Discussing The Hands On Requirement of Certification - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Discussing The Hands On Requirement of Certification

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Micheal Pumphrey

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Date: 10 days ago

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I have plenty of people helping me. "Proper Training" - I would take your courses if you didn't require us to attend an event or meet with prostaff. It's just not logical for me to do that. I'm sure other people feel the same as well. __________________ Micheal Pumphrey Unqiue Property Maintenance UniquePropertyMaintenance@gmail.com Chesapeake Beach, MD

AC Lockyer

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Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
I have plenty of people helping me.

"Proper Training" - I would take your courses if you didn't require us to attend an event or meet with prostaff. It's just not logical for me to do that. I'm sure other people feel the same as well.

Classes dont require that nor do I. You can just purchase the class and watch it.

AC

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AC Lockyer Owner
ac@SoftWashSystems.com or 407-832-1108
Winter Springs, FL

Alejandro Riojas

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Date: 10 days ago

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Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
I have plenty of people helping me.

"Proper Training" - I would take your courses if you didn't require us to attend an event or meet with prostaff. It's just not logical for me to do that. I'm sure other people feel the same as well.

Micheal the best advice anyone can give in this board is to go over the modules you don't have to go to any events like you say. These events are held for people that want to have advanteges over there competion the knowledge gain from these events is simply not regrettable IMO. Iam in your position where I can't be spending money but its like my dad says in Spanish if its to better yourself tie your nuts and just go for it boy!!

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Bob Riddick

SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

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Date: 10 days ago

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Michael, the education modules put together by AC are the very best training programs for this industry BAR NONE! Do yourself a great big favor and sign up for the 8 Lead Tech modules. Once they are saved to your computer, you'll have them to educate your crew on rainy days.

You're missing out on a lot of valuable information designed by a guy with over 20 years in the business.

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Micheal Pumphrey

Freshmen Member

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Posts: 47

Date: 9 days ago

IP: 69.250.89.101

AC Lockyer wrote:
Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
I have plenty of people helping me.

"Proper Training" - I would take your courses if you didn't require us to attend an event or meet with prostaff. It's just not logical for me to do that. I'm sure other people feel the same as well.
Classes dont require that nor do I. You can just purchase the class and watch it.
AC

I'm guessing they're videos?

I'm deaf

The Lead Tech Certification requires the eight modules indicated as well as eight hours of hands on instruction from a SoftWash Systems Pro Staff member.

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Micheal Pumphrey

Unqiue Property Maintenance

UniquePropertyMaintenance@gmail.com

Chesapeake Beach, MD

Matt Jennemann

Sophmore Member

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Date: 9 days ago

IP: 75.134.93.8

I think Michael is referring to the 8 hours hands on with a pro staff member so he can get his lead tech certification. I myself haven't taken the lead tech modules yet although I plan on taking them soon but it isn't feasible for me either to drive from mid Missouri to do my 8 hours of hands on with a pro staff member at this time with fuel prices in excess of 3.70 a gallon. When you made that a requirement it kind of turned me off from it because I won't be able to get my certification until that's done. You get the knowledge but don't get the paper to prove it.

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Matt Jennemann

midmosoftwash@gmail.com

Mid-MO Softwash

Union, MO

AC Lockyer

Administrator

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Date: 9 days ago

IP: 69.116.158.175

Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
AC Lockyer wrote:
Micheal Pumphrey wrote:
I have plenty of people helping me.

"Proper Training" - I would take your courses if you didn't require us to attend an event or meet with prostaff. It's just not logical for me to do that. I'm sure other people feel the same as well.
Classes dont require that nor do I. You can just purchase the class and watch it.
AC
I'm guessing they're videos?
I'm deaf
The Lead Tech Certification requires the eight modules indicated as well as eight hours of hands on instruction from a SoftWash Systems Pro Staff member.

Michael,

Just because you don't get the finalized cert without the hands on doesn't mean you cant get the education. The Lead Tech Eight erases a 1.5 year learning curve. If you dont think it was worth the price Ill give you your money back. No one has ever asked though.

AC

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Providing Equipment, Chemicals, Education & Support To The Soft Washing Professional
www.SoftWashSystems.com
AC Lockyer Owner
ac@SoftWashSystems.com or 407-832-1108
Winter Springs, FL

Matt Jennemann

Sophmore Member

Status: Online

Posts: 58

Date: 9 days ago

IP: 75.134.93.8

I'm in no way saying it's not worth it AC it's just nice to have the cert to show your customer. Like everyone says if you have the certs you can command more $ because you are trained in the chemicals and processes needed to use them correctly and I believe in that 100% it's just a hard pill to swallow when the drive time is that much( but I'll still be doing it)... You have great products and great knowledge and we all appreciate that so thank you.

