Hiya,
I have been posting along, and realized that I haven’t been polite enough to say a formal “hi†and let you know who this strange guy is from Columbus.
Before I do that, I want to tell y’all what a nice forum you have here. I have looked on the web for a forum that was targeted to my line of work… and I think I just may have found it.
Now… who is that stranger from Columbus?!
I am a contractor in Columbus OH. I specialize in rehab, but will do a custom home if it is the right fit. The primary market for me is in the moderate home… intent is to customize the house to raise value and livability. In addition, I do custom work for very large homes… mostly built-in, custom cabinet, and hardwood floor work. In my spare time (LOL), I build custom furniture.
I have been at it full-time now for 2 1/2 years. Prior, I had owned the company, but was only a limited active participant. (Worked on weekends when I was not traveling)
Prior to my construction days, I have had quite a colorful career. My last position was as President and CEO of a rather large company. Our specialty was business administration, human resource and risk management services for small businesses on a contract basis. I did a LOT of work for construction companies…. and quite frankly, enjoyed the construction companies the most of my clients. Unfortunately, Sept 11 and various calamities that branched from Sept11, forced my company out of business. I went from the top of the heap to the bottom of the barrel in 3 months.
My specialty in the “corporate chain†is in risk management, worker’s compensation, and human resources. I was VP of Human Resources for a major property management/hotel company. I developed and managed a complete worker’s compensation/risk management division of a consulting company. The basic point I am trying to make… if you have a work comp/risk management/insurance question… I may be able to help you out a bit. No guarantees.. but go ahead and ask. Be aware, I am NOT an insurance agent… so questions about coverage costs are beyond me… but I may be able to give you good advice on how to set up your company to get lower rates.
Ironically enough, I went to college to teach Industrial Arts. Student teaching proved to me that I would be a bad teacher! LOL I finished the degree, but also finished a business degree at the same time. Education and business makes the perfect combo for HR… so that is why I took that route. I did complete my MBA… but don’t go cuttin’ on me for it…. I never used it (cough)!
Anyway… back to construction. I have always been doing this work… just at various scales. I built furniture in my uncle’s garage when I was 10… worked on a house addition at 14…built production desks in shop class at 16… worked construction through college… I even was able to continue to do this work while I was off traveling the country (I found out about Habitat for Humanity and couldn’t volunteer enough). As I said, I bought majority interest in a construction company while I was still in the executive ranks… and here I am today.
I returned to the construction business because, quite frankly, I was tired of the BS in the corporate world and was tired of finding more hair in the tub than was on my head! I haven’t regretted one minute of it. Even with the troubles and difficult work… I can honestly say that I have enjoyed myself more working construction than I did collectively in all my years in the corporate world (and I did enjoy my work)
FWIW, I grew up with a trucker for a dad and with an Irish mother… two brothers and a sister (all older). I still consider myself a HillWilliam (that’s a hillbilly that went to college!). I am rather outspoken on many issues… and sometimes talk more than I should. I try my best to be respectful when I am outspoken… but feel free to kick me in the shins if my opinions get in the way of good, sound thinking (except in the case of politics; which I am real passionate about! LOL)
Again, I want to thank all of you for what you are doing here. Taunton may provide the space… but it is the posters that really make the place. And from what I have seen so far… this is VERY impressive.
Replies
Hello brother, guess that makews me a Hillwill___. Since I didn't finish college.
You'll see lot's of takers on that offer to advise in insurance issues - just not this late at night.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Him being here for a bit kinda negates the standard questionaire....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
welcome... Continue to enjoy.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Always glad ta have a new face around.
Glass, china, and reputations are easily cracked and never well mended. [Benjamin Franklin]
welcome
The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
"and was tired of finding more hair in the tub than was on my head! "
Now I am just a DIY and I do some small jobs for friends.
Are you telling me that if I go full time into construction that it will cure that problem?
>>Are you telling me that if I go full time into construction that it will cure that problem?
Cure? No... but wood glue does a great job of reafixing it when it does fall out!! LOL
Welcome !
( although I think you already know that you are).
I'm not too worried about the hair on my head falling out; I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Now if you only had a simple and painless solution for the hair in my ears and nose.<G>
rich, you going to jlc live end of sept in your fair town? Several BT'ers should be showing up. Pleased to meet you for a cold one during the show.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Not really sure exactly when it is... but I will look it up. It's at the Convention Center?
And yes... I would be very happy to meet up for a cold one (or two, or five...).
Here you go http://www.jlclive.com/Columbus/index.asp
Went the first time last year. Worthwhile if you can spare the time. The installation clinics on the floor are a must see if you can find an area of interest. Good deals on many tools also. Tickets are free for the expo, just sign up.
See you there. We'll get a good handle of those attending and order by the pitcher. Stay around the forum and we'll be sure to look you and hubcap up. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
hi
Why so formal? this place is like showin up at a good (mostly) job-site, pull up your own step stool and share, interject, interupt, do any thing here but most of all feel and share the love...
Scribe once, cut once!
Rich,
As they like to say in the lumber business, "Welcome A-Board!"
so do ya know of Big Doug Hubbard from Granville?
aka Hubcap ....
Jeff
Buck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
No... haven't made the acquaintance.
Rich,
I have appreciated your contribution so far. Has anybody told you that this site is addicting?
I can quit whenever I want to, but those other guys...
Jon Blakemore