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Mudpuppies · Guest

RE: Evolution of a New Business

Mudpuppies · Guest

We FINALLY have the website up and running!

Check it out at mudpups.com

We will be adding a services page and the other services we will be offering, but the main thing was to get a quality site up NOW, so we can get out the emails.

Let me know what you think.

Guest

The site looks good rob nice work on the roof too.

I like the setup on the dodge is that the 4.7 v8 or the HEMI. Also how does it handle with all that wieght in the back?

Mudpuppies · Guest

It has the 4.7L V8. It handles like a 1982 Cadillac Sedan DeVille with 80,000 miles on the shocks with 150 gallons of Love in the back. I also have a 32' ladder I stack on the rack.

Actually it handles OK. It pulls fine. But I can't wait until I can get a trailer. Maybe in about 3 months.

Guest

Rob,
I have a dodge hemi and i also have a trailer with all my equipment and both tanks full i also feel like im in a caddy.

If i were you i would just carry the shc to the job and fill up the water when you get there. It gives you time to set up your ladders and tarps and when your done setting up your ready to spray.

I am only suggesting this becuase the payload of your truck is only 1500 lbs. with the extra weight your putting on your truck your putting extra stress on the driveshaft and springs that eventually will give out.

Find yourself a set of helper springs that will help with the extra weight.

I hope this helps in any way.

Mudpuppies · Guest

Thanks Mike.

I like the idea of putting the SHC on the truck and getting the water from the customer. Does that ever cause any problems with them supplying the water?

I am hoping to get a trailer sooner rather than later. But I am trying to avoid spending any more than I already have until I get some revenue coming in.

I am going tomorrow to quote some houses where I used to live, about 70 miles away. If I carry the SHC, then I can do more roofs in one trip.

I like it.

Roof Cleaning Richmond VA 804-687-4960 · Guest

My 1980 Chevy K20 4x4 rides about like a billy goat load or no load. I had a engine machinist over haul the 350 block and beef up the HP to 375. Upgraded to 1 ton suspesion knowing the ride would be rough but got the GVW up to 10,000. Dana 4.56 gears a class 5 hitch along with a ball and pintle combo.

I do some dry Ice blasting on delicate surfaces and the pay load with Ice is a bloated pig to pull.

Also have sprayed the whole truck with a bedliner coating that seems to be the only thing that prevents chemical corroision to the body of the truck.

I have enjoyed the growth of this post and the input from our members.

Mudpuppies · Guest

That sounds like one badazz Love haulin' machine!

The whole truck encased in bedliner spray?

Post a pic!

Guest

Rob,
I have not had a problem filling up at the customers home. I tell them i mix it according to the job and they understand. If you carry just the sh in your tank then your right you will be able to do more roofs filling up at the customers house.

keep seaching craigslist for that trailer. Better to spend the money now on a trailer then buying a new truck!!!!

Mudpuppies · Guest

It has been awhile since I posted. I've been busy.

The roof cleaning is a little slow. I have had to do painting and other things to make enough money between roof cleanings, so I have been neglecting the good side of the business.

But I will be cleaning a roof and a deck today. I'm just waiting for the sun to come out.

I have been using Service Magic to get jobs. I don't like them because they give the leads to 2 other contractors and you end up having to bid low to get the work. I usually get the job if I meet the customer. Since I'm new, I have to develop my reputation. I have only had a couple of roof jobs through them. Most of the work I get from them has been painting.

I've learned a lot in 3 months. The first thing I learned is that you have to work all the time to get a new business going. There's too much paperwork. And no vacation.

But the good thing is I'm still in business. And I plan on staying and building this business. Maybe I can take a break for a few days in 2011.

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

Hi Rob,

Great to see you on the board. Glad you got your business off the ground.

Yes, starting a small business takes time and dedication. You have to force yourself to treat it like a real job (which it is) and what I mean by that is, get up early and go to bed early (as often as possible) and market all the time, even when you are busy, to stay busy :0

Paper work is my biggest headache too. I am back up on paperwork (don't like to admit it but true) and even though you work 8 hours cleaning you still have to put on another hat and be the accountant and inventory manager, web designer, marketer, customer relations person and more.

The trick is to put in as much time daily that use use to put into a regular 9-5 job and don't take it easy on yourself or your marketing for at least the first year until you have a customer base and a market share that actually KNOW who you are and will gladly pass on referrals to you or recommend you to others.

This is a lot easier said, than done :)

Welcome to the life of a entrepreneaur. After the glamour of the "I'm in my own business" wears off, there's still the daily grind.

Thats why there is power in communicating on this board.

Getting the support a small business owner needs to keep his/her chin up to make it thru the tough days when the phone doesn't ring except for people calling you asking where their check is.

Yes, being in business is fun and profitable, too, but most of the time it's still just work.

Thanks for all the pics and posts on the board showcasing your startup. It will and is helping others who follow in your footsteps.

Good for you and good luck and continued success.

David

Mudpuppies · Guest

Thanks David. You are an inspiration.

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

HI Rob!!! Glad your still working it!!!

Guest

Hang in there Rob, I have been in business for over 4 years. I retired from the Navy and was full time in my business for almost 2 years then I had to go back in to working on F-18 Super hornets again but the good thing is I work 8 hours day on aircraft and 6 to 12 hours a day in my roof cleaning business or pressure washing but I have 3 guys that work for me so that helps.

At times there more work than I can handle and sometimes it is really slow but hang tuff and network if you can with other people like handy men company's, real estate or property management company's also throw you a list on craiglist 2 or 3 times a week. I started out with a toyota truck towing an open trailer, now I have a 14 ft enclosed trailer and a 14 foot box truck so keep going and you will succeed.

plinscott · Guest

Hey Mudpuppies,
I am in the same boat so your not alone. We are all in this together.
Keep spreading the Love.

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"