Haven’t been here in a while. Been spending most of my on-line time at Cookstalk. They too are a great group.
This past year has been a bit tough – lots of self-evaluation; realization that since I am not where I want to be, I must be doing something wrong; juggling too many responsibilities; realizing there is more to life than construction…
Anyways, I decided to work for another GC, to take some of the 24/7 burden off my shoulders and have time to look around and figure things out. I may even learn something from how he runs his business. Hated it! It was not a good match and I wasn’t PM’ing. Instead I was his jack of all trades with a PM promise in the near future. Ha!
Coincidently, 2 hrs after quitting, I recieved a call from a contractor I used to sub for years ago. We had run into each other about 2 weeks earlier and had a plesant chat. So, he calls to tell me his PM died in a horrible car accident and he was in desperate need of someone. Was I available? We danced and came to an Agreement within a few days. I started 8:30 Monday morning, thrown head first into a tense job-site meeting – first in months! Site was a mess. Client was very unhappy and designers, inept (go figure). Client stormed out of the meeting angry. 15 minutes later my boss pulls me aside “We’ll talk at the end of the day and do whatever it takes to get this thing back on track and completed.”
Long story short, I am kicking butt and taking names. My approach has been to be clear, ask for what I need politely yet firm, not try to be everyone’s friend and run the project as a business with standards and rules.
The Client loves me, has recommended me – not the company – to a friend for really big work (I referred him to my boss), regularly recommends that I go into business for myself, and started making regular progress payments. There has been more progress on the site in the last month than the last 8 months – not my assessment, the client’s, the designers and our subs.
Here’s my question(s) –
I have been using my own laptop at work and when it coincidently crashed – not site related, problem developed months ago and I did not address it. Since it crashed, I sometimes bring in my desktop computer (very portable). It did get a screen scratch so it’s not coming to the site again. My new boss is not computer savey. The only computer in the company is in the office. Most (all) communication is done by phone calls or faxes rather than emails or otherwise over the internet. Minimal paper trails. I have not worked this way in 9 years.
I want/ need a laptop. How do I demand (?) one or must I to follow the company standards? I have selected the model I want/ need. New = $1,400 with 3 years service plan or Refurbished = $1,000 with 60 day service plan.
Is my boss obligated(?) to pay my cell phone bill? I use my cell all day even though there is a site phone. This way, I am reachable wherever I am which makes life easier for me AND others – only one number to call. Cell bill = $150/ mo/ 2100 minutes, taxes, ins.
I was told I could buy just about anything the job required – unless it was a big-ticket item. In that case, I need boss’ approval unless we have an open account. I don’t like shelling out my own cash even though I know I will be reimbursed. It’s not my company and I don’t think I should finance purchases, regardless of cost or time-lag for reimbersement. No one ever did for me. Is a $200 petty cash fund be ok? Receipts submitted every week for cash.
I bring my digital camera to the site everyday. I could keep doing this but, again, it’s not my company and I don’t think this is a standard tool I should provide. The construction process does need to be documented though – doesn’t it? – if only for potential legal purposes or just to maintain a record of where wiring or piping is in case the walls or floors need to be breeched.
I do not want to be a prima donna. I am sure if I get any of these things, the other site-foremen (they think they are pms but the office tells me I am the only PM) will want them too. (Is that MY problem?) I do not know if their cell bills are covered and really don’t want to get into the world of comparing notes with other employees.
What is the best way to address these concerns? How long do I need to wait to make these issues known? Are there other things I should be considering? BTW – I will be getting health insurance after I have been employed for 90 days.
Frankie
Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont – Posh Nosh
Replies
Have a general discussion with the boss about boundaries -- what he expects you to supply, what he feels he should supply. The discussion should also cover payment for off-hours work you do for his projects, whether you can use his tools/vehicles for your personal use, etc. What give-and-take is he comfortable with?
Just tell him you want to get a general feel for where he's at. You can raise a few of the specific examples, but what you really need most is a general understanding of his unwritten/unspoken policies.
I have a very trustworthy and hardworking Super / PM. I furnish a salary, laptop, cell phone/ truck with fuel and maintanence/ AMEX card for business use / use of my builder accounts / health insurance / paid holidays / paid vacations.
I do not think these are excessive, and should be close to norm.
Regarding your question, I think you should group all of your questionable perks together and ask your employer if these will be made avaliable as you continue and prove your value.
