Milwaukee vs DeWalt Tools, which one?
We’re Lock Nerds Locksmith, a Buffalo, NY-based company that’s always relied on Milwaukee tools. But we’re curious—what tools do other pros trust? We're looking for honest pros and cons between Milwaukee and DeWalt to see if it's time for us to reconsider our setup.
Buy a used truck now or wait until we can afford a new one?
We are a small Junk Removal company operating with a single truck. Our current dilemma is whether we should purchase a used truck now and put the extra money into repairs, or to wait a bit longer until we can afford a new truck that won't need repairs right off the lot. There's pros and cons to both options and we just can't decide.Do you utilize battery-powered tools?
Handheld battery-powered tools have come a long way from their first iterations, especially over the past few years. I've started making the switch away from gas-powered equipment throughout the last few seasons for my business and have found the switch to be positive for my workflow and bottom line. This is a trend I believe will continue as batteries become more powerful and long-lasting. Are you utilizing any battery-powered equipment and, if so, do you have any favorites you'd like to share??Best ways to track material costs?
Tracking material costs in the electrical contracting industry is critical because supply prices (wire, conduit, breakers, panels, etc.) fluctuate frequently due to market demand, copper prices, and supply chain changes. A strong system protects profit margins, improves estimating accuracy, and helps maintain consistent pricing for customers. How does your company keep track?What tools do service professionals carry every day beyond their main equipment?
I’m not just referring to the basic tools of the trade. Every Day Carries (EDC) are those essential items you simply can’t do without. I always ensure I have my wallet filled with business cards, my cellphone, sunglasses, Felco pruners, a Leatherman multitool, a reliable folding knife, a working pen, a notepad, a small flashlight, and an irrigation adjustment tool. There have been so many moments while I’m out providing quotes where my EDC items truly help seal the deal. For instance, if I’m walking a property for a landscape maintenance job and I spot a broken branch on a Linden, I can quickly pull out my pruners to snip it off. Or if I see that a corner of a lawn is looking a bit dry, I can take just a couple of minutes to adjust an irrigation head. Potential customers really appreciate noticing your attention to detail and your proactive approach to caring for their property, even before you finalize a contract! What do you carry on your person every time you leave the house/business?New, Used, or Lease? And WHEN?
As a small business owner it has been nothing short of challenging to build a business from nothing. I came from nothing and have built this thing from the ground up. I didn't have a lot of money. When I first started I couldn't afford company vehicles. I eventually bought used vehicles in the $20K-$30K range and financed them and that was fine until I unexpectedly slowed down and had to sell off my trucks just to survive. Once I rebuilt from the slow down I decided to buy used vans around $9K to $10K cash. Right now I have 6 vehicles. One of those vehicles needs major work done. And the others are all 100K miles or more and I feel like they are just ticking time bombs. I want the reliability of newer, or leased vehicles but the risk intimidates me after my struggles in 2022. Is there a formula for when you should go from paying cash for used, to financing newer/new, and to finally leasing? Is there a revenue metric, a number of vehicles in your fleet, or some other sign that going one route over the other is more advantageous or less risky? Thanks for taking the time to read this and share feedback!Maintaining Your Equipment: Tips & Tricks from the Pros”
As a business owner, keeping your equipment in good shape is key to staying efficient and reliable. I’ve learned that regular maintenance and knowing when to upgrade or replace tools can save a lot of headaches down the road. What are some of the tools or equipment you can’t run your business without? And how do you keep track of maintenance or repairs?”* Maintaining your equipment is essential for keeping your business running smoothly. Over the years, I’ve learned that regular maintenance and staying on top of repairs can prevent costly breakdowns and delays. Some of my go-to tips are scheduling monthly check-ups, keeping track of warranties, and having a solid backup plan for when equipment goes down unexpectedly.
