Category Archives: Guest Blogs

The Exciting World Of Proposals & Contracts

Aug 12, 2015 by

As a painting contractor, writing proposals and performing contract administration are just two of the many job functions you will find yourself involved in. How well you manage these tasks will be critical to your company’s success. This includes creating a professional proposal, drawing up and submitting the contract and negotiating with the owner or general contractor. CONTINUE READING

The Bidding Process

Jul 23, 2015 by

The bidding process is one many of us go through each and every day. While many jobs are similar, each lead or job we receive deserves it own unique bidding process. I am going to break down the bidding process one should go through each time you present a bid. CONTINUE READING

A Paint Contractor’s Guide to Hiring, Firing & Training

Jun 22, 2015 by

There are several things to consider when you think about what type of work you want to do. Generally speaking, it’s better to do a few things well rather than trying to do it all. Consider what types of work are available in your area, what you are best equipped to do and what it is that you do well. This will help you to determine what niche you want to aim for and, in turn, the makeup of the crew you will need. CONTINUE READING

Tracking Production Rates

Jun 4, 2015 by

Maintaining a clear understanding of the performance of your crews is critical to staying profitable. Companies that do not have such procedures in place put themselves at risk. Fortunately, there are tools available that will accomplish this task: A Field Budget, Time Cards and Daily Reports. CONTINUE READING

What Should I Charge For My Labor?

May 7, 2015 by

When it comes to deciding how much you should charge for your labor, there are a number of components to consider. Basically, these include salary, load, burden and profit. Let’s walk through the process of building a “Sell Rate” for your company. CONTINUE READING

Tool Review: Carhartt Cordura Front Work Pants

Apr 13, 2015 by

So when people see me wearing my Carhartt Cordura front work pants at the trade shows and home shows, something happens.

Drawn to the obvious utility and a certain coolness, grown men are compelled to ask the world’s most awkward question of another grown man they don’t know with hundreds of people around; where’d you get those pants?

Part Carhartt cotton duck material that many of us know, part Cordura ‘chap,’ the result is a whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And it’s clear from one look that they kick butt. CONTINUE READING

Tool Review: DeWalt Compressor

Apr 2, 2015 by

When you buy a compressor, chances are, you’re gonna have it for awhile.

With no external moving parts or whirring blades or fine adjustments to speak of, the work a compressor does is inside its body so there are few moving parts to fool with or break.

I’m not saying you can’t break one—I’ve mangled several— but what I am saying is that they just don’t take the same kind of relentless abuse other tools take. Sort of. CONTINUE READING