Ask any question relating to Flatwork [Archive] - UAMCC Pressure Washing Forum

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Ron Musgraves

12-20-2008, 01:46 PM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/je4obt0f5foa

Lets Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PressurePros

12-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Very cool, Ron.

I'll start things off. For a company looking to get into flatwork cleaning, what would be a minimum equipment purchase you would recommend? In addition to the minimum, what would be a "dream rig" setup?

Ron Musgraves

12-20-2008, 03:21 PM

Carlos

12-20-2008, 04:47 PM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/30vi7q9n48w2

Here Ya GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its not working Ron.

PressurePros

12-20-2008, 05:32 PM

It works fine for me Carlos.

And thanks Ron.

Ron Musgraves

12-20-2008, 05:38 PM

It works fine for me Carlos.

And thanks Ron.

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/pylmiq618l57

No problem...

Ron Musgraves

12-20-2008, 05:40 PM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/yqnw6anokisn

Its also FAST!!!!

Tonyg

12-20-2008, 05:59 PM

pool skirt - I know the crete might have a bit more cream and can be more sensitive, but is there a way to service them without fading the the finish. The last I did I used my house wash and figured the two jets on the "Big Guy" would have been safe but it still greyed it out. What would be the ideal pressure/tips for a surface cleaner for a sensitive surface like this?.

Gulf Coast Power Washing

12-20-2008, 06:05 PM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/30vi7q9n48w2

Here Ya GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron,

This is great. Thanks for taking time out to help others.

Here are my questions:

Obviously you have a lot of experience doing flatwork. Over the years, what chemical(s) have you found that have worked the best, specifically for gum (in addition to hot water). And what is your favorite degreaser?

Thanks!

~Jen

Ron Musgraves

12-20-2008, 06:29 PM

Ron,

This is great. Thanks for taking time out to help others.

Here are my questions:

Obviously you have a lot of experience doing flatwork. Over the years, what chemical(s) have you found that have worked the best, specifically for gum (in addition to hot water). And what is your favorite degreaser?

Thanks!

~Jen

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/reatdt583e5p

Here ya Go !!!!!!!

Gulf Coast Power Washing

12-21-2008, 05:01 PM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/reatdt583e5p

Here ya Go !!!!!!!

Thanks Ron :biggrin:

Ron Musgraves

12-25-2008, 05:33 PM

precisionpower

01-06-2009, 09:28 PM

Ronnie, good stuff! How about clarifying why you recommend 6 gpm. I use 5 gpm myself, as do many others. I know the CU will be greater, but can you elaborate?

Thanks

-Kevin

precisionpower

01-06-2009, 09:29 PM

One more: In the past few days, commercial sales calls have come up frequently on several of the boards. Care to do a mock cold call?

JL Pressure

01-06-2009, 10:26 PM

One more: In the past few days, commercial sales calls have come up frequently on several of the boards. Care to do a mock cold call?

I'm really not good at sales calls. I saw Ron in Myrtle Beach before the RT. We were sitting at a table in the lobby. another PWer from MB saw I lady walk by and she was a sales or something person for the Hard Rock Park. When she came by again the other PWer said hello. He knew her from school or something. Then Ron jumped in introduced himself, asked her postion and with one or two minutes Ron had a couple names of the maint Chief and anothers name to do with who would be in charge of cleaning. Its hard to explain how he did it, but it wasnt "Just give me a name" there was some quick small talk and boom he had the names. It was actually pretty cool to watch and looked like no effort for Ron. smoothhhhhh

Ron can do some cold calls, I have heard from others he has gone into places and had the names of District, Reg and other type managers in no time

Some it comes natural some is learned and some are just better than others. I think Ron has it down pat when it comes to getting names for work

Ron Musgraves

01-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Ronnie, good stuff! How about clarifying why you recommend 6 gpm. I use 5 gpm myself, as do many others. I know the CU will be greater, but can you elaborate?

