"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