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There are two types of installers in the epoxy flooring industry:-

The installer who plans before they start the job (Planners) and those that prefer to just start the job (Doers). The industry needs both types of installers but it is important to recognise which type of installer you are and why it matters to you

 

The Doer	The Planner
Turn up to site with minimal planning and figure things out as they go	Plans the job before turning up to site
Will often have to go and pick up extra bits during the job	Will generally have the necessary tools, extra product etc onsite.
Wants to learn "How". They feel they only learn by hands-on experience.	Wants to understand “Why” not just be shown “How”
Thinks callbacks and repairs are normal for the industry.	Utilises a repeatable, proven system that is adapted to each project.
Focused only on the current job. Not thinking too far ahead.	Thinking ahead. Develops a pipeline of work through systems.
Feels the industry is just “Rinse and repeat”, the same steps again and again.	Looks to improve with each iteration rather than repeating the same step as last time.

Which one do you think best describes you?

Still not sure… take a look at Doers and Planners

 

Doers

If you are a Doer, I am going to save you some time. The Complete Epoxy Installer is set up for Planners.

After 25 years in the industry, I can, however, share something that might help you... 

If you are a Doer then you are best to learn the trade under a skilled (preferably qualified) tradesperson. I say qualified because at least you know that what you are being taught is to a minimum industry standard, rather than bad habits that you can get away with.  

If you only want to learn on the run then expect failures; expect that you will have to grind off and start again from time to time. After all, every project is different: the products, the slab, the climatic conditions, the clients' expectations... they are different every time.

Are you really only going to learn by experience (mistakes)? If so, then it might be financially wise to stay focused on becoming a key employee, or subcontractor, within an installation business rather than owning your own business.

If you do want to start your own epoxy flooring business, then you will need to change your mindset from Doer to Planner, or you will find you won't have a business; it will be more like working for wages. There is no point having all the risk of owning your own business if you are only earning wages.
If you want to move from hands-on to heads-up, then keep reading…

 

Planners

If you are a planner, then you will recognise the benefit of learning from the experience of others. You will question assumptions that have been made and you will seek better ways of doing things. Better ways may not be shortcuts or cheaper ways, they will be ways that ensure you do the job right the first time because you know that you cannot make money if you have to go back and fix assumptions (failures).

As a planner, you know the value of reading. Why? Because all products, instructions, warranties and projects are underpinned by the written word.

You will be open to talking to other like-minded installers, sharing ideas and experiences as you realise that you have more in common with your opposition than not. You will appreciate building and being a part of a community where you feel you can speak and ask questions without judgement.

You only want to pay for your experience once, so you will do things the right way because you appreciate “peace of mind”.  You continue to build peace of mind as you keep exploring the training courses, articles and videos.

You aim to speak confidently to clients, suppliers and other installers about what you know without the need to “fake it till you make it”. You will have the self-belief to assist and mentor others who are having a hard time with something that you also had to overcome.

You seek to work out which product manufacturers actually understand what's in the bucket and which ones are just trying to sell you what's on the shelf.

As a planner, you will usually go through three stages of evolution. The Complete Epoxy Installer is structured to cater for which stage you are at:-

Stage 1

The first years, the focus is “On the Tools”, so we have set up structured online training courses that enable you to learn the proven processes of epoxy installation. The courses vary from simple walkthrough videos to spark ideas on new flooring designs right through to in-depth trade quality courses. We have also compiled countless videos, guides and troubleshooting content so that you are ready for when the problems arise on site.

The community forum is available for you to ask questions and engage with other installers to seek out the answers you were not able to get from your local suppliers or colleagues.

Stage 2

If you are running your own business, you might still be learning and working on the tools, but you are also required to work on everything “Off the Tools”. From quoting, client touchpoints, best practices of project management, managing risk and most importantly, client expectations. The “Off the Tools” resources and articles we have published are designed to help you with your immediate questions and spark ideas on how you can improve your business practices.

Stage 3

Finally, there is a stage in your evolution where you can feel a bit stuck. As the saying goes, "it can be lonely at the top". Although it can literally be lonely, it is more about being able to have in-depth, detailed discussions and sounding-board conversations with someone in the know. Someone who can understand your business and the industry in enough detail to encourage the right moves and push back when you are perhaps not thinking objectively. One-on-one mentoring is a specialist service offered by our founder, ResinJack. You might have a project that needs some guidance over a month or you might be going through major changes within your company that require a few months' worth of continuous effort.

 

If you are a Planner, then no matter what stage you are at, we are here to help you.

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