Thanks

-Kevin

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/9qbr1gjz7sw7

Click for 6 GPM answer

Ron Musgraves

01-06-2009, 10:54 PM

One more: In the past few days, commercial sales calls have come up frequently on several of the boards. Care to do a mock cold call?

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/xk95lvya6ljh

Cold calls, get to a roundtable I'm at and watch me in action.

Ron Musgraves

01-06-2009, 10:57 PM

I'm really not good at sales calls. I saw Ron in Myrtle Beach before the RT. We were sitting at a table in the lobby. another PWer from MB saw I lady walk by and she was a sales or something person for the Hard Rock Park. When she came by again the other PWer said hello. He knew her from school or something. Then Ron jumped in introduced himself, asked her postion and with one or two minutes Ron had a couple names of the maint Chief and anothers name to do with who would be in charge of cleaning. Its hard to explain how he did it, but it wasnt "Just give me a name" there was some quick small talk and boom he had the names. It was actually pretty cool to watch and looked like no effort for Ron. smoothhhhhh

Ron can do some cold calls, I have heard from others he has gone into places and had the names of District, Reg and other type managers in no time

Some it comes natural some is learned and some are just better than others. I think Ron has it down pat when it comes to getting names for work

Click on that LiNK!!!

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/3r2ghhuxaolu

Tony Shelton

01-06-2009, 11:00 PM

I'm really not good at sales calls. I saw Ron in Myrtle Beach before the RT. We were sitting at a table in the lobby. another PWer from MB saw I lady walk by and she was a sales or something person for the Hard Rock Park. When she came by again the other PWer said hello. He knew her from school or something. Then Ron jumped in introduced himself, asked her postion and with one or two minutes Ron had a couple names of the maint Chief and anothers name to do with who would be in charge of cleaning. Its hard to explain how he did it, but it wasnt "Just give me a name" there was some quick small talk and boom he had the names. It was actually pretty cool to watch and looked like no effort for Ron. smoothhhhhh

Ron can do some cold calls, I have heard from others he has gone into places and had the names of District, Reg and other type managers in no time

Some it comes natural some is learned and some are just better than others. I think Ron has it down pat when it comes to getting names for work

I witnessed it first hand.

It was spooky.

A manager of a restaurant tried to give him the bums rush, but Ron did some kind of Voo Doo hypnotism on him and by 8 o'clock that night Ron handed me the phone to listen to the guy leaving a message to go ahead and start service.

It is phenomenal to watch.

precisionpower

01-06-2009, 11:10 PM

The second time Ron's phone rings, I heard some Kid Rock jammin' in there!

Ron Musgraves

01-06-2009, 11:12 PM

The second time Ron's phone rings, I heard some Kid Rock jammin' in there!
Thats was my ringer, kidrock http://www.tokbox.com/vm/9d4zgna0nwpf

tegrey

01-07-2009, 02:01 PM

Ron,
Sorry for the Bump, but what does a ringer for a cell phone have to do with asking you any questions about flat work? Also you have half of all post here. Am I missing the Value of this post? I do flat work as most people here, and I don't believe it is that complicated to spend hours looking at the post. Is this another lead to the Rontractor? Wouldn't it be great if all posters on all BBS had a seperate section for this type posting? Then we could buy into whatever we want and keep business to business. Just a thought, No remarks needed Please.

tegrey

01-07-2009, 02:04 PM

PressurePros

01-07-2009, 02:28 PM

I'm impartial as my sole task for this board is to administrate and make sure things don't go south.. as such, I think this thread has been very informative and don't find any evidence of self promotion. Terry, I don't know if you have had the opportunity to watch the videos but in my opinion Ron has done his best to help the community by answering questions directly.

tegrey

01-07-2009, 03:34 PM

Ken,
Thank you. I have maybe misinterpreted the post?

topcoat

01-07-2009, 07:45 PM

I have been finding Ron's video info really interesting. While my company will likely never venture into flatwork or dumpster cleaning, I appreciate Ron's responses, particularly as they relate to general business principles that would be relevant to anyone from a hood cleaner to a deck stainer. Ron does share alot here, and I can relate to their being some concepts or proprietary info that I would not want to post in a public forum either. Its important to remember that the tips we share here are not only able to be read by members of this forum or the UAMCC but also potentially by everyone in the whole wide world wide web. As cutthroat as business is these days, there are many business strategies that I would not want those who would be my competitors to happen upon. I think Ron does a nice job of walking that tightrope. The RT's are probably a great way to qualify the recipients of valuable trade information.

