How did you get started?

[Jim&Shirley]

Just curious and am interested in everyone's response.

1. What got you into this business?

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?

5. How long have you been in business?

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.

We noticed that several members listed here are no longer on the board and was just woundering how many are still in business. We were talking to the bookkeeper at one of our suppliers a little over a year ago when we went to pay off one of the machines and we asked her if we were to get a bill of sale or something. She stated that she had worked there for over 4 years and didn't know because no one had ever payed off a machine. They usually have to repo them.

We were just interested in finding out everyone's openions on these questions. Has anyone ever had second thoughts about this business. I know we had at times.

Jim & Shirley

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[Mike Hughes]

Originally posted by Jim&Shirley:
Just curious and am interested in everyone's response.

1. What got you into this business?

lost my job, decided to buy a business.


2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

Hit the ground running........

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?

Who hasn't ??


4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?

Not if they lived anywhere near me. If not, yes I would, with the understanding that it is no get rich quick scheme.


5. How long have you been in business?

Since January 1998


Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.


Way too many.

/B]

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[ParadiseProWash]

Originally posted by Jim&Shirley:
Just curious and am interested in everyone's response.

1. What got you into this business?

I thought about getting into the Lawn Care bus. but had second thoughts. I have been a water bug all my life so when I am out their washing it may be work but I love every minute of it. Water Water everywhere and I love it.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?
I am still trying to get it up I work it part time and I am a full time Machinist and I work at Sears part time when I have nothing else to do they let me make my own hrs whenever however they dont care. Hey I have three kids and a wife that doesnt work but I have my goals. I wanted my own bus by the time I was thirty I am thirty one now. I want to be full time by the time I am thiry five. I think this is realistic.

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
No I have to much fun doing this

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
Depends on the person.

5. How long have you been in business?
Since July 1999

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.
Thats what scares me and thats why I didnt go in with both feet. I guess that I am sceptical or scared dont know which

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[Cali]

1. What got you into this business?
Where do I start... Had been involved in the industry in many different facets for quite awhile, and finally decided to get into the "labor" end of things when we realized that there was a good market for it, and jumped in with both feet.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

From the get go. I had accounts signed before I even had the equipment to do the job!!!

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
As Mike said, who hasn't!!! No one can say there haven't been nights that you just want to go home and never even breathe the words Pressure Washing again.... For many reasons; you underbid a job, and worked yourself half to death because you need it or just made a promise, and can't back out, you have fallen or gotten injured, should I go on? These are just the things I have thought about off the top of my head that made me question things some nights.

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
Again, depends on the person. I know alot of people that could never make it past the first bid, let alone first job.

5. How long have you been in business?
Started the business somewhere in the beginning of 1992, moved to doing nothing but flat work in 1995, and went full compliant in 1997.

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.
Again, TOO MANY!!!! I don't think you could hardly even estimate.


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[Larry L.]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><FONT COLOR="DarkGreen">
1. What got you into this business?

I used to sale and help my father farm,he died and I had to have something to do.I got into as a hobby as not to be wasteing my time setting in a bar.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

In 3 months I was on the ground running at full speed.


3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?

YES and YES again......had a driver to ask Wed. if I was back it fultime = yes + don't know for how long.

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?

Yes,,I have and even showed how to do,anybody can make it in this business if they do their bookwork first and don't mind hardwork,working on weekends and long hours.

5. How long have you been in business?

I think this makes the 8th year.


(?)Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.

Not many,,,,,The year I started they where 12 powerwashers running around with cheap prices.It boiled down to just 4 of us within 1 year after I started.There have been 1 or 2 to try it every year sence then and not make it,but but I see 2 new ones already this year who knows they may be the ones to put me out of business.