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Matt Jennemann

midmosoftwash@gmail.com

Mid-MO Softwash

Union, MO

Brandon Vaughn

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Posts: 50

Date: 9 days ago

IP: 67.168.246.143

Michael & Paul, as a newcomer to the SoftWashing biz, (but not to business in general) I can promise you, you won't regret spending the $$ for the modules. Even if you can't make the full time & money investment for the hands-on training - the modules are invaluable.

A business mentor of mine used to tell me - "A wise man learns from his mistakes, a wiser man learns from others mistakes".

AC has made probably every mistake in the softwashing biz over the last 20 years (obviously learned from them creating such a huge company). Taking advantage of his experience will save you boat loads of repeat mistakes along the way.

Maybe I missed it, but Paul, are you using Plant Wash, or just rinsing with water?

-- Edited by Brandon Vaughn on Tuesday 13th of August 2013 02:53:23 PM

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Brandon Vaughn

All-Clean! SoftWash
Gresham, OR
brandon@allcleansoftwash.com
www.allcleansoftwash.com
503.887.6404

Bill Booz

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Date: 8 days ago

IP: 68.34.36.19


Guys, he told you. HE IS DEAF. HE CANNOT HEAR THE MODULES __________________ Bill Booz Accuwash LLC UAMCC director of Standards and Practices 240-425-2845-Cell

Bill Booz

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I can't believe no one addressed that he said he is deaf. I text him almost daily. He wasn't joking..... A little respect from the blind to the deaf?? __________________ Bill Booz Accuwash LLC UAMCC director of Standards and Practices 240-425-2845-Cell

Brandon Vaughn

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Date: 8 days ago

IP: 67.168.246.143

Whoa, easy Bill.

Michael's comment sounded like sarcasm to me personally - of course I live with a very sarcastic family, maybe I'm just numb to it... biggrin I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone who didn't catch on that he meant it literally. My apologies Michael. I certainly didn't mean any disrespect.

Even still, the modules are a PowerPoint slideshow presentation, yes you will miss out on AC's voice and inspirational words and elaborations, but still would be worthwhile. He probably knows someone who could interpret for him. I have several deaf friends, and they hardly let anything from holding them back in just about everything. ;)

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Brandon Vaughn

All-Clean! SoftWash
Gresham, OR
brandon@allcleansoftwash.com
www.allcleansoftwash.com
503.887.6404

Brandon Vaughn

Sophmore Member

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Posts: 50

Date: 8 days ago

IP: 67.168.246.143

By the way Bill, your website looks great. I've been thinking of using the Commercial or Residential gateway in my own site as well.

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Brandon Vaughn

All-Clean! SoftWash
Gresham, OR
brandon@allcleansoftwash.com
www.allcleansoftwash.com
503.887.6404

Bill Booz

Junior Member

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Posts: 113

Date: 8 days ago

IP: 68.34.36.19


Thanks Brandon it's not finished. Moving from Flash to PHP. You cannot gleam emotion such as sarcasm from written text on most forums. That's generally a part of what causes problems on forums. Assumptions kill progress in business. __________________ Bill Booz Accuwash LLC UAMCC director of Standards and Practices 240-425-2845-Cell

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Bill Booz wrote:
Guys, he told you. HE IS DEAF. HE CANNOT HEAR THE MODULES

Didnt see that. I thought he was making a pun. I have the old 6 workbook written version I did for Delux three years ago if that would help Matt...

AC

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Bill Booz

Junior Member

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Date: 7 days ago

IP: 68.34.36.19


Thanks AC, I thought you might have missed it. Stay cool bro! __________________ Bill Booz Accuwash LLC UAMCC director of Standards and Practices 240-425-2845-Cell

Michael Derose

Lead Tech Certified

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Posts: 569

Date: 7 days ago

IP: 71.58.36.232

I must say this and Ac don't take this the wrong way but I signed up for the 1 yr unlimited modules for up to 3 employees and after a month into it you changed the rules of the certification. I haven't said anything publicly till now but if I want my employees to be certified now I have to pay them the 8 plus hr to sit and watch the videos and take the test but I also have to pay for them to go to wherever and do hands on training that they have been doing for the last three yrs. My point is I felt like a breach of contract after I had signed up for the program. I think you should consider changing it back to they way it was. Again no disrespect but this is how I feel.

