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Mar 7, 2011

How many of us are 1 man operations? I am and I've been in No Pressure roof cleaning since 1991

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX · Guest

What do you consider large?

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD · guest

I'm with you, Chuck. I don't always have a helper with me on every job, and I don't kill plants. I try to have a helper, but it's not always in the cards.

Mar 7, 2011

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

What do you consider large?

Good question!
I really just didn't want to name anyone.
I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations.
What needs to be put down, is companies not doing a proper job or not caring for plants properly.
Here are 3 posts I've made on this subject-all in reply to larger companies, who have at least 2 men, putting down the smaller companies.:

It's not the number of men on the job that caused this, it's not caring what he was doing. We work 1 man jobs all the time [about 75%] We either tarp the plants or run good quality sprinklers constantly and since 1991 I have been called 1 time for plant damage and it was 3 small plants on that 1 job, which I replaced. That job was done with 2 men, myself and my son. If we can turn out a few hundred roofs a year with no damage, so can any other professional, willing to do what is needed to care for the customers plants and get up and down off the roof 4 times to make sure everything stays covered or is being hit with a sprinkler. It is also the reason why, I switched from a 5 gpm pump to 2 gpm [ and a tandem 2 gpm pump setup = 3gpm output] Those bigger pumps knock out jobs faster, especially with 3/4" hoses, but there is no comparison when it comes to run off. I try for very very little run off and I'm willing to spend an extra half hour - an hour more on a job to get that result. If a company is large enough to employ a 2nd man, that's fine, but it doesn't make other professionals, who do their job right with one man "hacks" But I think you know that. biggrin
Chuck Bergman
---------------------------------------------
I've used the sprinkler method for years and had ZERO PLANT DAMAGE. What is always left out of the equasion, when the bigger companies say we should be 2 man crews, is that they are pumping 5-7 gpm or more, so yes, a ground man is needed for the massive run off. The ground man of course, does not stop that Chlorine / TSP / Alcohol etc the bigger companies use, from polluting the earth. They just get to knock out many jobs a day.
I prefer to put less SH & Ammonyx Lo on and have almost none run off, with sprinklers running constantly, doing basically the same thing the ground man does.
We still get down off the roof and check tarps and sprinkler aim at least 4 times each roof.
Chuck
---------------------------------------------
My reply to the "Song" posted about 1 man roof cleaners:
Sounds like a good song for a big company to sing, especially if they are pumping from large pumps, with 3/4" ID hoses!
Then a ground man is a necessity. Of course, while the ground man can dilute the heck out of all that big pump run off, it's still many extra gallons of Chlorine, TSP, Alcohol & whatever, in the ground=ground water and our Earth!

Those of us who use tarps and sprinklers and small pumps and 1/2" ID hoses are singing a different tune. My short song "

It may sound good in a sing song way,

when those big ole pumps are squirtin' away,

forgetting the gallons of SH reaching the ground

while dilutin' with water, it's still comin' down.

So help save the earth and slow down a bit,

use smaller pumps and hoses if you really give a $#%."

-- Edited by Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 on Monday 7th of March 2011 10:09:01 AM

Mar 7, 2011

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD wrote:

I'm with you, Chuck. I don't always have a helper with me on every job, and I don't kill plants. I try to have a helper, but it's not always in the cards.

Yes, those negative posts are really just to eliminate local competition and new people starting up. But they irk me, because I know better and I have the years of experience to back it up. If I was killing plants with my method = Low gpm pumping, small ID hoses, Sprinklers. Tarps, Up and down the ladder 4 times. Then I would obviously not continue! It's the 5-7 gpm / 3/4" hose guys who need a guy on the ground the most.
The rest of us can use tarps and sprinklers and accomplish the same thing, by putting in a little more time and effort. And once again, a ground man is not stopping the many extra gallons of Chlorine & chemicals that are going into the ground! My greatest fear in this business, is that a law could go into effect stopping us from pumping chlorine up on roofs-which all eventually goes into the ground below.
If an EPA guy was watching me, I'd feel he would consider my pollution minimal. What if he was behind a guy with a fat boy and a 3/4" hose?
STILL- I don't care how others do their roofs, I just believe in "Live and let live" especially here among our brother roof cleaners!
You won't see me "START" negative posting about those companies who put down 1 man operations, by knocking their large volume pumping systems? That's their business, until they start putting my company down with their negative "One man hack" posts.
I DON'T LIKE THAT SHi_!
Leave us 1 man operations alone and we will leave your multi employee operations alone!
Chuck

