carpet cleaner to come behind you and make you look like a chump.
I finally ordered a carpet brush to go under my 175 last night. Mike urged me to get one in the first conversation we ever had. I was slow to listen. I put the beast on my rig today, even though I don't have the brush yet. I just have to get used to bringing it everywhere. This is an elementary concept that took me way too long to learn.
Tom, I respect you and the business you are building. I really do. That's why I was asking about whether you carry a vacuum or not. There are LOTS of business models that can work and make a guy good money. Look at Stanley Steemer, COIT, ZeroRez, and we can't forget Hagopian. The truth is, you don't have to vacuum to make good $. I just couldn't go back after knowing what I know now.
I had to learn not to play by other companies rules. I come here to learn and glean what I can from so many different perspectives. We would all do well to be open and honest and teachable.
The Clean Machine