""don't suceed"",hmmm how long do you have to be in it to suceed


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<FONT COLOR="orangeRed"><FONT face="Comic Sans MS">When answering Post If It Sounds As tho I'm Holding A Match To Ya "Fear Not" Its Only Lit On One End.</FONT c></FONT f><FONT face="Comic Sans MS"><FONT COLOR="Fuchsia">I'm No Doctor The Pill I Subscride Is For Me Only.They May Make You Jump Up and Down Or Crawl All Over The Ground.</FONT c></FONT f><FONT face="comic sans MS"><FONT COLOR="blue">Will Try To Help Sail Your Ship Even Tho Rocket Fuel Is The Tip.</FONT c></FONT f>

<FONT COLOR="red"><FONT face="Comic Sans MS">When In Doubt,,,Think It Out</FONT c></FONT f><FONT COLOR="green"><FONT face="Comic Sans MS">.....triplel@bscn.com</FONT c></FONT f>

 

[Ronniels]

1. What got you into this business?

Started with a Mobile Auto Detail Business and started thinking about houses...had a truck and trailer..water tank..pumps..and a pressure washer for doing big trucks.
Once I realized the much greater profit margin in buildings vs. cars...hmmmm...time to phase out the autos =-)

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

A few weeks...I had some stuff lined up while I was still purchasing equipment.

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?

Not yet...I love water and I love to clean

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?

Yes, but with caution...have to be able to think ahead and plan.

5. How long have you been in business?

April 1999

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.

From what I read...quite a few!



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Ronniels
AHR Tidewater, Inc.
Va Beach, VA 23456
(757) 368-5495

 

[Dave Olson]

Just curious and am interested in everyone's response.

1. What got you into this business?

I did not fit into the corporate hierarchy of big business. Though having my own business would be the answer. My father was a painting and plastering contractor, so I had a little idea of what running a business was about.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

Worked it part-time for about 3 years. When the motor carrier I was working for (dispatcher) closed their terminal, I went fulltime.

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?

Haven’t yet this morning , but last week!! Seriously this is a young persons work. As the years go by the body is wearing out! I rely more and more on employees to do the physical part. I’m on the extra board, when someone can’t work, I fill in for them. I don’t think I could work for anyone else, probably will run this business until I am forced to quit!

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?

Sure, if they are looking for a variety of challenges.

5. How long have you been in business?

Started in March of 1984. Just now starting my 18th year!

6. Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't succeed?

Most every new business has a hard time. Even after all these years, it still is not a cakewalk! My business is also my hobby. Because of that I tend to spend more time and money than should be spent. I will feel successful when I can tell my wife to quit her job!

7. Has anyone ever had second thoughts about this business?

Yes, third and forth, too! I still enjoy doing what I do. I never though I would make a lot of money just wanted something to keep myself busy.

Dave Olson

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Tidy Powerwash Service, Inc. P.O. Box 781, Catlin, Illinois 61817 Phone 217-427-5557, Fax 217-427-2632 We are a commercial cleaning contractor serving East-Central Illinois and West Central Indiana since 1984. http://www.tps-inc.com/preswash.htm

 

[Walt Graner]

1. What got you into this business?
During the late 80's remodeling was all that was going on, had man power and $ saw market and went into building exterior cleaning with focus on Historically significant substrates, then problem stains and pigment removal then Graffiti removal. I don't do power washing like most folks on this board.
2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?
About 4 years
3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
Sure, Everything I own has a price on it.
4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
Sure if they had about $ 15,000 in the bank a fulltime job, good work ethic, business plan and marketing strategy and started part time to test the waters.
5. How long have you been in business?
Part-time 1986 fulltime 1990


Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't succeed.
This is my pet peeve, the industry itself promotes it's own downfall with flooding the market with ill prepared cash poor fly-by-nights. They sell a power washer as a business...
It's like selling a paint rig as a business or box of tools "POOF!" now you’re a mechanic! I've even seen some companies providing fill-in-the blank business plans geared to acquire Small business loans
to finance this over priced stuff.
"Heck, if you do one driveway a month your self employed!" (so the sales people say)
They say there helping the industry, ya right..Everything they do promotes the bottom line not the people in the industry.
I don't mind making a buck, but when I do, I don't wrap myself in a blanket of righteousness.

OK, I’m off my soapbox now. Taking deep cleansing breaths, I’ll be ok…. calming down now.

I'm all for starting an Association for the contractors in this industry.


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Walt Graner
"Off The Wall" Graffiti

 

[JR Wood]

1.Was a landscaper and kept seeing this guy in all the backyards cleaning decks(1995).When we asked him about the business he said he was cleaning decks from Northeast NJ to new york state and at the pace he was going he would be retired in 5 years.