-- Edited by Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 on Wednesday 16th of March 2011 08:57:31 AM

Roof Cleaning Memphis TN (901) 826-8370 · Guest

I'm a one man show. For now anyway.
However I do see a benefit from having a second man. What if I slip and fall off of a roof? Who's gonna call for help?
I am a newbie so I would feel more comfortable with a second man watching what is going on.
I haven't decided what I'm gonna do.
For now it's just me until I get enough jobs.

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD · guest

Rodney, put your wife to work, that's what I do when I definitely need someone to help!

Mar 7, 2011

Roof Cleaning Memphis TN (901) 826-8370 wrote:

I'm a one man show. For now anyway.
However I do see a benefit from having a second man. What if I slip and fall off of a roof? Who's gonna call for help?
I am a newbie so I would feel more comfortable with a second man watching what is going on.
I haven't decided what I'm gonna do.
For now it's just me until I get enough jobs.

That's a consideration. Like all trades, we have the possibility of having an accident.

Electricians could pay a guy to watch them, in case of dangerous shock.

Cable tv techs could come in 2's in case they fall off a telephone pole ladder etc etc, but they usually don't.

I think the longer you do this, the less possibility there is for a fall.

I also think it's important to speak to yourself occasionally and say "Don't get to familiar feeling up on these roofs, keep thinking safety-you have a family!"

I remind my 34 year old son of this often and he always says he agrees, he thinks before every step!

My son has worked for me 18 years straight and slipped off 1 roof and didn't get hurt, went right back up.

I have been on roofs alone since 1978 and never fell off a roof, I fell off a ladder once. It hurt, but no permanent damage. { I know, your thinking -seems like some brain damage? }

Chuck

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX · Guest

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

Mar 7, 2011

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

No, in my reply to you, I tried to qualify my statement. I said

"I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations."
Certainly not all, in fact not many of the larger companies, like yourself, bother to lower themselves to make such posts. My original post is directed at those that do.
I hope I made myself [ Like the invisible man once said ] perfectly clear. biggrin

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX · Guest

Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

No, in my reply to you, I tried to qualify my statement. I said

"I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations."
Certainly not all, in fact not many of the larger companies, like yourself, bother to lower themselves to make such posts. My original post is directed at those that do.
I hope I made myself [ Like the invisible man once said ] perfectly clear.

Actually, In my arrogance, I have made those statements in the past. Mostly when taking a stab at someone I disagreed with. I regret them now because everyones business model is different. I still dont like it, but it doesnt make someone a hack.

Mar 7, 2011

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

No, in my reply to you, I tried to qualify my statement. I said

"I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations."
Certainly not all, in fact not many of the larger companies, like yourself, bother to lower themselves to make such posts. My original post is directed at those that do.
I hope I made myself [ Like the invisible man once said ] perfectly clear.

Actually, In my arrogance, I have made those statements in the past. Mostly when taking a stab at someone I disagreed with. I regret them now because everyones business model is different. I still dont like it, but it doesnt make someone a hack.

Your straight forward honesty impresses me! You are the kind of guy I would hire! I don't know you, but I like you already!
We all become arrogant at times and post things we regret, or shouldn't have. I have done so many times! Few men nowadays could speak as you just did!

RCIA Founder

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

No, in my reply to you, I tried to qualify my statement. I said

"I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations."
Certainly not all, in fact not many of the larger companies, like yourself, bother to lower themselves to make such posts. My original post is directed at those that do.
I hope I made myself [ Like the invisible man once said ] perfectly clear.

Actually, In my arrogance, I have made those statements in the past. Mostly when taking a stab at someone I disagreed with. I regret them now because everyones business model is different. I still dont like it, but it doesnt make someone a hack.

