100 k painter ad - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

4thGeneration · 12-18-2006, 12:43 AM

Any of you use or know of anyone who used that guys ideas?

Richard · 12-18-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGeneration

Any of you use or know of anyone who used that guys ideas?

"100K the easy way"

Let me switch this up a bit--

"Struggling to make 60K-- the hard way"--ahhh, now that's more realistic

donb1959 · 12-18-2006, 01:36 PM

That's Paul Burns brain child we all have differing opinions of his credibility.

metomeya · 12-18-2006, 02:17 PM

Ya, I clicked the ad, basicaly its a business man approach, you are no longer a painter, but hiring people and giving estimates.

Ya, it would be the probaby the only way to have a 100k paint business.

But then i'm not doing what I love, painting keeps me active, and I love doing quality work to impress people. I would suggest you look at all the different trades you can get into not just painting, but flooring, landscaping, electric, plumbing, etc. and find which one or what combination of them will make you the most money in your area.

PressurePros · 12-18-2006, 06:07 PM

I have a hard time understanding how so many guys are satisfied performing the work, doing the estimates, keeping the books, and bill collecting to make $50K-$60k per year. Thats a job, not a business. A business makes you money even when you are hands off. Passing time should be done via hobbies and travel.

AAPaint · 12-18-2006, 09:12 PM

I'm not happy with that deal either....but I'm working my way up, and I think a $1M paint company is in my future. Not right around the corner, but I'll get there.

Richard · 12-18-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PressurePros

I have a hard time understanding how so many guys are satisfied performing the work, doing the estimates, keeping the books, and bill collecting to make $50K-$60k per year. Thats a job, not a business. A business makes you money even when you are hands off. Passing time should be done via hobbies and travel.

To each his own, period. I get real sensitive when folks come in here stating what contractors should make, how they should run there own businesses...everyone's situation is different. By your definition...every contractor NOT making 100K is not successful as a contractor, but is an "employee".....sounds like a stereotype you need to lose quick--

DPainting · 12-18-2006, 09:55 PM

I agree everyone's situation is different. I started this 3 years ago and would eventually like it to run itself. Wishfull thinking.

**ProWallGuy** · 12-18-2006, 10:27 PM

I agree, to each his own. But I'm willing to bet those that take offense to the suggestion that being the 'whole company' is a job and not a business are mostly under the age of 30. I say that because you need to do it for 10-20 more years, and then let me ask you how much you love doing everything. Your mind may say yes, but your body will say no thanks.

**ProWallGuy** · 12-18-2006, 10:31 PM

As for the 100k the easy way deal, yes, it is Paul Burns. He is a good guy, and is very open to helping other contractors. His heart at least is in the right place. He has a successful paint co. in VA, and another in Key West. Rumor has it he is about to open another branch in the NW too.

His plan is basically a system for your business. It heavily relies on paying employees by piecework. If followed and worked, I think it could work. Obviously, he has made it work in 2 cities. Another obvious is that he's good enough to do 2 of what we are all trying to do with one. Must mean something.

PressurePros · 12-18-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintguy26

To each his own, period. I get real sensitive when folks come in here stating what contractors should make, how they should run there own businesses...everyone's situation is different. By your definition...every contractor NOT making 100K is not successful as a contractor, but is an "employee".....sounds like a stereotype you need to lose quick--

You missed the point. The money is secondary. Its the amount of work you have to put in to make that money. The key to making a business successful, and I'll just add its my opinion so you don't think I am trying to spout gospel, is to define your role in the company, define your employee's roles and as each year goes by, remove yourself bit by bit from the micromanagement and labor. If you do not put that progression into a written business plan you may end up working very hard to make ends meet, never growing beyond a certain level and rely on Motrin for the backaches and carpal tunnel.

Everyone's situation may be different but that is by design. Emotion aside, business is business. I have one head and have worn many hats throughout my life. Every time I did that I spun my wheels. I'm realistic, I understand not everyone would be capable of grossing a million per year but setting that goal will assure that even if you fall short you will be able to provide a good life and a sound business to pass on to your children.

