Quote:
Originally Posted by BamBamm5144
Thanks for all that information. I think I got lucky and have found the perfect company for my current situation and where I plan to be. Like I stated in a different post, the owner was my uncles foreman for years and I was pretty much "his" laborer. At the time I was 19 in college and he offered me more money when he started his own so I went. He taught me everything he knew and finally last year found it time for me to be in a position to make company decisions and SLOWLY take over his duties while finding someone to SLOWLY take over mine. I am very grateful to be in the situation I am in especially since I actually enjoy the work.
As far as knowing everything? I never will. Coming to this website everyday makes me realize there will always be something to learn. That much I have already figured out. I will never undervalue myself. I consider myself to be a different breed of roofer. I am drug and alcohol free, mature for only being in my midish 20's and have a hard work ethic that I have been taught. I think that has a lot to do with my success so far in the trades. Although I am not the owner, I usually find myself thinking about work after work. I am ALWAYS trying to learn more to be better at what I do.
When I see people from high school who ask what I am doing with my life I am embarassed at times because of the bad name we have associated with us. Sort of like what your signature says, I am trying to change that although I doubt it ever will.
Thats why I appreciate advice from you guys who are in different locations who have entirely different points of view and ways to look at things.
Now time to read those articles.
|
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.
]
Linear Mode