-- Edited by Michael Derose on Wednesday 14th of August 2013 04:22:59 PM

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Power Washing/Soft Washing in Williamstown,NJ

Roof Cleaning in all of south New Jersey

Call 1-800-Roof-Clean-"Customers only"

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Tim Teed

SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

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Date: 7 days ago

IP: 76.124.98.34

I read the same way I listen to my wife, I just sort of pay attention. Mike, if you are reaching out to Bill Booz, you've found the right guy to share info. I'm in my 2nd year and most of the learning curve is over. I just bought a used piece of **** truck as my second rig. I hope it lasts through Nov. I plan on buying my 2nd AC softwash rig for the spring next year. I couldn't have done it without help from guys like Bill, Mike Derose, Ray Burke, Mike Laskowski, Matt Lancaster, John Alosio and many more. Why help others? Its simple, we want to compete with similar companies, not the fly by night guys. When you help others good things come. My sons and I finally had a free day and cleaned my church's roof and stucco last week. A university called a few days later and needed some brick walls sealed before classes start in fall the same week. My biggest single day job by far ever. Its not a coincidence. Always help others. Vivat Jesus.

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Tim Teed

Vesta Wash

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Micheal Pumphrey

Freshmen Member

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Posts: 47

Date: 6 days ago

IP: 69.250.89.101


bill, ron, and Tony have been more help than I could ever ask for. __________________ Micheal Pumphrey Unqiue Property Maintenance UniquePropertyMaintenance@gmail.com Chesapeake Beach, MD

Mike Wedge

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Date: 3h, 10m ago

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Im going to have to agree with Michael Derose on this one. I too signed up for the unlimited program,I took and completed all of the available modules which should of given me a Master Business Certification and have nothing to show for it because I have to jump on a plane and fly from Hawaii to wherever to meet up with someone who is going to re-teach me what the modules already taught me. And Ill Have to do the same thing every time I train a new employee, Nah, I will make the trip myself because I have to and I really think the knowledge gained might be great and then train them myself. I will also try to make the bigger soft wash palooza events because I know the knowledge and training gained there is immeasurable, But its a hard pill to swallow when your starting a new business and on a tight budget. Im still throwing rocks I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a basic training course and besides that I got roofs to clean. Not Angry, Just Saying!

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AC Lockyer

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Mike Wedge wrote:
Im going to have to agree with Michael Derose on this one. I too signed up for the unlimited program,I took and completed all of the available modules which should of given me a Master Business Certification and have nothing to show for it because I have to jump on a plane and fly from Hawaii to wherever to meet up with someone who is going to re-teach me what the modules already taught me. And Ill Have to do the same thing every time I train a new employee, Nah, I will make the trip myself because I have to and I really think the knowledge gained might be great and then train them myself. I will also try to make the bigger soft wash palooza events because I know the knowledge and training gained there is immeasurable, But its a hard pill to swallow when your starting a new business and on a tight budget. Im still throwing rocks I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a basic training course and besides that I got roofs to clean. Not Angry, Just Saying!

Mike,

You never called to discuss this. I would have expected you might because of the special circumstance you are in. Unlike Mike Derose who has events in his back yard almost quarterly you have little or no resource for getting hands on with anyone aligned with the community. I'd actually like to address this in another thread because we have already hijacked this one from the original theme. Ill start a new one in the appropriate area of the BB so we can openly discuss.

AC

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Winter Springs, FL

AC Lockyer · Administrator

OK lets continue the discussion here,......

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Ac even though there are events " in my back yard" I still have to pay extra to get my guys certified. When I signed up for the program that was not the case. My guys learn on the job everyday.

My question is what will they be learning new at the revolution camps that they wouldn't learn on the job and in the modules?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

I have seen people who have taken the modules, which are good to a point, make mistakes or loose the techniques in translation that needed hands on training. Also may of you asked for the hands on portion because you were either concerned about competition being able to access the same modules online and wanted a higher hoop for them to jump through "or" didnt have the manpower or resources to provide your own hands on training especially if you were an owner operator trying to get out from behind the wand.

I have personally come in contact with roof cleaners across the country (I believe that there is no one else coming in contact with as many as me) that are using way too much chemical, using poor spraying techniques, and have been poorly trained by other faux associations.

I think a Lead Tech needs to get AT LEAST 8 hours of direct hands on instruction by a qualified roof cleaning instructor before receiving their Lead Tech Cert. Now who is a qualified roof cleaning instructor is another matter.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Ok but what will they be learning new at a camp other than what I have taught them?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Mike,

Maybe the next time I am up in Jersey I need to come by and see how you are doing your hands on training and what is covered. If it meets with my approval then I see no reason why we couldnt work something out. What that would be needs to be explored. As long as we are getting the desired result of well trained and consonantly trained Lead Techs I am open to almost anything. We will just need to make sure it is standardized.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

My main guy has over 100 hr of me training him as well as he has watched the modules with me.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

My training for my guys is over. Now it is a matter of just making sure things stay smooth and on course. Everything has a system from driving to spraying. Every job is the same with maybe some different obstacles. When ever there is something new I am right there to help them and myself learn and conquer that task so it goes with out a hitch next time around.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Michael Derose wrote:
Ok but what will they be learning new at a camp other than what I have taught them?

