I want to start my own locating company

[Mack]

I read alot of posts today in this forum. Nothing written in here has anything to do with going solo or breaking away from the naysayers. I am researching the internet for information on how to start my own locating company or maybe partner with someone who thinks the same.

Besides alot of complaining and neutral conversations,

Can anyone give me input, ideas, suggestions, information or links relating to starting my own locate company?

I would like to find a partner or partners who love locating but are fed up with the way things are ran from company to company.

What I'm thinking is a little different from the conventional way companies think. For example, getting alot of capital, fleet vehicles, employees, supervisors, insurances, promoting and so on.

I'm thinking that the only way locators can profit from this industry is to become certified, licensed and insured. Then we would be in a data base and hired individually as a professional with our own vehicle and equipment to do a job for so long in such an area. I was looking at my directv installer and I see that they are subcontractors. I see many technicians on a daily basis installing cable tv with their own vehicles and it seems they work alone and from what I understand they are contractors also.
I love the idea of dealing direct with the client.

How can we become more powerful as individual locators? Like a lawyer or a doctor? Where campanies like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Sprint, Embarq have no choice but to contact a certified individual directly and contract with them directly to do a job in a specific area for so long.
We wouldn't have to use translore, q-manager or any other ticket management software for billing because we would get our tickets directly from the one call center by logging in. the call center gets the tickets first, then the locating companies log into the one call server and get like 500 tickets, then the company routes them to the supervisors by area, then the supervisor cherry picks and gives you your fuked up tickets.

This system started by ordinary people just like you and me. It can be redone. Or maybe one of you out there are "like minded" and want to be a contracted professional instead of a low wage employee in this lucrative business with millions and millions of dollars flowing into bank accounts of individuals to protect the country's infrastructure.

Did you know that if Obama wins, we will have more money flowing into our infrastructure, roads, bridges and utilities? If Mcain wins the money goes to the middle east. Locators will be in demand more than ever if Obama wins.

I am getting out of the subject.

But any ideas, brainstorming or meeting up in person are welcome. I want to break away from this enless trap of locating for low wages and taking crap from ordinary folks who are in the same boat with me but are illusioned with the "supervisor" "district manager" title (you are still an employee and subject to termination by Arnold the terminator"

[frostypeters]

Wow, There is so much I want to comment on but I'm having trouble forming thoughts right now.

I think your heart is in the right place, but I can't get past the Obama/McCain comment. How can someone who wants to start a business be SO misinformed. You writing a post selling yourself to round up partners and/or investors and spew that crap. I think you lost any possible partners with that right there.

Fact is there are companies doing the subcontract thing, just none of the majors.

If you don't mind filing 1099 forms, it's ok. Otherwise it can be "taxing" (wink, wink for the Obama supporters...)

If you want to start a company, more power to you. Start small, it's not easy and good luck. But please do more research on Obama (especially if you want to be a small business owner).

[Mack]

I can bet my life you listen to "Rush Limbal", "Hannity" or watch the republican FOX news network. These people devote their energy and time trashing Obama. It's obvious.

You made me laugh...

I think YOU are misinformed my friend.

My only point of bringing up Obama and Mcain was to inform that if a democrat wins this November, I speculate that more money will be spent locally on our infrastructure and this is GOOD for us locators. Verizon wants to roll out fiber in every nook and crack of our country, guess who will be in demand? Locators. Bridges and roads will be repaired and guess who will be needed? Locators

Obama wants to help solve problems here at home, and Mcain wants to solve problems abroad. (In my opinion)

[AULupstate]

Here is a tip, Locators are in demand no matter who is in office or what party is in office. As long as things are buried Locators need to find them.
Obama (lol) yes you are right he wants to fix the tax problem at home, by taxing ANYONE who makes 250,000 a year and over, individual AND SMALL BUSINESS by up to 80%.That's not Fox news or Bill O or any other nut with a talk show, that is FACT! Unless of course Obama flip flops on that which by all accounts and previous actions he will. Let's say he doesn't and he gets his way, Who will have to pay? Minority owned companies? Oh I am sure there will be a loop hole there so only 'Whitey' will have to pick that tab up at the end of the tax year so low income or no income individuals and families can continue to enjoy the government backed programs that the rest of us can't qualify for obvious reasons.
Personally if Obama wins I'm transfering ownership of my company to my wife, Female owned, Minority. Qualified for all kinds of help. Loans, Grants, tax breaks. My money that I earn through my hard work and 18 hour days is staying with the people who earned it.
Other than that I think it is you who are misinformed and should take a real hard look at policies that WILL afffect you as a business owner. Start by looking at Illinois and Chicago to see how great Obama is as a leader. See how programs and bills he voted for in his state are working. Chicago sucks on a whole from a tax standpoint. If that's what we have to look forward to then we have serious problems ahead of us.