Tony Shelton

01-07-2009, 08:33 PM

Ron's post?
Cold calls, get to a roundtable I'm at and watch me in action.

Just another ME post?
What value is there for people to build their businesses here? We need to teach folks how to build their business as what I or you do may not be appropriate for them?
Thank You.

Is it ever going to end?

My wife has a name for this syndrome.

Here, I'll repost your last apology from December so you don't have to type it again:

Russ & Ron,
Sorry you took the post as you did. I did not say anything negative? Old posts need to be brought forward to realize where we come from sometimes? I only asked contractors to leave time to start more RT or attend the ones beneficial to them. With the economy as it is, there will be some very slim pickens on who can attend RT and how many they will attend. I spent over $5,000. for education this year. We will only spend $3,000 this year. There fore we can only attend certain RT and educational events.
Russ I have no feelings pro or con with Ron. He runs his business and I run mine. Of course we don't do business the same way. No one does. We have been growing our business since day 1. We use all available resources and help from others to do this. We spend thousands helping others as they help us. We have never asked a dime from anyone to grow our business. We have never sold or promoted any thing to grow our business. When I see anyone trying to profit from another contractor, I question this. I will give any business info and help any contractor any help I can. Free. That is our policy.
Ron,
I only spoke that it is good you promote your business and your RT daily on every BBS I post on. There again, I question the need to make money from others and using their businesses to grow mine at their cost. We wrote many times about the idea that you feel nothing free is worth it? It is costing people from the UAMCC, PT and GS to adverrtise your businesses daily. Someone has to pay to even run the sites? Someone has to make the sites available for contractors to network and post their ideas. Having anyone use this form as an advertising agent to grow their business to me is not reasonable. How about me posting daily remarks and selling my business on PWI? This would be no different would it? You kicked APPLE off your site just for this reason? The mentality of "Look at me", is unfair, unless we pay for it. Leading people to my web site from yours, using remarks and doing whatever it takes to get peple away from your site to mine? Unfair? I believe so. Of course we all know the PW industry needs help. We have too many folks working for less money and not growing their business. They need help from all of us. They should not have to pay a dime for assistance or advice.
We should offer our services free. Let's show them how to make a business plan or contact property managers. All free.
I hope all your RT are very profitable for you and those holding them. I also hope some of the money will be used to grow other contractors businesses. Just think if there was an income of $40,000 profit from a year of RT made by someone, and they donated 50% of it to help others! It would be awsome. Especially for those receiving the help.
Let me know when you will sponsor a benefit RT for contractors who need a boost. I will be happy to help you promoting the RT on my web site. I enjoy helping others. Thank you for the advice and info you shared on your ideas. Again, I ment nothing negative about your RT.
__________________
Our Passion is Coatings,
Our Obsession is Service!
Terry Miller COO
Tegrey Family of Coatings inc.
330-418-8955

tegrey

01-07-2009, 10:58 PM

Tony?
Thank You. No apologising for anything I ever wrote. I Only apologise for wasting time that could be used to grow a business.

Tony Shelton

01-07-2009, 11:23 PM

Tony?
Thank You. No apologising for anything I ever wrote. I Only apologise for wasting time that could be used to grow a business.

If you think a thread called "Ask any question relating to Flatwork" is a waste of time IN the Flatwork Cleaning forum, ON a PRESSURE WASHING contractor board then I certainly understand why you need to use your time more effectively growing your business because you certainly aren't willing to grow the business by learning from the experience of others in the field.

The only thing improper about the thread was your whining about Ron.

I just called BS on it because it was BS.

