Lots of $$$ in water restoration?

**Matt Strader** · 07-03-2009, 12:56 PM

Wow! Every where I turn I see or hear someone say that "CC's need to get into WD, big money, get your peice, $200 BILLION industry." Everything is all about $$$. Guys this is not an easy paycheck. It's a dangerous paycheck. That's why there is so much money involved. Causing harm to yourself, a home.... children! This is not something you can just "Learn as you go." Unless, of course, you have a great lawyer and no concern for your health and the health of others.

Did you know that it is ILLEGAL in some states to spray an anti-microbial, with out a license to spray pesticides (Rob, back me up here)? Or that you could be committing a FEDRAL offense if you decide not to use them as the label says.

Look guys I'm all for BIG paychecks, but if your gonna do this do it right. Go find out about it, get educated, use the right equipment (NOT HOME DEPOT STUFF) and most importantly DON'T get blinded by the money. Remember it's not the money that's the root of all evil, it's the "Love" of the money that is.

I wish everyone on here much success, but I don't believe success is measured by how much money is made, how big your business is or how many people know you.

Guys, please GET EDUCATED! Until then happy cleaning.

**leofry** · 07-03-2009, 01:19 PM

I am guessing you learned that in chucks class... its true.... and most dont know how to apply it. ... you think those fools form ss get it right.........no way.... i choose to use bennifect .... easy to apply and it does not even have a warning lable..... also there are many many times you do not even need to apply disinfect.... its over used.....

Also i dont think its as easy to make the money as everyone says.... i talked to my personal insuracne guy about watter damage.... I aked him about all the companys that come see him... server pro ...paul davis and many many more.. he told me ever couple of years they change hands... there are some makihng big big bucks.. but its not an easy game takes time to get you name out there... i am talking about year YEARS... now its time for ...... Lisa .... or Steve to step in so they can tell you if you just take there class they can take you to the next level...l.... thats who is making the money ... the people like that.........lol.....lol sorry.... sounding off..... you gotta love it.....

**Ken Horvath** · 07-03-2009, 02:06 PM

Some EPA registered disifenctants have an insecticide additive. Example is Microban X-580. Also spraying pesticides for your personal use is exempt in Arizona. That is why you can buy insecticides at the store. I used Microban X-580 at my home for a bee infestation and the bee's lost.

I have talked with the pest control board in Arizona and they made it clear to me that EPA Registered Sanitizers are exempt. This is what they consider us to be using in our business. Anything without a skull and crossbone label is ok in Arizona.

**Blind Dr** · 07-04-2009, 12:26 AM

I have no experience with restoration and or water damage. I have a friend who is in the Chicago area, his business is called Skyline. He does all types of resto work, high dollar stuff. I have been at his place many times and he is trying to convince me to get into it. Yes, there is money to be made. Your equipment investment gets high really quick. You need to market yourself to insurance companies and wine and dine the adjusters all the time. I am always attending ball games and other sponsored events his company has. He really spends the money to keep his name in front of these guys. it takes many hours of networking to keep on top of things. The payoff is worth it, from what I can see. Maybe by years end, I will start thsi type of work in my area.

Now, if I could only find a couple of truck mounts

.......

**Steve Toburen** · 07-04-2009, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Matt Strader

I wish everyone on here much success, but I don't believe success is measured by how much money is made, how big your business is or how many people know you.

Guys, please GET EDUCATED! Until then happy cleaning.

Like everything else in this business, you need to find your comfort level and then flourish within the boundaries that you determine. That being said, restoration has created more millionaires by far than any other part of our industry. So IF that green stuff is important to you then you must ask ...

Will it be worth the pain to get there? Now that is an intriguing question that each person has to look deep within them self to answer. But isn't it great you get to choose your path? How many people get to have total control of their financial future and their level of business involvement?

Thoughtfully submitted,

Steve Toburen
Director of Training
Jon-Don's Strategies for Success
www.StrategiesForSuccess.com

PS I will absolutely echo Matt's central theme above. Once you have determined you wish to enter the restoration arena (and trust me, it IS a gladiatorial fight to the death out there!) you MUST "do it right". W/D can eat your lunch if you are unprepared.

One caution: I find many restorers who are great technically and have all the tools/equipment still struggling because they just don't get the "Emotional Dynamics" involved in working with a traumatized and "messed up" home owner. Even worse, they don't have the Business Infrastructure in place to help their employees deal with these folks.

For example, it is vital that your technician have a system and a script to guide them while they are inspecting and evaluating the loss. We used a one page "Initial Water Damage Inspection forum" with great results. If you want to download the version I used for almost 20 years just go here:

http://www.strategiesforsuccess.com/...mage-interview

The form is free with no strings (and not spam) attached. But I would sure like to know how it works for you.

**LisaWagner** · 07-04-2009, 03:36 AM

This market is enormous - and for the company willing to get the training and provide excellent service (which emergency response SERIOUSLY lacks) - you can grow your company dramatically.

The big guys focus on the large disaster losses ... collectively handling a few billion in business out of a market share that ranges from 20 - 100 billion in residential and commercial property damage claims. (More specific numbers - with the references for that data - are in the Restoration Report I released over at www.RestorationSuccessStrategies.com - it's a free guide.)

There is a right way to get into the business - and that is NOT by looking at your struggling cleaning business and saying "hey - quick money in floods" and start sucking up water. We don't allow anyone into our restoration coaching package unless they've been certified first, because they should not be out in the field doing the work learning on the job - they need to learn it first.

There is no magic pill with restoration ... it takes hard work - but most of you are already working really hard right now ... so you might as well be working on jobs that not only pay much more for your expertise, but also give you the satisfaction of literally putting someone's home and life back together.

The franchises focus on the large losses ... but there are a ton of regional and individual losses in every single state, every single week. And, if you do have large loss opportunities - there are networks you can tap to even take advantage of that as well.

It's certainly not for everyone ... but 2/3 of our members are in restoration - and they are some of the most enthusiastic business owners that I know (and they have the funds to travel for work and for fun).

I think the industry is fascinating ... and because I specialize in textiles, I get a lot of exposure to water and fire losses and handling the contents-cleaning of the rugs, which also is very, very good work to get.

It's just something to think about ....
Lisa