Scaffolding Bosses

[Dandaps]

Knowing some of the forum users are scaffolding bosses I was wondering if the guys who have scaffolding firms want to share how they setup. Was it by chance, inherited the firm, do they love it or hate it? Are they still on tools and love mucking in with the lads or do they like to be suited and booted or whatever?

 

[dangeruss]

Knowing some of the forum users are scaffolding bosses I was wondering if the guys who have scaffolding firms want to share how they setup. Was it by chance, inherited the firm, do they love it or hate it? Are they still on tools and love mucking in with the lads or do they like to be suited and booted or whatever?

I didn't have a choice really,I would be a scaff now if I had the chance. Smashed myself up in a bad accident and had to stop scaffolding,started as a supervisor for BFT after the accident, then for Palmers, then a contract manager for Palmers, then director of a smaller firm and director of another firm.Then last year was made redundant,wife , ex wife, 3 kids to support in the worst rescession for 50 years.I started up a company with a brickwork subbie and haven't looked back.I still go out on the tools once or twice a week if can. I never wear a suit and I say thanks to the lads everyday when they go home. I love it when we're busy and hate it when we're quiet.

If there is one thing I have learned it is that "without a decent manager the lads are nothing,and without decent lads the manager is nothing" look after them and they'll look after you.

 

[mart62]

Started on my own from scratch with a 3.5 tonne truck. Now have 3 7.5 tonne lorries and try and be on the tools everyday but its not always possible.

Still nothing better than being out on the tools getting the jobs done.

Times are tough out there with tube and board prices going through the roof but still love the job really. Just the hassle of getting the money in and paying the wages is the hardest bit every time.

Agree totally you need the men on your side so you have to try and look after them

 

[fanscaff]

i was working for a firm, back in the 70s, was let go, then with my old man, we just started to do a few jobs, it grew to be a decent firm, we tried to do a good job, and kept the gear in good condition, we found that the same cleients would come back to you if you gave a good service, personely, i loke to keep the hand in, but as your company grows you have no choise, but to be more office bound, and working from the car, visiting clients, not all scaffolders will make good bosses, but the best boss of a scaffold firm is someone who came up the hard way, on the tools, if you are thinking of going into business, let me know, and i see if i can help, semi retired,

best of lusk,

joe