I know you're out there, I can hear your keyboards collecting dust.

Paul

hi paul...hows life these days

I prefer to use my keyboard for collecting cookie crumbs.

I went pro and didn't have the time to post!!!!


Tip of the day...do not forget to include the employer payroll taxes in your spreadsheets when tracking job costs.

Really? Like you were just doing all that finishing work for free? NOT. I'm tossing the RED BS Flag on that one Mr. Hillman!

I'd really believe that you misplaced your home computer and just got a new one back on line.

Like so many others, I'd rather spend time in the shop than on the computer. That said, my own website is in need of updating.

Seems the old piano store next door has been taken up by a thrift store. The new owner, Dio, has been bringing me all sorts of things to fix, repair, and adjust. I actually shaped a chair arm with a spokeshave (for the first time) on his request. Drawer alignment, leg re-glues, and shelf building have become standard fare. And he brings cash.

My buddies at Guitar Merchant (whom I share the building with) have me making speaker cabinets and playing stools for their customers.

On the negative side, my friendly walnut supply guy has just informed me that he can longer be so friendly with his walnut supply. So from here on out, I actually have to pay for wood!

I added up all my costs and income for the year and found that I gave away (lost isn't the right word-I know where it went) $3000 the first six months followed by $1000 the next. This last month had me starting year two in the black and I was swamped with paying work all this week. I don't like having to keep tabs, but it is a fact of business, even a hobby-business.

After "going pro" one year ago, I still enjoy and look forward to being in the shop. So, that's where I is.

I'm still around too but my shop keeps me in there more than on here. I'm non stop with store fixtures as of late and that is a good thing!!

Hope all is well in your world Paul!!

Best,
Nick

Hi Guys.

Glad to hear the sales of red ink are down here and black is selling well.

At the end of the day, the tally of pictures of dead presidents (or other politicians or royalty in other countries) tells the tale. If you have more at closing time than you did at opening time, you win.

Paul

Going pro as well and been busy making the transition

Hi Paul.

Well, this is the place to talk about it. Who knows, you might even discover some ideas that save you some time and/or money.

Paul
the little guy

Ok, I'll bite.

Just got my C6 contractors license and have turned my love for woodworking into my full time business. What originally got me interested in woodworking was adding architectural woodwork to my home and from there I got interested in furniture grade work. I am still interested in furniture grade work, but I have two kids to put through college and in times like these I figure I stand a better chance of making a decent living improving residential and commercial properties than working for 6 months on a piece of furniture.

I must say that the process of studying for, passing and then getting a license in CA is a very draining process so I'm relieved its over so I can move full steam ahead with my business Spectacular Trim (www.spectaculartrim.com)

Paul

Congratulations for earning your C6 license. I wish you well with your endeavors. Make sure you post some pictures of your installations.

I wish New york required licenses. Here, hammer+crow bar+ magnetic sign on truck=contractor.

NYNY,,

You made me recall a comment my father said..."Seems like anyone with a pickup truck, a hammer and a saw can claim he's a general contractor." That was in the early 60's in So. Jersey. He go so fed up with it, he hung up his tools for a while and went back to work for Lockheed fixing their air planes.

Hi Paul.

Congrats on the license. I know what you mean about studying for licenses. I had to go through it a couple of times in my financial planning business. Still, it gives you credibility that is lacking in places that don't require them.

I would suggest you get to know some of the general contractors in your area that outsource their trim work. There are a lot of contractors that would rather do it that way than try to keep skilled personel on staff.

All the best in the nw business. Keep us up to date onwhat you're doing.

Paul