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Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:

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Ray I had people sign no competes. Then he blatantly posts his name on CL as roof cleaner. I didnt even bother addressing it. Maybe you get a lawyer to send him a letter for $75. He either stops what he's doing or tells you to fuk off. If he takes the 2nd choice, how much would you be willing to spend in money and time to mobilize a lawsuit. First off it'd be questionable if your agreement holds weight, then you gotta show damages.

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I discussed having my employees sign them with my lawyer and he told me not to waste my time or money. If somebody has enough motivation to start their own business, they're not gonna let a non compete get in their way. Also they can only be for the county you work in (to my knowlegde) and who's to stop that person from taking jobs in the county he agreed not to enter once he gets started. Like you said you would have to prove it in court and for the defenedant there are a lot of ways to get around it.

I just had a horrible mental flashback to "two girls one cup"

sweetwaterfish wrote:

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Well thanks for pissing in my Cheerios guys! I would never try to actually enforce a no compete agreement but I do think it's a little bit of a bluff to add to your arsenal. Besides it would be a lot more fun to enforce a no compete agreement with roofing nails in his tires!

-- Edited by sweetwaterfish on Saturday 13th of October 2012 08:58:38 AM

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lol ... well I cleared house this morning, my (former) employee felt compelled to share his drama from last night, and when I stated I didn't want to discuss any of his personal business, he let his emotions get the best of him. I got the "you don't even want to hear what happened to me? That's f'd up" so I fired him right then and there. Any job I've ever been at if I spoke to my boss like that I'd be fired so I see know reason why this should be any different.

Anytime something like this happens I always hold myself accountable and it's my own fault for letting it get to that point. I need to start fresh with new employees, to get my current guys to adhere to the new policys and procedures that I have in place now is unrealistic. I wouldn't want them telling any new employees how "things used to be."

anyway, it's a fresh start and I feel great!!!

@ Ed ... 37 CL responses since 8AM so I'll take you up on whar you said about the 3 day trial

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning West Chester PA on Saturday 13th of October 2012 05:23:31 PM

If you match the right person to the incentive of making more money with upsell, it will translate into a happier and more motivated worker. And you'll make more money as the employer. Also, I always try my best to keep guys working steadily. Thats part of my job. But Ive learned that guys actually love to have a day off here and there. So if Im slightly overstaffed I will ration the work. Again, Id rather have 5 guys at 4 days/week than 3 guys 6 days/week. Its an employers market. The perfect aged lead tech employee is 24-32. Any younger and theyre just too irrisponsible, but I do keep them around as helpers. Young guys live at home and dont mind 3-4 days/week. Older employees reminIsce of a hayday when they made good easy money. They will have disdain for working hard for "some kid" for $15.

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning New Jersey on Saturday 13th of October 2012 11:09:48 PM

Dan,

My meet and greets at Walmart always generates business. Big sign, flyers, business cards are always available. Although this is my first complete year focusing on roof and exterior cleaning I've had the same two ground technicians with no major complaints from either side. Granted they've made mistakes, as I've had, but we have not repeated them. They are always on time, work well as a team or individually and are always in uniform. All tips from customers go directly to them. I've invested time and energy in to my business as well as them and they respect my position. Soon they will be doing the work on their own with my support from the ground. I'm already getting a return on my investment.

Hank

Mike, let me know if I accurately describe how you feel now that you let go of a troubled employee: You can finally breathe!

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:

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Mike, let me know if I accurately describe how you feel now that you let go of a troubled employee: You can finally breathe!

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I said to my Dad this afternoon that you know whether or not you made the right about an hour after you've had time to reflect. I almost never make any major decisions in the heat of battle, but I had an ax to grind and was looking for an excuse. 

Yeah Ed, you hit the nail on the head, today was about as unproductive a day I've had since February, but I feel like there's a huge weight off my chest. That tells me I made the right decision.

@ Hank ... in addition to CL I went to three police departments this afternoon and asked if they knew somebody looking for a job to let me know. My two best employees I've ever had, one was in law enforcement, the other was a firefigher. 

Thanks for the advice men, it's appreciated                                                                                                                                                                    

day 1 with the new employees ... is every helper a recovering addict or is it just me?

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:

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You want employees with engineering degrees! You'll have to pony up a bit more, lol. Thank God for speedballers to give us cheap labor. Real recovering addicts wont tell you theyre recovering. Addicts with 90 days clean (or less) want the world to know. They think they deserve a freakin parade or something.

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LOL ... 36 days ... within 10 minutes he spilled his guts ... AA guys i can kinda tolerate, NA i take the keys with me when i fill up the gas tank