Desk Jockey
Member
Re: SFS Contest
Now Doug don't get pissy just because I didn't vote for you, my vote can be bought! :wink:
Now Doug don't get pissy just because I didn't vote for you, my vote can be bought! :wink:
SFS Contest POLL- VOTE NOW!!!!!!
- Thread starter billyeadon
- Start date
cu
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
i already said iwould get his room , ken very kindly offerd to pay his air fare . i told demien yesterday i would cover his work while he is at sfs.....bad news is his custys will hate me ...im about as pc as a klan member at a naacp meeting....
i when i talked to demien today he was made up about getting to sfs......his v still aint fixed yet.
i already said iwould get his room , ken very kindly offerd to pay his air fare . i told demien yesterday i would cover his work while he is at sfs.....bad news is his custys will hate me ...im about as pc as a klan member at a naacp meeting....
i when i talked to demien today he was made up about getting to sfs......his v still aint fixed yet.
Mikey P
Administrator
Brian R
Member
Bill Soukoreff
Member
Re: SFS Contest
Here is my entry.
First, let me give the picture of how tough it is for Canadian small business owners:
So next time you see a Canadian, tell him to hang in there and buy him a beer!
Here is my crazy history:
Started a cleaning business when I was 18. Kept it small and later sold it for very little when my wife and I went to Paraguay to do some volunteer work. Something we wanted to do before while we were still young.
Came back after 5 years broke. Did NOT want to go back to the Janitorial biz, so I worked with a friend who was an owner operator. He was starting to think about retirement and wanted me to take over his business one day. I followed the carrot for a several months and realized that I really liked what I was doing. I friend and distributer Rick Thode turned me on to the boards. Mikey's Board quickly became my favorite and I lurked and learned for a few months. I quickly surpassed my friend in knowledge and skill. That sounds cocky but it's not. That just shows you how apathetic carpet cleaners have become in my city. It's actually pretty sad. But that's when I realized how I could do well in this biz. I firmly believe that your business is an extension of you and decided his business is not something that I wanted. I wanted to start from scratch and do it right.
With the help of Rick Thode (fellow canuk and SFS attendee), Greenie and Bob Savage (sorry for stalking you guys at that time and thanks for not phoning the FBI) I learned what I needed to get started on my own with very limited funds. I still remember Bob Savage telling me on the phone: "Don't feel bad for phoning me again (the 20th time for a really dumb question), were all carpet cleaners trying to make a living and we are all in this together." I would take a bullet for you Bob!
Then I had a bad break (no pun intended) when I slipped down the stairs at home and really jacked up my ankle. Two surgeries and 8 months without work put a dent in my plans. We lived off credit cards since I did not qualify for unemployment insurance after away from Canada for so long. I used the time to read and learn. I devoured as many business and marketing books as I could get my hand's on and studied some basic electrical and electronics. I read probably every post on Mikey's board during that time (I am still recovering from that
). It also gave me lot's of time to make up a really good short term and long term business plan, create all my own graphics and marketing materials. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, the in's and out's of Wordpress and some basic SEO.
I needed capital big time. The bank I dealt with my whole life turned me down. At least the loans officer tried not to laugh in our face. No big surprise. I had no job, no stable work history for 5 years, no stable address for 5 years, no assets and lot's of credit cards racked up. I did have good credit though as we have always being responsible. I was deflated but not defeated. I need to make this work. So I went to another bank. This time a small provincial (state) bank where decisions were made locally. The loan officer actually read and really liked my business plan and listened to our history. He went on a limb and really fought for me. I got the money I needed. It was not enough, but I knew I could make it work with blood, sweat and tears.
In April, 2008 I bought a 2007 GMC 2500 (image important), put on some nice graphics (which paid off the first month), imported my TM, hoses, wand, you name it from the States. Did the install myself in the graveled parking area in the back of where we were living amid the mud and snow. Installing a under belly propane tank for the first time with limited tools in the mud and snow is not fun (enter the blood, sweat and tears), but builds plenty of character! My wife was VERY understanding at that time.
I got everything up and running in time to go to my first job that I had booked for early May. Of course, the money was not enough (I did not budget for the small stuff and got nickel and dimmed to death), and I literally could not even afford to fill up my van the first time just to get to the job. I started with a 1/4 tank. With each job I got the first thing I did was put some more gas in the tank. The summer was awesome! By September we were able to afford a place with a double car garage to protect my van and TM from the approaching cold Canadian winter.
