My Startup Is Killing Me

[@alemapjackson2189]

❤❤❤ bless your heart! Thank you for your transparency! It will get better.

[@landmarkcreations1183]

Thai video hits close to where we are at. Currently moving into our new yard, new employees, bought a new skid steer, another work truck, picky customers (and terrible neighbors), concerned about work and leads coming in. It was one of those weeks for sure. But at the end of the day I would rather have these problems than a different set of problems like working in a factory at a dead end job or working a job I absolutely hate. It’s a trade I’m willing to accept

[@NoahDevine91]

Totally feel you and agree, it’s a lot of work but in the end worth it 😃

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Working for someone else isn’t an option. I need the possibility of unlimited upside even if the alternative is unlimited downside.

[@kevinmckenna7959]

I am very happy to hear you vent...we are experiencing the same thing....My bucket has been overflowing for 3 years.....but we keep moving, because THATS THE KIND OF PERSON WE ARE!!!!!!!!! Remember...No one can do it like we can!!!! I retired for 3 years...and couldn't take sitting still and getting old sucks more than dealing with asshole clients all day.....you can do it....stay with it!!!!!

[@gerardorosas3428]

This industry has its ups and down one thing for sure, it's nice to see a happy customer joyfully letting you know how great we are for our work we put in the field We know you'll be out of this moment in life and get to your happy zone. love your team culture!! keep up the awesome work brother!! 💪👍 God bless 🙏🏽

[@SuccessfulContractor]

This is just a season in this business…just waiting on spring.

[@MrCleverFox]

This is SO relatable for more industries than fence industry. Hang in there Mark!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Thanks!

[@ThePreparedHomestead]

Great video! Thanks for being raw and real. I feel your pain, my bucket has been overflowing at times as well.

[@leighjames4396]

Thank you for doing this honest video. Hell I feel your pain. I run a Tree Surgery business in the UK, and this last 2 years has been hell. My business has gone backwards and it has almost destroyed me. Since the covid pandemic and higher cost of living, I’ve noticed my customers get more picky, less willing to accept quotes, less willing to pay on time, and generally just difficult and awkward. I’m also really sick of explaining to customers how much our running costs have gone up just to survive. I hope 2024 brings you masses of success, and hopefully you’ll make us some great content to show it. Good luck. 👌🏻

[@trackmader]

Feel this on my level. Stress of growing into a employee has been a huge stressor this summer. But having help has been a game changer in other ways

[@SuccessfulContractor]

The only way to ever be truly free is to have good people.

[@Mamabearforeverlovelife]

I’m trying to start a small Reno business on my own as a mum so I get the overwhelm aspect you speak of. But once a day for 1 hour, compete quiet and a real break for the soul is needed. Hope you find a way to destress

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I used to like to get out for a road trip to clear my head…

[@jamesrecknor6752]

@@SuccessfulContractor I get out for a road trip, to the other side of the world. Philippines, Korea, anywhere. lol

[@philipodonoghue8724]

Hey Mark I just came across your channel the other day. I'm really appreciating the info that you're giving out. I was watching this video on how how much water you had in your. I was working for a construction company during the work day and then working for myself in the evenings and weekends and I was doing pretty good. Then my boss got cancer the owner of the company. On his deathbed he left me the company and the guy to run. Since then I've had both of my trucks engines blow up I borrowed a van 3 days ago and it broke down today I've been having to rely on one of my guys to pick me up from my house and bring me to the job. My wife is getting stressed out and overwhelmed. Was having a moment with me about the fact that I have no idea where any of the tax status is. So I really have no idea what I'm completely walking into. I'm trying to keep the good guys that I've got employed. As you said more water in my bucket. Back to working on Saturdays and Sundays trying to get all the current customers done and some past customers completed and cleaned up. More water. And of course I'm the guy that knows how to do all. Plumbing concrete electrical I mean I can repair your phone if I needed to. I might be replacing a motor in a truck or two real soon. Anyway thanks for putting that out there honest as you could. Im in Western North Carolina. And I really like to be a that good guy that works with everybody. I'd say if we didn't have so much water in our bucket it'd be pretty cool to have some lunch together and back each up. Anyway thank you bro.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Wow--thanks for sharing. You got this! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@lukestevens8402]

I almost stopped the vid to comment and ask how your experience has been with customers here in FL and you hit that topic before I hit pause. I’m a turnkey door & millwork sub-contractor for 25 yrs and homeowners here in the last 5-10 yrs have made me want to close up shop. I try to be positive every day but my bucket runs over very quickly as well. I keep trying to be content and positive but it’s tough. I want to scale beyond where we are now but H/O’s are one of the biggest roadblocks. Very tough to hire for customer interaction service techs. I messaged Shawn King in a live video about it and he doesn’t seem to have the same problems we have here in FL. I feel your pain! Please hang in there and do what you believe is best for your family and you, even if that means “thinnin’ the beans” and doing less. I know I’m in a different industry but your videos have made a WORLD of difference to me. We run around 800-900 homes and year, with 3-5 phases each, inventory and light mfg in our shop, delivery to job logistics, managing installs and punch service and then homeowner satisfaction on all those phases and the blue tape chicken pox on the jobs is an every day over-the-top problem. QC focus on the front end installs doesn’t seem to curb the homeowner’s entitlement and pickiness either. Sorry for the rant but thank you so much for sharing. I pray we all figure out a way to better navigate this state full of opportunities and idiosyncrasies…

[@SuccessfulContractor]

1 in 10 is a nightmare. I have never seen anything like it.

