Finding good HELP!

PG

I own a small heating, cooling, plumbing company in Metro Detroit area. I'm trying to grow my business, but my biggest obstacal is finding people that know what they say they know. Also finding people who care about quality, customer service, etc, the way I do, is tough also. What about head hunting firms in our business? Do they exist? And are they any good? One more question.....any ideas on a test I can have potential hires do before hiring. Extremely grateful in Detroit!

S Davis

Help

I have had the same problems finding help I found that for me it was better to find them young and train them my way, I usually get ahold of the shop teachers at the area high schools they are in a position to know what kids have some drive and want to go into the trades, It takes more time but quality employees are an investment.


S Davis

Apex Radiant Heating

John R. Hall

Patrick

It might be a good idea to tap into the collective brains of SEMIACCA members (Southeast Michigan Air Conditioing Contrators of America chapter). I know a lot of the guys and you might enjoy the professionalism and advice (and friendship) they can bring. Drop me a line -- I'm local (not loco).

PG

Help

Appreciate the suggestion. I'm open to all suggestions. Getting good, dependable help seems to be my biggest drawback at this time. Been in business for about 8 years. I'm over the hump but getting to the "next level" just seems to be so tough. Also the problem in this residential field is it's so cyclical. I was geared to have a good a/c season, then a key guy went on "sabbatical". Being small, missing one guy really hurt, and I couldn't find someone once the heat went up. Now things are slowing down, guys are out there (from what I hear) but the work is slowing. Weather changes and we'll get slammed again. I just can't figure out the answer yet.

jeff_51

gotta agree with S Davis

unless you are hiring through the hall (and there are bad one's there to) find them young and train them. If you get a guy who says he knows, have him ride with you for a couple of weeks and see what he can do. Just sit back and let him do the cust presentation and the work. Sometimes ya got to kiss alot of frogs to find that prince. Alot of guys think they know more than they do, but may be worth working with. My son has been a mechanic for about six years, and know has enough experience where he has gone from knowing nothing, to knowing everything to now realizing he still has alot to learn. I am a pretty good plumber, but still learn all the time, am a good heat guy, but not so good with control( good at design and install) We all have our weak points, ya just got to be willing to admit it. I was out of heating for ten years and am busy playing catch up. I design and install and let one of the other guys do alot of the final control set up. something you may have to do. a 3/4 full glass is not bad as long as the guy is willing to work and learn.

PG

Help

I do agree with the young guy theory. Done that, and doing that now! But......I'd ocassionally like to find someone with experiance I can send out there all by their lonesome. Where are these people?

Mt. Falls Mikey

Where are all those \"good people\"??

A lot of us got out of our own businesses to have more stability,benefits,etc.,or in the case of where I live,went to the Metro D.C. area for $$$. BTW,I can still be had if anyone in this area wants. I have 4 Masters,30+ yrs. in plumbing,HVAC,Gas....Mikey

John S.

Patrick...



It was a pleasure speaking with you last winter.

I am a life-long Metro Detroiter looking for an opportunity to get into the plumbing/heating trade.

Unfortunately, we are closing the doors on a 35 year old family business that overall has been very successful. However, due to the combination of the current condition of Detroit's real estate market, and family members that are ready (and deserving) to retire, I am gearing up to start a new career.

I wouldn't say that I'm particularly 'young' (35 years this November), but old enough to know that there's a lot to learn. Also, I am in such a financial position that I don't need to make a HUGE salary in my next career (Although, I do expect to be paid reasonably, based on an employer's fair evaluation of my work ethic, production & experience.)

Maintaining older apartment buildings for most of my life, I have (as you can imagine) a well rounded, 'hands-on' knowledge of residential plumbing and steam heating systems. I've sweated my share of copper, changed lots of seats/washers and replaced many a cracked stack pipe in my days.

I'm currently looking into acceptable plumbing trade classes and have signed up for the Michigan State Plumber's Apprenticeship program, although, I'm not currently employed with a licensed plumber.

Please let me know if you are interested in meeting me for an interview or would like me to fill out an application.

Thank you for your consideration.

P.S. Dan, 'the WALL' strikes again! thank you.

Dale

Ferris State

In I think Big Rapids Mich., probably the best HVAC school on the planet. Some of the grads must be from the Det. area, if you're willing to pay the premium.

PG

Golf School?

My wife went there. Thought it was a golf school........I'm just funnin ya. I have no problem paying as long as the job gets done....the first time (at least the majority of the time), in a clean and professional manner and I stay in the black. Life would be good!

jeff_51

where are all those good people?

here on the wall learning, learning, learning

Eugene Silberstein 3

Interview test

I am a firm believer that potential employees should be given a written test PRIOR to setting up a face-to-face interview.

Have the potential hiree come in to take the exam and then you can schedule a face-to-face after you have had a chance to look over the results.

The test score can also be used to negotiate a wage. For example, a guy who scores a 12 (out of 100) on a basic refrigeration/air conditioning examination will definitely not feel comfortable asking you for 30 bucks an hour. If he does, you just learned a lot about him.

The written test, however, should not be used as the sole determining factor. Negotiate a try-out period of a week or so, during which time the individual is paid, but the offer of ongoing employment will not be made until after the "try-out". This gives both of you the chance to see how things are working out (or not working out). It's also a good idea to avoid negotiating a final wage u ntil after this tryout period as well.

If you are looking to put a test together that will best reflect the aspects of the industry that you are involved in, drop me an e-mail to discuss.

Probably the best thing you can do is get your new technicians fresh out of school. This way you can train them your way. This is, of course, if you have the time, patience and desire to invest a great deal of energy in forming your staff.

As others have suggested, contact your local trade schools for potential applicants.

Paul Flansburg

The Pay and Respect

Hey Patrick,

Here's why I left the industry. I am an electrical engineer who had been in the technology area for 30 yrs and was laid off. I was looking for a change with hopes of returning to my engineering life, so I got my burner licsense and gave it a shot. I understand how to plumb, fix burners and also how to install boilers. Although I don't have a ton of experience, I beleive I make this up in learning quickly, based on my education, and I know that quality should go into every job. The problem with the industry is the pay. I accepted the $12.00 an hour job and was told when I prove myself more would come. Well, I did a lot of jobs and installations and the guy basically laughed at me when I asked for more money. My co-workers were pissed becasue they know what I did and how good my work was. And whenthis guy couldn't replace me he called me to ask if I would come back. Well, I didn't I found an engineering job that pays well in an industry that I enjoy. Even if I didn't have a job I would not go back with to him.

Paul