Lead Tech Daily Duties
Assistant Tech Daily Duties
Use of 00, 15, 25 and 40 degree tips
WFP roof cleaning techniques
Various surface applications for roofs & exteriors
Mixology
Plant Protection
Crowd Control
Work site Organization
Use of safety equipment
Peer Management
End of Day Procedure
a general lesson on appreciating their owner that their owner can not teach or communicate themselves.
and more...

Revolution camps in 2014 will also include Salesperson and Manager hands-on training for their job responsibilities. These are like mini Softwashapoloozas for those who missed the one near them or have added employees since then.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Let me say this. I think it is a good idea to have hands on training for someone that is new to the business. Now someone that has been around lets say maybe 3 years or more it might be more beneficial to just do the modules and take the test because maybe when they are out in the field they may already have the experience to notice what they are doing wrong and correct it.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Michael Derose wrote:
My training for my guys is over. Now it is a matter of just making sure things stay smooth and on course. Everything has a system from driving to spraying. Every job is the same with maybe some different obstacles. When ever there is something new I am right there to help them and myself learn and conquer that task so it goes with out a hitch next time around.

That is AWESOME Mike. Not everyone is at that point yet. These tools exist for those who still need help growing and maintaining their businesses.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

AC Lockyer wrote:
Michael Derose wrote:
My training for my guys is over. Now it is a matter of just making sure things stay smooth and on course. Everything has a system from driving to spraying. Every job is the same with maybe some different obstacles. When ever there is something new I am right there to help them and myself learn and conquer that task so it goes with out a hitch next time around.
That is AWESOME Mike. Not everyone is at that point yet. These tools exist for those who still need help growing and maintaining their businesses.
AC

I understand that as well. I am in now way saying that I or my company is perfect. I always could use a new technique for sales and maintaining is sometimes a struggle but we keep doing the process that you taught us 3 years ago and it just comes down to following the system.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Michael Derose wrote:
AC Lockyer wrote:
Michael Derose wrote:
My training for my guys is over. Now it is a matter of just making sure things stay smooth and on course. Everything has a system from driving to spraying. Every job is the same with maybe some different obstacles. When ever there is something new I am right there to help them and myself learn and conquer that task so it goes with out a hitch next time around.
That is AWESOME Mike. Not everyone is at that point yet. These tools exist for those who still need help growing and maintaining their businesses.
AC
I understand that as well. I am in now way saying that I or my company is perfect. I always could use a new technique for sales and maintaining is sometimes a struggle but we keep doing the process that you taught us 3 years ago and it just comes down to following the system.

Absolutely!

Mike Wedge · SoftWash Systems Master Certified Applicator

Aloha Ac,

Curious where we purchase the 8hr course videos or if your referring to modules. Don't get me wrong I want the hands on, but if there are videos I can watch to get my certs than i'm on it. You can't get a job saying your a Harvard Grad Because you took the classes. You need the Diploma to prove it.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Sure Mike, we just need to come up with a viable option.

AC

Matt Jennemann · Junior Member

Ac my closest pro staff member is a 10 hour round trip not to mention the hotel cost and driving expenses. I can't justify that at this time. My real job at the time doesn't permit me that freedom unless I am laid off and then the money issues come into play. If you can come up with an option of some kind that would be great. I just wanted you to know that I believe in your products, have used them all and have never had an issue with anything. I also don't have have a problem with taking the modules either I just want to make sure that if I take the courses I can get my lead tech cert. At this time it makes more sense to me to save the $299 for more greenwash and ch.

Micheal Pumphrey · Junior Member

It's just not viable for some of us. Not to mention you can be picking up someone elses bad habits Just because someone doesn't take YOUR training doesn't mean they don't know what they're doing

Doug G · Junior Member

Can I ask where we stand on this issue?
Has a video been made so that we can meet this 8 hour hands on?
How much does the "Hands On Teacher" charge?

I have very mixed emotions here. I agree with hands on training and find tremendous value in it but I do feel a good video can accomplish the same thing and is a more viable option.

I really want to, and will, take the modules but not having the cert is a major draw back. Maybe a different cert for the hands-on?