[@congenius]

You are absolutely pushing it hard! Hope something gives in your favor here soon so you can get a break.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I’ll make it through fo sho!

[@kubotajordan9502]

Thanks for sharing Mark .So true everything you said some days it never quits. Hang in there It will get better y'all take a mini vacation and chill. I'm pulling for you.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Thanks so much

[@mharila2]

Mark, I have to say I get so much from these raw and real videos that show the path to being a successful contractor is not all happiness and light. Its hard work, its a grind, its pouring everything you have into your business and then when you dont think you have anything left; you find a way to pour a little more into it. Its therapeutic for me see these moments so I remember that Im not the only one experiencing days like these. Although I have had my company for many years, most of that time it was just me and 1-2 others. I own several other small businesses that are just my wife and myself so my focus was often elsewhere. I started 2021 with no employees, but I decided it was time to focus on and grow the company; which has basically been the equivalent of a start up. It is crazy just how much our companies have paralled each other during that time. Your trailer getting stuck in a ditch was about the time one of my new guys hooked up a trailer to one of our trucks with an undersized hitch... it came off in a busy intersection. That same month my truck was rear ended. There are so many other examples I cant even begin to list them all. There have been many days when I questioned everything about my decision, but we are getting there! Our crews and culture have been steadily improving. We have grown exponentially each of the last couple years and this year looks to be even better. Fortunately, when my bucket overflows I get to see what youre going through and see that you're keeping it together and it helps me to do the same. I wish there was a way I could do the same for you! Keep going, you got this!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

It’s therapeutic for me to share this honestly. We have made great strides but there are days I feel so far away still.

[@blackfoxcontractingltd]

You got this Mark. I appreciate you taking the time to post these videos even when time means the most and none can be wasted. I'm in a spot as well because I feel like the standard 24 hours in the day just doesn't cut it. I've used this lesson to teach my kids the importance of relationships. When we lean into those around us and how we can be greater than the sum of our parts united. As well as in moments when we don't have that support the importance of learning on how to take a break than quitting. Thanks again!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Everything will be alright in the end, If it is not alright, it is not yet the end.

[@MandEmma7]

I love this video. Sorry you were having a hard time though. That’s real!

[@Veterans_Fence]

Relatable content is always the most therapeutic. Thanks for the video!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeffnorman2290]

Hang in there bro Things will come around for anyone who is ambitious like yourself

[@newenglandman2413]

You speak in very possessive terms, Mark, like this is your life, your world, your control. If that's what you believe and how you are motivated, and not merely how you speak, a cup of water in your bucket will be too much.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Not sure what you are getting at….

[@jamesrecknor6752]

@@SuccessfulContractor The earth and all in it are the Lord's, we really own nothing. Put the burdens, challenges, problems in His hands. It's His business.

[@radius_podcast]

Real talk. Thanks for sharing… the future is still bright even when the bucket is billowing over.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I appreciate the confidence.

[@brendamurray5653]

Appreciate the reality! Keep pushing forward, it all comes in waves.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Agreed

[@ContractorArchitect]

Haven’t seen a video in while. Last one was titled “I’m not okay”. Well I’m just checking in to see how you are doing. I HOPE YOU ARE OKAY MAN!!! I’m in the biz and know how it can get. Just sending out encouragement your way. Get back on the horse and send out another quick video just letting us know all is well with you, mind, health, family and company! Take a break, breathe and know it will all be okay!😊

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Alive and improving

[@freedomfencingllc722]

Mark, glad to hear im not the only one. Why did you guys decide to move to Florida? I appreciate the videos!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I was tired of the cold. No more cold and wind for me.

[@geneshepherd2962]

If you've got to many pokers in the fire none of them get hot.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Truth

[@Voltage06888]

Thanks for sharing and keeping it real 👌🏽

[@MelissaRegnery]

My husband manages to put everything in his bucket but me....thats a great feeling.....any suggestions?

[@SuccessfulContractor]

My wife found ways to help me which took weight off of my shoulders and allowed us to be together. I suggest such an approach. However, depending on the situation you may need professional guidance.