By December 31, I had paid off a nice chunk of my debt and even put some money aside for these slow months. I am now gearing up for April.
Things are going really great. I am very excited and positive about 2009. I have an awesome relationship with a very reputable carpet store and have found a great niche market. At 39, I really need to make up for lost time and so that's where SFS comes in. I would love to attend the one in Portland (lot's of great brewpubs and microbreweries there!) this August. I have been fighting so hard to just get started, but now I really need to focus on where to take the business in the future. I am hungry to learn whatever I can and think that SFS would fill that hunger.
That's it. Thanks for considering my entry.
Here is my entry.
First, let me give the picture of how tough it is for Canadian small business owners:
- We paid more here for vehicles, gas, oil, tires, repairs then the USA...
We pay more for insurance and licensing...
We pay MUCH more for cleaning chemicals as they all come from you know where...
We pay more for TM and ALL our equipment, virtually everything is imported from the USA...
We pay way more taxes on what we make.
To top it all off, our price per sq. is not any higher
Oh, I almost forgot, we are also verbally challenged by inserting "eh" after every second word! .
So next time you see a Canadian, tell him to hang in there and buy him a beer!
Here is my crazy history:
Started a cleaning business when I was 18. Kept it small and later sold it for very little when my wife and I went to Paraguay to do some volunteer work. Something we wanted to do before while we were still young.
Came back after 5 years broke. Did NOT want to go back to the Janitorial biz, so I worked with a friend who was an owner operator. He was starting to think about retirement and wanted me to take over his business one day. I followed the carrot for a several months and realized that I really liked what I was doing. I friend and distributer Rick Thode turned me on to the boards. Mikey's Board quickly became my favorite and I lurked and learned for a few months. I quickly surpassed my friend in knowledge and skill. That sounds cocky but it's not. That just shows you how apathetic carpet cleaners have become in my city. It's actually pretty sad. But that's when I realized how I could do well in this biz. I firmly believe that your business is an extension of you and decided his business is not something that I wanted. I wanted to start from scratch and do it right.
With the help of Rick Thode (fellow canuk and SFS attendee), Greenie and Bob Savage (sorry for stalking you guys at that time and thanks for not phoning the FBI) I learned what I needed to get started on my own with very limited funds. I still remember Bob Savage telling me on the phone: "Don't feel bad for phoning me again (the 20th time for a really dumb question), were all carpet cleaners trying to make a living and we are all in this together." I would take a bullet for you Bob!
Then I had a bad break (no pun intended) when I slipped down the stairs at home and really jacked up my ankle. Two surgeries and 8 months without work put a dent in my plans. We lived off credit cards since I did not qualify for unemployment insurance after away from Canada for so long. I used the time to read and learn. I devoured as many business and marketing books as I could get my hand's on and studied some basic electrical and electronics. I read probably every post on Mikey's board during that time (I am still recovering from that
). It also gave me lot's of time to make up a really good short term and long term business plan, create all my own graphics and marketing materials. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, the in's and out's of Wordpress and some basic SEO.I needed capital big time. The bank I dealt with my whole life turned me down. At least the loans officer tried not to laugh in our face. No big surprise. I had no job, no stable work history for 5 years, no stable address for 5 years, no assets and lot's of credit cards racked up. I did have good credit though as we have always being responsible. I was deflated but not defeated. I need to make this work. So I went to another bank. This time a small provincial (state) bank where decisions were made locally. The loan officer actually read and really liked my business plan and listened to our history. He went on a limb and really fought for me. I got the money I needed. It was not enough, but I knew I could make it work with blood, sweat and tears.
In April, 2008 I bought a 2007 GMC 2500 (image important), put on some nice graphics (which paid off the first month), imported my TM, hoses, wand, you name it from the States. Did the install myself in the graveled parking area in the back of where we were living amid the mud and snow. Installing a under belly propane tank for the first time with limited tools in the mud and snow is not fun (enter the blood, sweat and tears), but builds plenty of character! My wife was VERY understanding at that time.
I got everything up and running in time to go to my first job that I had booked for early May. Of course, the money was not enough (I did not budget for the small stuff and got nickel and dimmed to death), and I literally could not even afford to fill up my van the first time just to get to the job. I started with a 1/4 tank. With each job I got the first thing I did was put some more gas in the tank. The summer was awesome! By September we were able to afford a place with a double car garage to protect my van and TM from the approaching cold Canadian winter.
By December 31, I had paid off a nice chunk of my debt and even put some money aside for these slow months. I am now gearing up for April.
