I don’t care!
But for some reason the people in our industry, which is not quite organized... yet… don’t really care as long as “someone” is passing them work (for the tech) or for the retailers, providing great service to their stores.
After you read this Blog entry… I challenge you to leave a minimum of a one sentence comment… an “I agree" (or not) would do. But you know as well as I do, that two or even three or four words would be a pretty pathetic answer; however, at least it would be a start and "acceptable".
Why is it that a few of you do not see the value in what this network is trying to provide? And if you take “you” personally, then you are the problem. Sorry, but it is true!
Today there are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics and many more skilled trades that have an organizational structure, are looked upon as professionals and because of those values… they get the better jobs, demand higher pay and get all of all of it; they also have a known place in our society.
SO… WHY NOT OUR INDUSTRY?
This network is here for many reasons and the main one is to actually “make it
an industry”… or at least to be known as one.
The Network is here to:
- Share concepts
- Provide camaraderie
- Build a non-existent industry
- Guide techs in business development (not to do it for you)
- And finally, but not any less important… provide jobs though the referral program
When I talk to business developers, attorneys and capitalists (all of whom I am connected with in my social networks); they all tell me the same thing… your network needs numbers…“participating numbers”.
We do have some participation; but it is behind the scenes. One guy standing up will not do it... it will take all of us, the techs, the NAC's and the retailers.
Unfortunately, most techs just want jobs and don’t feel a responsibility to pay for them monetarily or through participation and could really care less as to where those jobs come from… I mean the Internet is free… right?
Additionally, if you are one of those people that are holding back because of what you might think others will think about you… Get some backbone man!!! You are a professional and "I" believe in you; isn’t it about time you start believing in yourself?
Our industry has been fragmented and it is about time we put that to rest; and that includes techs, NAC's, manufacturers and retailers.
When everyone understands what this network can do for them (and it is not just providing referrals to the techs) they will know their own value and start standing up for what
they are worth and “I think”… it is a lot more than you realize.
For the tech.... there are other lead generation programs out there that are just there to make
money from you. The network is here to help “YOU” make money. I mean 5%... what the...!
As for the national assembly companies (NAC’s) … there is only one that believes in you (and this network). That company is Urban Express
Assembly. I have opened the doors to all NAC’s in the past and Urban is the only
one to step in… because they believe if you are successful… you will stick
around. Things would run much smoother for the corporate retailers if all NAC's believed in you as Urban does
I have been trying to build this network for almost ten years with very little to no help. I have put a lot of time and money into it without any profit (in fact it has been a complete loss for me) and it is definitely not where it needs to be; but, I will keep plugging away here; and knowing that… you should know, I believe in you and I am not a quitter.
I don’t see anyone else standing up to “really” help the techs, NAC's, manufacturers and retailers; everyone else wants to build directories and soak you for nothing more than “giving” you a listing (r.r.r.right) on their website or as for a few of the NAC’s they just want numbers because you can be replaced… now there is a nice feeling.
So the million dollar question is… Do you care? Or... do you fear that standing up will cost you jobs from the other NAC's that don't care?
Comments?
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Hi, I'm with Pro Dunk Hoops which is a manufacturer and retailer of premium basketball goals including in-ground models that professional technicians like those listed in the UAN install every day.
Mike asked me to comment here about what I expect and would like to see from UAN professionals...
1) Bonded, insured and licensed - This feeds a greater need which is consumer confidence. We want our customers to feel confident that the job is going to get done right before they make their purchase.
2) Professional - When we refer customers to an installer, they reflect on us. We are professional and we'd like everybody that we associate with to be as well.
3) Prompt - Being in the installation business ourselves, we know that this is extremely important. Be respectful by not wasting a customer's time.
4) Knowledgeable - Although you may not be at first, rapidly gain knowledge about the trade. Do this by taping your peers at the UAN or give me a call! Customers want somebody that can give them the pros and cons of placing their basketball goal 1 foot off the driveway, where the free-throw line will be and what kind of maintenance they will need to perform on their new system. Know these and many more things. Some will come with experience and other can be sought out.
In short, we want to associate with installers that can help us make confident, happy customers.
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Thanks Ryan,
The UAN is here to help you and anyone else who want to use our services.
All the points you called out are exactly what we are trying to achieve; but it has been difficult at best.
This industries problem is there has never been an organization to pull all that you mentioned together.
You have a great product and your customers that want our type of service deserve a great technician. It is my passion to help provide that for you and your customers.
Thank you for your comments and being a subscriber to our email notifications.
Mike Mehrle
Founder of the UAN
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Fortunately I have been blessed with being able to always have constant work from one of our main big box chains we assemble for. We also have gained ground in our in home assemblies as well. Most of the techniques we have adopted to get more business were learned from this network.
If you are a small business just trying to establish yourself in this industry there should be no reason why you would not want to be a part of UAN. By participating will only help your business grow at the end of the day.
