I have had my own business for almost a year now it's a maintenance/lawn care business.I have 15 yrs rental maintenance expirence and decided to work for myself rather than making money for others.I work for mostly with realtors on their rental properties as well as quite a few lawn contracts.At the present time i am by myself but i am thinking about hiring on somebody now that my kids are back in school.






Wiz

An Equal Opportunity Truck Lover!

http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html

 

I own a produce company in Phoenix. We deliver to grocery stores and sell to other produce companies on the market.

When on two wheels-
FXSTC
Mesa- AZ

2003, F-350, Lariat, V10, CC, LWB, Dark Shadow Grey, 6sp Manual, Non-ESOF FX4, 4.30, Camper Pkg, et. al.

 

I checked the 'I am the only employee' box because it is the 'best' answer. My wife and I operate an Autoglass business and have for 15 years. She works as hard as I do and deserves some credit for that. She drives a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer and she drove and paid for 3 Explorers before that. She does the windshield repairs and I do the installs. I have never had to make a payment on her ride. She pays her own way and I'm proud of her for that. I'm still driving (and working out of) my 80 F-350 4x4 with 270,000 miles on it. I could buy a new one but I spend all extra money on toys. 72 F-250 4x4, 66 F-100 Ranger, 78 F-150 4x4, 57 F-100, 65 Mustang, 66 Mustang, etc... These toys don't depreciate, new trucks do.

 

I own a General Contracting business, but I am the only employee. I do have to hire out to subcontractors (licensced and insured electricians, plumbers, etc.), but I do as much of the work myself as I can. It mostly consists of remodeling and rehab work (203K, Hud, Fannie Mae, and Homestyle loans). I do additions and alterations as well.
So far, it seems to be a tough business for me to make money in. Especially the older run down homes.
The job I'm on now for example:
The bank gives me a detailed specification of repairs. It seperately lists each item that needs to be done (Sheetrock, electrical, doors, finished floors, etc.). I am supposed to ceramic tile the bathroom floor. The floor is 4.5" out of level over 8', but there is no money in there to straighten it out. I couldn't live with myself if I left it like that, so I fix it.
The bathroom is now completely re-modeled (all new), but there is no money set aside for a new door. The existing door is in rough shape. The homeowners are nice people, so I put in a new door practically for free.
I have a very hard time finding the "cutoff" point and saying "screw it, I'm doing what I'm supposed to and that's all".
I want the homeowners to be happy, and my conscience to sleep well at night. This is the other reason why I'm still driving a '79.

 

I hear ya Kenny i have the same problem especialy when it comes to the old folks i end up doing a lot more than was quoted and don't charge extra for it. My wife says i'm just an old softie but hey if their happy then i'm happy.






Wiz

An Equal Opportunity Truck Lover!

http://www.clubfte.com/users/thewiz427/index.html

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Aug-02 AT 02:32 PM (EST)]I have been doing it for 11 years for myself. Have over 20 years in the business of: Truckin, got my chips cashed in, Truckin, like the Do Dah man,..........

It is in my blood. Have my own brokerage. Talk to people from all over these here United States. Deal mainly with owner operators, the last American Cowboy! Flats, Vans, Steps, Lowboys. High, wide, heavy, and handsome loads. Watch out for the oversize load on the road, that is my freight! I enjoy every day of it. The $$$$$$ is'nt too bad either. It is the tax man that get me by the shorts, for sure.

I send enough to the government every year to purchase a new automobile. Might as well flush it all the way to DC!


At least I earn enough to send, but I do it under severe protest


I still would'nt trade it for any other job

Brien

 

>

>>
>I have a very hard time finding the "cutoff" point and
>saying "screw it, I'm doing what I'm supposed to and that's
>all".
>I want the homeowners to be happy, and my conscience to
>sleep well at night. This is the other reason why I'm still
>driving a '79.
>
i used to,but after this year i'm changing.all the deals i have given everybody and now almost starving