Benefits of Membership, Benefits of Membership Options

[MarkTS]

Taken from a current post

"Building a healthy and profitable painting contractor business requires good business methodology, accurate estimation from good job costing,
keeping your sales pipeline full of prospects, and utilization of common sense. It also requires finding and employing good people.
It takes a lot of hard work. PDCA membership can really assist you in most of these needs."

I copied this from another post because this is exactly where i am at in my business. I have been in the trade for 23 years, and in business for 16. Now i am ready-and it is necessary to go to the next level. Basically becoming business minded. All of those aforementioned things are what i need, and it was stated that a Membership could assist with`em.

Could you please tell me how? I'm interested in getting as much info and help as i can.
I would also like to hear from other members in addition to the staff, and how membership helped you.

Hey!!
Thanks
Mark

[Brandt]

Hi Mark

I won't add to what I had previously written - yet.
Rather, I look to maybe respond with a little more in a few days.
In the mean time I do have a few questions. Your answers may assist people in their responses to you.
It will certainly assist me providing an answer to your "how" question, that is specifically for you rather than in general.

What segment of the industry do you contract within: residential, commercial, coatings, decorative painting?

Do you complete new or repaint type projects or both?

Do you currently have employees?

Do you still work with the tools and if yes, how frequently?

Where is your customer and your business located - small town in the country, small city or large metropolitan area?


Mark, you should know, I for one subscribe to the 'two ears, one mouth' reality.
I say "In order to sell, one must ask questions and listen - rather than just blather on."

Looking forward to reading your responses to the above questions and also reading PDCA Member responses
on how PDCA has helped their businesses and ultimately improved their lifes.

Best to you!

Brandt

Taken from a current post

"Building a healthy and profitable painting contractor business requires good business methodology, accurate estimation from good job costing,
keeping your sales pipeline full of prospects, and utilization of common sense. It also requires finding and employing good people.
It takes a lot of hard work. PDCA membership can really assist you in most of these needs."

I copied this from another post because this is exactly where i am at in my business. I have been in the trade for 23 years, and in business for 16. Now i am ready-and it is necessary to go to the next level. Basically becoming business minded. All of those aforementioned things are what i need, and it was stated that a Membership could assist with`em.

Could you please tell me how? I'm interested in getting as much info and help as i can.
I would also like to hear from other members in addition to the staff, and how membership helped you.

Hey!!
Thanks
Mark
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[Kevin Nolan]

Mark,
I have been a member for over 20 years.
In the beginning I knew so very little about running a business. I found great role models and educational opportunities at my local chapter meetings. Now I have a larger residential painting business (80 employees) and still I have opportunities to learn from other members and through the many PDCA educational offerings.
Mark, join immediately and show up at every function: from the local meetings to the regional and national conventions. You will find that PDCA members share their successes and failures and you can learn form both. All the knowledge you seek is available at a low monetary cost but not such a low participation cost. You must get involved!
I try and never miss a chance to get better. PDCA is one of the best resources for the professional painting contractor.
All the best,
Kevin

[joel]

Mark,
You stated that you have been in painting for 23 years and your own business for 16 years. Well, you have had to have had some success to have stayed in business for that long.
For me, I was in business for 18 years and a painter for 26 years when I finally joined PDCA. What PDCA did was to infuse energy and resources into me and my business. I thought I could do it all. But, the truth was that I needed peer responses and assistance to help me and my business to continue. I thought I knew my numbers and how to run things effeciently. But, really I was just an order taker and was running out of steam. PDCA is the greatest group of people and contractors. They share successes and failures openly. The local chapters have a pulse to what is happening and the National level is outstanding in their support also. Without PDCA and the network that it entails I would still be pushing along with the rest of the general workforce. Now, I can step back and be proud since we have won many awards and have record profits. Our business shows worth and we hold our heads high as we encourage newer contractors to join the ranks of the greatest trade organization in the painting industry. Attend a local meeting or a National convention and really see what it has to offer.
Hoping you have a successful painting season now and onto the future,
Joel

[MarkTS]

Hi Mark

I won't add to what I had previously written - yet.
Rather, I look to maybe respond with a little more in a few days.
In the mean time I do have a few questions.  Your answers may assist people in their responses to you. 
It will certainly assist me providing an answer to your "how" question, that is specifically for you rather than in general. 