If you have turned around the project like you said, and if youn are making quantifiable contributions to the success of tghe company, then you could easily make a case for rewards. Just be sure to show how the rewards will also help you do a better job.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Yeah, I am thinking along the same lines. A cc would be very helpful but I also understand the difficulty some have allowing others to spend their money. I am sure it is an issue of comfort levels. Part of my conundrum is that the longer I do without, the more convinced he will be that I don't really need it. I used my own laptop to show him the benefits of rapid and thorough comunications but really don't want to continue this after my laptop comes back from repairs.Good replies.Frankie
Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.
Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.
Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont - Posh Nosh
Frankie, what about a pre-paid CC, Such as a Visa gift card, Load it up with 500 or so as needed to use in places he does not have accounts?
What the h... the guy hired him and entrusted him with a project in jeopardy and wouldn't trust him with a credit card?
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
some people are funny that way...
and he is recent hire. If it were me I would wait until I felt comfortable and trusted the guy before giving him a card, certainly wouldn't be I would do right away
don't suppose your hiring ;)?
Frankie, congratulations on doing such a great job!
My story is somewhat similar--short story, I use many of my tools on the job. Office has said to buy whatever I need but when I do I hear about it. Easier to just use my own stuff, and have the company repair/replace it when it gets broken. It's kind of a sticky situation though.
Now that you've proven yourself invaluable, I think you're in a perfect position to politely demand a laptop. It may take a while for the office to budget it in.
It might be useful to type up a list of all the ways you use the computer on site, add a rough estimate of time saved or goodwill earned, and show the payback period.
As for the cell phone, I have been using one since 1996 on jobs and since then virtually every single contractor I know or see lives by his cell phone. No way should you be using your own minutes, unless they're reimbursing you. If they have other PM's or lead carpenters they should be on a group plan anyway.
I say this as much for myself as for you: DON'T BE A MARTYR! Your time and your skills, and basic tools, really should be all you're contributing to the company unless you're an owner.
Frankie -
You don't say how long you've been in the new job, but I would guess that it's been a few weeks - maybe a couple of months.
Since you kinda jumped in without much of a "courtship", this may be a great time to have a sit down with the new boss and tell him what you've said here. Now that you have had time to get on top of things, here are some things you need to stay there. They may not all happen at once, but you should at least get a timetable.
Yeah, he doesn't want it to seem like he's going in with a list of demands, or is trying to "milk" the boss. It's more important to just get an "understanding" roughed out and cover some of the most urgent outstanding issues.Especially since he indicated he originally got here because he didn't like the pressures of being his own boss, he doesn't need to create any tension/pressure between him and his current boss. He needs a relationship they're both comfortable with.
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm but the harm does not interest them. --T.S. Eliot
Dan -
I said that wrong when I said "to stay there". I meant talking about the tools (computer, cell, etc) he needs to stay on top of things. When I re-read it, it sounds like I meant staying with the company - which I didn't mean.
I'm suggesting a talk to "tweak" the employment agreement - not run a holdup. - lol
Yeah, I don't think I misunderstood you, I just wanted to reiterate it and expand on what you said. This sort of thing you don't want to be silent about and let fester, but you also don't want to be overly agressive in dealing with it, when, as you said, they're still in a sort of "courtship" (or perhaps the "honeymoon").As any savy female will tell you, you don't start trying to change the husband until after the honeymoon. ;)
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm but the harm does not interest them. --T.S. Eliot
Funny thing is I found it to be a lot more stressful to be the project manager than the boss.
I always felt obligated to make the customer happy whether the boss was willing or not, this lead to some serious conflicts that I wasn't always able to resolve.I found myself going above and beyond to make things right and my boss not being happy with the cost.So I ate alot of extra labor costs and created an unhappy boss vs. employee scenerio.
I made him money on every remodel project but for the same amount of effort he was making 5 times the amount on big custom homes.So he decided to get out of the remodel side and I ended up back on my own.
I bought alot of tools that I wouldn't have normally purchased thinking that I would need them on the bigger jobs I was doing so I ended up spending a good bit of my income with the expectation of a big bonus at the end of the year which didn't happen.
So from my experience you will have to decide what tools are his and what tools you will want for yourself if things don't work.I would definately ask for a company supplied phone and excess to his suppliers so that you can PO(purchase order) materials as you need them.
Definately set the parameters and the expectations down in writing and review them together routinely.
ANDYSZ2
PS; this message is a mixed response to Frankie and several of the replies.
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 12/30/2006 5:19 pm by ANDYSZ2
>>Long story short, I am kicking butt and taking names.