PressurePros · 12-18-2006, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProWallGuy

I agree, to each his own. But I'm willing to bet those that take offense to the suggestion that being the 'whole company' is a job and not a business are mostly under the age of 30. I say that because you need to do it for 10-20 more years, and then let me ask you how much you love doing everything. Your mind may say yes, but your body will say no thanks.

Amen.

Richard · 12-19-2006, 06:55 AM

I dont feel like I missed the point, but I guess trying to convince you of that, is like me trying to convince you that I think you have a preconcieved notion of what a business should run like.

I guess I'll have to see if I want to "remove myself bit by bit from the micromanagement and labor". For now, that sounds like a boss's mentality. I dont want to be a boss, for the record. I'm a 1 man show, I like it that way and my only business plan is to keep it that way.

Maybe you got swayed by my first post, "60k the hard way". It wasn't intended to be literal. It was intended to get a laugh, since we all know a contractor who works hard in the field everyday, day in day out, gets the most respect....

..but in conclusion I will say that if I never made 100k in my life, I'd still have the capability to be happy. And if I never get the opportunity to sit back in a leather chair and watch my company run itself, I'd still be happy, since that is not my plan for my company. So sue me

PressurePros · 12-19-2006, 07:40 AM

Paint,
I'm not knocking your business, really I'm not. I've been in business as an owner in one form or another since I was a teenager.. about 20 years worth. Went to college, got the degree. Did the corporate world for 8 years. Seen a lot, learned a lot. Its just not possible to maintain a one man show without burn out. Its stimulating and challenging the first few years. One's mindset at this stage is "This is great.. I have everything running like clockwork, I don't have the payroll and overhead of these larger companies and I'm pocketing twice as much coin as when I worked for someone. I work when I want, what possibly could be wrong?". The point I was trying to make in my post is that this is not sustainable as fun and challenging over the long haul.

A business is nothing more than a grouping of systems that allows profitable currency exchange. It doesn't matter the color of the box you are selling or what trade is being performed. The goal always needs to be growth. Its not about lifestyle. I don't drive a German import. I don't sit behind a cherry desk puffing on Cugan cigars closing million dollar deals. But I do spend much more time writing marketing plans, laying down short and long term goals, analyzing P&L and refining sales techique than I do holding a brush or washer wand. Its just a neccessary evil. Many guys are intimidated by this aspect of the business. For those there are seminars, classes and outside help that can be utilized. There is a reason that nine out of ten guys that post on this baord today will not be here in five years. Poor planning and lack of capitalization. Just something to think about.

Richard · 12-19-2006, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PressurePros

Paint,
I'm not knocking your business, really I'm not. I've been in business as an owner in one form or another since I was a teenager.. about 20 years worth. Went to college, got the degree. Did the corporate world for 8 years. Seen a lot, learned a lot. Its just not possible to maintain a one man show without burn out. Its stimulating and challenging the first few years. One's mindset at this stage is "This is great.. I have everything running like clockwork, I don't have the payroll and overhead of these larger companies and I'm pocketing twice as much coin as when I worked for someone. I work when I want, what possibly could be wrong?". The point I was trying to make in my post is that this is not sustainable as fun and challenging over the long haul.

A business is nothing more than a grouping of systems that allows profitable currency exchange. It doesn't matter the color of the box you are selling or what trade is being performed. The goal always needs to be growth. Its not about lifestyle. I don't drive a German import. I don't sit behind a cherry desk puffing on Cugan cigars closing million dollar deals. But I do spend much more time writing marketing plans, laying down short and long term goals, analyzing P&L and refining sales techique than I do holding a brush or washer wand. Its just a neccessary evil. Many guys are intimidated by this aspect of the business. For those there are seminars, classes and outside help that can be utilized. There is a reason that nine out of ten guys that post on this baord today will not be here in five years. Poor planning and lack of capitalization. Just something to think about.

thanks for the tips

Mike Finley · 12-19-2006, 10:07 AM

Paintguy how long have you been in business for yourself now?

