Plumbing and Heating Mechanic Needed for Residential Service Work in NJ.

tempting

You have been looking for three years?

With all the work that you've shown us that you come across, I'd be there in a New York minute if I were 18 again.

All that amazing steam and hot water work that you see; never a dull moment and every day, something new to feast on.

Thirty years ago, there was a kid outside my business asking for work. Fresh off the boat, he said he used to help his uncle do plumbing in Nicaragua. I hired him and he went through the local PHCC apprentice training 4-year program. Out of all the people that I trained, he was the only one that really caught on to hydronics and he eventually purchased the company in 2007 and is now doing well.

He turned up out of the blue after I had spent a lot of time and money searching for someone, anyone with a pulse. You'll find someone, John.

JohnNY said:

SlamDunk said:

You have been looking for three years?

No. I've been looking for 35 years. You interested?

Nope!

Its brutal when you put your all in to an employee for years and they fly the coop.  Very disheartening even when you're happy for them.  The Port Authority guy will never be back, but there is a good chance the other guy will when he sees what you have gone through every day for decades to keep your guys working, educated, happy. The paperwork alone for a 5 man shop will choke a horse...forget about a Union Shop like yours!   Hope the new guys make you some $$  soon..  Mad Dog 🐕 

I'm just guessing, but I think John wants someone who gives a crap and knows how to think. The rest will come naturally.

Both of those traits seem to be in short supply.

Ya, the guy that doesn't have one square inch of skin that isn't tattooed with purple hair.

I've had people tell us the same thing. But time marches on and we don't get younger. One day we'll all be retired, hopefully.

And after that? Doesn't look good......

John, what you need is an up and comer that loves the trade more than he loves his wife, then train him. When you go to a job and you and him encounter a failed situation, query him as to the problem and the solution. Then let him fix it with your guidance. He will learn more than if you fix it, yourself, or a lecture. In house training is important. Do like Ray Wohlfarth has done present it as problem/solution. It's like a game that stretches the imagination. I will remember his last problem and solution until I get alzheimer's.
That's what I like about this site. It's learning thru problem and solution even tho those posting on this site don't always post the problem accurately.

Go to the trade college in your area and offer an internship with a low compensation. If I were 20 yrs old, again, I'd jump at the chance. In fact, that's what my daughter did before she graduated from the School of Engineering at Cornell University. I guess, I'm bragging.

Some of the most honest folks with deep integrity are covered in Tats  and nose rings.  We have to get past that.  The clean cut Hollywood version of a plumber may rob your wallet and skeeve your teenage daughters out like Ted Bundy.  I have also met fine people in Bars...You're best bet is the recent immigrant groups...pick one.  The only problem I have seen with them is that after a few years, they buy a van and go out on their own...no license no insurance no taxes...no worries.. I've had personal experience here.  Poles, South Americans, Irish.  They have better cars than I do.  Mad Dog

I got a good one for ya....Would you hire a convicted felon?   Depends, right?  I've hired Veterans that did not work out and guys that had drug arrests as a youth or a few fist fights that were real go-getters.  As long as someone is honest, they have potential to me.  Many of these guys really appreciate the second chance.  Mad 🐕 Dog

No one really cares  anymore.  I just lost a bid for a couple who couldn't understand why I wouldn't match the lowest bidder who is a Jack leg stumble bum...no lic. No ins...no taxes  no worries...guess who is doing the job?  Mad Dog

Thanks, Homer. You're preaching to the choir.  Struggled w this 25 yrs ago . Barely phases me anymore..the only reason I mentioned it is because the potential client WAS a 50 year friend.  I have found in my 4 decades doing this, that the worst conflicts with pricing is from people you know very well.  They obviously think you OWE them because they know you so long.. Hey...you're not my brother  dude! This person is very wealthy and charges top dollar in his field..But I need to match a super-low Unlicensed bidder...Mad Dog