Look, if you guys want this board to be some high and mighty place where you steer people in whatever direction you prefer them to go, via hijacking a thread to "bring them back in line" then you can have it and watch it evaporate in time.

The fact is your remarks about Ron were uncalled for and revealed a lot.

Ron Musgraves

01-14-2009, 02:00 PM

Ron,
I only spoke that it is good you promote your business and your RT daily on every BBS I post on. There again, I question the need to make money from others and using their businesses to grow mine at their cost. We wrote many times about the idea that you feel nothing free is worth it? It is costing people from the UAMCC, PT and GS to adverrtise your businesses daily. Someone has to pay to even run the sites? Someone has to make the sites available for contractors to network and post their ideas. Having anyone use this form as an advertising agent to grow their business to me is not reasonable. How about me posting daily remarks and selling my business on PWI? This would be no different would it? You kicked APPLE off your site just for this reason? The mentality of "Look at me", is unfair, unless we pay for it. Leading people to my web site from yours, using remarks and doing whatever it takes to get peple away from your site to mine? Unfair? I believe so. Of course we all know the PW industry needs help. We have too many folks working for less money and not growing their business. They need help from all of us. They should not have to pay a dime for assistance or advice.

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/lidowcz1qpm7

Terry Click Above

Indy Power Wash

01-14-2009, 11:11 PM

I don't know if there are long standing bad feelings here but it's pretty strange. Ron drove over 2 hours out of his way at night in the rain in my neck of the woods to have dinner with me. I guarantee I am the ONLY person that gained professionally from the meeting. If developing cold calling skills aren't about building a business I don't know what is.

If you feel it is wasting your time you have the option to STOP reading. If you notice the UAMCC has Google ads and banners to create revenue. Which it should to help it survive. PWI has nothing that I know of. A little self promotion for RT's organized by others that Ron may attend doesn't seem inappropriate to me. Just my opinion.

Carlos

01-14-2009, 11:24 PM

If you think a thread called "Ask any question relating to Flatwork" is a waste of time IN the Flatwork Cleaning forum, ON a PRESSURE WASHING contractor board then I certainly understand why you need to use your time more effectively growing your business because you certainly aren't willing to grow the business by learning from the experience of others in the field.

The only thing improper about the thread was your whining about Ron.

I just called BS on it because it was BS.

Look, if you guys want this board to be some high and mighty place where you steer people in whatever direction you prefer them to go, via hijacking a thread to "bring them back in line" then you can have it and watch it evaporate in time.

The fact is your remarks about Ron were uncalled for and revealed a lot.

Hey Tony ~

I don't want this board to be some high and mighty place...nope. It just another BBS where personalities will conflict no matter who is steering the ship.

Out of respect to this board, Terry did speak with me yesterday and said he will no longer post posts regarding Ron. I didn't ask him for that...he just said that is what he is going to do. Problem solved.

Rons contributions have been great to this BBS as with everyone else. Is this BBS perfect..nope...will it ever be...nope.

Carlos

01-14-2009, 11:25 PM

Ron Musgraves

02-24-2009, 12:19 AM

anyone, anyone???????????

Innovativewash

02-24-2009, 10:14 AM

http://www.tokbox.com/vm/je4obt0f5foa

Lets Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron,
Have you ever done work for a management company called NEST?
We have been working on getting involved with them and wondered if anyone else has any good or bad things to say about them.
Let me know.
Thanks
Jim V

Thad.

02-24-2009, 10:22 AM

Jim, if Ron doesn't get back to you then PM me about NEST.
I know a lot of people who are angry with them and none who still work for them.

Matt Bryan

02-25-2009, 03:04 AM

Not technically flatwork, but I have a nasty blood stain in my carpet, can you let me know what I need to do to get it out? I swear I know nothing about my wife not showing up for work for a month or the 26 year old stripper living in my house.

Ron Musgraves

02-25-2009, 08:05 AM

Ron,
Have you ever done work for a management company called NEST?
We have been working on getting involved with them and wondered if anyone else has any good or bad things to say about them.
Let me know.
Thanks
Jim V

I do not work for them

Ron Musgraves

05-13-2009, 08:55 PM

In video Response mode...Ask ask ask

Tony Shelton

05-13-2009, 09:01 PM

In bidding shopping centers do you include cleaning the dumpsters everytime or do you charge separately for them as needed.