Keep the network alive! Thanks Mike
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I did not have a good experience with Urban. So I don't have much faith in them. They took 2 months to pay me and was not the rate they promised and still have not made good on it. However I am working for a number of large companies who are paying timely and fair. You don't have to publish this but Urban is not a good company for me.
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Rick...
I don't know any of the details but would certainly look into for you. Please send me any details you can provide. When we first entered the National Arena we struggled with the on boarding of new techs. Feel free to contact me directly via email at Alagrega@urbanexpress.com at your convenience.
Peace & Regards
Arthur Lagrega
President-Assembly Division
UX Specialized Logistics
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Regarding the supposed non payment of an Urban job...
Rick, you should contact your Area Manager at Urban's office in New York to solve your problem and get it worked out.
If it's true that you have gone over 2 months without getting paid, why did you let it come to this? You can't blame the system if your own house isn't in order. There has to be a logical reason why you haven't received compensation. Did you submit correct paperwork? Was your paperwork signed properly? Have you made calls to the appropriate people to rectify the problem or are you sitting back hoping something good will happen?
Slamming Urban in this forum has no merit if you aren't taking the necessary steps to receive your pay.
I can tell you that whenever I was shorted on a job, I was compensated on the following pay cycle by contacting my Area Manager and working it out. I didn't wait 2 months for compensation. Again, don't blame the system if you aren't doing your part to correct the issue.
Accept the offer that Arthur has posted here and get your pay taken care of. If I were you, I wouldn't give up on Urban simply because of this issue. That isn't a wise move. I wouldn't have the success with Urban that I am enjoying right now if I simply gave up on them from a pay shortage.
Do your part and get the situation remedied.
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Mike,
Thanks for all you do. Good article. I do care. Life is good. Business is good.
"Life is a lot like tennis; those that serve well usually win."-WW
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You hit a grand slam out of the ballpark with this post, Mike! This is EXACTLY what I have been discussing for months regarding the "I Don't Care" attitude and the complacency that permeates our industry as well as many others.
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Mike, Thank you for everything you do for this network and the industry.I know your intentions are to take the assembly industry to the next level and though you may have taken small steps forward your an exceptional leader and are laying the proper foundation to something much bigger then your self.
Also I wanted to mention I am new to the assembly industry about 2 years in though I have been self employed for over 18 years as a communications contractor I really enjoy the assembly work and I am planning on doing this for the long term with that said, Mike extended his hand to me and went beyond the call of duty to help me he didn't have to do that. This is just the type of genuine good guy he is.
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Mike,
First I would like to say, I for one appreciate everything you and everyone really involved in the network have and will accomplish. I am fairly new to this industry, three to four years in, and have learned alot from this network. I started as a part - time repair tech for Diamond, thanks to Doug Woodruff, and have over the years worked and am still working for several NACs.
UNITED WE STAND - DIVIDED WE FALL
Brad Potts - Kentucky
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Wow… THIS PLACE IS BOOMING WITH COMMENTS! How refreshing!
One thing we all want to remember when posting to a subject you are interested in following is to also choose “subscribe to this post” and/or “subscribe to this blog” when you are posting your comments here so you are sure to receive alerts of new posts from other folks on the same subject(s) you are interested in following.
This will also help to increase dialog and participation on the blog as it acts as a reminder to stay in the conversation and keep posting responses as well…
When I posted to the video blog “Talking Business in the Assembly Industry” the other day, I wrote a couple paragraphs that I feel are also appropriate for this subject. Since there is not much activity going on in that particular post, I have included them here as well:
“Perspective is in the eye of the beholder. There are two kinds of people... an Optimist; Always looks for the opportunity and works on solutions in everything... “Make it Happen!”… and then there is the Pessimist; Always finding fault, blames others and points at problems that give them the excuse to not do anything at all... and then stands in front of Government buildings protesting the corporations they wish would hire them… Huh?
If you want to be more then just a “Technician for hire” and are new to actually building a business of your own, the United Assembler’s Network is THE place you can get all the knowledge & advice you need from others in this industry to grow your assembly business… However, you got to ask for it!
Prospecting, networking, asking questions and offering solutions… That IS what “doing” business is all about, isn’t it?
God bless your success!
Todd J
http://www.AssemblyMasters.net
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Hi Mike,
It's great to hear someone say it as it is! This is great advise to everyone looking to build a business. Unfortunately a very large percentage of businesses fail because although the leader is great at what he does (assembly), they have no idea how to RUN a business.
Keep up the great work Mike, and don't give up!
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Mike,
I basically go anywhere in Maine and New Hampshire or Mass. if the job is worthwhile if not I refer folks to other members I still have contact with.
Another thing I found to be reasonably profitable is Preventative Maintenance on fitness equipment(and of course repairs).
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I am a tech for Urban Express Assembly.
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Dustin,
There is nothing nowhere that I can see in this thread of anyone saying, "Urban Express being there for the tech".