We have people out cleaning roofs in Tampa alone, killing peoples yards. These hacks don't water, they blow and go. They will come through a neighborhood, undercut everyone, and do plenty of roofs! It takes a few days for damage to show up many times, so they get away with it. My posts, and my funny little song are aimed at THEM.
NOT at quality people working alone who give a fuk about their customers. That said I still feel it is best to have 2 people for roof cleaning, all things being equal.

Matthew · Guest

In my opinion,...

A one man roof cleaning company is like a one armed piano player.
He can still play music, but it isn't nearly as good.

-- Edited by Matthew on Monday 7th of March 2011 05:40:09 PM

Mar 7, 2011

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 wrote:

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

So a big company is someone who has 2 or more employees? Im huge with 5!!!! :)

No, in my reply to you, I tried to qualify my statement. I said

"I say large, when I'm speaking about companies who bother to make posts here, basically putting down the smaller 1 man operations."
Certainly not all, in fact not many of the larger companies, like yourself, bother to lower themselves to make such posts. My original post is directed at those that do.
I hope I made myself [ Like the invisible man once said ] perfectly clear.

Actually, In my arrogance, I have made those statements in the past. Mostly when taking a stab at someone I disagreed with. I regret them now because everyones business model is different. I still dont like it, but it doesnt make someone a hack.

We have people out cleaning roofs in Tampa alone, killing peoples yards. These hacks don't water, they blow and go. They will come through a neighborhood, undercut everyone, and do plenty of roofs! It takes a few days for damage to show up many times, so they get away with it. My posts, and my funny little song are aimed at THEM.
NOT at quality people working alone who give a fuk about their customers. That said I still feel it is best to have 2 people for roof cleaning, all things being equal.

That's different. confuse

Of course, they could be 2 man crews and just blow and go too. It takes a responsible person to run any business that could harm property, people or yourself. Irresponsible business people have always existed and always will. It's not the number of them on a job, the more irresponsible people at a homeowners house, the worse the possible scenarios become!
It's all about doing things right, not about how many people are there.
Would it be ideal to always have a 2nd man? Ya, if he is knowledgeable and cares about what he's doing. Just not necessary, if a roof cleaning company owner prefers not to be an employer. I prefer not to be and I have ZERO plant kill etc.
I have always appreciated you Chris and I always will! You are "THE MAN" in my book!

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC · Mar 7, 2011

Matthew wrote:

In my opinion,...

A one man roof cleaning company is like a one armed piano player.
He can still play music, but it isn't nearly as good.

-- Edited by Matthew on Monday 7th of March 2011 05:40:09 PM

1 arm and all I guarantee you I can do a job just as good as you!!!!

Matthew · Guest

I guarantee you can't offer the same quality service as a company who employs a good groundman.

A sprinkler can't dial 911 if you fall.
A sprinkler can't switch valves.
A sprinkler can't make more mix.
A sprinkler can't fetch your gatorade.
A sprinkler can't tell the home owner it's not a good idea to stand under the eaves.
A sprinkler can't see when the gutter is leaking or damaged.
A sprinkler can't hand out business cards to a passing by neighbor who is intriqued by what's going on.

A sprinkler cannot replace a groundman, ever!

If you can't afford a ground man, then get out of the business.
$6-10 bucks an hour takes you from a "guy who can spray junk on my roof" to "a professional company who can give me the service I deserve."

Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but if $50 a roof breaks your business... You weren't in business for long anyway.

I'm not saying that every one man cleaning crew is doomed to fail, kill plants, and equates to a hack.
What I am saying is... There is no reason not to add the value of a groundman to your business model.

Mar 7, 2011

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC wrote:

Matthew wrote:

In my opinion,...

A one man roof cleaning company is like a one armed piano player.
He can still play music, but it isn't nearly as good.

-- Edited by Matthew on Monday 7th of March 2011 05:40:09 PM

1 arm and all I guarantee you I can do a job just as good as you!!!!

Mar 7, 2011

Matthew wrote:

I guarantee you can't offer the same quality service as a company who employs a good groundman.

A sprinkler can't dial 911 if you fall.
A sprinkler can't switch valves.
A sprinkler can't make more mix.
A sprinkler can't fetch your gatorade.
A sprinkler can't tell the home owner it's not a good idea to stand under the eaves.
A sprinkler can't see when the gutter is leaking or damaged.
A sprinkler can't hand out business cards to a passing by neighbor who is intriqued by what's going on.

