Replies

1. 
   Bowz | Dec 29, 2008 06:25pm | #1

   Mike,

   My focus is going to be survival, and thinking about whether I want to stay in this business. The last two years, have been OK, but I have not accomplished what I set out to do at the begining of the year, net dollar wise. I don't think there has been any one thing that did me in, but it seems like death by a thousand cuts. What has been missing out of the mix is a few large, good projects.  Probably just feeling the blues right now as this has been the worst November and December in a long time.

   For now we are in a good cash and equity position, but I am not sure if I want to "tough it out" or use that position to "jump ship" before it sinks.

   Bowz

1. 
   Oak River Mike | Dec 31, 2008 03:20am | #2

   Bowz,

   You are not alone my friend...I was kind of thinking the same thing earlier this year.  Then I got a huge job come my way but it will end around February.  One or two medium sized projects lined up but of course, want more.

   Lately I have been spending my time networking with subs and other guys trying to work WITH them as opposed to AGAINST them.  I figure I would rather share some work than lose all of it.

   Maybe that my resolution...

   Mike

2. 
   VTNorm | Dec 31, 2008 05:57am | #7

   If you jump, where are you jumping to? Seems like most industries are hurting right now so there probably aren't any safe bets like "hey, I can walk in and get a job at xyz...work my 40 hours and get benefits too". Do you have a reliable out?

   -Norm

1. 
   Bowz | Jan 01, 2009 10:26pm | #10

   Do you have a reliable out?

   Perhaps not reliable, but then again I am questioning the reliability of remodeling at the moment.

   I guess to me "jumping ship" means re-defining my "wants" while it is still my option. I "want" to stay in business, I "want" to keep my shop' I "want" to keep the house I designed and built, etc, etc.

   I guess it also means that I'd no longer plan on remodeling being the sole scource of my income. What I wouldn't want is to "tough it out" only to be forced out in the end and not have time to choose any other options. 

   But it is also taking a larger view of life. I knew a guy who made his living with 3 part-time jobs, all of which he loved. (Teaching part-time, estimator for an insurance restoration company, and carpentry) He felt doing any of them full time would be a drag, but all of them part-time were great. So no, I am not looking at walking into a factory and punching a clock for 40 hrs.

   Bowz

1. 
   Bob_B | Jan 06, 2009 02:25am | #11

   coller,

   You hit home for me.  I got laid off 13 months ago from a pretty good white collar job that I HATED.  Way back when, I went to school to be a shop teacher and I am always trying to improve my woodworking and construction skills.  I also am pretty far along in a business degree.  A couple of things fell into place for me and now I am trying to make it building wine cellars and doing custom woodworking.   Things are slow, I had my January and February big jobs back out and I am now looking at expanding my product offerings. (handyman work, painting etc)  Being a sole prop, I think it may be a bit easier for me to look at the market and find a need to fill.  I am also exploring how better to use my shop at home.  example: I have a lead on a guy who makes wooden fishing jigs. I don't mind turning blanks for him if it makes me money and keeps me from sitting back behind a desk.  I think the key for 09 will be as always, find a need unfufilled and fit it.

    That guy you know is to something with regard to looking at the big picture in life. That is why this week, I am going to a "networking" lunch with my dads wine club. Cabernet and rib-eye and who knows, I may even get some work out of it!

2. 
   ponytl | Dec 31, 2008 03:54am | #3

   I have thought about it... and i want less to do... 7 days a week for the last 4-5 years and i'm toast... I want to finish my lofts... pay off debt...  clear out a huge amount of left over material from the loft project... and go to disney world...

   this should be my last 5 year project for awhile.... i have 6 paid for building lots that i have ideas for... i have cars i need to build... planes i need to fly and kids i need to raise... i don't want any more work :)

   have a great new year....

   p

3. 
   JMadson | Dec 31, 2008 04:01am | #4

   My resolution?

   Less BT, more work.

    

4. 
   JeffBuck | Dec 31, 2008 04:39am | #5

   I resolve to make enough money in Jan, Feb and March to pay the taxes due in April!

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   EricPaulson | Dec 31, 2008 05:30am | #6

   Sounds like a plan Jeff. I know most of the money I have on hand here is allready spoken for. 

1. 
   JeffBuck | Jan 01, 2009 12:07am | #8

   Beats Plan B ...

    

   pay down enough #### to be able to borrow enough to pay those taxes!

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   EricPaulson | Jan 01, 2009 12:17am | #9

   That's not a good place to visit.

   I have the T shirt.

   Happy New Year Jeff; best wishes.