So Here’s My Story:
I grew up as a kid on a diversified farm that abounded with projects! We were always fixing something. Over the past 50 plus years of doing projects I’ve learned a thing or two
On the farm we rarely got to house projects…with 23 outbuildings, fences and gates galore— not to mention the equipment… let’s just say there was always something to do.
My first house related project was helping a brother do some sheet-rocking on his home… we got it done but it was not a pretty process! Reality lesson #1…’There’s an easy and hard way to do everything!’
I got my framing badge in COLO when the housing boom of the 70’s was in full swing… this was long before cordless equipment, air tools and lifts. It was ‘be shown once— the next time you do it; end of story’! Brutal work with low pay … when I decided it was time to move on, I was offered my own crew to go to the mountains to build condos ….
After a self-induced torture session during which I shingled a brother’s duplex— 29 square by myself- with no previous shingling experience… (back to lesson 1!!).
Next was a lumber yard stint. The lumber yard developed my organizational skills after hours and on weekend. More importantly this experience allowed me to see firsthand how builders of all sorts operated……. trust me — there IS a huge difference!!!
Having collected a few tools while framing, I was able to begin doing projects for others as they came up. Landlords (I was finishing college) as well as others. Each was a learning experience! I learned the hard way of many do’s & don’ts if you are doing a side business…. Another story of when I went to collect for some contract-work I had taken on… (never again – at least from that guy…) I’ll share that once in a lifetime-story sometime.
The next gig was for a contractor doing ‘finish work’…before chop saws and power nailers. Finish work is totally different than framing; for one ‘close’ is good enough… for the other 1/16th of an inch matters! More stories… another time.
And then there was a cement project for another brother and his partner… let’s just say it included a day from hell and it too will produce a story or two down the road… learning the hard way does tend to have a lasting effect! (It took me a while for lesson1 to sink in!)
From then to now there has been a litany of projects of just about every kind including a 25-year top to bottom, inside and out, restoration of a 100-year old farmhouse and buildings… There are many, many stories to go along with that phase… which will surface in my coaching sessions, my tips and periodic email posts… some for your entertainment but most to save you time, hassle, and money… and to help make your projects more fun and rewarding.
Here are Four Principles that you can take to the bank:
1: There’s an easy and a hard way to do everything
2: There’s a right and wrong way to do even simple projects; and doing something right the first time makes it way more rewarding.
3: It’s important to do projects for others the way you would like to have them done for you.
4: A good resource is invaluable to help accomplish Steps 1,2, &3!
It’s worth pointing out that when you are doing your own projects, you get to make the call as to when it’s done good enough. If you are going to do it for others you should know what ‘doing it right’ looks like. The good news is that the reward of a project done right goes well beyond the person doing the work.
Over the years and through the help of many great mentors and a great many goof ups, I’ve learned to do just about everything connected to a typical home. I found out what works, and what doesn’t; (far too often the hard way!) You have a much easier option!
I’m here to invite you on the latter leg of my journey in which I and my team will attempt to put at your disposal an amazing host of home project folks that have shared their expertise to make your projects easier. I also have added some coaching time out sessions to share some tips, reminders, and just add a little common sense to your upcoming project.
I have spent several years doing training work. I know when I see an effective training session, and this is precisely what we want to put at your fingertips. We’ve done the searching, sifting, evaluating, so you don’t have to. (and by the way – if you come across—or create a really-good post… let us know—we will evaluate and add to the line-up if it passes our criteria)
I am not an expert in all specific areas (you don’t have to be to get a project done right) but I can certainly distinguish quality craftsmanship from shoddy or very misinformed workmanship!
Just so you understand, there are also serious diminishing returns that go along with being super picky as well… good common sense is priceless when doing projects.
I like the idea of ‘making a positive difference’…. If our efforts have a positive impact on a project or two for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to Rewarding Projects in the Days Ahead!!