Do you always include dumpsters with 15 day restaurant cleaning

Do you do any work for apartment complexes (dumpsters, pigeon poop, etc)

What do you use to clean a "Kool Deck" pool deck?

Does a one legged duck swim in circles?

Thank you.

southwest

05-13-2009, 09:20 PM

Does bleach whiten concrete ? Heard it did but don't know for myself. Thanks :confused: any info. anybody

Ron Musgraves

05-14-2009, 12:06 AM

Does bleach whiten concrete ? Heard it did but don't know for myself. Thanks :confused: any info. anybody

Bleach Extracts pigmet out of just about everything it touches. So yes if you have mold or mildew it will extract the color and make the concete appear brighten.

If you use it on New concrete you would not see much of a difference.

Ron Musgraves

05-14-2009, 12:15 AM

cleaning the dumpsters everytime or do you charge separately for them as needed.

On shopping centers no, on eating places it pretty standard in pricing. Often the restaurants want the dumpster more than there front doors.

Do you always include dumpsters with 15 day restaurant cleaning

99% of the time, we have some that dont care about them.

Do you do any work for apartment complexes (dumpsters, pigeon poop, etc)

Since I met Jeff LeCours I started a campaign on all Residential communitys for dumpster and common area. (pools, clubhouse, play grounds ect.) It reaching to be it own divsion after 2 sort years an keeps more of my equipment running in day light hours. We have increased three fulltime crews in 18 months.

What do you use to clean a "Kool Deck" pool deck?

The correct amount of pressure and a secret chemical. I caution using extreme pressure on old Kool deck.

Does a one legged duck swim in circles?

We will be testing this in the morning, stay tuned.

southwest

05-14-2009, 09:11 AM

Thanks Ron for the info. just two more, do you apply it with the injector or spray it on with a sprayer? and do you leave in on the concrete or rinse it off ? Thanks :confused:

Ron Musgraves

05-14-2009, 11:44 AM

Thanks Ron for the info. just two more, do you apply it with the injector or spray it on with a sprayer? and do you leave in on the concrete or rinse it off ? Thanks :confused:

I use both, it all depends what I'm cleaning. Flatsurface I use sprayer. Verticle likely injector.

southwest

05-26-2009, 08:47 PM

Ron, or anybody have you ever tryed to remove stains out of the tile along the top of a swimming pool ? Thanks.

Ron Musgraves

05-26-2009, 11:28 PM

Ron, or anybody have you ever tryed to remove stains out of the tile along the top of a swimming pool ? Thanks.
http://www.aldonchem.com/popup-ab-efflorescence.htm

That the product i used on my own pool, cleaned it and the other prevented it.

Keep in mind you can get it off with a turbo and acid. It will come right back often in days.

Ron Musgraves

07-01-2009, 11:02 AM

Still anwering

Ron Musgraves

03-24-2010, 12:02 AM

I'm here......

Ron Musgraves

05-18-2010, 10:29 AM

Still here Answering question for guys around the country as always.

pigpen

07-22-2010, 11:04 AM

JL Pressure

07-22-2010, 11:41 AM

Hey ron! Back to this min 6 gal a minuite for flat work. I purchased a hotsy 1200 skidsteer 4.3 3500-4000 psi. From what little i have used it,it gets screaming hot and the pressure is quite powerfull to me.Basically what i could only afford.From what i gathered in your video's you recommend a min 6 gal a min for flat concrete work.Can a few more gal a minuite really make that much difference. Is it really cleaning it better or just faster.I could not see me holding onto a wand with more psi then that for any length of time. Also looking at those floor machines you hook your pressure hose to have a max 4000 psi. Do they make a floor tool to handle more psi or volume of water. I guess once i get out there i will figure out what my machine is capable of doing.Thanks!

