Just bare with me here .. I have to rant. North Eastern Pennsylvania has really taught me a few things about work ethic. First, I know by posting this I'll get some heat from a few folks. Yes, I know, I am biased. However, I've spoke to people living in NePa for over 60 years, people that just moved to NePa, and people from Poland that just moved here. I feel as though I have had a good amount of sample and plenty of time to make this assessment.
So here is my word of advice to north eastern PA: You don't get rich off ONE JOB but MANY jobs.
I have NEVER seen people charge so much for basic manual labor in my life. I had quotes in excess of $3,000 to put a fence in (I supply materials), quotes in excess of $1,500 to lay concrete that I SUPPLY, and quotes as high as $550 to run an electrical outlet for a wash machine. I laugh, move on, do much of the work myself, and shake my head in astonishment.
Also, if you want to find a few kids to do some manual labor (haul bricks, clean a basement, etc.) FORGET ABOUT IT! I remember I used to do landscaping with my father in Northern Virginia, would take on side jobs painting wine cellars and getting high from the fumes, and haul debris into piles. After searching for a teenager to make some cash, I realized teenagers that want to make some money DON'T EXIST. Instead, they gather in parking lots with long hair, winter hats, and ride bikes. I guess mommy and daddy pay them to do nothing so why should they so a little labor? Keep reading, click here
Luckily, I've found a nice guy by the name of John Foose at Time Builders that understands the basic concept of repeat business. He will haul debris away, put up a fence, and work hard. As a result, he gets our repeat business. So, instead of over charging for a job and never getting anymore work from me, he is getting consistent work, able to do at his leisure, while he is between large home remodeling jobs.
That is it NePa .. STOP COMPLAINING about having no work. Don't overcharge for basic stuff. I am sick of hearing, "I am a skilled tradesmen, I don't haul stuff away", etc... Do little work, gain repeat business, make money.
Any my challenge to NePa is find me some teenagers that aren't lazy and want summer side jobs!
Thanks for reading my useful rant .. but hey, it made me feel good.