Replies

1. 
   Halfa2 | Jul 10, 2002 05:22am | #1

   I've worked with marketing folks at Crossman in NC and they are great. From what I can tell they take pride in their product and appreciate quality even though they specialize in entry level homes. They treat their subs well and foster loyalty. It's a well run organization here in Charlotte.

2. 
   Flathead | Jul 10, 2002 07:15pm | #2

   Why would you stay ay a job for a year if you don't want to be there? I know you said that you see this as the "fair" thing to do. Lets take a look at this from the employers perspective.

   The employer invests in you: Trust, Time & Money to educate you in the career field and their specific ways of conducting business as to mold you into a productive employee of their company. Just so you can knowingly leave. Employee turnover is tough enough already, an employer doesn't need to keep retraining people needlessly.

   Back to your question about these companies.....

   Is tract building what you want to do?

   What are your interests?

   dl

1. 
   timbercraft | Jul 13, 2002 09:09pm | #3

   Deadload: Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.I have been away from the computer for a few days and just now saw your message.To answer your first question the reason I have my ethic for employment of at least one year is that I know no job is perfect and can be viewed similarly in some aspects to marriage:} and given that amount of time I should be able to discern if my values,work ethics, skills and personality are a good match and beneficial for both myself and the company.

   One year should also be enough time to have made a hopefully suitable investment back into the company of creating jobs that advertise themselves as well as customers that will definately come back for future projects as well as telling friends and coworkers of their satisfaction with their current projects turnout.

   This said I'm Only 27. I've only worked for just two companies but I consider myself a loyal employee compared to what I've come across.If my former employer had not retired due to age and health concerns I would still be working for him.We still keep in touch and go for the occaisional conoe trip down the river together.

   Im judgeing from your response that you own or have owned a construction company.My hats off to you.The dedication it takes and daily stresses you have to deal with are more than just an average human can tolerate and stay sane.My former employer hired me on as a lead carpenter,and shared many of the responsibilities and insights of running his business with me.

   Dealing with not only your employees and that set of stresses but also with Subs,Suppliers,Salesmen,Bank officials,State and Government agencies,just to name ####few not to mention the I.R.S :]so I've learned from a better understanding to respect those in the position you hold hence my before mentioned policy.

   I have never left a company but if and when I do I will let them know in time for them to hire a new employee and also finish the project/projects that I am essential to complete up to several months if necessary, at least those are my intentions.I didn't mean to write a book but I wanted my position to be more clearly understood.

   To answer your other question. I'm still in the process of deciding If tract homes is something I want as a career.I'm used to custom homebuilding and the higher quality options trim carpentry etc.and it will be somewhat of a change if I take the offered job.However it would be some good experience for me and also broaden my horizon somewhat.My interests are in custom millwork and installations of cabinetry,stairs,mantlework,furniture,trimwork basically all aspects of fine carpentry,but I've had experience with almost every aspect of homebuilding and enjoy most of it.I find it is a very rewarding and fulfilling field. Thanks again for your input and have ####great weekend.

1. 
   Flathead | Jul 16, 2002 05:40pm | #4

   I have been away for a while as well. I know you said your interests and skills are in fine carpentry, which leads me to ask; Is this the position you are seeking with crossman. If so is it as an employee or a subcontractor. Or are you looking at a superintendent or project manager position?

   Some time has gone buy since we have started talking, has anything happened?

   dl

1. 
   timbercraft | Jul 19, 2002 07:22pm | #6

   To answer your question the position I'm looking into is as an assistant superintendant on an employee basis with hourly pay.with advancement to superintendant as early as possible.They offer $150 ####month truck allowment and $45 per home finished on time usually between 75-100 a year (starter homes rangeing from 80-135k)Ive been told by the current supervisor.It would be quite a change of pace for me but with current wages of max $18 an hour for good finish carpenters in my area (central In )Im looking into the pros and cons of a career shift but still staying close to the work I enjoy.Thanks again for your interest and helpfull questions this is a fairly big step for me and I appreciate everyones assistance.I'm currently waiting on results on my standard urine test (which im positive is a clean result)and the powers that be checking background etc.I should know within a week or so.Have a great week!

3. 
   RossWelsh | Jul 17, 2002 05:36am | #5

   I was a finish carpenrty subcontractor for Beazer for about 3 years in the mid ninties. Let me just say I learned a lot of lessons and am glad I phased them out. I our area they had extreme quartley and annual pushes then production would come to an abrubt halt at the begining if the next cycle. I have developed  a steady flow of work with companies that are not publicley traded and now have and appreciate a steady flow of work. Beazer pushes it's empolyees in the same manner. The saleried guys really got abused and they wasted a lot of overtime on the hourly guys like I was forced to do. We tended to go from overtime to layoff. When we asked them how they wanted somthing done they tended to respond "we want it done Tuesday". We try not to use the B word now that we are on to better work.

1. 
   timbercraft | Jul 19, 2002 07:44pm | #7

   Hi Ross thanks for your reply to my post.

   The reason I am curious about the Beazer corp is because just earlier this year they bought out Crossman Communities (The company Im possibly hiring onto locally)and I was interested in the possible changes in the works.

   Fortunately the position I'm applying for is hourly not salaried and I have lots to do if laid off, having developed a small client base of past customers who don't mind waiting because they appreciate my work.I know you said It's been a few years but if you don't mind my asking did they pay well for interior carpentry per house?What range of homes did you work on?Any company policies that stood out as being good or not so good?I'm glad youve found some other companies to work for that can appreciate your skill and supply consistent work.Thanks again for your time and consideration.Have a great weekend!

   T.C