Should I Start now?

[John62]

Hi Guys,
It would be so much better if all manufacturers could decide together on a very simple and good improvement; it's called obligatory training for guys who are new in our industry and want to purchase a system and-or supplies. Now we see guys purchasing kits, who have no training from the start, and leaving our business after a short while. No one benefits from new guys who are not able to perform a good quality repair or just don't feel secure to perform one, and no one includes the manufacturers.
At least the manufacturers who take their business and responsibility serious.
Today; it is to much short term thinking in our industry, mainly down to the competition between the respected manufacturers.
I know; that we do not live in a perfect world -far from that- but again, it would be better to train and support new guys.
Free training -like Delta Kits- is a very good start that needs to be adapted by all the others.
No DVD or Video Tape will be good enough, we have evolved into a professional business today haven't we?

[GFD77]

Jeff,

Welcome to the world of WRT's, I'm new to the forum and the profession, however I just got back from North Carolina, were I had the priceless experience of being trained by, Jeff, Matt, and Chris (MAFSU), I can honestly say if it were not for this training, I would not be able to troubleshoot most of the basic problems I would have encountered in the field, not to say you can't do it, but if there is any way possible to get some training from other WRT's I highly recommend it, it will just make you a better and more confident tech who will be proud of the work he does and you will never fear going head to head with anyone who challenges the quality of your work.

[Jeff5858]

I do not have the time or money to go across the U.S. to have some free training. I honestly do not.

I just turned 21 years old. I am currently attending the university of houston for my degree. I am working full time as a sales man so I know all about people telling me no. My only problem is the lack of time I can dedicate to this. My goal in the beginning was to learn the business, setup a training facility here in katy, train 3-4 people and have them run my tents form me while I am working my day time job.. On the weekends I would take over...
I know this can work, I already have a few people who want to work for me, I just want to make sure I can get them some adequate training.

If I do find a junkyard we can use, how long should I repair there glass untill I am ready for the street?

Again thank you for your help and advice.

[GlassStarz]

Figure on doing 100 repairs at the junk yard

[mafsu]

I would like to see one of the folks David Coit allowed to ride with him step up and offer to give Jeff5858 some hands on training. I'm sure some of those folks must still be active on this forum.

[Bois]

Jeff, I know there are members of this forum in San Antonio, Austin and a few in the Houston area. I'm in Commerce, TX which is 60 miles NE of Dallas. You're always welcome to come up here but I know you don't have time with school, etc.

If you're planning on having people man tents during the week, then it is imperative that they receive adequate training, also. If you're thinking of training them yourself, please re-think it. You don't need hundreds of practice chips - just enough and variety ( bullseyes, stars & combos) so you feel confident.

Dale...

[mafsu]

I must have missed this when reading the posts before. If you can't dedicate time to starting a new business and doing it right, Don't do it. A lack of time to do a project properly is a recipe for failure. Windshield repair is not rocket science, but it does take patience and practice to perform properly. If you are a good salesman that is half of the business. The ability to sell will allow you to make some money in this business in the short term. Above average repairs will guarantee long term success. Find the time to do this right if you are serious about starting a business.

[Jeff5858]

I would be more than happy to to listen to someone here in our area. Because I have been in sales for a while I understand the importance of sales training and knowing your product. I want to have a very sharp and knowledgable training class which will produce some very professional and good technicians.

I would like to contact some technicians in this area.
would you like me to post my e-mail address?

Question: What is the deal with long crack repairs. For example my wife has a 96 corvette and there is a crack approximately 12 inches long starting in the middle at the very bottom, coming across to the left. Do I need Crack expanders to fix this long of a crack?

[maxryde]

Jeff5858
You gotta be kidding just 21, full time job, school, and now you believe you can not only get to the place where you can repair ws's but you believe that you will be to the place where you will train other techs properly? You need a reality check man, I mean a couple of YEARS maybe, but you will need a few hundred or even thousand repairs before you have any business thinking of training others in this business!! It may be a simple thing to replace air with resin but getting it done correctly takes a lot of skill at times and you don't get that from a couple of days riding with a skilled tech or from a video. My opinion is you need to slow down a bit and reevaluate your position on things!! You don't need anyone to be there during the weekdays, just work the hour or two you have left following your regular schedule and call it good. JMO, Scott

[Jeff5858]

Obviously I don't plan on watching a experienced technician for a few days and take off from there. I understand it takes time to learn how to fix the windshields.

I believe that moving fast in life is the only way to go.. Life is to short to be honest with you. There are 34 year olds who are billionaires. If you asked them when they were my age to take it slow, do you think they would be in the position they are in today? I think not.. It only takes approximately 10 mins to learn how to fix a repair to begin with. Years? Thousands of repairs? I have repaired 2 windshields already and I don't know anything yet. I think riding with a experienced tech for a few months would do it..

Why not have any techs there during the weekends? Thats when you get the most amount of business!!

I plan on beeing open for business by the beginning of 2006.
By the summer of 2006 I plan on having two tents up and running everyday from 9-7pm. I plan on reaching a goal of 112 repairs per station (4 repairs a day) by the end of the summer 2006. Is that a long shot??? Yes.. Can it be done? If anyone can do it I can.

Also I don't plan on sending my techs out there with no expierence either. If you say a tech needs at least 300 repairs in order to be able to succesfully repair a windshield then I'll get them 300 repairs before I send them out there.

Febuary 18, 2006 arlington Texas. I will make sure my techs go to that class and become certified as well as myself.

You probly understand my mindset and attitude towards this business now.

Now What do you think of my plan?

If there is anyone living in my area who is still performing repairs I would appreciate it if we could meet and further talk about this.