Request for help

grizzley

grizzley

Member
Hello Everyone!

Our company is looking to expand our business into cleaning hood systems. Currently, we service the fire suppression systems (A.K.A. Ansul systems). However, we do NOT clean them. 7 out of 10 customers ask us if we can clean them and we tell them "No, you should look in the Yellow Pages". But now, we are wanting to tell them "Sure, we can do that for you" which will in turn provide better service to our customers. Right now, some of our customers have trouble finding cleaning companies that are willing to carry the amount of insurance they require (generally $5million), but we are willing to carry that much insurance.

We realize that we can not just walk in and give the customer the service they deserve with no training and little knowledge of how to properly clean a hood system; and that is why I am posting here.

I read the 10+ thread about Rusty's school (you know the one... and nothing against Rusty's school) but it seems that the general consensus is that schools generally aren't the way to go. Initially, we were going to send 2-3 guys to a school but now are a little reluctant to do that.

Did I misinterpret that thread? Is there a school that is worth the money? Or is the best method to try to team up with a current hood cleaner and gain the knowledge?

Another question is where to buy basic startup supplies? We don't want to go to Lowes 10 times on the first job due to not having basic supplies. I know there will be trip or two on the first job, but we would like to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks in advance for any incite and tips you can share.
 
The best deal you are going to get is with the Phil Ackland training. You can certify your company and 4 guys for about $2k. The course is very informative but will not give you any hands on training. Phil Ackland also has a 5 day course with actual hands on training for about $4k. Phil is the #1 authority in our industry and is on the forefront of education not only for cleaners but for firefighters, insurance companies and restaurants owners.

Rusty has a week long course that is hands on and he will also supply you with everything you need to actually clean an exhaust system. His course is about double what Phil charges but you will get a similar education as his course is based on Phil Acklands training manual and you will be cleaning actual restaurants.

You can get IKECA certified and trained at Delco. You will also be able to pick up everything you need from them equipment wise.

PWNA will train and Phil Ackland certify.

IKECA, PWNA and CHDCA (Rusty) all have associations where you can network with other cleaners. As far as I know Rusty organization pushes this a lot more that IKECA or PWNA. The cleaners on his bulletin board actual post on a regular basis and share ideas and tips that they have learned in the field. You will not find that on the IKECA or PWNA bulletin boards. IKECA is the only other association stricly devoted to exhaust cleaners, as Phil Ackland does not have an association and the PWNA is mainly for pressure washers.

http://www.dcs1.com/del/kitsch.html
http://www.pwna.org/convention_shows/BootCamp/default.asp
http://www.philacklandcleaning.com/courses-exhaustcleaner-5day-more.htm
http://www.hoodcleaningschool.com/index.html
 
Nice post Matt. That's the best summary of schools I've seen posted on this board to date.

However, I will have to say...Go with CHDCA. The success rate of companies trained by Advanced Cleaning Systems is phenominal. The support you receive from ACS and fellow CHDCA members gives you an edge unmatched by any other school.

grizzly-What part of the Midwest are you in?
 
Before deciding who the align yourself with, do a search for the posting by Mr. Ackland and Rusty. Pay attention to the claims made by both. In the earlier postings by Rusty claim to own the businees, then he does not own the business, then he cleans hoods, then he does not. The bogus claims that stand out are his claiming to be a member of NFPA. I called NFPA and asked for his membership number. He was not a member of NFPA. Later he did join NFPA

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
 
Rusty is a member of the NFPA Technical Commitee.

Rusty is a genuine person, and works very hard for the members of the CHDCA, and his students. Contact him and you will get a list of referal contacts from previous students who are now running successful cleaning companies.

There are a lot of bb members that appear to be jealous of what Rusty has accomplished in this industry, and will rant on this board to make him look like a liar and a scammer. He is anything but those things. Give me a call, 314-570-1894.
 
My opinion is that Matt now has the gayest if that's a word, Avatar I've ever seen. (no offense intended to the members of the gay community that may be reading our board)

Seriously look for some hands on training, I have never attended any of the schools but I would think they are much the same, and that each is going to honestly try to teach you what you will need to clean an exhaust system.
 
Grizzley OK First off-- Who What Why Where When?
Are you for real? or are you just another one of ABCZ's publicity artists?
If not I apoligize. If so. EABSS.

Im with Doug on this one. Be careful of who you hook up with.In my opinion there are some funny practices going on in some of these instructional courses.
 
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Grizzley
I would buy one of Delco's exhaust cleaning tapes,they are not professional quality as far as the video quality,but they are informative for someone just starting out,and will show you the basics.I would also buy Phil Acklands exhaust cleaning manual,it is the "bible" of this business as far as many are concerned. also IKECA has a free down loadable manual right on their website that is very informative.I bought both about 6 years ago,and the rest was on the job training.No one can teach you anything more than the basics in any of the schools,most is learned on the job through experience,but having the basics down is the most important thing when starting out,there are many things that can bite you in the ass if you are not careful,but this is Kitchen exhaust cleaning,not rocket science.Having the fire suppression knowledge that you do puts you head and shoulders above many here when they started out.I was in the restaurant supply business for years,and owned 2 restaurants in NJ,and the thing that got me interested in this business was the lack of quality contractors when I needed my systems cleaned,and the sheer amount of business available if you do quality work at a reasonable price.I am still involved in another business myself(construction demolition) and have not even scratched the surface of the amount of business available if I only was involved in this business,but being in the fire supression end makes this a home run for you.I plan on adding fire suppresion service in the next year or so,as you seen for yourself it does help a lot if you have the two services combined,especially if you accidentally set one off one night lol!.You might want to check with Mikey,a member on this board who just trained another member on this board Steve,and Steve seems pretty happy with what Mikey taught him.
Good Luck
Jim
 
Grizzley,
Tim is right, who are you? please fill in some more info in your profile and signature area. (USER CP)
 
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