Economic Times

[Deak]

economic. OK I wanted to know where I stand on this.I am one of those "out of the pickup tuck guys". Don't get me wrong but my life is around trees and I don't have another job. Just working for myself and the crew (15) with me are given from 15-23 per hour. I don't make that much as I came into this field from nothing(ok landscaping and working for other tree company's) I sub out my Chipping and Stumps. I do what I can and know how to. I also give as much as possible to other people in the industry. I get 30% calls from ref and 60% from
subs from company's 10% are new. Now In this time as the small guy I am feeling the words out of the potential customer "I have school tax,My sons tuition, school clothes, and my latest one we spent the money on the dogs that got put to sleep. Ok I can understand one or the other but be up front and let me know. My low over head is unreal. Ins-comp and taxes I can handle but there is nothing else. I don't cut throat, if I know another business was there I over bid. There is enough trees in the world to take care of. I can't even get a small loan to move things along.

What is you standing on this season?

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

[ QUOTE ]
What is you standing on this season?

[/ QUOTE ]

It is picking up just fine over here.

 

[jeffswede]

Sounds like you got some soul searching to do.
Jeff

 

[channa843]

Gets slow during winter, but gets a bit crazy during summer! Our boss tries to spread out the jobs when he can... But ur right, there will always be trees,"thank god", but just wish the economy would pick up a bit quicker, for all our sakes!!

 

[Blinky]

Going well so far, I'm like you, one man with subs. I'm keeping between 2 and 4 weeks of backlog.

 

[Blakesmaster]

My biz is doing about the same as last year as far as amount of work goes. I was hoping for more because this is our 2nd year in business but it's just slow, I guess. We are making more money per hour worked though ( some due to bidding, some due to equipment upgrades ) so it's not all bad. Was just hoping the ISA cert, word of mouth and familiarity with our brand would bring more business this year. No, biggie, I'm makin' good coin from my boss but I'm a bit tired of helping out the competition if you know what I mean.