Things are going really great. I am very excited and positive about 2009. I have an awesome relationship with a very reputable carpet store and have found a great niche market. At 39, I really need to make up for lost time and so that's where SFS comes in. I would love to attend the one in Portland (lot's of great brewpubs and microbreweries there!) this August. I have been fighting so hard to just get started, but now I really need to focus on where to take the business in the future. I am hungry to learn whatever I can and think that SFS would fill that hunger.
That's it. Thanks for considering my entry.
billyeadon
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
I would love to attend the one in Portland (lot's of great brewpubs and microbreweries there!) this August.
Bill,
Good to hear that you have priorities. We plan on hitting several of those great microbreweries while in the Rose City.
Beisdes how can you go wrong with a name like Bill.
The other Bill
I would love to attend the one in Portland (lot's of great brewpubs and microbreweries there!) this August.
Bill,
Good to hear that you have priorities. We plan on hitting several of those great microbreweries while in the Rose City.
Beisdes how can you go wrong with a name like Bill.
The other Bill
G
Guest
Guest
The Wizard
Member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2006
- Messages
- 164
Re: SFS Contest
Herere, Herere, Herere ...
I would like to announce my intent on making a submission to this contest. My submission will be forth coming prior to the close of this contest.
Thank you.
The Wizard.
As A result of rule # 7.8-C- Those that own vacation property in Costa Rica can not participate in a $699 give a way. Since we own vacation Property in Jamaica, I regrettably am disqualified from entering such said contest.
Herere, Herere, Herere ...
I would like to announce my intent on making a submission to this contest. My submission will be forth coming prior to the close of this contest.
Thank you.
The Wizard.
As A result of rule # 7.8-C- Those that own vacation property in Costa Rica can not participate in a $699 give a way. Since we own vacation Property in Jamaica, I regrettably am disqualified from entering such said contest.
Zee
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
I thought I'd give it a try....
My name is Zalan Szabo just like my login name....you all can call me Zee-much easier.
I was born in central Europe in Hungary in the good old 70's. Grew up in a pretty poor country immersed in the communism fed by the russians. Russian soldiers marching up and down the streets with their tanks following- those are vivid memories from my childhood. By the way I still don't speak russian even though they forced us to learn in school..
After growing up in the 80's 90's I was serving in the Army of Hungary- my time was up just before my boys were sent to Bosnia and Afganistan as part of the NATO.
I came to America in 98- didn't speak a word of english...big mistake! Ended up in California! I saw the first real pineapple in my life-and made me realize it has nothing to do with pinetrees After working alongside with mexican guys doing concrete work, I decided I could do waaaay better then this so I went to college every night to learn the language.
I got to know Jimmy Olas from our church-started working for him pushing the Von Schraders (in '99).
We got to the steam cleaning level in 2001, when he bought the first unit from Duane (Sledge Hammer). Worked together until I moved to Colorado in 2005.
Moved back to CA in 2008 with my own equipment that I bought from Adco-Masterblend.
I really want to do better in business and I'm not talking about the wand and chemical part!
I need to become a business man and start working like I own a business rather then having a job that takes up 20hours of my day!
If I could get to SFS this year, that would put me to the level where I could be comfortable running a BUSINESS!
Well this is my story in a very small nutshell.. I could talk about my life -and why I deserve to attend SFS- much more and could say how my father passed away when I was young...or how much will I have to succeed (I was considered one of the best cello players in the country when I was 15 and that's a lot of willpower) but I will just let the selection process play out and if I don't win, I'll have to seriously save some money up for next year to attend SFS.
Thanx for reading and considering.
Zee
I thought I'd give it a try....
My name is Zalan Szabo just like my login name....you all can call me Zee-much easier.
I was born in central Europe in Hungary in the good old 70's. Grew up in a pretty poor country immersed in the communism fed by the russians. Russian soldiers marching up and down the streets with their tanks following- those are vivid memories from my childhood. By the way I still don't speak russian even though they forced us to learn in school..
After growing up in the 80's 90's I was serving in the Army of Hungary- my time was up just before my boys were sent to Bosnia and Afganistan as part of the NATO.
I came to America in 98- didn't speak a word of english...big mistake! Ended up in California! I saw the first real pineapple in my life-and made me realize it has nothing to do with pinetrees
After working alongside with mexican guys doing concrete work, I decided I could do waaaay better then this so I went to college every night to learn the language.I got to know Jimmy Olas from our church-started working for him pushing the Von Schraders (in '99).