There is a major difference from 4 gpm to 5.5 gpm, the PSI you don't need more than what you have, but yes it goes a lot quicker with more GPM. I stayed with 4 gpm for years and once I got 5.5 and now many my machines are 8 gpm, but the difference was HUGE. The faster you go, the more money you make. You can get away with your 4gpm and a 19 inch surface cleaner. Thats how many of us started, you get what you can afford and save for better equipment

Wrightcleaning

10-13-2010, 06:02 PM

I've done residential pressure washing for several years but I've got an offer to pw 50 gas stations. What kind of setup would be best for that type of work? Thanks.

mobilewashpros

10-14-2010, 08:58 AM

I've done residential pressure washing for several years but I've got an offer to pw 50 gas stations. What kind of setup would be best for that type of work? Thanks.

A big one that does several per night is the answer WrightCleaning

Ron Musgraves

10-14-2010, 09:33 AM

you will be ok with the 4 to get started, you will realize when your rinsing how much longer it's taking. Of course if you never put a larger volume wand in your hands you may never miss it.

Hey ron! Back to this min 6 gal a minuite for flat work. I purchased a hotsy 1200 skidsteer 4.3 3500-4000 psi. From what little i have used it,it gets screaming hot and the pressure is quite powerfull to me.Basically what i could only afford.From what i gathered in your video's you recommend a min 6 gal a min for flat concrete work.Can a few more gal a minuite really make that much difference. Is it really cleaning it better or just faster.I could not see me holding onto a wand with more psi then that for any length of time. Also looking at those floor machines you hook your pressure hose to have a max 4000 psi. Do they make a floor tool to handle more psi or volume of water. I guess once i get out there i will figure out what my machine is capable of doing.Thanks!

Clean Image

10-14-2010, 11:50 AM

We need some sigs. here! Welcome to the UAMCC!

Wrightcleaning

10-14-2010, 12:38 PM

A big one that does several per night is the answer WrightCleaning

Looking @ a used rig that has 5.5 & 8.0 gpm both 3500psi. I would think 8.0gpm would be great for flatwork & 5.5gpm for awnings, storefront, ect. I would think that would be more than adequate, right?

Ron Musgraves

10-14-2010, 01:42 PM

Its a matter of your water availiability after you reach 7.4 gallons a minute. 1/2 hose connections will not supply enough water without a source. ( water tank or multiple hook ups)

The horizontal surface is sometimes better to use a lower volume because more water can mean more pick up. Awnings and building are verticle cleaning and more volume can speed cleaning tremedously. More speed more profit in your pocket.

Keep in mind with thi comes larger energy bills also.

For Sidewalk cleaning no one will ever talk me into bigger is better. I have tried and have 8 gallons a minute we use for first time cleanings. After that we use lower volume machines to conserve water and energy. EPA freindly lower emmissions also. We sell that agaist our competitors and its works, just landed and account the other day because the property owner noticed the water bill went through the roof with the un-named company. We gave our estimate both ways, usage with a lower volume and reuse. They chose lower volume unit pricing. ( paid us more) LOL

This co was not worried about the cost as much as resources saved. ( Surprise) maybe I'm telling to much?

Looking @ a used rig that has 5.5 & 8.0 gpm both 3500psi. I would think 8.0gpm would be great for flatwork & 5.5gpm for awnings, storefront, ect. I would think that would be more than adequate, right?

Wrightcleaning

10-14-2010, 03:14 PM

The horizontal surface is sometimes better to use a lower volume because more water can mean more pick up. Awnings and building are verticle cleaning and more volume can speed cleaning tremedously. More speed more profit in your pocket.

Keep in mind with this comes larger energy bills also.For Sidewalk cleaning no one will ever talk me into bigger is better. I have tried and have 8 gallons a minute we use for first time cleanings.

So this would be a good setup for gas stations then right? 8.0gpm for 1st time & HD jobs? 5.5gpm for more routine cleaning?

A-PLUS

10-14-2010, 05:37 PM

Wrightcleaning, go to setting in the top right and fill out your signature. Forum rules.