Quote:
Originally Posted by madcorgi
That's a good problem to have, but as you say, these things are cyclical. The risk with a big backlog is that when the economy goes away, those customers you thought were in the bag walk. Then you're stuck if you've built the business up in anticipation of endless growth that doesn't materialize. I watched a couple of my competitors die from that mistake.
I like to talk to employees of contractors I hire to see what they think of their jobs, how they like their owner, etc. I don't pry, but it's usually pretty easy to get them to talk if you show an interest and respect for what they are doing. The lead guy on the deck was really anxious intense, and a real perfectionist. When they found the rotted joists, it really threw him at first. Took him awhile to regroup. The other guy was really easygoing and talkative, but he was also a perfectionist. I'd watch him out the window shave a bit off a board, test fit it, shave off a bit more, over and over.
IMO, we as a society have failed to pay proper respect to people who can work with their hands. As a result, there is a shortage of folks in the skilled trades. Those that remain and are good are in high demand because supply is so low. Building a deck is something you can't automate or outsource to China.
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I have four guys on my payroll. My lead guy has been with me for over 18 years. I picked him up when he was 18 aimlessly bumming around doing odd jobs. I tested him once when he hung a couple cabinet doors for me. I stuck a feeler gauge and tested the gaps. He did ok, close, but not perfect. Now, I see him doing it to others. I laugh in tears quietly in the corner. The others are in their 40s with one donkey doing some of the slightly heavier work. Any more then that, I call the big guns instead of burning out my men.
My current client (a big cheese at JPL, involved in the next big lunch) is in love with him. She talks to him a bid but just loves the fact that he can create so many things with his hands with just a couple of others. I still find it fun to actually do the finish work. Now, I involved with all the design and shop drawings so they just follow and put it together. I have been asked by many to grow the company. I shake my head and no, no, no. That only means I have to manage more employees. No way, that means real work. I don't really have to go to my job site but do it daily just to fart around and show my face, chat with my clients. They want to see me, not my men, that's for sure.
We are currently not taking any more new clients unless they are referred to us by past clients. Our jobs last 3 months to over a year so I can only handle no more then two or three at once. Any more then that, I lose control of the quality and the personally relationship. I spspect the economy is really going to slow down after the election. We will ride this out OK (knock on wood). We rode out the last one with all my men working 5-6 days weeks without any real slow down. Thank goodness
I have been looking for a younger person who wants to join and build interesting stuff. I found most younger guys just want to swing a big hammer and get done but not at all interesting in custom and finer work. They jsut don't exist around here.