I feel like I'm trying to herd cats

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 08/27/2018 at 21:16 • Filed to: None

0

21

Currently dealing with fabricators, mechanics, hazardous chemical suppliers, parts manufacturers, designers, web developers, etc. And if I take my attention away from one of them for just a second... Whoops! They had to reschedule. Lost the shipment. Bid increased. Can’t find the right materials.

More and more I’m seeing the value of

A) learning how to do everything yourself and then spreading that knowledge to others in the company so you can delagate, only jumping in yourself when there’s a problem or you need to learn another skill (starting the cycle over from the beginning), and

B) putting together a quality list of reliable references and contacts for when you can’t rely on A).

Thought I’d share my contact list. Some of you might find it interesting I suppose. I’ve been building this up so if/when I eventually move on, whoever takes my place doesn’t have to start from nothing like I did. It’s on a Google doc and shared with everyone who might need access to it, and has already come in handy maaaaaany times. Anywhoo, here are the places I deal with on a regular basis. The best I’ve found in their particular areas of expertise, best meaning anything from best quality, to quickest turnaround time, to low prices, depending on what’s most important. Missing I few I think, and always growing.

Contacts

Ben’s Cleaners - Lynn

(206) 622-4262

2221 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Cascade Columbia Distribution

(206) 282-6334

6900 Fox Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Chalet Screens

(425) 823-5757

14522 NE North Woodinville Way #105A, Woodinville, WA 98072

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Evergreen Mowers - Gary

(425) 742-1999

16514 Ash Way, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Ewing Irrigation - James, Kirkland Branch Manager

(425) 576-9540

815 8th St, Kirkland, WA 98033

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:00pm

Kargo Master - Big Van ladder rack

(800) 343-7486
Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

Les Schwab Tire Center - open weekends, will service medium duty vehicles

(425) 821-2743

12410 128th Ln NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

Monday 8:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Long’s Car Care Center - near HQ, quick turnaround

(425) 481-1739
19111 144th Ave NE
Woodinville, WA 98072

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

MAC’s Towing and Truck Repair - Mark, Service Manager

(425) 822-2800 (repair)

425-883-2800 (tow)

8515 152nd AVE NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Sherlock Self Storage - gate code: , storage unit #

(360) 529-3945

21601 W Bostian Rd, Woodinville,

WA 98072

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday - Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tractor Supply Company

(360) 794-0561

13650 Roosevelt Rd, Monroe, WA 98272

Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday 9:00am - 7:00pm

Windows 101 - Manny

(206) 624-1636

730 S Portland St, Seattle, WA 98108

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

425 Motorsports - Dan, CEO/owner

(425) 747-0777

Dan@425motorsports.com

14405 NE 20th St Bellevue, WA 98007

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 21:23

2

[raises hand]

Soooo what the heck is your new career again?

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 21:35

0

Manny is a crook! Don’t trust that guy!

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/27/2018 at 21:35

0

Operations Manager at a medium-sized exterior cleaning company. Plus marketing, sales, company-wide effeciency boosting, etc. Basically I can do whatever I want in addition to normal operations as long as I’m moving the company forward and have something to show for my work.

I don't get to see cats at client's homes anymore :(

AestheticsInMotion > Spaceball-Two 08/27/2018 at 21:37

0

Oh? Can you elaborate a bit? 

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 21:39

1

I got nothin. He’s probably super rad.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 21:39

0

That sounds like a fun job 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 21:42

0

Sounds like a good gig.

Too bad about no residential work for you in person . Seeing homes is one of my escapes from the more unpleasant aspects of my job.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/27/2018 at 21:51

2

Until you find a bathtub full of  workman piss

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 22:24

2

Not sure “reliable” and “contractor” can be put together unless you prefix it with “un”.  Seriously, I got so fed up with contractors flaking, ghosting, or doing shit work that I hired a project manager and now he is being a flake!  The virus is spreading!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 08/27/2018 at 22:26

1

Luckily I've weeded all of those builders out.

Poor_Sh > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 22:29

5

AestheticsInMotion > Poor_Sh 08/27/2018 at 22:34

1

This is why I come to oppo

AestheticsInMotion > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 08/27/2018 at 22:35

1

I like it. Aside from dealing with car dealerships. I think I'd rather take a baseball bat to the stomach for an entire shift than deal with another car salesman. 

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 08/27/2018 at 22:36

0

I miss it. My current escape is building things. Little projects that I can get creative on

AestheticsInMotion > Spaceball-Two 08/27/2018 at 22:37

0

I feel like I'm missing a reference 

AestheticsInMotion > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/27/2018 at 22:38

0

Too bad it’s not realistic to have everything handled in-house. 

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion 08/27/2018 at 22:38

0

Failed attempt at humor

AestheticsInMotion > Spaceball-Two 08/27/2018 at 22:49

1

Here, enjoy this

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > AestheticsInMotion 08/28/2018 at 00:18

3

Ah-HA! And now you’re learning why I put all my talent points into project management and being terrifying without yelling. It’s also why I take no more than 2 projects per year, and charge rates that make lawyers salivate.

Do you have ANY idea how fucking hard it is to get a machinist, an inspector, and an NDT guy to not murder each other when you aren’t physically present?

AestheticsInMotion > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 08/28/2018 at 00:28

0

My project management chops are improving, but oh man I would kill for some intimidation factor. One of my employees was a former machinist and has a fully outfitted shop, so that's one trade I never have any issues with. What is an NDT guy?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > AestheticsInMotion 08/29/2018 at 17:55

0

NDT = Non-Destructive Testing. The guy I used to use was Level 3 certified on all methods and nuclear certified. Then he retired.

Of course, the new guy I found is leaving too. He was also L3 on everything with nuclear. Well they’re closing all the nuclear plants around here.

Being scary without yelling is easy though. You just sigh softly, and talk slowly in the most deadpan fashion possible. Though this may only work if they’ve actually heard or seen you truly angry first, including smashing heavy things.