What's A Reasonable Day's Production

MJW

That's what makes us who we are.



Who cares. I figure they will notice my brand new truck, house, wife, kid,(a life) and the fact that I can stay in shape without paying to go to a gym like the yuppies.

2ndGen

I'm going to tell you something BB, a lot of times I get inspired by the younger guys here (such as yourself).

Reading your post is like reading my own mind.

I too don't drink/do drugs(don't even smoke). I don't think this makes me a better person, but it definitely separates me from the majority of the Roofers. I'm "suspect" to people who do that stuff. But you? You keep that up!

I can't see you "not" owning your own shop sometime in the future, but if you don't, you can still be your own boss and work for yourself even if you're working for a big outfit (or a small operation). A smart owner will see your worth and just let you do your own thing.

As for the Roofer's Reputation?

A) Trust me, we have the respect of the other trades because they know we have one of the most difficult jobs of all the trades (and we in return should respect those pros).

B) Get around a bit...you'd be surprised at how the trade is garnering the respect of the general public as well. There are a couple of trades that not just anybody can be part of. Steelworkers, Miners, Oil Riggers, Sand Hogs, etc...and Roofers (among others). You have to have special qualities that in the real world might not work for you, but in an oddball job, are gifts.

We're oddballs. While the rest of the world is functioning how they are supposed to function (at 90 degrees on flat surfaces), our world is slanted (even a so-called flat roof isn't exactly flat). While Carpenters work to make everything level, we work to do the opposite.

Every trade has it's value and it's worth.
Believe you me, we are in no way any less.
Fact is, we protect everything they all do.

I've worked in CA, AZ, LA, FL, NJ, CT, WV and NY. Union, Non-Union.

And no matter what, Roofers are all the same no matter where they come from. The regional techniques or needs might vary, but a good tradesman is going to be a good tradesman no matter where they are. Case in point, I just worked with a guy in Louisiana. We immediately took a liking to each other because we both worked similarly. We both geared up, got harnessed and hit the roofs while the other guys were lollygagging around, so the production manager just left me and him alone and we put in some good work.

Just keep associating with the right people and you'll always be learning.

My last "official" job was as a Roofing Inspector for The City of New York.
Easiest job I ever had. Worked 6 hours a day in a Polo with a clipboard. Home by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I walked away from that job (six figures). Why? Because I couldn't sleep at night. It required me to compromise my integrity. I just couldn't do it.

Anyway, my definition of success is getting paid to do something you like to do anyway. I think you're successful already BB.



[Just one more thing...I used to feel a little embarrassed myself. I thought I HAD to be a Professional (lawyer, doctor, etc...), but when I went to work for myself, most of my customers were...Professionals! And guess what? They respected MY Professional opinion as a Roofer. They listened to me. They respected me because I had a skill they didn't (not to mention the courage to run around on a roof in 100+ degree weather). Be great at what you do and no one will be able to begrudge you your rightful place and respect! And when those who've dropped major coin on their edumacations find themselves unemployed, Brick & Mortar/Blue Collar Workers are still busy generally speaking. ]

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
Ken Hendricks
www.SolutionsRoofing.com

BamBamm5144

I hear what you are saying. I dont even smoke cigs either and sometimes I wonder if it helps when you meet someone new that you dont smell like smoke. I enjoyed reading that last post. It seems like something I might be typing to someone younger when I am older.

For the owning my own business, I am sure some day I may venture out and try it but I know the time is not now. Also, I only have to deal with a third of the headaches from people and employees right now, I am not sure even if I want to handle it. It is nice to have a start time and end time. Although, I have already chosen my company colors and name and logos and drew up how I want the website to look, already chosen my target consumer and things of that nature but thats normal right.

2ndGen

Thanks!

And actually, it seems like you have your head screwed on right for someone in their 20's.

And, you're right to want to wait. It's a huge responsibility to be responsible for the livelihood of other men and that's best left to be done when you're sure you can deal with that and with what could inevitably go wrong as well. In Roofing, Murphy's Law applies big time.

See that? In your choosing your customer base, you are showing the inherent traits of an Entrepreneur. You're on you way!

(Milwaukee? I used to live on 10th & Madison on the South Side for a couple of years! Did a lot of fishing! )

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
Ken Hendricks
www.SolutionsRoofing.com

BamBamm5144

Actually a suburb of Milwaukee. Not sure last time youve been out this way, but that area has taken a turn for the worse.