One thing that many techs do not understand is that, being an independent contractor is a business responsibility. And "sometimes" there are mistakes... we all make them; and as any successful business person knows... there is paper work.
I can tell you and so can many others... if you are handling your paper work correctly, you will get paid correctly.
I will take your side as to no real training in the way your paper work needs to be submitted; but that is with every NAC out there. Urban is working on that.
I would like you to call me tomorrow to let me know what has been going on. This is the first I have heard of your problem.
Urban wants you to succeed and so do I.
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Dustin, I will tell you the same thing that I said to Rick in a post earlier this week. Stay in constant touch with your Area Manager in the Urban New York office. The relationship that you build with your AC is invaluable.
Trust me when I say, I have certainly had more than my share of compensation issues with Urban, as well as other NAC's that I have worked for. But again, the relationship you foster with your AC will go a long way in getting your problems solved. The Area Managers can certainly be your ears and eyes in the office to get you the pay you deserve.
I have some suggestions for you. When you send in your orders, always copy the Area Manager and also the person who closes your orders. Having more than one source to view your orders at Urban is very helpful. Copy their direct supervisor as well.
In addition to the above, be sure by the following Monday of the week that you sent in your orders, look at the "closed orders" section of your queue to ensure that they accurately closed your orders. The amount you are to be paid will appear in this area also. If anything is missing, bring it to your AC's attention immediately. There will still be time for them to correct anything you find that is wrong. Do NOT wait until they have processed your orders and developed your settlement. It will be too late to point out errors after the settlement and you will have to wait until the next pay cycle.
Mike is right, there are inherent responsibilities with having your own company, one of them being paperwork. As techs, we have to maintain due diligence in getting compensated for our work. The best way to get paid is to have extremely accurate paperwork to help them pay you. They are dealing with 1000's of orders each week, so if we do our best with follow up on our orders, they won't fall through the cracks.
I can't stress enough how important that relationship is with the Area Manager. He or she, whatever the case may be, can really get a lot of things accomplished for you while you are working in the field.
In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Area Manager, JD! He has done an awesome job taking care of my business. Thanks so much JD!
Good Luck Dustin, hang in there buddy, things will get better I promise you. Many good things are coming down the pike. Stay on the train with Urban and you will reap the benefits.
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Dustin...
I just found out there was a management change in your area because of what has happened to you with other techs. Your new West coast manager is Keith. Please do not give up on your issue, I know Keith and he will help you out.
MikeM
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I have been a supplier to the Fitness Industry for about 25 years. We sell our products to both Brick & Mortar retailers and internet based retailers. Creating an “industry” of professional installers is exactly what needs to be done.
You are on the right track Mike. If you can create awareness of an “Assembly Industry”, with professional Assemblers, the consumers will be willing to engage your services more often. And, last-but-not-least, Assemblers will be paid accordingly!
Congrats and good luck regarding your noble effort.
Alan Gore
CEO BodyCraft
www.bodycraft.com
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I have a suggestion to make to everyone who is a member of this network, myself included. Let's all get in the habit of leaving some sort of comment, remark, suggestion and critique each time we visit the UAN. Just as you would leave your business card with a client, make your commentary here your calling card that you visited this site.
This is important to the network for 2 huge reasons:
1) leaving your comments behind demonstrates your opinions and viewpoints, so that the network can grow and in turn, YOU can grow. Simply opening the site is not enough...make some sort of statement so we know we are making an impact in the further development of your own businesses.
2) Strength comes in numbers! By showing unity amongst all of us in making comments sends an impactful message to the online retailers and manufacturers that we are a HUGE force to be reckoned with and that we can take care of their assembly and installation needs.
Please help us help you. This is OUR network so let's make it work for us and the future of our industry. You CAN make a difference in this network and our chosen profession so please leave your "calling card" here.
Thanks for your time.
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I have been a professional assembler since 1994. I was in the cubical/office furniture business for many years and had no idea that I was on the path to a broader subject. For many years I was just considered an installer. I had tried for many years to leave the industry. However no one new how my skills could translate into other trades.
I managed to leave that industry and after some years in the maintenance field and dabbling in some other trades I have found my true calling. I AM A PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLER.I didn't fully understand it all till the past 6 months either. I started by working for on NAC and then added another do to lack of work. Still in need of work I started going directly to manufactures. That is when I truly realized how much I was not making!
This is why it is so important for the UAN to survive. I knew how much my skills where worth. I knew the numbers did not add up but I did not have the knowledge to move forward. Today I will turn down work before I get abused and used.
Together we can change the face of a very large industry. Will there be some uncomfortable moments? Yes! Will we wonder if we are doing this right some days? Yes! But in the end we all will win! Our business will be stronger for it. The industry will become stable and when we say " I am a professional assembler" ......well maybe they will not look at you with that puzzled look anymore.
Scott Jennings
FitTech & Assembly
North Carolina
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