Round Table Heaven

pressurepros

New member
I talk to guys from other indutries and trades and they are amazed at how we, as washers, are banding together and strengthening our position as business people. We can actually consider ourselves unique as a whole. Great things are going to come from these round tables. I foresee pressure washing finally being seen as a real business by the public as more and more business people emerge in this industry. We are the new generation of this business. Gone are the old ways and the antiquated thinking. Its nice to see things finally come around.

Ron, its refreshing to see that a vet like yourself sees the value of staying in the trenches. Matthew (Colorado), Matthew (New York), Jeff L, Michael K and everyone else that has an event planned for 2008.. keepup the great work and forward momentum.
 
I talk to guys from other indutries and trades and they are amazed at how we, as washers, are banding together and strengthening our position as business people. We can actually consider ourselves unique as a whole. Great things are going to come from these round tables. I foresee pressure washing finally being seen as a real business by the public as more and more business people emerge in this industry. We are the new generation of this business. Gone are the old ways and the antiquated thinking. Its nice to see things finally come around.

Ron, its refreshing to see that a vet like yourself sees the value of staying in the trenches. Matthew (Colorado), Matthew (New York), Jeff L, Michael K and everyone else that has an event planned for 2008.. keepup the great work and forward momentum.

Why dont we do one in PA Ken?

Pick a Date,
 
Why dont we do one in PA Ken?

Pick a Date,

Thanks for the call Ron. I know Ken to be a very business minded professional as well as a giver. I have benefited by knowing him and it would be awesome to join in on that table if e holds one...

Jimmy

PS. I just was awarded a job that requires me working from 11pm-5am What is with all this strange work at a time we are moving. Never ceases to amaze me...
 
Ron, I was going to put one togther for PA for the fall. I have put that on hold for a much bigger event tentatively slated for February '09. I'll fill you in on the details as they become a little clearer. We are still at the drawing board with a few other priorities to get in order first. But, Ron, you'll definitely be in the loop.

PS: Jimmy, got your message. Thanks!
 
There have been many people in the past, both contractors and vendors who have hosted events ( some multiple ones) and some continue to do so. For example, Tom & Barbara hold them twice a year in PA. Maybe it would make better sense to have one in say...NJ were there are not any held? Or say....Virginia which had one once, but has not for years? Spread the love around...

Also - that whole "old ways" thing....that whole "banding together" thing....it's nothing new, other than we are operating outside of an organization rather than from a place of membership and conventions. We are a fragmented, dysfunctional industry in many ways. Not knocking it, it's what it is, but it is that way. Hopefully this will change. It's not as though all the people who have made efforts before were wrong - not that at all actually. It's not like there is a new breed that suddenly has all the right answers. I hope something solid happens in this industry. We need it. Everyone is searching for something. Lots of people want to help. But you know what's kinda sad? There is an org, you may not like it but there is, and they are hurting and need help, and rather than suck it up and help, everyone is prepared to walk away from it. That....is sad.

Ok...off my soapbox.

Beth
 
There have been many people in the past, both contractors and vendors who have hosted events ( some multiple ones) and some continue to do so. For example, Tom & Barbara hold them twice a year in PA. Maybe it would make better sense to have one in say...NJ were there are not any held? Or say....Virginia which had one once, but has not for years? Spread the love around...

Also - that whole "old ways" thing....that whole "banding together" thing....it's nothing new, other than we are operating outside of an organization rather than from a place of membership and conventions. We are a fragmented, dysfunctional industry in many ways. Not knocking it, it's what it is, but it is that way. Hopefully this will change. It's not as though all the people who have made efforts before were wrong - not that at all actually. It's not like there is a new breed that suddenly has all the right answers. I hope something solid happens in this industry. We need it. Everyone is searching for something. Lots of people want to help. But you know what's kinda sad? There is an org, you may not like it but there is, and they are hurting and need help, and rather than suck it up and help, everyone is prepared to walk away from it. That....is sad.

Ok...off my soapbox.

Beth

Well said Beth.

My only concern is that in some contractors eyes, the national org walked away from it's membership and thier members opinions. It would certainly benefit the org (UAMCC or PWNA) if you were to step up and take one of the Board Seats. Your past experience in the PWNA would certainly be helpful. Perhaps even the masses would follow your example.

Again well said and good luck.
 
I talk to guys from other indutries and trades and they are amazed at how we, as washers, are banding together and strengthening our position as business people. We can actually consider ourselves unique as a whole. Great things are going to come from these round tables. I foresee pressure washing finally being seen as a real business by the public as more and more business people emerge in this industry. We are the new generation of this business. Gone are the old ways and the antiquated thinking. Its nice to see things finally come around.