[Goldenboy]

This is exactly why there is a separtate topic for Politics. I wouldn't even think about talking politics with my buddy let alone on a forum. Unless the topic is all politics.

Hopefully Steve will change your username for you. That is just downright wierd seeing a newbie with the name Forum Administrator.

But anyway good luck on your endeavors of starting your own company. Sorry I can't help on that topic, I've never owned a company.

[LadyLeatherneck]

I also would like to see Steve take care of the user name you have chosen. Doesn't quite seem to give credit where it is actually due! Also, you would need to understand business a whole lot more than it seems you currently do in order to succeed. I think, if it were me, I would go back to the drawing board and begin again, this time doing my homework, before I invested any money.

[TheCableVine]

Name changed...

the thread started out to be an interesting and thought promoting topic but quickly spiraled into a controversial topic. I can only wonder if that was the intent the whole time.

[LadyLeatherneck]

Thanks Steve. You're probably right. End of discussion! I wouldn't waste my time anyway!

[Mack]

I also would like to see Steve take care of the user name you have chosen. Doesn't quite seem to give credit where it is actually due! Also, you would need to understand business a whole lot more than it seems you currently do in order to succeed. I think, if it were me, I would go back to the drawing board and begin again, this time doing my homework, before I invested any money.


Someone changed my nickname.

well lady leather, your wish has been fulfilled, someone changed my username and I couldn't log in to see if anyone had ideas. I don't like the new nickname somebody assigned me "mack". I didn't choose "mack"

I am starting to see a "herd" mentality in this forum, I chose to pick a nick name that stands out. My nickname did not contain foul language or disrespectful words. I feel offended that the nickname I chose, gets changed in an American forum. Censorship online leaves a bad taste.

Feels like I'm in a dictator forum. I can only say and do what the master says.

But lady, I just want to comment on your remark " you would need to understand business a whole lot more than it seems you currently do in order to succeed. I think, if it were me, I would go back to the drawing board and begin again, this time doing my homework"

I think I understand business. Humans trade. We have been trading since existance. We trade money, time and objects for money, time and other objects. Call it business, BA, economics or what ever word our society invented, but trading is what we do. Let's not complicate things here.
Basically I am looking to trade my valuable short time for more than just $15 an hour. Business is all about trading. So what more do I need to understand besides that? Please be specific. What homework do you refer to? I was hoping to do my homework on a locating forum, not argue about politics and get my name changed and get my hotair balloon shot down to the ground vocally by employees who are comfortable in their cacoons.

I was wondering how we can shift the industry to need us as individual professionals and compensate us accordingly, than to just sit back and let a few of those who "understand business" manage us like a herd of cows to the slaughter house. It's amazing that a large herd of strong, powerful and large cows/bulls are guided to the slaughter house by a 178 pound man and a little dog. I believe it's what you know. So, I ask for information. I don't want to follow the herd into those retirement stalls. I want to go another route. The little dog can bark at me all day, but I will walk the opposite direction. Maybe the 178 pound human will shoot me in the back, but no matter what, I would rather die trying to go the other direction than to die following the herd as usual.

[sprayandpray]

Uh oh! I smell something/someone here -the spelling has been cleaned up but the attitude is showing through. Someone help me out here- I have a former members name right on the end of my tongue ----?:confused:

[TheCableVine]

Did you really think there is a forum in existence that would allow you to call yourself the 'Forum Administrator' when you are not?

I'm sure you will get over it.

Just a little note as well. I'm not really in the mood for your old tricks.

[frostypeters]

Uh oh! I smell something/someone here -the spelling has been cleaned up but the attitude is showing through. Someone help me out here- I have a former members name right on the end of my tongue ----?:confused:

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

Steve & Goldenboy,

You guys are right, my first response on this did steer the discussion to politics. I am sorry for that, there is a time & place for that.

[yahoo]

is anyone wondering why i didn't add nothing to this post??????

[Mack]

Yes, I'm wondering why. I am also wondering why this guy that took my nick "administrator" says he not in the mood for old tricks. Can someone enlighten me? Is he talking to you or me?

[gypsygirl]

:popcornsmile::popcornsmile::popcornsmile::popcorn smile::popcornsmile:

[gypsygirl]

Yes, I'm wondering why. I am also wondering why this guy that took my nick "administrator" says he not in the mood for old tricks. Can someone enlighten me? Is he talking to you or me?


Are you kidding me????? ..... (shaking head in total disbelief).... Did you even "think" about the name you originally chose????.... :scold:Uh...Duhhhh...

[Mack]

Hi again,

My name is Charlie Helms from Wappings Falls, New York. I am in Clearwater, Florida helping with a convention setup. Just wanted to let you know that I am serious about putting together an organization of professional locators. I found your website via google. I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with local locating employees. I thought the forum was for locating in general but it looks more to me like a tight community of locating employees chit chatting at the watercooler.