You need to add your boss's name to the list. For better or worse, he now works for you in a big way. When I have been PM (3 different companies) I have found it necessary to dictate a fair amount to the owner. Typically he will sell the jobs and manage the big picture stuff. That's an easy job compared to building what he sells and keeping "his" customers happy. I strongly believe that you have the harder job and that he needs to facilitate what you are doing.
Tell him what you need--a laptop, a camera, a fax machine, whatever the list is, give it to him and tell him it's necessary. If he sees that you are getting results you will probably get your stuff pretty soon.
The only exception I would make to this approach is if working for a company that is already highly organized and effective. I'd say that's 1 in 10. If you're that lucky then everything you need will already be provided and the general manager will be training you in their system, which will be at least as good as yours if not better. Doesn't happen much.
BINGO!!You are absolutely right. You stated some of what I was thinking yet uncomfortable/ unable to articulate. It felt arrogant, but it's not. It's just the way things are. I just wasn't able to make the jump from running the job and telling everyone what to do and telling the boss what to do also to bring the company to improve efficiency.I worked for someone 10 years ago and didn't voice my opinion of how the company could improve. Everyone told me to sit back, listen and learn. Funny thing is, I later found out that that boss was waiting for input from me and when he didn't get it he assumed my qualifications were exaggerated.That's not going to happen this time! Thank you for your reply,Frankie
Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.
Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.
Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont - Posh Nosh
What Tx said.
blue
just me...
but i'd work toward a "tool/phone allowance" only because if it all went to crap in the morning I'd want it to be MY laptop and my phone (& number) which could be of big value to you if that did happen... as for the digital camera... at less than $50 for one that would do all you need... thats almost a non issue...
if (and it seems you are) feeling real important to the company success on this project... then i guess you are doing what you were hired to do?
enjoy and take pride at where you are and what you are doing... I admire that you haven't got into the "what r they doing for you deal" with others that work for the company.... and it seems you have the right idea about not try'n to be everyones friend.... it adds to your credibility and sets you on a higher level.... which in turn allows you to get things done...
i would think a company creditcard would be in order for small purchases it sould provide everyone with a level of comfort in that they could see where every dime was spent and at the same time extending trust to you....
p
I'm with you. Judging by the initial post, this is stuff this guy's gonna want to own himself, down the road.
Not saying this is the best or smartest solution, but this is what I'd probably do. I'd ask for the stuff first. And be patient, and have a detailed explanation of the value/necessity of the items desired. Like I said, be patient. I've been in a similar situation before, and it often takes time for people to realize the importance of systems they are not familiar with. You gotta train/educate the boss.
Then, if he isn't willing, I'd go to plan B: OK, I need this stuff, I'm gonna buy it myself, and all you'll have to pay is a usage fee per job, or per week, month, or whatever you arrive at.
Plan C would be, if he refuses A and B, to buy the stuff you need anyway. Because now while you're working steady is a good time to start making the purchases you'll need to go on your own, which is where it's headed if you're working for a boss that isn't responsive to your needs for getting the job done. And who knows, once you got the systems you're used to in place, he might see the need, and realize the importance of keeping you happy and working for him!
A couple of small-scale examples: I once demanded a jobsite Andy Gump (porta-potty) on a commercial TI, the boss refused. Subs were urinating in the corners. Boss wouldn't budge, so I ordered one anyway. He hit the ceiling, and I just told him Look, I'm not gonna run this job without one, so if you don't want to pay for it, give me the bill and I'll pay for it. He grumbled, and paid the bill.
Another time I told the boss I wanted bonuses for the crew to reward their outstanding performance (different boss). He said hell no, they get a paycheck thats all they need. But he said I'll meet you halfway, here's a bonus for you. I took it to the tool store, and bought gift certificates for all the crew, and gave them my own bonus. Morale soared, and that was worth every penny to me, made my job soooo much more pleasant.
Same boss, I demanded an office when I started. He said sorry, you're in charge of the crew in the field, offices are for employees that work in the office all day, not for people that work in the field. So I came in on a few weekends, revamped the whole shop, comandeered an old desk that was used to store coffee and napkins in the break room, and set up an office in the corner of the shop. I had a company credit card, so I bought some supplies (cork board, map-tacks, desk calendar, etc., as well as peg-board and some other stuff for organizing the shop better) Cold as heck in the winter, but I had a place to be organized. Boss didn't say much, except Cool it with the credit card for awhile, and nice office you have there!
think it goes back to .... ask permission or ask forgiveness
i know as a boss i want others to think and act ... i always hope they have watched how i do things and have a clue what i would and wouldn't go for...
people all people are like parents and kids.... it's so easy to say no to something/anything and so easy to be proud when they do something on their own...
if you ask... you really never know where the limits are.... if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is....
p
if you just do what you think is best testing those limits... it's pretty easy to find exactly where the line is....