Ron, its refreshing to see that a vet like yourself sees the value of staying in the trenches. Matthew (Colorado), Matthew (New York), Jeff L, Michael K and everyone else that has an event planned for 2008.. keepup the great work and forward momentum.

Thanks Ken... The chemistry is coming together and the synergy from Ron, Celeste and many others are destined to have a positive impact on the industry. I suspect your's and Carlos initiative with the UAMCC/RFW will do the same when you get off and rolling.

Celeste's time and effort with Contractor's Events of becoming the one stop shop "Warehouse" for contractors to keep thier finger on what is going on around the country is an overlooked and underappreciated gem in this new age of contractor networking.

Again, Thanks for your insight and complements.
 
Thanks Matt,

I was asked if I would go onto the ballot again, and my answer after thinking it over was no. I simply do not have the time. In the past, I put in many, many hours. That's the way I am. Today, I would not be able to donate significant amounts of time. I did not feel that would be fair to PWNA, when there might be another volunteer who could offer more of their time.

I understand completely why people are hesitant to offer their help. Everyone has watched volunteers come and go at a rapid pace, while things continued to go downhill for the org. But, I think we are at rock bottom. You can't get too much worse than about 60-65K in the red, with this many vacant board seats. Most of the red ink came from the management company that just left. Some was from a past convention, but that has been the case before as well. I just hope we get our ballot soon. I hope they can find the volunteers.

I have heard that membership in the WJTA is up. It might be another avenue for PW'ers to explore.

Beth
 
Beth, you summed up why most are walking away from the PWNA. The core structure is faulted. Anyone that volunteers for the BOD needs to make an inordinate committment of time and personal money. Add in that nobody knows for sure what legal ramifications are going to arise from the way this 501 was managed and administrated and it's understandable that the cry is "abandon ship". As Sally Field might have said in the movie Forrest Gump. "Baggage is as baggage does."

A new style org infrastructure has to be developed and implemented to relieve much of the burden from any small group of volunteers, especially management. This is the path the UAMCC seems to be headed. It also needs to be mentioned that in the current org models there cannot be BOD volunteers with good intentions but lacking skillset. That sounds harsh but let me throw myself in there. I've never been top level, executive officer management of a national corporation. I certainly don't have the resume to step into what I believe the PWNA or any org needs in its leadership as the current models are set up. There may be five guys in our industry that have the experience or know-how to make something like this work and I doubt they are willing to dedicate their efforts with no compense or potential profit. This is why the model has to be changed!

Emotion aside, I can understand the high turnover of the PWNA BOD and the questionable tactics of some former administration. One can only do so much before they ask, "hey, why am I doing this, shouldn't I be seeing a return on my efforts?" Anyone that thinks they are above that temptation is full of crap.

We are all business people. That means we choose to carve out a better way of life for our families and ourselves. One cannot ignore that fact. I believe an org can be setup that will benefit everyone up and down the chain from contractor members to management. It doesn't have to be done with deceit or behind closed doors.

There will always be those that sit on the sidelines with a megaphone and cry "FOUL!" Again, that is what it is. Whether a new org charges $100 or $1000 to join, someone will have something negative to say. Whether a new org tries to tie together manufactures and distributors to the contractor or totally excludes them, the naysayers will still be vocal. That's okay. People have every right to be skeptical based upon previous history. This is why I mention new regimes and new ways of thinking. It is meant with no disrespect to past efforts. In fact, everyone involved with previous org efforts is to be commended. Their efforts and their handling of the stumbling blocks in establishing a national organization have made the future paths clearer.

I ask only that we all keep an open mind. I still have my megaphone in my hand, I just turned it down while I watch how the game unfolds. This is not the flavor of the week. This is not going to be "we'll throw some sh-- against the wall and hope it sticks". The UAMCC is in a carefully orchestrated restructure that will be based upon input from all industry participants starting with the contractors. Business plans will be modified and analyzed by outside-the-industry experts or those that have experience with varying industry orgs. Transition team members are being chosen to represent a true cross section of the industry. Young, old, new to business, just started last year, one truck or thirty.. everyone will be heard.

This is a monumental undertaking and needs to be done slowly and methodically if its going to have any chance for success. From the way things are going, the UAMCC restructuring seems based upon momentum and forward progress rather than artificial time lines. That, in my opinion, is a good thing.
 
There have been many people in the past, both contractors and vendors who have hosted events ( some multiple ones) and some continue to do so. For example, Tom & Barbara hold them twice a year in PA. Maybe it would make better sense to have one in say...NJ were there are not any held? Or say....Virginia which had one once, but has not for years? Spread the love around...

