I’ve read two different threads about scarcity of jobs here today and am amazed at how different the work availability is in other parts of the country. Any time I try to get work done here, I plan on calling 6-8 guys, knowing probably 1/2 will return the call, 1/2 of that will show up and bid, if I’m lucky. I thought it was a problem in south Jersey, but I’ve since learned it’s all through the state. I understand there are some jobs guys just don’t want to do, not when they can make the same money on something else less difficult. But I’m talking about these guys being so busy, they don’t even return the call, having no idea what the job involves. People often ask me why I do so much myself. Initially it was because I grew up doing things with my Dad and really enjoy it, now it’s because I can’t get someone.
Few years back I had the house vinyl sided and the roof replaced. Hired someone who was fair, honest, and reliable. When he was done, I told him to give me a stack of his cards. I referred him to others at least 50 times. Heard he had a nervous breakdown of sorts, probably due to the amount of work he had. Doing OK now. For all you guys wanting work, come to Jersey!
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Hey- don't tell all of them to come to NJ.
We won't have room at our next lunch
LOLSeriously though, have you read these threads? It's sounds pretty bad where they are.
I've read some of the threads.
I know, from my relatives in Michigan, that things aren't real good there. Too much of their economy is tied up in the automotive industry, and there continues to be lay-offs, affecting everyone.
For some reason, maybe because NJ is so diversified, I'm not seeing much, if any slow down. I've got my regular 2-3 month backlog, which is right at my comfort level for booking work.
Icksney on the opus de! Shat up! keep in down! take a hike!
No work here guys . Just some crazy old fart! Go back to your posts!
What are ya tring to do upset the balance? lol
We spend $0 on advertising, all business is from word of mouth, and repeat customers. Our business opened in 1976, our full size show room has been open for over 20 years and we are booked with kitchen installs through the fouth of july easily. there is plenty of work in jersey, and if you don't mind doing the crappy jobs once in a while for your past customers, there is alot of money to be made. You can't always do the dream jobs. Thats why it's called work.
I must be old, took a second to recognize the pig latin. I bet we could add a few tradesmen, only guys from this forum of course, and you'd still be doing fine. Got a buddy in Sparta, we golf at farmstead regularly, near you?
Edited 3/5/2007 9:32 pm ET by dockelly
Really! Its my favorite place in the area to play. I play there more than anywhere. What do you doand where are you located?
Chiropractor. I'm in Parlin, a part of Sayreville. My buddy taught me golf at Farmstead. I still consider it my "Home " course, even though it's about an hour and fifteen mins from me. Play Rutgers alot as well. Usually shoot in the mid nineties. As for Valley, only play it when I'm desperate, to tight and unforgiving.
You're a golfer, too?
I love Farmstead, but only Lakeview and Clubview.
Maybe this summer we should have a BT NJ golf outing
Don't play Valley View either. I would rather play Club or Lake twice if one of them is shut down. Challenging coarse just like Jersey customers. Would not have it any other way. I have been playing for 5 years and I am down in the mid to lower nineties at Farmstead. Finally the game is coming around but never enough time to play. Would love a breaktime outing. That would be a great idea! What is it you do for work?
Work? I only work to get money to play golf. <G>
I'm a 1 man remodeler, who does mostly finish carpentry. I work mostly in the Plainfield/Westfield area, but have been known to travel.
I learned the trade from my father and grandfather( tough school) , and this is my 32nd year working. I love what I do, and can't imagine doing anything else for a living.
How about you?
Oh, yeah.
I played ValleyView 1 time.
That was enough.
That's a great idea! Maybe a Sat/Sun thing. Tee off Sat late and again early Sunday. I vote you run it. BTW did you see the new JLC? Thought of you when I saw that ceiling.
I dunno about the 2 day thing; but 1 day is definitely do-able.
Let's wait til its warmer, tho. This morning I almost turned around and went back to bed when I left the house. It was COLD!
That was a nice ceiling in JLC. I haven't done one that fancy (yet). Just have to find the right customer.
One day it is, start small and see how it goes.
You have to be licensed in Jersey to work there. Lots of headaches and $$, but worth it if your in the right areas. Lotta people and bucco-bucks in that little state.
Tony Soprano told me to "getdafkouttahere", think I'll just stay moderatly busy here in Illinois.The bad news is you've done exactly the right things to be exactly where you are today.
"IdahoDon 1/31/07"
People here are educated and picky about what they want. Some guys complain about it, but I say it makes you better . The license is not as bad as the insurance. The insurance is not as bad as finding help. LOL, Some guys are slow the good ones are busy.
I left NJ in 77 to go to Oregon, There was no work at all in north jersey and i wanted to go somewhere else, At that time a lotta my buddys left but things turned around later, My dad was there and said after that there were never a lot of carpenters, You needed a lot of money for a house, hard to work in the winter, I miss the seasons and family but dont regret leaving.