What segment of the industry do you contract within: residential, commercial, coatings, decorative painting?

Do you complete new or repaint type projects or both?

Do you currently have employees?

Do you still work with the tools and if yes, how frequently?

Where is your customer and your business located - small town in the country, small city or large metropolitan area?
Mark, you should know, I for one subscribe to the 'two ears, one mouth' reality.
I say "In order to sell, one must ask questions and listen - rather than just blather on."

Looking forward to reading your responses to the above questions and also reading PDCA Member responses
on how PDCA has helped their businesses and ultimately improved their lifes.

Best to you!

Brandt
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WOW, thanks... okay here we go

New and repaints, residential & commercial
no faux work

Yes, right now only 3 employees, during summer can be up to 12, and to be honest, next to business organization, this is the big thing "Getting good workers that actually know the trade and are efficent" BIG BIG BIG NEED, i am humbly looking for advice on this area for sure. On the organization part, i have been working on it for a couple weeks getting together an employee handbook, filing system etc because i don't care for that particular part of it, so i need to get it ready to hand off.

As for the hands on, yes i still do and it all depends... i would say on average on get hands on once every month for a couple spray days or rush job or a job that i think best that i do. But more and more i am trying to phase myself out of the that, example, i sprayed this last two days, prior to that i painted in december or january

small city or large metropolitan area?
Combo of the two, and we are known to travel pretty far for good reason

Kevin and Joel, thanks Guys, your replies were equally inspiring, and i didn't even know that there were local chapters or conventions. Congrats to you both for doing so well, it is what i need to see.... it says, i can too. I bet that would help to attend those. I will see if there is an information tab for membership.
Yes business has been good, with a sales increase every year and in 2005 it went double and a half in sales. This really hit home though "But, really I was just an order taker and was running out of steam" this is why i am ready for the next level.

By that i mean, bigger projects, more employees, or the capability to handle more business. I have my name out there, and many contacts, the getting the work doesn't seem to be too much of a problem and i am egar to seek more on some discovered avenues... but, first things first, organization and employees are it...... that i can see anyhow, and i won't presume to know anything.... i am the new guy, waiting to be taught.

So, was that enough information, tried to keep it to a minimal.

Thanks again for your time

Mark

PS, i went to the web site and there are sevral types of membership, any suggestions as to a good start? THANKS!!

[Brandt]

Hi Mark

The responses from Kevin and Joel are great.

I too would suggest joining ASAP.
My membership has provided me with networking and information I couldn't get anywhere else.
It continually provides my company with business just from fellow members.

Where are you located?

To learn more about membership and possible local chapters and state or regional councils call LaVonda at National PDCA - 800-332-PDCA (7322).
Because of bylaws and the multiple levels of membership available it can be confusing. One thing is clear - you need to join National PDCA to become a member at any level, i.e., you can't join any of the other levels of membership by itself. Get the contact information from LaVonda for these levels and then contact each. Visit a couple of Chapter meetings. Get a pulse of that group. Councils may not meet as often put provide yet another value to membership. When a Chapter functions normally your participation will be rewarding. Kevin nailed reality regarding involvement. Chapters are 'where it is at' for ongoing networking, and regular educational offerings and programs.

Also, since you contract both residential and commercial - check out the two specialty forums specifically for residential and commercial contractors.

Conventions: Budget now for attending PACE 2006 in Dallas Texas next February. I'm betting most first time attendees are overwhelmed with the amount of educational offerings, lots of networking and a huge trade show.

Also check out the PDCA Commercial Forum Annual Meeting July 20th and PDCA Residential Forum's Advanced Shop Talk July 21st and 22nd - Both at Jackson Hole, WY.


