Contemplating a downsizing......

Big Mike

Big Mike

Member
Well, I'm wrestling with the idea of getting out of the commercial end of the biz. I've got a great clientele for the residential market which requires little to no advertising, and operational costs are minuscule compared to commercial. Let me explain that first, this is a decision I haven't made yet. Second, I have another pursuit I'm thinking about, which has been a dream of mine since childhood. I feel that I'm about as much of an expert in wood restoration as I can be at this point, and am very comfortable with my knowledge base in that arena. I know how much I can make as a solo operator per season up here doing just residential, and with some minor additional income I can live very comfortably.

I just don't find any satisfaction in doing high volume commercial cleaning anymore. Customers don't care about your work, and the redundancy is kinda sucking the life out of my drive. I do get great satisfaction out of the deck restoration part of residential. It just seems like more of a craft than cleaning concrete.

I guess my question is, when is enough money enough? Also, should I listen to my inner voice telling me to slow down (I'm 45)? BTW, my other pursuit would be running a small farm, and eventually letting that be my main income. I do have experience in that field as well. Not looking for smart azz answers either, just some advice if any of you have downsized and made it work?

I'll only ask this on PWI, because you guys (and gals), don't sugar coat anything.
 
Go with what your gut is telling you. I recently went all residential and am loving it. Shorter days, no week ends unless I want to, and paid every day when I leave the customers home, and having to little advertising. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong w commercial, (and the commercial I did was nothing compared to what others on here do) but I am just loving the residential end.

My advice is go after that dream.
 
Since I can not be a "wise azz' and I am not a certified 'life coach' I can not comment at this time.......... Go for it dude, if 'wood' makes you happy, go for it! LOL
 
I understand the slowing down thing. You really need to do what is best for you and your family. 10 years ago I was nearly all fleets. I finally figured out that with a family that was not the bet business model. I also was not able to do other things that bring me lasting joy. Now I am home on weekends, and most evenings so I get to see my kids more. I also get to do the other things like scout camps, vacations, and serving others. All that being said, as my happiness level goes up, so does my income, not the reverse.
 
Big Mike said:
Well, I'm wrestling with the idea of getting out of the commercial end of the biz. I've got a great clientele for the residential market which requires little to no advertising, and operational costs are minuscule compared to commercial. Let me explain that first, this is a decision I haven't made yet. Second, I have another pursuit I'm thinking about, which has been a dream of mine since childhood. I feel that I'm about as much of an expert in wood restoration as I can be at this point, and am very comfortable with my knowledge base in that arena. I know how much I can make as a solo operator per season up here doing just residential, and with some minor additional income I can live very comfortably.

I just don't find any satisfaction in doing high volume commercial cleaning anymore. Customers don't care about your work, and the redundancy is kinda sucking the life out of my drive. I do get great satisfaction out of the deck restoration part of residential. It just seems like more of a craft than cleaning concrete.

I guess my question is, when is enough money enough? Also, should I listen to my inner voice telling me to slow down (I'm 45)? BTW, my other pursuit would be running a small farm, and eventually letting that be my main income. I do have experience in that field as well. Not looking for smart azz answers either, just some advice if any of you have downsized and made it work?

I'll only ask this on PWI, because you guys (and gals), don't sugar coat anything.
Click to expand...
Just pray and you will find all your answers. Just do it and then listen really hard.:grin-angelic:
 
My 1st year in Biz was disappointing to say the least. I wanted the Commercial work in my area, and went after it, while backing it up with Residential. Starting my 2nd year, I read a post on PWI, the Contractor was going through the same thing I was, and had switched to Residential only, and so did I!!! Never Looked back going on 6 years!!!

We provide a Personal Service for our Residential Customers, and work with them on a personal level. We are on a first name basis, they call us every year, and give us referrals out the Yang. Commercial....I won't turn it down, but it will be at price set by us, not the market, and not by the hacks in the area.

Go For It Buddy!!! Good Luck!!!
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I have some specific reasons for thinking about giving up the commercial end. First, like I mentioned earlier, the redundancy. Cleaning concrete rarely makes me go "wow!" Second, I can get by with a cold water washer and a decent Delavan or similar, and be good to go. Third, No EPA BS to deal with, no DOT BS to deal with. I could go on and on.

If I do go residential, I'll be selling my commercial stuff here. Stay tuned.
 
Hey Mike, I hear ya I have felt this way for the last few years and thats why I decided to keep the good ones and let the losers go!! I have a few years on you and if I had another passion besides Boating I would go for it.

There is nothing better than finishing up a job for a customer that is so happy with the amazing results that can be had with P/W or Wood Resto. Commercial is a good biz if you have lot's of it and are equiped to get it done quickly and with little or no problems along the way.

This is my 3rd successful biz in 31 years and I dont regret any of them. You dont need us to tell you what to do, you already have a plan and I say go with your gut. You will do well with whatever you choose as you are a driven man !!
 
Go for it. You can make good money doing residential, especially with the wood. I have only done a little bit of commercial work and I can say that the resi side has definately been more rewarding for me. Just like everyone else has said you have to go with your gut and do what is right for you and your family.
 
Mike I run a small farm too I sell free range eggs and grass finished beef and I do very well with both ,I sell my eggs for $4.00 per doz and can't keep up with the demand.I still lay a few brick and do mostly Res.pressure washing and hopfully before long it will be just pressure washing and farming.
 
You are the guy who has to determine how much money is enough, no one can answer that. If you have good income from your existing commercial accounts then hire someone else to do the commercial if you don't like it. I understand the need for a sense of satisfaction from your work and commercial accounts show their appreciation by not hiring someone else.....not the same warm fuzzy you get from a homeowner but as long as the checks keep rolling in. I would suggest that if you have a dream of being a farmer, make as much as you can now and you will get that much closer to making it happen sooner.
 
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