Certification will be a requirement and I was wondering if any of you heard of a company called Utility Training Academy. So far they seem to be the only group training in this niche market.

I want you to feel free to contact me at Charlie_Helms@live.com to brainstorm ideas and set up an organization of certified professional locators. and maybe we can pass them through this school.

Tell me what you think...

Charlie

[AULupstate]

Go to Staking University, it's much much better than UTA.

[Mack]

Thank you for that information AULUpstate, I just sent a letter to UTA's website. I just looked at Stake University's site. Looks interesting. Do you know of other training schools across the country off the top of your head?

So far I have two on my list.

I know that many utility companies train their own locators with an experienced locator. There are no standard certification requirements in America that I am aware of. I could be wrong, but my searches don't bring in results.

With thousands of locators across the United States, I wonder who is teaching these men and women these skills? I learned with SM&P.

There must be a law somewhere that requires locators to be nationally certified, licensed and insured for damages individually (This would make everyone a careful locator). If no law exists, then there should be one.
And if the certification of locators is law, then there will be a need for schools to train these people and register them.

I don't know how I'm gonna do this, but somehow locators across this country must wake up and unite with me to take the power away from the employers who exploit us and be recognized as vital highly paid professionals.

This can be done in my lifetime. It is doable. It's not unrealistic.

The locator will be up there with engineers, surveyers, inspectors and public saftey.

So, are you telling me that only two or three individuals are making some money training locators across the country? What if we round up these schools and locators of this forum, organize into a National Locators Association and just stop all operations on a certain date nationally and make a request to our government and multi billion dollar utility companies?

If millions of people protested for O.J. Simpson, then it couldn't be too hard for locators to stop work and stand up on a specific day to bring awareness.

I was looking at the NUCLA website for locators, and there is absolutely nothing of benefit there. Just pictures of men in neckties and I don't see anyone on that site bending over backwords for contract utility locators.

We can do better. It's 2008

[gypsygirl]

If you check out the forum ... we have had quite a few discussions on this topic. You will find that there are a lot who agree with the idea of certification & licensing of locators. This is a skilled trade... as those who have been around more than six months know... it should require some sort of certification... or apprenticeship program.

[GWJ_CAS]

OK, time for me to chime in...

Locator Certification is an open topic on this board already, search the topics and you will find it.

The idea is already coming to pass in at least three states, Georgia, California and Wyoming. California already passed a "Locator Qualification" Statute, Georgia has a "Locator Certification" statute in the legislature for a vote and Wyoming is drafting legislation for the same.

There is a major meeting on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 in Marco Island, FL to discuss Locator Certification on state and national levels. The "who's who" of locating and certification will be in attendance including Mike Parilac of Staking U, Bob Neiswonger of UTA and reps from DeKalb Technical College (A Georgia College that offers a certificate program in Locator training). Also in attendance will be reps from every major locating company, NULCA, NUCA, CGA and the Major Equipment manufacturers (RD, Metrotech, Vivax, Heath, Schonstadt, etc).

The idea of Locator Certification is already happening and the train has left the station while you were talking about political candidates.

NULCA has a new focus and a new Executive Director who will be working hard on the "Locator Certification" front, so don't discount them just yet.

I have spoken with the Administrator of DeKalb Technical College regarding their program. They are willing to meet with other community colleges to advise them on starting similar programs and standardizing cirriculum.

The round table discussion on Weds, is with the Florida Utility Coordinating Committee, a group with the power to create and influence legislation certainly in the State of Florida and potentially nationally. Florida may set the example for other states to follow unless NULCA and the CGA can push to establish a federal format....stay tuned.

[sprayandpray]

SM&P is now using 4 week training classes. I think it might behoove them to come up with some type of Instructor's Certification. I'm not big on Locator Certification or Standardized Training due to different situations in different parts of the Country.

[GWJ_CAS]

SM&P is now using 4 week training classes. I think it might behoove them to come up with some type of Instructor's Certification. I'm not big on Locator Certification or Standardized Training due to different situations in different parts of the Country.

Spray, there are specific answers for your concerns. I will post the report from the round table meeting this Weds. I am sure that it will address the specific concerns regarding certification.

The plain truth is this; Locator Certification is coming, like it or not, it is coming. Just look at California, Georgia and Wyoming...NULCA has realized this is coming and is jockeying for the ability to drive the train before it runs away.

The basic principal is this; Locators will be certified in abilities that are universal to the process, i.e. EM theory and practice, GPR theory and practice, plan and as-built reading. These will be called "Core Certifications". Once a locator is certified in the "Core" competencies, they can earn specialization certs such as Gas, Water, Power & Telecom. As we all know, there are specific intricacies to each of these facility locates, i.e. locating water does not involve unbonding a ped...

