"Getting it Straight "Up Front"

First:  The answer to the poll qauestion was 1,000 lbs.  OSHA requires a ladder's rating to be 400% more than the actual rating.

"Getting it Straight "Up Front" :

I cannot tell you how many times I see two entities preparing to do business with each other, and simply "assume" the project will be smooth as silk.  Nothing can be more erroneous, or in my mind, foolish than not addressing every phase of the project "BEFORE" you accept the contract, and certainly "BEFORE" you start.

Why is that Ron?  Well, it's "Perceived Fear", lack of confidence, and negotiating from weakness.  You WANT to tell them that tearing off their roof, and replacing it with a new one will be just like a trip to Disney.  But, that is not going to actually happen.  From experience, I can tell you that describing this very invasive process is appreciated by the owner.  They don't need to hear a "Shuck and Jive" show, but to be told exactly what to expect.

I've shown you how to write a roofing proposal, with date, scope of work, and terms.  Now the client accepts your very nice proposal, and wants to enter into a contract.  Great, everyone's happy so far.  You may have heard me discuss that "Disqualifying" a client, is just as important as "Qualifying" a client.  Shockingly, contractors get so lightheaded from simply getting a job, that no effort is placed into vetting the firm that will owe you a lot of money. 

Please believe that if you enter into a contract with me, I will know everything there is to know about you, your company, your license, insurance, and reputation.  I owe you a properly installed roof system, and you owe me money.  It would be nice if you like me, and vice versa, but we're not really in the "Friendship Ring" business are we?

It is VERY IMPORTANT you get the truth right out in the open, so when the roof leaks (and it will), or someone runs over a nail, and gets a flat tire (and they will), we're both prepared for it.  You would be amazed how people view you, when you act like you've done this before.  But invariably, I see a salesman (I rarely use that word because it's very negative) smiling, laughing, and full of joy over simply closing a "sale".

That happiness lasts approximately 3 minutes, until your estimator says he forgot 800' of coping, or half scaled it.  Or because the salesman was too afraid to share all data with everyone involved.  There are many reasons for this, and I don't want to lean on any one person, other than to say, you must do these descriptions "UP FRONT".

I watched a client sit in amusement as I told him the roofing project would not be like getting two Christmas' this year, but that it is a very invasive procedure, and I know it.  I told him that when driving over, I saw a Tire Kingdom two blocks away for the 4 flat tires I would have to fix.  A car detailing business for any cars that needed to be detailed, and I GUARANTEED him the roof would leak over his desk.

Folks, you're dealing with adults that own buildings.  Do you think they are so "sheltered" not to know mishaps (minor, or major) happen?  Their phone rings all day with problems, and we're going to do our bloody best to make that stop.  Certainly as it pertains to roofing, but you cannot ask, nor expect, perfection from your crew, or staff.

In this way, the client knows you're alert, ready, and we can proceed.

So let's stop with all the "Well, I thought you said", or "Nobody told me about that", that's what emails are for, and always ask them to acknowledge receipt of your message.  Now, you've got a record, and a time stamp.  But, that doesn't mean you have permission to proceed, until you've received an approved change order.  I will tell you in advance, that if your anxiety gets the better of you, you will not get paid.

People who work out of their left pocket fail.  Those with a program, sequence, and uniformity succeed.  So stick to your program, and get all the problems at least "addressed" before taking another step forward.  For those of you who doubt what I'm telling you, please think of me the next time you do additional work without a change order, and do not get paid.

Again, a 250 lb. rated ladder must be able to support 1,000 lbs.

Thank you to the very kind gentleman from the UK who related to the Greek lesson.  I am always happy to know that you take time to share with me, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Interestingly enough, I will be writing a post here regarding (of all things) sharks, and how they may affect roofing materials in the near future.  Don't panic, it's about replicating a design feature of the animal that performs a very specific task.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"Secret To Success"

I have a great number of topics on my desk to share with you, but they don't really mean anything, unless we understand the most important topic of all: HONESTY.

I know, "Ron, we don't need you to tell us about anything except roofing". But, I happen to admire the brilliant business anchor Mr. Neil Cavuto, and his words seemed to describe why so many contractors are distracted, and forget how important our "word" is. I hope you find merit in his very straightforward comments. Friends, this is Mr. Neil Cavuto:

Secret to Success
Monday, June 18, 2007
By Neil Cavuto

This is just me talking here, but you want to know the secret to getting ahead? I mean, the real secret?

It has nothing to do with talent. Nothing to do with connections.

I'm not saying those things don't help, but here's what clinches it: Keeping your word. Doing what you say.

I know it sounds simplistic, but I'll tell you what, a lot of people don't keep their word.

Contractors who don't show up when they say they will.

Companies that don't honor guarantees when they swore they would.

Car salesmen who suddenly forget promises made when they insisted they would not.

I don't know about you, but I'd gladly pay more — maybe not a lot more — but more for someone who does what he says.

Sadly, few do or certainly a lot fewer than when my dad was alive. He used to say his word was his bond and a handshake his contract.

Simpler times, I suppose, but more honorable times, when we appreciated others' time.

So here's my own nickel and dime advice to any contractor — any worker — in any business:

You say you're coming at 2 p.m., come at 2 p.m.

You can't make it, phone to say you can't make it.

Give an estimate. Stick to the estimate.

It's called common courtesy. It's also called service. People remember you for it. And think twice about ever dealing with you if you lie about it.

From here, we will work forward, assuming all are on board with this basic premise. It will help explain my reasoning and thought process in future posts. You will see that I am not sympathetic to techniques, or arrangements, that are contrary to an honest approach.

Tomorrow, I'll have a direct roofing topic, but felt compelled to share these thoughts with you. If anyone is ever offended by my comments, you may email me, and I will forward my home number, so you and I can speak directly. I will immediately retract any comments that are not accurate, but request you base your point on science or public record. Fair?

Your time and kind consideration are always appreciated here. Keep looking "UP".

Best,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon