What is your biggest regret in your cleaning business and...

[BIG WOOD]

He was pulling a trailer
It was so embarrassing for all of us here

And that was my second trailer. You should've seen my first one, lol

 

[bob vawter]

And that was my second trailer. You should've seen my first one, lol

We knew!

 

[BIG WOOD]

I don’t need you to rub it in

 

[bob vawter]

I don’t need you to rub it in

Well yes you did....!

 

[sassyotto]

So what level is your business at today?

Owner/Operator. My choice.

 

[Mikey P]

Owner/Operator. My choice.

People management is the hardest part, and the industry shames us into taking on the endeavor/ reality that made ( most of) us go solo in the first place...

 

[hogjowl]

I’ve never thought enough of the industry folks to let any pressure to be placed upon me coming from anyone in the industry, but I did let my common sense tell me I needed employees in the beginning. However, my general dislike of unmotivated people caused me to rethink that. Took me 8 years to give up on the idea. I see employees coming again in the future, but I’m more patient now and it’ll possibly be a better experience.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Don’t count on it. I can see you needing employees. Lordy, I’d be a nervous wreck sending employees into a house with hoses and a wand Crap, I had an employee break a very large vase with a vacuum in a bank. One broke a urinal this summer

 

[jessi]

I’ve never thought enough of the industry folks to let any pressure to be placed upon me coming from anyone in the industry, but I did let my common sense tell me I needed employees in the beginning. However, my general dislike of unmotivated people caused me to rethink that. Took me 8 years to give up on the idea. I see employees coming again in the future, but I’m more patient now and it’ll possibly be a better experience.

I can see why most people wont find this industry appealing but the reality is there’s money in it like every other industry. Hard work, high pay

Edit: and knowledge of course

 

[jeffexe]

Owner operator w a truckmount at 23?

I started at 20. And I am so glad I did. Had Youth energy, High motivation to be the best, a healthy body to handle the physical punishment and complete naivety to keep me motivated. Now, at 56, I can Pick and choose the good jobs without worry

 

[BIG WOOD]

I had that slap in the face 1st quarter of last year when I hired that dude full time since I was recovering from shoulder surgery.

Family is the only way to grow my business right now. My 14-15yo son has overworked every prick I hired at decent pay.

20years from now, if my son takes over the business and wants to grow it, maybe he will be better than me at know ing how to manage employees. But as for my situation currently...owner op and sub contract any assistance is my only path

You guys know my patience with crappy tools. Crappy employees piss me off even more

 

[Mikey P]

To thrive as an owner op, we must have all of these qualities..



Great soft skills and the Minty Fresh Breath.
Handyman/tool skills
Driven and ambitious
A certain level of fitness
Naturally curious
Outgoing and braver than average
A level of morality and honesty that goes far beyond being caught by the IRS or the maid
Community/social involvement
Adaptable to change, now more than ever




Imagine if we could find employees with just a few of those attributes....


(btw most OO's don't thrive due to missing some of those qualities)