Over the past several weeks, in conversations with NULCA Board Members and CGA Board Members, they realize that certification is the next logical step and that the train has already left the station in three states. They want to create the standard and drive the process before process leaves them behind.

You have three choices, drive the train, ride the train or get run over by it...where do you want to be?

[AULupstate]

National Standardization would be nice. Problem is 'Diploma Mills' might start poping up Certifying people who really shouldn't be locating jack if it is going to cost money to get certified. GWJ CAS, ask Bob how much he charges at UTA when your at the Marco Island meeting. Not to sling mud but not a big fan of the 'graduates' I've ran into.
Hey if you guys are looking for a good place to eat there, a nice Italian joint is in Naples on 5th Ave S in a little plaza next to McMurphy's Irish Pub, can't remember the name of it but best Italian food in Naples.

[GWJ_CAS]

AUL...I agree that we do not want the "Diploma Mills" involved. The way around this is a State regulated test for certification and perhaps licensure with the Dept of Business Regulation, much like an insurance agent and hair stylist...they could attend the school of their choice, but would have to pass the state test to become certified...may help weed out the pretenders.

I have not run into any UTA grads yet, that I know of, but I have met a couple from Staking U, several in fact, who seem to have enough on the ball to do this job...

In Naples, for Italian I eat at Campiello, near the Tommy Bahama store and restaurant. I also like Pazzo, but Campiello is my personal favorite. My parents like on Marco Island, so I spend a good deal of time in and around Marco / Naples...

[wet_boots101]

:popcornsmile::popcornsmile::popcornsmile:

Certifications?!? Obama supporters?!!? Entrepreneurs??!? Username changes!!?? :nerd:

Happy Monday, everybody!

[Mack]

Good Morning,

Thank you so much for your input GWJ, I am getting all this down on paper.

I searched the forum this morning and can't seem to find the topic of locator certification like you said. Maybe you and Gypsy can point me in the right direction past all the jokes and watercooler talk.
I have two school names from AUL (the who), I got Marco Island from you(the where), I got a train leaving the station in California and other states heading to Florida (the what), I got Wednesday, August 6th (the when, but not the exact location of the meeting). I just don't have the why figured out yet.

My next question is, why is this meeting not posted in this forum?

How did you come to know about it? Please share

How can our ordinary hard working locators be part of the action?

Can we be invovled in the process without paying fees to an unknown individual of this nucla organization?

If I can't attend and no one sent out invitations to my fellow locators in every locating company across the country, to come eat with the Italians on Marco Island, Then we probably don't want to be on that train.

That train may have left the station, but another one will follow and with all the locators I'm planning to bring along, hopefully it won't derail. So, let that one train go ahead alone without us. There will be more trains.

This is where we can be different. This is why we should start our own locating company. Just more of the same. People doing things behind our backs and never with the interest of the the lady who has to get up at 6 AM and route herself, to drive and walk on dangerous highways and hundreds of lawns exposed to dangers unseen, to protect multi-million dollar infrastructures, to live in a truck just to put food on the table and get by, while the main contractors get paid directly from Verizon. (locators are not even subcontractors) You are just hourly employees getting the crumbs. On top of that, the contractor spends thousands of dollars on tracking equipment to monitor locators like little children. Like hanging a bell on a cow to know where it is.

Based on the little research I have done so far, and by looking at the board of director's photos, I personally don't think that they have our best interest in mind. I bet they are pushing their agendas just to be the first and corner the "locator Training" market.

Now if they succeed, good for them. I don't have anything against "diploma mills" (like you guys call them) The lack of schools concerns me. I was taught that competition is good. When you see alot of schools teaching air conditioning and hair stylist courses in the ghetto, then this is a sign that theres a HUGE market for this, and you will want to be a part of it.

In my opinion if they succeed with "diploma mills" ( or any progress requiring Locators be certified) then the future for locators looks GOOD and PROFITABLE.

The more schools the better. I sure hope these men succeed. Someone has to open the flood gates. You can be making money teaching locators industry, or you can make a ton of money as a certified locator contracted by AT&T directly instead of working for CLS for $15 an hour. Anything is better than just letting these contractors like CLS, run good folks through their in house "diploma mill" and kick you to the street with 60 tickets and exploiting the people's damage prevention skills for $15 an hour, when they make MILLIONS.

I want to start a locating company different from the conventional locating company. I have to do this.

Now, I will come back later and check for answers to my questions in detail.

After reveiwing some feedback from you, I will start immediately working on your new website for National Locator's Association. What will make this different from what "managers of crowds" tell you, is that you WILL be informed, your voices will not be drowned out. It will be a transparent site. It will be free. In the interest of making the locator a bonofied, high paid professional. That's my mission. (Also making money) of course.

Tell me what you think

[TheCableVine]

This person... Mack, has the same IP address as Justice for Locators. So, his only purpose is to stir things up. There are other factors that let me know who it is also but I won't get into those.

