JOB MARKET

Did that sound like bragging. It wasn't my intent. The idea I was trying to bring across....putting all your eggs ( no pun intended ERIC )in one basket isn't the path to success. Diverseness is the key. Look at what other skill sets you have or are interested in. Today's climate is full of opportunity. Push on, believe you will prosper ,create an atmosphere around you that supports that idea. Stay away from negative people and thinking. Life can be and is full. It is your choice. B) :) :) B) Deep Down In Florida Where The Sun Shines Damn Near Every Day

I used to brag about, as a roofer, being able to go anywhere in the US, go to work and get paid within 48 hrs. And it was true at the time but not anymore.

Tony, Sounds like you are looking for a sales job. Might be easier to open up your own roofing company. But that might not be easy either, esp in Californico.

As Tim Adams famously stated about 5 yrs ago, right here on the RCS: "WATCH OUT! The Wal Mart model is coming to YOU!!"

And indeed it has. Every one who is capable of doing $250K in gross sales, seems to think they need to be priced as cheap as possible......because after all they are destined to be the next big restoration company....and after, all the "going rate" is what all of the low quality, high volume dudes are charging.

And they are certainly getting rich, right?

I can tell you about one HV,LQ Co. around here: They do no attic inspections (CT Select Shingle Master Company----LOL) They buy shingles/ materials by the truck load discount They probably make more money flipping houses.....

Now of course they are chasing insurance work....because what the heck. it's Waaaaaay more than they price at :side:

Seems like when a roofing company is capable of influencing the market in a positive way people bitch. When they influence the market with low end pricing, people jump on board. Go Figure...

I will be out there sometime late next week. If you want to grab lunch with the boss and I email me B) :) :) B) Deep Down In Florida Where The Sun Shines Damn Near Every Day

Hey CIAK, sounda like you made some good choices in your business life. Good for you. I could brag about how i live high on a hill and look down to the valleys, mountains and ocean. I have made good choices too but, i would like to keep going until i can safely retire. I'm out in southern california and it's a dog eat dog world. We are luckly to consistantly maintain a 15% profit on our jobs. Some out here go down to 10% to 12% consistantly. For us sales people there is no room for commissions. Most of us are on salaries. So thats why i say roofing contractors are not looking for experienced people, they need to find the diamond in the rough. My salary has been cut in half and contractors want to hire for less and give a commission on jobs making over 20%.

Interesting question. When roofing was my only source of income, the work load would come in waves. Hit miss none too much, There was a cycle. I diversified to fill the holes. Many years of experimentation. Placing wise choices not over spending here squeezing there. I have built a comfortable life style now. Lots of travel with one job ,"insurance" which rewards me very handsomely. Taking care of old and recommended new customers when I'm home.Very rewarding and satisfying. Fishing, boating enjoying The Lovely Mrs Ciak. Life is Good. It is all about choices. B) :) :) B) Deep Down In Florida Where The Sun Shines Damn Near Every Day

One of our local competitors has an ad in the local newspaper.....$12/hr for roofers...Thems' 1970's wages!

i have been in sales/project manageing the last fifteen(15) years and had no problem going to a new company. Now there is no want for qualified people, just people to fill holes at avery cheap salary. They hope they come through with a diamond in the rough and try to mold someone.

Think back, it was never really any different just we were younger.