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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
but I thought I'd say hello. I'll probably be posting here alot from now on. Some of you guys, I'm sure, are familiar with my rants about my current company. I love the guy for what he's taught me, but truth be told, I've learned all they can teach me, and I've learned they are cutthroat, and don't do the quality of work and jobs that I want to tackle. We repaint and clean out for property management groups, lots of apts., duples, townhomes etc.. The BS is starting to get to me. From the mismanagement of the witless son, to my boss constantly lowballing himself and running over budget(he charges 17.50 per hour, per man, for the last 10 YEARS!), and taking it out on me, they wont pick up sidework when work is slow, and when work is slow, im the first to "take a break, sleep in this week". Im just sick of it. But I grew up around some old painters who talk about throwing work my way when i see them at the supply house. I guess I'm scared that I cant perform to their standards, though i have no idea what kinda work they do. I also feel kinda crackheadish because i dont own a vehicle or ladders, but other than that, i buy all my own stuff(and my current employer has no problem ruining my new wirebrushes, roller screens, paintbrushes etc..., "stop complainin', its only a 5 dollar screen!", even sandpaper and spackle and mud. I know i have alot to learn, i want to get on with a real painter, but id also like to take on some small jobs of my own. I guess my biggest thing is learning how to assess a job, I never took shop, so i know nothing about measuring, I always half that 400 sq ft stuff, in case 2 coats are needed. I know that my work is worth more than 17.50 an hour, (7.50 of which goes to bossman), but i dont like charging by the hour for obvious reasons. Anyway, Im sure ill have many questions in the months to come. just wanted to let yall know where im at and where im coming from.
 

· Born To Be Mild
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· Born To Be Mild
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4,956 Posts
I am assuming by the name he is or near greensboro, NC???

Never know. There is a flyspeck of a town just up the road called Greensboro. (although I don't think he's from around here)
 

· crowinthewind
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346 Posts
Dont be scared! fear of anything will bring instant defeat man! Well you sound like ya got your head on right, round here thats been slim latley,,try some advertizin see what gives? get some work and just do what you do for your boss now, hang round here for while, these guys love to spread the gift of knowledge. Im learnin to spell betta cause of them.
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
I'm no longer with Joke Painting. I'll continue to paint. Hopefully I can get on with another crew because the best estimating system I have come up with for myself is around 40 an hour, and I really dont think I can sell that around here. That does include materials though. I can't see myself taking on anything other than unoccupied repaints for real estate/rental companies and property managers right now and they sure as heck wont go for that around here. I just don't know how my ex-boss does it so cheap. Don't want to know.
 

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I have come up with for myself is around 40 an hour, .................. That does include materials though.
Also, if I took on a helper, I would have to go even higher, at least 50ph.
Neither of these numbers make sense. I think you are on the right track by looking to work for another crew and keep on learning. My suggestion would be to contact the PDCA, and see if they have a chapter close to you, or a member or two. Most paint companies are suffering for lack of good motivated help right now. Explain who you are, and what you want to do (IE learn the trade from some good contractors) and you shouldn't have a problem finding a job. Good luck!
 

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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
Thank you. I just hope I get with another crew fast, I would so hate to have to do anything other than painting right now, I've spent so much on tools, brushes, and so much time learning and practicing and reading etc...
 

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
At 17.50 an hour, he is also factoring in cleaning jobs, tearing out old carpet, crap like that. What I'm thinking would be good for me right now, other than getting on with some real pros, would be to find a propertymanager or agent that needs a painter. I feel comfortable in a house worth 300,000 or lower, any more than that and you run into some difficult vaulted ceilings, stairways, 3rd stories etc... I'm just one guy right now, though I have others who want ME to show them how to paint!
 

· Born To Be Mild
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At 17.50 an hour, he is also factoring in cleaning jobs, tearing out old carpet, crap like that. What I'm thinking would be good for me right now, other than getting on with some real pros, would be to find a propertymanager or agent that needs a painter. I feel comfortable in a house worth 300,000 or lower, any more than that and you run into some difficult vaulted ceilings, stairways, 3rd stories etc... I'm just one guy right now, though I have others who want ME to show them how to paint!
I am lost. Does your boss charge $17.50 an hour? Or pay $17.50 an hour? I got guys that make more than $17.50 an hour!
 

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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
he charges the property managers 17.50 an hour, per man. I got 10 of that, he got the change. I know, ridiculous, but at least i learned how to dip a brush and roll a wall. I go pick up my last check today. I've been imagining how I'm gonna tell this @$$hole off this afternoon, but not sure if I should nuke that bridge just yet.
 
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