As I said. I'm not in the mood for childishness.

See ya later Justice.

[RoadMap]

Someone changed my nickname.

well lady leather, your wish has been fulfilled, someone changed my username and I couldn't log in to see if anyone had ideas. I don't like the new nickname somebody assigned me "mack". I didn't choose "mack"

I am starting to see a "herd" mentality in this forum, I chose to pick a nick name that stands out. My nickname did not contain foul language or disrespectful words. I feel offended that the nickname I chose, gets changed in an American forum. Censorship online leaves a bad taste.

Feels like I'm in a dictator forum. I can only say and do what the master says.

But lady, I just want to comment on your remark " you would need to understand business a whole lot more than it seems you currently do in order to succeed. I think, if it were me, I would go back to the drawing board and begin again, this time doing my homework"

I think I understand business. Humans trade. We have been trading since existance. We trade money, time and objects for money, time and other objects. Call it business, BA, economics or what ever word our society invented, but trading is what we do. Let's not complicate things here.
Basically I am looking to trade my valuable short time for more than just $15 an hour. Business is all about trading. So what more do I need to understand besides that? Please be specific. What homework do you refer to? I was hoping to do my homework on a locating forum, not argue about politics and get my name changed and get my hotair balloon shot down to the ground vocally by employees who are comfortable in their cacoons.

I was wondering how we can shift the industry to need us as individual professionals and compensate us accordingly, than to just sit back and let a few of those who "understand business" manage us like a herd of cows to the slaughter house. It's amazing that a large herd of strong, powerful and large cows/bulls are guided to the slaughter house by a 178 pound man and a little dog. I believe it's what you know. So, I ask for information. I don't want to follow the herd into those retirement stalls. I want to go another route. The little dog can bark at me all day, but I will walk the opposite direction. Maybe the 178 pound human will shoot me in the back, but no matter what, I would rather die trying to go the other direction than to die following the herd as usual.

To your first point, If Steve wants to cahnge your name, it is his right. It is his FORUM. Get over it. Free speech works here to a point. If Steve does not like what you say he deletes it. Again, Get over it. If you want to talk politics, choose a different thread or make your own thread or start your own forum. Then you can have all the free speech you want!!

Now if you want to trade money or other financial instruments have at it. But knowing how you see things you will probably lose every dime you have within the first week. Or a couple of margin calls within the first day!

[AULupstate]

Figured that after seeing Forum_Administrator. It's fun to play along sometimes.

[TheCableVine]

For the record I have never deleted a post because I didn't like it. I have deleted offensive posts or occasionally at the posters request but that is rare.

[RoadMap]

For the record I have never deleted a post because I didn't like it. I have deleted offensive posts or occasionally at the posters request but that is rare.

Sorry! That is what I meant.:Todd:

[yahoo]

Yes, I'm wondering why. I am also wondering why this guy that took my nick "administrator" says he not in the mood for old tricks. Can someone enlighten me? Is he talking to you or me?

just tell us who you are and all this will be over!!!!!!!!!!if you won't tell then he's talking to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:popcorn:

[sprayandpray]

just tell us who you are and all this will be over!!!!!!!!!!if you won't tell then he's talking to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:popcorn:

See post #10. I just couldn't recallhis name due to CRS:confused:

[RoadMap]

It is kind of like changing your name to Michael Jordan. You can't play basketball but you want the same perks as him. There can only be one ADMINISTRATOR. I guess you could have called yourself IDIOT instead. Because complaining like you have been over this is kind of, how should we say, IDIOTIC!

[Wingfoot]

Good Morning,

After reveiwing some feedback from you, I will start immediately working on your new website for National Locator's Association. You WILL be informed. Your voices will not be drowned out. It will be a transparent site. It will be free. In the interest of making the locator a bonafide, high paid professional. That's my mission. (Also making money) of course.

Tell me what you think.
Last Sunday morning I was channel surfing and caught that charlatan preacher from Houston, Texas, Joel Osteen. (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RVWHzamQqDk&feature=related) Joel was embellishing on a point to his crowd of 30,000 listeners. Mack, I stayed long enough to catch the one story of Joel's that made me think of you.

Joel sez all the people that you and I are involved with in our daily lives can be caterogized into 4 equal groups:

25% will never like you. No matter how good you treat them, say or promise nice things to them, share with them or spend money on them, nothing will change their minds. You are wasting our time to get them to like you.

25% don't like you, but could be convinced to like you. By starting out nice, and spending quality time with them, you will eventually change their minds to like you.

25% like you, but could be convinced not to like you. Say the wrong thing, do the inconsiderate act and then they are not your backers.

And then there is the 25% that really like you. No matter how bad you walk all over them, say bad things to them and treat them really bad, they will back you to the very end.