We got to the steam cleaning level in 2001, when he bought the first unit from Duane (Sledge Hammer). Worked together until I moved to Colorado in 2005.
Moved back to CA in 2008 with my own equipment that I bought from Adco-Masterblend.
I really want to do better in business and I'm not talking about the wand and chemical part!
I need to become a business man and start working like I own a business rather then having a job that takes up 20hours of my day!
If I could get to SFS this year, that would put me to the level where I could be comfortable running a BUSINESS!
Well this is my story in a very small nutshell.. I could talk about my life -and why I deserve to attend SFS- much more and could say how my father passed away when I was young...or how much will I have to succeed (I was considered one of the best cello players in the country when I was 15 and that's a lot of willpower) but I will just let the selection process play out and if I don't win, I'll have to seriously save some money up for next year to attend SFS.
Thanx for reading and considering.
Zee
Steve Toburen
Supportive Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2006
- Messages
- 1,912
- Name
- Steve Toburen
Re: SFS Contest
With all due respect, John, it does IF you need to spend the money anyway. After all, you are going to buy your juice from somewhere. So therefore why not Jon-Don and go to SFS in the bargain? By my calculations that is effectively more or less a 15% discount.
Island Boy
www.StrategiesForSuccess.com
PS I would love to have Terry in SFS. We have cracked tougher nuts than him.
John Middleton said:
With all due respect, John, it does IF you need to spend the money anyway. After all, you are going to buy your juice from somewhere. So therefore why not Jon-Don and go to SFS in the bargain? By my calculations that is effectively more or less a 15% discount.
Island Boy
www.StrategiesForSuccess.com
PS I would love to have Terry in SFS. We have cracked tougher nuts than him.
Mikey P
Administrator
Steve Toburen
Supportive Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2006
- Messages
- 1,912
- Name
- Steve Toburen
Re: SFS Contest
IB
http://www.StrategiesForSuccess.com
PS Terry, if you want to be understood you need to lay off of that cheap Puerto Rican rum when you are posting. I'll bring you some quality DR rum that will also augment your appreciation for non-snake oil selling instructors.
I couldn't figure out if I should be offended or pleased with the above comments. Then I remembered the source and knew it didn't matter either way.ODIN said:
IB
http://www.StrategiesForSuccess.com
PS Terry, if you want to be understood you need to lay off of that cheap Puerto Rican rum when you are posting. I'll bring you some quality DR rum that will also augment your appreciation for non-snake oil selling instructors.
Brian R
Member
Doug Cox
Supportive Member
Mikey P
Administrator
Doug Cox
Supportive Member
billyeadon
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
Yes but at least we are "rockers." Odin next time I am in Seattle we will have to meet at the Hendrix Museum (I know they have a fancy name but to me it will always be the JH museum) and take in the aura. I try and hit it once a year. Same with the R&R museum up in Meats territory.
ODIN said:
Yes but at least we are "rockers." Odin next time I am in Seattle we will have to meet at the Hendrix Museum (I know they have a fancy name but to me it will always be the JH museum) and take in the aura. I try and hit it once a year. Same with the R&R museum up in Meats territory.
billyeadon
Supportive Member
billyeadon
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
Remaining classes will be in
Dallas March 16-20
Atlanta April 27-May 1
St. Louis Aug 3-7
Portland OR Aug 17-21
Langhorne PA Sept 21-25
Roselle IL Oct 12-16
Winner will be chosen from the thousands of entries on March 2, 2009.
Brian Robison said:
Remaining classes will be in
Dallas March 16-20
Atlanta April 27-May 1
St. Louis Aug 3-7
Portland OR Aug 17-21
Langhorne PA Sept 21-25
Roselle IL Oct 12-16
Winner will be chosen from the thousands of entries on March 2, 2009.
billyeadon
Supportive Member
Re: SFS Contest
Thousands? Are you holding this contest on other boards?
I still think I am the best person for the job. If the class is as good as people say it is, I will be your biggest cheerleader.
I might even get the pom poms out.
Yay![/quote:2s5a2vth]
No fear Brian we know thousands of people read Mikeys Board. You may have a tough act to follow with Pom Poms.
Brian Robison said:
Thousands? Are you holding this contest on other boards?
I still think I am the best person for the job. If the class is as good as people say it is, I will be your biggest cheerleader.
I might even get the pom poms out.
Yay![/quote:2s5a2vth]
No fear Brian we know thousands of people read Mikeys Board. You may have a tough act to follow with Pom Poms.