Also - that whole "old ways" thing....that whole "banding together" thing....it's nothing new, other than we are operating outside of an organization rather than from a place of membership and conventions. We are a fragmented, dysfunctional industry in many ways. Not knocking it, it's what it is, but it is that way. Hopefully this will change. It's not as though all the people who have made efforts before were wrong - not that at all actually. It's not like there is a new breed that suddenly has all the right answers. I hope something solid happens in this industry. We need it. Everyone is searching for something. Lots of people want to help. But you know what's kinda sad? There is an org, you may not like it but there is, and they are hurting and need help, and rather than suck it up and help, everyone is prepared to walk away from it. That....is sad.

Ok...off my soapbox.

Beth


The PWNA was given and open invite to join me, if you recall when I started round tables up back in 2001 the PWNA was given the program in 2004 and it was put by the side.

I know your history with the PWNA doesn’t travel as far back because at the time you were a newbie on the block and learning the ropes. Beth your dedication to the PWNA was wonderful, in the end you got shoved by the way side also. I wish no ill to the PWNA, If they came and said Ron I heard that you wanted to promote the org thru round tables again. I would help, will I seek them out? Doc has mentioned this to the current leaders and thus far no response. I offered a formal proposal to Boost the membership and get some money coming in. Still waiting and will continue to keep moving forward.
Some are confused and my intentions, I’m not starting a national org. I’m simply getting to know my fellow contract cleaner, in each and every place I travel I learn about the markets. Bama was very interesting to me, it reminded me of 1989. People still not sure what PW is, how refreshing yet disturbing. 13 years we have had a pressure washing org. people; business owner, children and everyone else that might use us don’t even know we exist.


I have offered to help the PWNA, the problem is that they cannot do it alone.

Besides I heard they are having a convention, from my understanding it will be in Chicago.

Here we are again, two years later and still talking about what could of, should of, or would of.

Beth, Like everyone I extend the offer to you to have a Maryland round table. A small gathering of fellow contractors in your backyard. (Feel the benefits of the meeting and greeting the guys closest to you.)

You have one of the most popular BBS on the web, Network with others and feel the power and structure of building relations with your local contractors.

The foundations for PWNA where never built, it has been held together primarily for dist, education and vendor use. (Associate Members)


Its time, Evolution can’t be stopped. The movement is happening and contractors are networking and learning that they can save and make more money working together and we will rid this industries plague and rise up and for once be recognized and a true profession.

To truly be together one needs to understand the benefits, I have been trying to unite the industry as a whole for years. Other fields in our industry are advanced more than the main stream.

The segments of this industry are vast, it’s quickly growing and no one will truly be able to stop what on the horizon. It happened in past industry with rapid growth and will continue to happen in ours.

This is just a funny ignorant statement I have heard many make. We have been hurting since LOWES started advertising PW on TV. I can’t wait for LOWE and Walmart to start marketing PW for ME. You see we are worried about a home owner buying a PW when in fact until he watched the commercial he didn’t even know what one was. Lowes , HD and others help us with selling and make the consumer more aware. (DYI) people will always be DYI. For everyone DYI that see the commercial 20 will see it and think I wonder if we can hire someone instead of buying another tool that will sit in the garage.

Today, network with someone, call a friend and ask them to refer. Or just call and extraction company and let them know you PW. Call a restoration company and let them know you PW. CALL SOMEONE!!!!!! Don’t wait by the phone pick it up and call.
 
Ron,

There are a couple of guys who are working on a MD RT. I can't invest that kind of time right now. My total of time I can invest is limited. I will help, but I can't bear the brunt of the planning. I have done this in the past in MD several times in past years.

As for my introduction to PWNA, we joined in 1999. I volunteered for...it was either one or two years before I went onto the BOD.

Beth
 
Great post Ron. Thanks.
 
Great insight Ron... Contractors do want to network, as you and others continue to point out the hidden benefits to the veterans and newbies, the national networking will grow.

Vendors already know the benifit, I have been contracted by vendors that I did not expect to hear from regarding the NY event.

The NY RT will not be a "Vendor RT", but I hope to have a few that will offer true benifits to the Contract Cleaner and additional benifits to the members of the NYPWC network.

2008 will prove to be an exciting year for the Contract Cleaner and Wood Restoration Specialist!!!!
 
Ken,

Your post about the UamCC is right on target. There is nothing more I can say nor can I say it any clearer - the UamCC is dead serious about establishing an org. that serves the contractor.

Reports or updates have not been a common place here on the bbs's but I can tell you that MUCH is going on.
 
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