While in California recently, I got a chance to hang out with Avi Hadad, a really good contractor and cool guy, too.
Now, you know what happens when you get two floor guys together—the stories start flying, along with the laughter and sympathy for each other—because, believe it or not, we all have similar experiences, desires, needs and goals.
We talk about employees: how to find them, how to teach them, how to keep them. How do we do things the same, what are the differences in approaches? The discussion is filled with stories of this experience and that.
Then there are stories about jobs and clients. Man, these ranged from hilarious to downright tragic. Comparing pictures and job situations, we commiserate over the rough ones and celebrate the victories.
Then there are stories about jobs and clients. Man, these ranged from hilarious to downright tragic.
Avi recalled a story of a really picky client complaining about the filler missing in his old 5/16” top-nail floor. Avi had the foresight to take in-progress pictures and had them ready for the complaint he knew was going to come. This old floor (as most do) was moving up and down. Despite filling in many times, he had to stop the insanity and finish the job. Sure enough, the guy complained, but Avi was armed with armor-piercing photo bullets and the client had to accept the situation for what it was.
Then there was my story of generosity gone wrong. I had hired two new guys—brothers from Brooklyn who just moved down to Florida. After working for a few weeks, these two took one of my work trucks from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, unauthorized of course.
I happened upon it because I stopped by my shop on the way to The Dolphins Stadium, where we were putting in a floor, and these two guys, upon returning the vehicle were surprised that:
1) I called the police to report the truck stolen
2) I was pressing charges for theft and, amazingly…
3) I was actually firing them for taking the truck!
“You’re firing us?? But we brought it back. Why did you call the cops?”
“Are you on something? You TOOK the truck! You didn’t even ask! Dude, if I took $300 from a bank drawer and returned it two days later, I’d be pinned to the floor and cuffed before I could blink! It’s the same thing!”
Then Avi has his story of … and on and on. Back and forth we go until I absolutely have to leave to get to the airport.
It’s like that when we get together.
