Who to hire first?

[ginkobalboa]

Last year I did sales part time for a small new company. I worked 8-15 hours a week responding to at least 50% of the calls. The company did much better then expected in 2012. I would like to go full time with the company doing sales, safety and PHC (we havn't gotten into PHC yet). The owner sees the need for it, but also needs another climber full time. He thinks it would be too risky to hire two full timers right now. He wants to hire the climber now and wait another year to bring me on full time. But I think we can do both. I think PHC, with EAB treatment alone, would cover my salary. What do you all think?

 

[MooseHead]

I know an established phc program where I used to work (3 trucks and 4 guys) made more money for the company's than the 6 full time crews doings tree care. If you can sell it then it would more than pay for your salary.

 

[TheArborMan]

Want to move to Michigan?? =) You sound motivated for not having a steak in the company??

PHC.. Should be a no brainer for your boss. PHC will break you into a whole new market. Why not start a PHC program and also hire a new climber when the seasonal work picks up..

 

[Tr33Climb3r]

You're also in Limbwalkers neck of the woods.

PHC is a great niche to get into. Good luck.

 

[ratherbclimbing]

I live in a market where people are more likely to cut trees down versus try and save them. I do get a few calls about treatment for EAB. I suggest PHC to almost every HO but, 90 % don't care about the value of the trees.

This is why I would say go with a climber. However, if you have the market for it show him how a PHC program will more likely bring repeat customers. It is a long term investment that will establish long term relationships with HO's.

 

[treehumper]

What you might try is to be compensated by commission only for the first year to prove there is the market. That being said does he have the equipment and manpower to enter into the PHC business? What sort of capital investment would he have to make initially and what is his ROI, breakeven point, etc.?

Put together a business case for it to show him the why he should make the leap.

 

[ginkobalboa]

When I say PHC, I am really only referring to EAB treatment for 2013. We are buying an arborjet or quickjet soon. I have experience with the arborjet and prefer it. Maybe in 2014 we will expand our PHC. So, for 2013 the initial investment would be minimal.

 

[willie]

I agree with the commission. Tell him you will continue with the bidding per normal and do the PHC for a straight 20% of what he grosses from it

 

[treehumper]

[ QUOTE ]
When I say PHC, I am really only referring to EAB treatment for 2013. We are buying an arborjet or quickjet soon. I have experience with the arborjet and prefer it. Maybe in 2014 we will expand our PHC. So, for 2013 the initial investment would be minimal.

[/ QUOTE ]

Then show him the numbers! What you project this year with the minimal investment and then what it would cost to expand the PHC offering in yr 2 and going forward. He'll be glad to do it if your initial year is in line with your forecast.

 

[mrtree]

if the money is so good in PHC and EAB then do it yourself. Sub to a couple of companies.

 

[KevinS]

Write it out list what you would need to bring in to make your position feesable. If your willing to do the work and you have the client base or think the work load could be there go for it you may have to bump up your sales just for phc but if you want it work for it and go get it.