A sprinkler cannot replace a groundman, ever!

If you can't afford a ground man, then get out of the business.
$6-10 bucks an hour takes you from a "guy who can spray junk on my roof" to "a professional company who can give me the service I deserve."

Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but if $50 a roof breaks your business... You weren't in business for long anyway.

I'm not saying that every one man cleaning crew is doomed to fail, kill plants, and equates to a hack.
What I am saying is... There is no reason not to add the value of a groundman to your business model.

Reply to this was:
If you can't afford a ground man, then get out of the business. WOW! You must feel you have some serious clout! Give yourself another pat on the back!
$6-10 bucks an hour takes you from a "guy who can spray junk on my roof" to "a professional company who can give me the service I deserve." If you believe what you just said, you need retraining. It takes a lot more than that! And $6-$10 an hour? You must have a lot of turnover and a lot of untrained guys on your jobs! Who can do good work for 6 bucks an hour?

Sorry if I stepped on some toes, { No problem, as long as you can handle the replies you may get-like mine! } but if $50 a roof breaks your business... You weren't in business for long anyway. You seem to miss the point. It's not a matter of money. I DON'T CARE TO BE AN EMPLOYER and I think if I made it 20 years, I must be doing something right?

Tarps in 100 degree Florida weather will do more damage than a well controlled roof mix. I have lived South of you in Florida since 1988 and never once has it hit 100. But anyway, a combination of a well controlled roof mix [ I use a 2 gpm pump or 2 of them in tandem which = 3 gpm in reality ] tarps where needed and sprinklers I bring running constantly do! What gpm are you pumping? Also, if you knew how to use tarps, you'd know you water the plants, put on the tarps and run sprinklers on the tarps constantly to keep them cool. I have been cleaning roofs in SW Florida since 1991, so I'm somewhat of an authority on it, and you?

You don't start a Moving Company without a hand truck and dolly and you don't start a roof cleaning business without a groundman. That's not a very intelligent analogy, yawn

do ya think? confuse

You may not be able to hire a full fledged employee, but there is no excuse for working alone. I think you are talking through your hat my friend. You do business the way you choose and then tell other professionals they should do it your way too. Who the H_ll do you think you are? The Roof Cleaning King? biggrin

Obviously, I disagree with you completely. I have over 20 years in this business, so I know you are wrong. It's all a matter of choice.

A sprinkler can't dial 911 if you fall. - that's true, so you need to learn to walk on roofs safely. Years of experience is what it really takes and the less "New guys in training" a business has, the less the chance of that happening. I never have a new guy in training-do you??? confuse

A sprinkler can't switch valves.
A sprinkler can't make more mix.
A sprinkler can't fetch your gatorade. These 3 are just laziness, not a necessity. Jees, how long does it take you to do a roof??? I can wait an hour or 2 for a gatorade if I was dumb enough not to take it up with me! biggrin

A sprinkler can't tell the home owner it's not a good idea to stand under the eaves. I tell the homeowner about that before I begin work, don't you???

A sprinkler can't see when the gutter is leaking or damaged. I can, because after I clean a roof I have a garden hose attachment that hangs from the gutter and washes it out and because at that point I'm done on the roof, I can see that and tell them. But I don't fix gutters. That's a gutter man's work.

A sprinkler can't hand out business cards to a pssing by neighbor who is intriqued by what's going on. That's my loss, isn't it? But with 20 years of customer base, I have less concern about that. As they walk by, if they want my attention, they will get it. It happens all the time!

A sprinkler cannot replace a groundman, ever! Wrong, that's just exactly what it does.
Chuck Bergman Roof Cleaning, since 1991 { Prior to that, from 1978 on, I cleaned roofs with a pressure washer, because I didn't know of a better way.

-- Edited by Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 on Monday 7th of March 2011 09:13:43 PM

Roof Cleaning Memphis TN (901) 826-8370 · Guest

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD wrote:

Rodney, put your wife to work, that's what I do when I definitely need someone to help!

LOL, You put her to work and I'll take my hat off to ya!!!

Seriously tho, not a bad idea. She's a school teacher, mom of 4 and one is disabled.

This summer I plan to train my 13 & 14 yr old boys to do ground work.

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