I think you have run into a crowd here at theVine that is mostly the bottom 25% group that will never like you or agree with your passion - Mack (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qULSszbA-Ek). I must admit, you can label me in the bottom 50 percentile group, also.

[yahoo]

and so it goes.............................well said wing!!!!!!!!!!

[sprayandpray]

Joel Osteen - stay tuned for the next big "Fall from Grace". Maybe Justice, Mack, whover they are will 'see the light' -- Nah!

[Wingfoot]

Joel Osteen - stay tuned for the next big "Fall from Grace".
Spray - I see what you mean..... I had no idea this was in the works!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/captd7e8303b01f6433a84dfb32985f8276.jpg (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080807/ap_on_re_us/osteen_s_wife_lawsuit)

The wife of evangelical pastor Joel Osteen got physical when her demands that a small spill on her Continental Airlines seat be cleaned up were not immediately met. Victoria Osteen kept saying: "This is ridiculous. I'm a first-class passenger."

Sharon Brown, the flight attendant, alleges that Victoria Osteen shoved, grabbed, and pulled her while attempting to enter the airplane's cockpit to complain to the Captain, and in the tussle, elbowed her left breast. Victoria has already paid a $3,000 fine to the FAA.

Sharon Brown is suing for 10% of Victoria Osteen's net worth, plus medical expenses for counseling and the pain & suffering from her newly formed hemorrhoids!

Just before Ms. Brown's testimony in court concluded, Sharon's attorney, Reginald McKamie, suggested race may have played a role! :confused: McKamie is suggesting Osteen is a racist because of remarks Victoria made wanting to deal only with Johnson, who is white, and not with Brown or another flight attendant on the plane, who are black. With this final revelation (pun intended), the flight attendant may get the million$ she wants, and more..........

All of this over a spill about the size of a 50-cent piece on a first-class seat.

Jesus traveled by donkey. Why was Victoria flying ‘FIRST CLASS?’

[AULupstate]

Only an IDIOT parts way with his money for 'salvation'. Apparently the lord was too busy to 'part' the spill for this 'believer'. Maybe she should have asked nicer?

[sprayandpray]

Now this is the way to put and end to threads from Justice et al, "Hijack the thread" - Hee hee hee:cool:

[wet_boots101]

I know this is continuing off-topic, but I really have to know: Why didn't this B get the taser from an air marshall a la Adam Sandler in "Anger Management"??? That's the first thing I would have done if some uppity broad tried storming the cockpit. (No offense to the ladies out there.)

And who is this Joel Osteen guy anyway? Never heard of him, Wingfoot. Maybe it's the same as other low-key ne'er-do-wells in the media, like this numbnuts Drew Peterson from my lovely town.

[gypsygirl]

Wow... I have seen him on tv... and like what he has had to say in the past... but she just LOOKS MEAN... and appears to be a B*)&).

[sprayandpray]

Anytime I hear any preacher saying that God wanted him and his followers to be 'wealthy' I automatically tune them out permanently. :noway::escape:

[gypsygirl]

Guess I don't watch/listen to him enough... oh.. well... yeah I agree with you spray...

[ifinditunderground]

Welcome back John......errr Mack. Sounds to me like you are asking for a bunch of locators to band together to make YOU rich. Making you that person that you are trying to "Buck". What an idiot.....I've got a coffee cup full of pennies you are welcome to as an "investment" but I think even that is a HUGE waste of money on you.

:ecomcity::ecomcity::ecomcity::ecomcity::ecomcity: :ecomcity::ecomcity::blahblah::blahblah::blahblah: :blahblah::blahblah::blahblah::blahblah:

[NINJA]

I read alot of posts today in this forum. Nothing written in here has anything to do with going solo or breaking away from the naysayers. I am researching the internet for information on how to start my own locating company or maybe partner with someone who thinks the same.

Besides alot of complaining and neutral conversations,

Can anyone give me input, ideas, suggestions, information or links relating to starting my own locate company?

I would like to find a partner or partners who love locating but are fed up with the way things are ran from company to company.

What I'm thinking is a little different from the conventional way companies think. For example, getting alot of capital, fleet vehicles, employees, supervisors, insurances, promoting and so on.

I'm thinking that the only way locators can profit from this industry is to become certified, licensed and insured. Then we would be in a data base and hired individually as a professional with our own vehicle and equipment to do a job for so long in such an area. I was looking at my directv installer and I see that they are subcontractors. I see many technicians on a daily basis installing cable tv with their own vehicles and it seems they work alone and from what I understand they are contractors also.
I love the idea of dealing direct with the client.

How can we become more powerful as individual locators? Like a lawyer or a doctor? Where campanies like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Sprint, Embarq have no choice but to contact a certified individual directly and contract with them directly to do a job in a specific area for so long.
We wouldn't have to use translore, q-manager or any other ticket management software for billing because we would get our tickets directly from the one call center by logging in. the call center gets the tickets first, then the locating companies log into the one call server and get like 500 tickets, then the company routes them to the supervisors by area, then the supervisor cherry picks and gives you your fuked up tickets.

