Tony Shelton
BS Detector, Esquire
After more than a year of looking at current industry orgs with a microscope, I joined the PWNA this week.
Here's why.
First it is an org that has stood the test of time. There have been some failures in its past. After reading literally hundreds of posts on the subject one of the standouts of the org is that it's leaders aren't afraid to confront failure, admit to it and move on. This wasn't always true, but time has taught a valuable lesson and added value to the org.
Second, the BOD of the org is filled with contractors that actually pressure wash for a living whether they personally do the work or have employees. The BOD is filled with guys who have proven to be successful in the pressure washing industry. They represent the goals that any one of us can accomplish if we just utilize the information they can impart to us.
Third, time has allowed any "hate driven" influences to be expunged from the decision processes of the organization. It is simply a contractor organization with the sole purpose of helping other contractors and as a networking vehicle to bring the industry together.
Fourth, I have met and spoken with more than 1/2 of the board personally. You guys know me. In some cases I asked some hard questions (some of which I already knew the answers) and not once did I get a dishonest answer.....even when it was less than flattering to the org. This is a good sign.
Fifth, of all the members I have met who are just simply members, virtually none of them gave "bennies" as a reason for joining. Almost all quoted "education", "networking" and "bettering the industry". When you pull together an organization of contractors who only join to RECEIVE something in return, you end up with an organization filled with receivers and a handful of "givers" who get saddled with all the work. Eventually that resentment and hatred that the org is founded on will start to come out and end up being directed towards the members.
Sixth, In the years of operation of the PWNA I can't find any information that gives me the indication that the PWNA members look down on nonmembers as inferior contractors. It may have happened in the past, but I can't find any indication of it today.
Seventh, the org actively appears to be working with government officials in a PRO-industry manner. The PWNA is willing to represent the contractor using common sense rather than simply telling the government to "tell us what to do and we will do it". I would like to be a part of a historical movement that represents our industry as common sense, logical businessmen rather than simply polluters who don't have enough sense to know what to do.
Is there room for more industry orgs?
Sure.
But taking a few part time contractors and getting them together with the purpose of making an org that excludes some individuals is not a good foundation.
Can an existing organization with a faulty foundation change from an org of hate and inexperience and evolve into something good for our industry?
Sure.
But it can't happen without full recognition of the problems and a study of mistakes made by other, more time-tested orgs like the PWNA and a commitment not to make the same mistakes.
This is the first org I've joined since the 90's if my memory serves me right. But the PWNA appears to have learned from it's mistakes the mistakes of others and could very well lead our industry into a prosperous future during tough political and economic times.
Here's why.
First it is an org that has stood the test of time. There have been some failures in its past. After reading literally hundreds of posts on the subject one of the standouts of the org is that it's leaders aren't afraid to confront failure, admit to it and move on. This wasn't always true, but time has taught a valuable lesson and added value to the org.
Second, the BOD of the org is filled with contractors that actually pressure wash for a living whether they personally do the work or have employees. The BOD is filled with guys who have proven to be successful in the pressure washing industry. They represent the goals that any one of us can accomplish if we just utilize the information they can impart to us.
Third, time has allowed any "hate driven" influences to be expunged from the decision processes of the organization. It is simply a contractor organization with the sole purpose of helping other contractors and as a networking vehicle to bring the industry together.
Fourth, I have met and spoken with more than 1/2 of the board personally. You guys know me. In some cases I asked some hard questions (some of which I already knew the answers) and not once did I get a dishonest answer.....even when it was less than flattering to the org. This is a good sign.
Fifth, of all the members I have met who are just simply members, virtually none of them gave "bennies" as a reason for joining. Almost all quoted "education", "networking" and "bettering the industry". When you pull together an organization of contractors who only join to RECEIVE something in return, you end up with an organization filled with receivers and a handful of "givers" who get saddled with all the work. Eventually that resentment and hatred that the org is founded on will start to come out and end up being directed towards the members.
Sixth, In the years of operation of the PWNA I can't find any information that gives me the indication that the PWNA members look down on nonmembers as inferior contractors. It may have happened in the past, but I can't find any indication of it today.
Seventh, the org actively appears to be working with government officials in a PRO-industry manner. The PWNA is willing to represent the contractor using common sense rather than simply telling the government to "tell us what to do and we will do it". I would like to be a part of a historical movement that represents our industry as common sense, logical businessmen rather than simply polluters who don't have enough sense to know what to do.
Is there room for more industry orgs?
Sure.
But taking a few part time contractors and getting them together with the purpose of making an org that excludes some individuals is not a good foundation.
Can an existing organization with a faulty foundation change from an org of hate and inexperience and evolve into something good for our industry?
Sure.
But it can't happen without full recognition of the problems and a study of mistakes made by other, more time-tested orgs like the PWNA and a commitment not to make the same mistakes.
This is the first org I've joined since the 90's if my memory serves me right. But the PWNA appears to have learned from it's mistakes the mistakes of others and could very well lead our industry into a prosperous future during tough political and economic times.
We got all fixed up in Texas and now look at you - it's about time you did something positive for the industry :rotflmao:
