Open to objective opinions from fello pros

[TintWizard]

As some of you know, I've been tinting since I was a kid, and am Semi -retired about 2 yrs ago (not to be confused with being rich by any means) just means I'm in a position now where I can turn away the "less desirable" cars and shut the doors when I want . (I've never enjoyed the business as much as now..the hardwork from the past has paid off)

I'm finding now that I'm turning away more work now than I want to due to the word of mouth still spreading , business is still increasing..I lost about 8 cars whe nI went away to Mexico , I was thinking of going back into it again full tilt (seeing as I've had an ample break) or hiring someone...I only have done this once B4 and hasn't happy with the outcome...it's the only time I had work come back to me for redos + as most of you know when your in a small area as I am..your reputation is EVERYTHING. I'm a second generation tinter(dad being fully retired) and have 2 boys..the oldest being 9 and chomping at the bit to help me. Question is...Do I let the extra work slip by as it has and enjoy life as I have,do I go right at it again and wait till the boy gets older to take over some of the burden, or hire someone again and get over my prior bad experience with doing this?

Thanx in advance for your constructive posts from "the bigger businesses than mine" or the smaller businesses that have faced this dilemma B4

[Guest thetintshop]

it depends, do you want me to be honest? or tell you what you want to hear?

[pierce8468]

you could hire someone to do all the bs. you dont feel like doing. and just inspect all the work before it leaves. of course you would still have to put in the hours. just not the agg of actualy doing the work.

[TintWizard]

it depends, do you want me to be honest? or tell you what you want to hear?

go ahead TTS I even want to hear from you..I'm a big boy, I can take it

[Guest thetintshop]

do what I do, take in what you can and only run off the ones that you REALLY don't want to do. and never load yourself up. unless it's trucks or D&Ps, I don't do more than 2 a day. any more and you get burnt out. I would start training your kid too. he's old enough. I plan on starting my kid around 8-9, if he wants to. I started when I was 14, doing complete jobs. get him doing the roll ups and qtrs. if you can make it "family time", and not work, it will be alot more enjoyable.

this is the way I do it, and 75% of the time, I almost feel like I don't have a job. (my post count should be reflective of that)

[TintWizard]

You've just verified my "gut feeling " on how to aproach this TTS ,thanx.

[Guest Blade]

take in what you can and only run off the ones that you REALLY don't want to do. and never load yourself up.

TTS is right.....if you can stay busy, turn away the crap, and finish everyday not stressed out.....then life is good!!!!

[Guest Litespeeds]

Alot of your decision depends upon your financial situation as well as what you want out of life. It is very hard to turn away business but then again, you don't want to miss the time away from your family and friends.

I would start training your oldest son and hope he enjoys tinting as much as you do. Kind of like a father and son thing. Eventually you can just oversee the business without getting your hands dirty. That is what I am hoping to do one day with my 6 1/2 year old son. He loves cars as much as I do.

[Guest skeeter]

Well, here it is at 4:15 am and my quick get away from reality is coming to the keyboard for a couple of minutes. I'm 37, and currently have 2 shops with 6 full time people and 1 part timer. I used to be a one man tint show. I 've always been rather agressive in business and have been self employed since 89. Owned a small market-meats, fresh seafood, deli and groceries from 89-99. Owned a seperate cafe/deli from 91-98. Have had as many as 15 rental units , a mix of commercial and residential units. Many years had as many as 30 plus w2's to prepare. I'll admit to having the advantage of inheriting around 30k in the late 80's. Luckily , I used it wisely and although I was in my early 20's devoted myself to whatever business I was involved in. Also, I've got an equally hard working wife who is twice as smart as I'll ever be. My point is, you'll never know til you try. Sure, my days are still long -yesterday 12 hours. After I finish this post I'm off to work - around 5am. But I find it very satisfying. Your dificulties and annoyances will multiply with the more you have going on, but if the work ethic you posess thrives on accomplishment, you may find growing to be a thrill. Or, you may hate it. Develop a long term plan and see if your quality of life and family can accomodate such a change and whether or not you believe it will be worth it. Bigger is not always better. And by the way I'll mention I have my first baby boy due in March. Who knows how much I'll feel like working then? Or my wife? Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. My advice is go for it! You can always easily go back to the simple life.

[LEO'n'DARTZ]

it depends, do you want me to be honest? or tell you what you want to hear?

I will learn this phrase