This system started by ordinary people just like you and me. It can be redone. Or maybe one of you out there are "like minded" and want to be a contracted professional instead of a low wage employee in this lucrative business with millions and millions of dollars flowing into bank accounts of individuals to protect the country's infrastructure.

Did you know that if Obama wins, we will have more money flowing into our infrastructure, roads, bridges and utilities? If Mcain wins the money goes to the middle east. Locators will be in demand more than ever if Obama wins.

I am getting out of the subject.

But any ideas, brainstorming or meeting up in person are welcome. I want to break away from this enless trap of locating for low wages and taking crap from ordinary folks who are in the same boat with me but are illusioned with the "supervisor" "district manager" title (you are still an employee and subject to termination by Arnold the terminator"


Sure first go to the sba website small business ass. from there you will find all kinds of info on starting a legal business. You need to come up with a real business plan in it you have to estimate how many accounts you will have how much you will be spending how much you will be making and you need to state why you feel your services are needed. you need to hook up with the IRS and get a tax number you have to contact all the local city and county governments in the areas you want your business find out about permitting,

these are just some basics you need to get a supplier for equipment you need to get some kind of ticket manager program Utiliquest has Qmanager.
I suggest starting the sba like I said before they will advise you step by step on how to open your business.............:cool2: Hey if you start you business in florida let me know and I will come run your office for you If you let me work from my wheelchair at home.......:good: Don't forget about liability insurance we use to carry a 3 million dollar policy minimum.

[blownoutboots]

I have a few thoughts on your potentail business:
1.) Do you have enough money behind you to buy the required equipment, including vehicles, locate equipment, GPR, etc? Do you have enough to live on for at least one year until things start going? It typically takes a utility 60-90 days to pay an invoice.
2.) Do you have enough money to purchase the right amount of insurance, keeping in mind that every utility company, regardless of size, has minimum insurance requirements, which can exceed $10M per incident?
3.) Do you have any background or education is running a business?

Just something to consider. If you answered no to any of these, you should rethink your idea.

Oh yeah, and Obama is clueless and will tax us out of existance to take care of the lazy, welfare-fed folks...

[ifinditunderground]

I have a much better suggestion for you.......go purchase an old 80's style Dodge K Car, one without an airbag, that runs. Get in, don't bother to buckle your seatbelt, and drive at top speed into the largest tree you can possibly find. :waving:

[frostypeters]

I have a much better suggestion for you.......go purchase an old 80's style Dodge K Car, one without an airbag, that runs. Get in, don't bother to buckle your seatbelt, and drive at top speed into the largest tree you can possibly find. :waving:


Thank you for the image dude. Does anyone else miss the K car?

[gypsygirl]

Mack... it sounds to me like you think that having a locating business is all about raking in the $$. Have you really thought all of this through? Not only do you have all of the above mentioned expenses & liabilities, but you have also mentioned subcontracting... you are either going to start your business or subcontract.. which to me sounds like anyone who is "like minded" with you, isn't really going into business with you... they are just affiliating. There is so much more than just "hanging a sign out". Maybe you want to take on all of that in your own "grandios way of thinking", but if you have not weighed all of the pros AND cons of running a business then you are in for a big surprise! The grass isn't always greener on the other side... and if you don't run a legitimate, quality business.. it may be green for a while but will quickly dry up.

[Wingfoot]

I have a much better suggestion for you.......go purchase an old 80's style Dodge K Car, one without an airbag, that runs. Get in, don't bother to buckle your seatbelt, and drive at top speed into the largest tree you can possibly find. :waving:
Hey ifindit - What do you have against MOPARS?

Why not a Chevy Chevette? http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/silverado.gif
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/358980360_e253615191.jpg

-----

Or better yet, how about a crappy import?
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/CIMG0336.jpg

[AULupstate]

Weren't the 'K' cars part of Reliant? Not really mopar, actually NOTHING from Dodge in the late 70's, 80's and 90's was MOPAR (exception being the truck line ie. Power Wagon), maybe the Diplomat (police package). I'm pretty sure the rest of the Dodge line up sucked.