2. I started working part time in "96" and went full time around june "97".

3.I always think of getting out of it,but only to get into a more lucrative one...can't find one.

4.I would recommend this business to someone that is serious...can't find one.

Many people get into this biz and many people get out.
I am more interested in my own business to care about them.

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<FONT size="1"><FONT COLOR="Black">J.R WOOD POWER WASHING*1-800-782-9919
ABACUS DECK CARE*1-866-7-ABACUS
J&B SNOW PLOW*1-973-328-6650
SHOWCASE LAWNS OF NEW JERSEY*1-866-SHOCASE</FONT s></FONT c>

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DID SOMEONE SAY DIVERSIFY?</FONT s></FONT c>

 

[Clean County]

1.What got you into this business?
I had a guy powerwash my first house 8 yrs ago and I watched him do it. Afterwords he told me how great this business is and the money you could make doing it.

2.How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it.
Immiedetly

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
A couple of times. But I am in to deep.

4.Would you recommend this business to someone new?
Sure as long as they are willing to work hard.

5. How long have you been in business?
This will be my 6th year.

Just how many people do you think get into this business fulltime and don't succeed?
Probably like most other businesses where after the first year 50% are gone and after five years more then 90%

Sometimes over the years I had second thoughts but the longer I stay in business the more I want to make it more successful.

-JOHN-


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[Greg Rentschler]

I must admit I am one who hasn't frequented the board as much lately. I am actually glad to say that I have been TOO busy to check in (never thought I would be saying that). Burn out starts to set in after awhile andyou begin to value your time off. Onto the list:

1. What got you into this business?
In 1994 I was employed as a Hvy Equip. Operator and we had a company called Vans Industrial come out to clean our equipment. I dont know what it was but it stuck with me for next 2 years. In 1996 I started GCR PowerClean and have been playing in the sprinklers since.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?
Around 2-3 years to create a stable base of customers and to really learn the tricks of the trade. It was then that I actually felt like a professional at what I do.

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
Time and Time again. I have a pretty broad spectrum of interests and hobbies. I am the laborer, computer geek, motocrosser, airbrush artist, and mechanic that runs a cleaning business. Whew.... kinda confuses me at times. I just have alot of interests and some day I may decide to persue something other than cleaning.

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
I don't believe so. I think to really enjoy your profession you have to have an interest in it in the first place. I think alot of newbies get in for the wrong reasons... a quick buck being one. This is a very labor intensive business and with the work ethic of many people today I can see why they don't last.

5. How long have you been in business?
1996

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.
Longterm ( 5 years or more) I would estimate 10% actually make it.


Warm wishes and Best Regards,

Greg Rentschler
GCR PowerClean
TimberSeal, Inc.


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Greg Rentschler
GCR PowerClean
TimberSeal, Inc

 

[Layman's P/W]

1. What got you into this business?
I started with a 1500 psi washer that we used on a farm I worked on, after work I borrowed that washer to do small jobs for extra cash.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?
Eight years to finally.. just do it. I had a great job before and it was hard to let go, but nothing is easy.
3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
Sure I have but the thought goes away quickly.

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
After they heard the good and the bad …..Yes
5. How long have you been in business?
Eight years part time and 2.5 years fulltime

Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't succeed?

Not to many…most people stop before they go full time. Everyone I hire part-time says the same thing at the end of the first day“ Wow this is a lot harder than I thoughtâ€￾.



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[TONY ELL]

1. What got you into this business?

I rented a powerwasher from local rental store and washed my house. Figured that there were other people that could use the same service.

2. How long did it take you to get your business off the ground and make a living off it?

I washed homes and decks and other assorted things for about 4 years on a part-time basis. I then got offers to wash car lots in my 5th year and have been doing these for the last 4 years full-time ( I have empolyees, I rarely do anymore washing)

3. Have you ever thought of getting out of this?
MANY TIMES!!! But the money is just to darn good to leave!

4. Would you recommend this business to someone new?
Yes. But like mike said, not in my area.

5. How long have you been in business?
I started in the fall of 1993.
Just how many people do you think get into this business full time and don't suceed.
I just saw in my local paper two more business trying to offer powerwashing services. In the time I have been in business I have seen 5 different companies come and go.


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