You down with PPE? Yeah, you know me!
Google AI explains it as "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to any clothing or equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards in the workplace and protect the wearer's health and safety. PPE is considered the last line of defense when other controls cannot eliminate or reduce the hazard adequately." I've always viewed personal protective equipment (PPE) as my primary shield for staying safe and healthy on the job. With machinery that can spin at speeds up to 10,000 RPM, it’s essential to prioritize my protection. What about you? What PPE do you typically use in your work? For me, I rely on: Ear protection: Since most of our tools operate at high decibel levels, it’s crucial to safeguard my hearing. I personally prefer foam earplugs over earmuffs for comfort. Eye protection: When handling equipment like line trimmers, mowers, chainsaws, and blowers, debris can go flying everywhere. I want to ensure my eyes stay safe from any potential hazards. Safety boots: I opt for high-rise boots with steel or composite toes and plates to protect my feet. Long pants: These are important for shielding my legs from rocks and other materials that can become projectiles. Sun hat: Keeping my head and shoulders covered helps shield me from the sun's rays while I work. Remember, taking these precautions not only keeps us safe but also helps us enjoy our work without worry! One more important type of PPE—at least in my view—is knowledge! It’s really vital to have as many staff members trained in First Aid as possible.
The $10,000 Flush: Why Your "Flushable" Wipes are Killing Your Septic System
We see it every week. A homeowner calls us out for a backup, swearing they’ve done everything right. They don't put grease down the drain, they don't use the garbage disposal, and they even use those expensive "septic-safe" additives they found at the big-box store. Then we open the tank. What do we find? A "mat" of flushable wipes that looks like a wet wool sweater and a system that is literally choking to death. At First Turn Grading & Septic, we’re tired of seeing good people waste thousands of dollars because of clever marketing. It’s time to set the record straight. The "Flushable" Lie Manufacturers can call a wipe "flushable" simply because it disappears when you pull the handle. That doesn't mean it breaks down. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve in seconds, these wipes are reinforced with plastic or synthetic fibers. In a septic tank, they don't disintegrate. They float, they clog your inlet pipe, and eventually, they make their way into your drain field. Once they’re in the drain field, you aren't looking at a simple pumping job anymore—you're looking at a full system replacement. Stop "Seeding" Your Tank with Junk We’ve heard it all: "Flush a dead mouse," "Add a packet of yeast," or "Use this monthly chemical booster." Here is the truth: Your body provides all the bacteria your septic tank needs. Most additives actually do more harm than good by breaking down solids too much, suspended them in the liquid, and allowing them to flow into your drain field pipes where they cause permanent clogs. The Only Three Things You Should Flush If it isn't one of these three things, it belongs in the trash can: **bleep** Poop Paper (Toilet paper only!) Let’s Settle This in the Comments: We know some of you swear by your additives or "flushable" wipes. Have you ever had a tech tell you your tank was "clean" while using them? Or have you been the victim of a "flushable wipe" backup? Drop a comment below—tell us your worst septic horror story or tell us why we’re wrong about the wipes! We respond to every single one.New Google Search Features: Online Estimates Filter and “Have AI Check Prices” — what does this mean for service pros?
Google has recently started rolling out new pricing-related features in local home service search, and they could impact how service businesses get discovered. Two early changes we’re seeing: “Online estimates” filter Google is beginning to surface an Online estimates filter in some home service searches. Early signs suggest businesses that provide clear, machine-readable pricing or instant estimates may be favored over generic contact forms. “Have AI check prices” or “Ask AI for Pricing” feature Google is also testing an AI feature that gathers pricing on a homeowner’s behalf by using AI to call businesses and collect price quotes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=illIa8LSfY0 These features are still new and evolving, but they raise big questions about pricing transparency, estimates, and local search visibility. We’re curious: Have you noticed either of these features in your area yet? Do you currently show pricing or estimate ranges online? Do changes like this make you rethink how you approach pricing and Google visibility? Would love to hear what service pros are seeing so far 👇Switching from Spreadsheets to Fleet Management Software: What Changed for You?
If you have moved from spreadsheets or whiteboards to a fleet management tool, what changed the most for you day to day? Did it save time, reduce mistakes, or improve visibility across your vehicles? Is the switch actually worth it? I personally used to keep my schedule in Excel until one day I missed an appointment. This is where Jobber came in for me, but what is your story?How Much Should You Really Be Charging?
The number one question I receive is tied directly to the fact, most contractors are still guessing when it comes to pricing. Overhead. Profit. Labor rate. Trip fees. They think just because they throw a number they hear their competitors use, thats all that they need. It may work, but how and what do you divide these funds is just as important for your business health. If you don’t know how to do the math, you’re not building a business. You’re surviving check to check and think you need more work, when you do not. So here’s the plan: This Tuesday & Thursday on IG, I’m walking you through our Contractor Price Builder Worksheet FREE on instagram live. We will cover: - How to calculate your real hourly rate - The difference between markup and margin - Why profit is a non-negotiable - And how to price with confidence Join the session. Bring your numbers.
Xero intergration
When integrating with xero, does the customer recieve the invoice from xero or jobber? I currently invoice via xero, I want to smoothen my work flow and integrate but thought I'd ask here first, how was the process? (Don't want to mess my books up and create extra work for myself) TIA 👌
How do you help employees collect tips?
We run a cleaning company, and in our industry, tips are a regular occurrence. However, Jobber doesn't support tip collection on the mobile app or on an emailed invoice. Tips can only be collected from a credit card payment in the client hub. Consequently, our staff rarely get tips. Are any of you using other software to assist in tip collection for your employees? Any ideas on how to overcome this issue?How to back up job photos and files from Jobber?
Hey all, just wondering if this is something others have run into. A few of our clients have been talking about how they handle long-term storage of job photos and documents, especially when staff leave, or when they want to organize files outside of Jobber. Some mentioned wanting to move things to Google Drive or DropBox automatically, but I’m not sure how common that need really is. Just curious, have you or your team thought about this? Is keeping a backup of Jobber media files part of your process, or not really a concern? Appreciate any thoughts! JoshHow should cleaning businesses pay and structure their first part-time employee?
Hi, I am moving into the phase where I would like to hire anvemployee. I want to start with one person part-time. I am confused on what is right or wrong with my plans. I would like to explain how I want to handle hiring. Then I want to ask for input from this community where I need to make changes or keep my plan: I am looking to hire one part time employee. They will need to drive their own vehicle at some point once they are out of training and on their own. Until then they will be riding with me. When they are in house cleaning they will get there hourly rate and I will set that based on performace and skills. When they are traveling between homes they will be paid at an hourly rate at the minimum wage rate. They will not get mileage reinbursement because they are riding with me and I will be driving. Is this okay or how are others are doing it? Any input or suggesting are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