[phoenix827]

Wing, that looks like my old chevette! lol

[Wingfoot]

Weren't the 'K' cars part of Reliant? Not really mopar, actually NOTHING from Dodge in the late 70's, 80's and 90's was MOPAR (exception being the truck line ie. Power Wagon), maybe the Diplomat (police package). I'm pretty sure the rest of the Dodge line up sucked.
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/s_fa43622b9c4e9147d5c8eae64e7ec3ea.gif

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/Mopar.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/logo.jpg

Welcome to the Chrysler K Car Club! (http://www.chryslerkcar.com/)

[ifinditunderground]

Wing, I drive a Neon to work everyday, I have a Durango in the driveway, I traded in a Grand Caravan on the Durango, I sold my Dakota pickup two years ago cause I couldn't stand seeing it sit in the the driveway for months not being driven, I traded in a Durango for the Grand Caravan......and I even have a Mitsubishi Galant sitting in my garage. (And one Ford Mustang) I like Dodge. It doesn't change the fact that when I ran Fire and Rescue we called the K cars Dodge Death Boxes or Dodge Koffins because if you were involved in an accident at even a moderate speed......chances are you weren't gonna make it.

[USIC1]

Wing, I drive a Neon to work everyday, I have a Durango in the driveway, I traded in a Grand Caravan on the Durango, I sold my Dakota pickup two years ago cause I couldn't stand seeing it sit in the the driveway for months not being driven, I traded in a Durango for the Grand Caravan......and I even have a Mitsubishi Galant sitting in my garage. (And one Ford Mustang) I like Dodge. It doesn't change the fact that when I ran Fire and Rescue we called the K cars Dodge Death Boxes or Dodge Koffins because if you were involved in an accident at even a moderate speed......chances are you weren't gonna make it.


All those vehicles- imagine what effect you have had on the environment???


:yikes:

:escape:

[ifinditunderground]

Yep.....one of them even has a Hemi which averages between 12 and 16 MPG.....and I even have two Jetskis....two-stroke engines. Pollution at it's finest! And I have a riding mower -gas engine, a gas trimmer, a gas pressure washer, a gas snow blower. My kids have a little four wheeler with a two-stroke engine too! I love pissing all you tree huggers off..... You and Al Gore can eat my shorts.

[Hurricane9]

Yep.....one of them even has a Hemi which averages between 12 and 16 MPG.....and I even have two Jetskis....two-stroke engines. Pollution at it's finest! And I have a riding mower -gas engine, a gas trimmer, a gas pressure washer, a gas snow blower. My kids have a little four wheeler with a two-stroke engine too! I love pissing all you tree huggers off..... You and Al Gore can eat my shorts.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[AULupstate]

Again Wing, past 1975 Dodge SUCKED! Look at what they stopped making because of the "Energy Crisis" then. Challenger, Charger (the real one not the new 4 door imposter), Dart all the real muscle cars that made Dodge great in the 60's and early 70's you know, back when when you could fill your tank buy a pack of smokes and six pack (of anything) and get change back from a $10 dollar bill, that "energy crisis".
Their product line in the recent past, Neon (sucked), Stealth (good attempt, sucked), Stratus (sucked). Best thing Dodge has done since 1974 is bring back the Challenger and brought it back the way IT SHOULD BE, not like that bullsh*t Magnum with the station wagon ass end shortend, Charger was a 2 door and as far as I'm concerned should ALWAYS reamain that way. I would NEVER buy a Magnum or Magnum (sport) as it should have been called. At least if they did that I might have bought one. IMHO

[Wingfoot]

Yep.....one of them even has a Hemi which averages between 12 and 16 MPG.....and I even have two Jetskis....two-stroke engines. Pollution at it's finest! And I have a riding mower -gas engine, a gas trimmer, a gas pressure washer, a gas snow blower. My kids have a little four wheeler with a two-stroke engine too! I love pissing all you tree huggers off..... You and Al Gore can eat my shorts.LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/wingfootsmp/timallen.gif (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExkLAqUBU6c)

Argh! Argh! Argh! Argh! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAhVmjptZMI&feature=related)

[sprayandpray]

What's the deal with Dodge putting the Super Bee Stripe on pick-ups? That's just confusing to people who remember that 60's Muscle Car.

[yahoo]

hey spray how did we get off track with wanting to start our own locating company????

[sprayandpray]

He he he!:tease:(said the Hijacker)

[Saint Pete Locator]

Time to bring this subject back to life!
What have you idiots accomplished besides talking shit about Obama and politics?
We are losing jobs and contracts left and right. Do any of you locators have any brains or fresh ideas?

[ifinditunderground]

Back to Hemi engines.....Dear, would you please close the screen doors, someone let a mosquito in.............

[underground quester]

Yep.....one of them even has a Hemi which averages between 12 and 16 MPG.....and I even have two Jetskis....two-stroke engines. Pollution at it's finest! And I have a riding mower -gas engine, a gas trimmer, a gas pressure washer, a gas snow blower. My kids have a little four wheeler with a two-stroke engine too! I love pissing all you tree huggers off..... You and Al Gore can eat my shorts.



USIC1 is that you???? oh, maybe not...thought it was for a second there by the pot stirring!!!! :D :happy:

[underground quester]

Back to Hemi engines.....Dear, would you please close the screen doors, someone let a mosquito in.............


NICE Segway ifindit :D