[@NoahDevine91]

I feel you mark like you said in time you will be able to rely more on your team members to take a lot of that of your plate. But wow you have done a lot already with your new location impressive and you will get there if anyone can do it 💪 you will be swimming one of these days 🏊‍♂️

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Swimming would be nice!

[@NoahDevine91]

@@SuccessfulContractor that sucks are still going through it with the pool company

[@alicanbe1]

And I thought I had some tough crap going on...I feel better already. Hang in there bud.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

It’s a season in life. This too will pass.

[@thenewsound1847]

My brother just started his own fencing company this year in ky name is MVP Fencing and it has been an amazing life change for him he has had multiple big jobs and is only manly running board,woven and high tensile and been taking off like a rocket

[@SuccessfulContractor]

There’s always room for good contractors that do good work.

[@pedrolamas5706]

I just heard about a product called DAY1 and it’s supposed to help “wake up” the concrete so that you can smooth it out. Maybe your concrete guy used something similar

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I’m betting your right. He did have a magic bucket.

[@ryanburrell2975]

Update? Great content !

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Soon maybe… I’m short on time it seems

[@justinsh2129]

This is where I’m at. Most days recently it’s been more stressful to keep going than it’s be rewarding. It’s weird cause most my issues revolve around our work load. Last year I thought I would have killed to be in the position I’m in now however if it’s not material issues or order issues then it’s not not having enough time to get crap done. I decided to scale back on our work load cause my mental health and enjoying my life is more important to me. It’s definitely a struggle trying to balance work & life lmao. But I’ll be dammed if I gotta go back and work another 9-5 😂

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Working for someone else is never an option for me but changing course in business is always an option. This will work, I am confident in that.

[@justinsh2129]

@@SuccessfulContractor amen to that!!!

[@Kleiminc]

Thanks for sharing bro!!!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Happy to do it.

[@betterboss]

I can feel this one!!!

[@cburnham2559]

Love The Wire clip

[@deqwanjefferson2969]

Sleepless nights, i understand man.

[@gustavofring2968]

Hey new to this series what are the name of your business. Whats the website for it??

[@SuccessfulContractor]

SWIFlorida.com and swiwyoming.com

[@jamesrecknor6752]

We must control our businesses, not allow them to control us.

[@boypreachr]

One day installs... I'm with you on thqt one

[@SuccessfulContractor]

So rare here.

[@ryanburrell2975]

Update?

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I’m slow to respond

[@brucesooner]

We are and automated gate company in GA. Been doing it since 1988 in the Atlanta area. Love to come down and help train your guys for free in exchanged for some channel time

[@SuccessfulContractor]

If we did more gates I would love that.

[@rawhidefence]

Bigger bucket.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

I’ll pass on that.

[@tiktatttoe]

I feel the same way everyday here in texas

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Chin up. We’ll both make it.

[@stevenmoore3960]

Keep your head up. I started my fence company about 18 months ago after watching your videos. I don’t expect to get rich from fencing, but it has provided me with a lot more income to make investments to get me to where I want to be. So thank you for that.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Thats great to hear!

[@dimalunga-n2q]

Growing pains

[@michaelestrada235]

Wow sounds like California!!!!! Lol!!! Glad you can find good help your way!!!! All the workers here want to be on their phones instead of working!!!!!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

It’s hit or miss here too.

[@Chuy000]

Mark People Are Horrible They'll Complain About Everything And Anything. I Know You Have Lot On Your Plate But You'll be OK TooBad This Is All On Your Shoulders Been there and Not having supportive People Almost Broke Me Praying For You And Fam God Bless You ...

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Thanks 🙏

[@elliottbrown1725]

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Cheers!

[@MandEmma7]

The meme person is great. Who did this?

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Thanks! I've got a video guy who knows his stuff.

[@dimalunga-n2q]

Focus on the few not the many

[@volpefence4419]

I think you need a real big bucket

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Or less to do…

[@greglaumbach4783]

My bucket is overflowing also.

[@SuccessfulContractor]

We can empty it together!

[@TAGGdinc]

SBA LOAN, Federal Startup Grants, angel investor, equity sales, micro loans, business lines of credit, business loans.

[@TAGGdinc]

SBA LOAN, Federal Startup Grants, angel investor, equity sales, micro loans, business lines of credit, business loans. Oh the contractor who refuses to give itemized bid breakdowns isn’t successful as he might otherwise be since he accuses his customers of being malicious for wanting

[@Overfl00d]

1st world problems ay?

[@SuccessfulContractor]

Problems just the same…

[@Overfl00d]

@@SuccessfulContractor not downplaying your unique problems and tribulations. What I mean is, other countries have way worse problems. We’ve got it good in USA 🇺🇸 amigo.

[@natmidnite]

Not trying to hate ..... but. You don't have to include so many cute clips. I stopped to learn something and they are getting annoying. Just saying!

[@SuccessfulContractor]

That's good feedback.