Here's to hearing about your new membership in PDCA
and to your ongoing success and getting onto the next level for your business!

Brandt

[MarkTS]

Okay sounds great Brandt. I will call Monday and see what it's all about.
Wish they were open Saturdays, am anxious to get the info... but, i suppose that LaVonda is glad they aren't :-)

I am located in Ca, in the Inland Empire area

Mark

Hi Mark

The responses from Kevin and Joel are great.

I too would suggest joining ASAP.
My membership has provided me with networking and information I couldn't get anywhere else. 
It continually provides my company with business just from fellow members.

Where are you located?

To learn more about membership and possible local chapters and state or regional councils  call LaVonda at National PDCA - 800-332-PDCA (7322).
Because of bylaws and the multiple levels of membership available it can be confusing.  One thing is clear - you need to join National PDCA to become a member at any level, i.e., you can't join any of the other levels of membership by itself.  Get the contact information from LaVonda for these levels and then contact each.  Visit a couple of Chapter meetings.  Get a pulse of that group.  Councils may not meet as often put provide yet another value to membership.  When a Chapter functions normally your participation will be rewarding.  Kevin nailed reality regarding involvement.  Chapters are 'where it is at' for ongoing networking, and regular educational offerings and programs.

Also, since you contract both residential and commercial - check out the two specialty forums specifically for residential and commercial contractors.

Conventions: Budget now for attending PACE 2006 in Dallas Texas next February. I'm betting most first time attendees are overwhelmed with the amount of educational offerings, lots of networking and a huge trade show. 

Also check out the PDCA Commercial Forum Annual Meeting July 20th and PDCA Residential Forum's Advanced Shop Talk July 21st and 22nd - Both at Jackson Hole, WY.
Here's to hearing about your new membership in PDCA
and to your ongoing success and getting onto the next level for your business!

Brandt
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[MarkTS]

Okay sounds great Brandt. I will call Monday and see what it's all about.
Wish they were open Saturdays, am anxious to get the info... but, i suppose that LaVonda is glad they aren't :-)

I am located in Ca, in the Inland Empire area

Mark
[right][snapback]1226[/snapback][/right]

PS, where are those specialty forums located?

[Brandt]

Hi Mark

There are two Councils in California and several chapters.
Both Councils and nearest chapters to you can be evaluated for value and function.
LaVonda can help get you the contact info.

I'd suggest you ask LaVonda about signing up for membership where you can select a Council and Chapter after evaluating both.

The Residential and Commercial forum offices are both located in CA, though they serve the nation. Again - LaVonda can provide contact info on both.


Brandt

Okay sounds great Brandt. I will call Monday and see what it's all about.
Wish they were open Saturdays, am anxious to get the info... but, i suppose that LaVonda is glad they aren't :-)

I am located in Ca, in the Inland Empire area

Mark
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[Mike the Painter]

I am planning on joining this week.

[Brandt]

Fantastic!

I am planning on joining this week.
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[Mike the Painter]

I'm excited about this. I have my app. filled out and a check ready.

[Mike the Painter]

I'm excited about this. I have my app. filled out and a check ready.
[right][snapback]1253[/snapback][/right]

I didnt want to wait for the mail. :rolleyes: I called in this morning to the local chapter here in Portland and gave my Credit card #. I'm a member now. :)

[Brandt]

That's great Mike.

Congratulations! Welcome to PDCA.

You've got a great local group there in Portland.


Here's to your success,

Brandt

I didnt want to wait for the mail.  :rolleyes: I called in this morning to the local chapter here in Portland and gave my Credit card #. I'm a member now.  :)
[right][snapback]1254[/snapback][/right]

[Mike the Painter]

That's great Mike.

Congratulations!  Welcome to PDCA.

You've got a great local group there in Portland.
Here's to your success,

Brandt
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Thanks Brant. I am very excited about this and looking forward to being a member of PDCA.