Hi guys.
Work is scary slow here in Connecticut except for the few big companies that can just lay off the guys that they don't need. I just need enough work for myself and my helper.

I'm thinking about meeting with managers from big flooring stores to maybe pursue being a sub contractor. What's your experience with this sort of thing ? Thanks

I'm having the same thoughts right now, but having a tough time proceeding. From experience your better off staying away from stores that use a go between like LL's HSS. You don't want to be on one of these "3rd party labor company lists",( I wont get into all the details).I would go to stores that actually know something about hardwood flooring and are willing to sub out inhouse to a quality installer. Still...be ready to lower your price significantly. It is a whole different scenario to get used to, especially after years of being more independant.

That kind of mirrors my feelings. I know a couple of home depot subs and they aren't treated well.They also told me that Home Depot regularly re negotiates your pay rate . Based on your opinion, I think I'll avoid chain stores and get in touch with some high end flooring stores and see what happens.

Definetely, The higher end flooring stores are the way to go IMO. One thing I think I would avoid is calling around, it's a waste of time. If you know any reps., give them a call for some possible leads. In order to land something , it's better to present yourself in person, may take a follow up or two, in person. It's all in timing, and don't get discouraged.

Showing up in person is going to get your foot in the door quicker. DOnt be scared to follow up, most people disregard you on the first trip as test to see if you are really are good at following up.

Hmmm. That's a good point . I tend to be reserved and not pressure people so I'll have to change.

Here's another question. My old boss is a great installer and a mediocre sand / finisher . years ago, he got an offer to oversee all the flooring needs for a builder in the Camaan Islands but passed on it. A head hunter of sorts was the person who contacted him and I was told that the head hunter got his name through a flooring mill called Specialty Woods which I think is in Massachusetts.

Anyway, Connecticut has become so corrupt that I am embarrassed to say I live and pay taxes here. I'd be willing to relocate for a well paying flooring company. How does a guy get his name out there for that sort of thing ? Where are these head hunters from ?

Obviously you have never worked Arizona. In box set-ups the dba must be legal but all his employees are not looked at. I've heard of many complaints where they send out crews to peoples houses that can't speak a lick of English. Hows communication going there? Plus none of these retailers know the difference between an employee or a sub. And floor prep....don't even get me started on that.

I'd love a techie job or super job too but even then, if you know to much your considered dangerous.

In Connecticut, we still have a ton of Brazilians doing installs really cheap and illegally. Some probably have visas of some type . They make it tough to compete on installs for sure and three of the big companies in Connecticut almost completely switched over to using nothing but Brazilians. They work 7 day weeks and 12 hour days and seem to squeak by on quality.

And being close to major cities like New York, we have a lot of wealthy people living here like Greenwich for instance. So high end work is really all that has kept me going . Similar to Arizona, we have all kinds of companies hiring guys that can't speak English properly. it's pretty crazy over here.

These places can be good. However, most of them will want you to basically be there employee. By that I mean if you have other jobs of your own, it may be tough to fit them in. Also, the pay rates are pretty low. But I have a good friend who runs several crews out of an Empire today and he does very well from it.

I promised myself I would never stoop to hiring illegal aliens for profiteering, Hispanic, Brazilian, Chinese or what not. It's not fair to the people who immigrated legally. And my Mexican brothers who I grew up with that have been citizens all their lives don't appreciate illegal immigrants either.

But besides that, your right, retailers want to own you if you work for them. Their work comes first. Then when work stops flowing or they find somebody to do it cheaper your out on your own again and have to start all over. Not worth it!

Exactly....Your better off to keep trying to market yourself, bringing in new clientele.
I recently put together a list of Designers, and set it up geographically. I plan on visiting everyone of them, and folow up with a few more visits.

Recently, one of the guys on another Forum mailed a letter to all his past clientele, and has started scheduling jobs. Another guy targeted an area, and posted flyers on all the doors.
It's just a matter of getting out of your comfort zone and drumming up business.