There were never truer words spoken. Thanks
blue
just me...
but i'd work toward a "tool/phone allowance" only because if it all went to crap in the morning I'd want it to be MY laptop and my phone (& number) which could be of big value to you if that did happen... as for the digital camera... at less than $50 for one that would do all you need... thats almost a non issue...
Good points!
I'd do exactly the same, if I was PMing that job, and if the tool was out of the "allowance" type account, I'd just have him peg it onto the account that gets depreciated.
Either way, if you need it to help him make money, you're going to have to learn to sell your ideas.
blue
I'd sit down with him and talk to the boss about what your wants and needs are.
My thoughts are from my limited experience, so take it for what it's worth.
The petty cash or a means to purchase supplies is a must, I've had jobs where the boss had limited accounts and I hated buying things out of my own pocket and then having him pay me back. Sure he was always good for it but it just didn't sit right with me. That said occasionally I will buy things out of pocket still, with my current job it happens so little it doesn't bother me.
The cell phone should either be reimbursed or provided.
I provide my own camera, simply because I have it, however if it were to break or be damaged on the job the boss will replace or repair it for me
The lap top in my opinion would depend on what you need it for or rather how well you can justify it.
I don't see any reason why you couldn't or shouldn't approach him now about all of the above issues. As long as you handle it professionally I do not see what harm can come of it.
Good Luck
Frankie,
I worked for far too long as an employee using my own truck and my own tools so I know how you feel and would want to set some ground rules up front.
Since your kinnda new to this guy, you might need to finish a job first. I'll assume everything you use is on your desktop. Right?
The phone and the camera are no brainers. They should be part of the package for any PM doing this kind of work. Plus, the camera would cost maybe $100 plus supllies as needed. The phone maybe $100 a month.
The computer is the big one. I think I would wait until this job is done and then ask for a sitdown with the boss. Show him what spreadsheets/programs/gee whiz stuff you use on it. Tell him how it helps you and in turn him. Show him that you can download pictures taken at the job and send them to; the client at work, the engineer, the attorny, the lumberyard, the office, his spiffy new cell phone that he got when he bought yours, Etc, ETc...............................
Then I would be very open with him and explain to him that it is his company. Besides the wear and tear on your computer, you laptop gets used by the wife, the kids, the wife's siter and on and on and on. And you feel his confidentiality would best be served and his company best protected by a work dedicated laptop. One that by the way he'll keep for the next PM should you and he part ways.
Good points on approach. First project will be going on until about April. By just using my desktop at home means a longer day for me and loss of instant replies, questions, comments with all parties involved for 3+ months. Though I have been with this guy for only a month, he's known me for years. Reminder: He came to me.Cell phone (will submit my bill each month) and camera (didn't know they only cost $100) are no-brainers. The computer is the big nut. I was thinking the computer would be mine, provided I stay longer than a year. It will be used for work only, but I think it should be part of my employment/ benefits package. I did inquire about a computer during our initial discussions. He dismissed the issue sayng that the company operates via faxes. Since it is a pretty successful company I did not feel comfortable changing company operations before my first day by instisting on a computer. Now, after being there a month, it turns out the company is successfull in spite of its archaic operation stystems. Almost zero efficiency. If one person is sick or leaves, the whole company suffers as there is only a minimal paper trail for someone new to take over. Communication is limited to certain hours of the day and is location/ single destination sensitive. Therefore a dialogue can take 3 days for a simple issue to be resolved. (FYI: I am not going Blackberry.)We are expecting a big progress payment from the client this week. It will happen if I have done my job well, have my ducks in a row and the client is pleased with the progress. Most of the project execution is within my control so I am confident everyone will be pleased OR know who needs to do what, for additional progress. One progress stumbling block I see is billing - turn around of Change Orders, processing of price quotes from Subs and progress payment invoicing (notation of what work has been completed). This could be streamlined with a site computer and maybe even an updated computer in the office.This is a big week coming up. I am ready for it. I love my job.Frankie
Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.
Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.
Arabella Weir as Minty Marchmont - Posh Nosh
Frankie, the company supplies everything. Just make a list, as long as you'd like and submit it.
If you submitted a list with a very long list, I'd be more impressed than if you demanded little.
blue