Pressurepros makes some good points and maybe the burnout issues is for real or maybe not. I do know some guys who have been one man shows for a long, long time, they really enjoy what they do, at least they say they do, but most of them don't have a choice so they might just be saying it since they have no alternative anyways, they have some common traits, one being that they simply can't do it any other way, even if they wanted to. Internally they don't have the ability of what it takes to do it any differently, so they have found peace with themselves and keep it small. I admire them for knowing thier limitations and making the best of what they have. Another common trait I see of everyone of them is no planning for the future. They have no retirement plan, no insurance covering themselves in case of disability, nothing planned out longer than the next seasons work, and their success usually is cyclical, they may go years of never looking for work but eventually something happens and they get exposed to how vulnerable they are. The other thing I see is depending how old they are they usually have one of two attitudes, if they are younger they don't care about the future if they are older it comes up in conversation more and more about what they might have done or should have done back in the day.

Being bigger or smaller is a personal choice or sometimes its the only choice and is being made for you because of who you are. But no matter what way you like to work, hopefully everyonce in a while you are thinking about down the road and where you are going and what safety nets you have in place should something happen to you.

Nobody can work forever, even if you want to. Being happy with what you do is important. If you have found a great balance with work and are meeting your financial needs now and for later and providing for yourself and your family then you've got it figured out.

metomeya · 12-19-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProWallGuy

As for the 100k the easy way deal, yes, it is Paul Burns. He is a good guy, and is very open to helping other contractors. His heart at least is in the right place. He has a successful paint co. in VA, and another in Key West. Rumor has it he is about to open another branch in the NW too.

His plan is basically a system for your business. It heavily relies on paying employees by piecework. If followed and worked, I think it could work. Obviously, he has made it work in 2 cities. Another obvious is that he's good enough to do 2 of what we are all trying to do with one. Must mean something.

Ouch, I can't read all those posts. But yes you sir are correct. When I'm near or at my 30s I will definitely want to make this a business I run, but I'm also in college, so I might find a different path in life. But for right now I'm doing what I love.

metomeya · 12-19-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PressurePros

I don't sit behind a cherry desk puffing on Cugan cigars closing million dollar deals.

You, sir have just ruined my image of my idol. I thought you were everything I wanted to be in life. I guess wrong!

Richard · 12-19-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Paintguy how long have you been in business for yourself now?

Pressurepros makes some good points and maybe the burnout issues is for real or maybe not. I do know some guys who have been one man shows for a long, long time, they really enjoy what they do, at least they say they do, but most of them don't have a choice so they might just be saying it since they have no alternative anyways, they have some common traits, one being that they simply can't do it any other way, even if they wanted to. Internally they don't have the ability of what it takes to do it any differently, so they have found peace with themselves and keep it small. I admire them for knowing thier limitations and making the best of what they have. Another common trait I see of everyone of them is no planning for the future. They have no retirement plan, no insurance covering themselves in case of disability, nothing planned out longer than the next seasons work, and their success usually is cyclical, they may go years of never looking for work but eventually something happens and they get exposed to how vulnerable they are. The other thing I see is depending how old they are they usually have one of two attitudes, if they are younger they don't care about the future if they are older it comes up in conversation more and more about what they might have done or should have done back in the day.

Being bigger or smaller is a personal choice or sometimes its the only choice and is being made for you because of who you are. But no matter what way you like to work, hopefully everyonce in a while you are thinking about down the road and where you are going and what safety nets you have in place should something happen to you.

Nobody can work forever, even if you want to. Being happy with what you do is important. If you have found a great balance with work and are meeting your financial needs now and for later and providing for yourself and your family then you've got it figured out.

good, from what you described I'm way ahead of the game...