How's Business?

[colenighthawk]

We have almost 6 figures in AR right now. Insurance companies are ridiculous and we are actually considering putting in a policy to to not accept anymore claims from State Farm because it is so insane trying to get paid from them.

Having serious cash flow issues right now because of it, but we are busy. I don't want to pay the interest / fees for working capital or invoice factoring so we are just not feeding our kids.......

Stay away from State Farm claims, they're never going to pay.
We're waiting for payment for 6+ months
Placed a lien, homeowner is paying invoice in full

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Stay away from State Farm claims, they're never going to pay.
We're waiting for payment for 6+ months
Placed a lien, homeowner is paying invoice in full

On this one we have at least got paid for packout and mold so that was just under $8k, which helps with the cash flow. Mit/Demo is just under $30k. Depending on what happens with that, will depend on what our policy is going forward.

 

[arch stanton]

This working for insurance companies seems like you have to inflate the bill so you can give a discount back to what you should normally charge
A lot like working for some people of different nationalities inflate the bid 10% so they feel better when they negotiate the price back down

 

[JL95]

I work for Pacific Coast Propane

we have an account with you lol

 

[ChumpChange]

I work for Pacific Coast Propane

Is Andrew still on this board as well? I see from your site that @Tommy Gun Images does all the photography.

 

[JLG614]

Is Andrew still on this board as well? I see from your site that @Tommy Gun Images does all the photography.

Yes, Andrew is on the site as well but sticks to just looking at things, never been a big poster. Yes, @Tommy Gun Images handles the social media and pictures for the company

 

[Romans9]

Called about a new Kubota Skid Steer today. Saleman informed me that I can go on the “list” and he expects it to be 4-6 months…..

 

[JFMFG]

So how is everyone holding up? All the talks of toys sitting people hearing about mass layoffs etc. we are still busy fortunately. June was a record month for us. July we are ahead of last year should end up 50-100k better. Hope everyone is still busy!

 

[YeahYeah01]

So how is everyone holding up? All the talks of toys sitting people hearing about mass layoffs etc. we are still busy fortunately. June was a record month for us. July we are ahead of last year should end up 50-100k better. Hope everyone is still busy!

Still highs and lows but that's my industry. So I feel like it's average.

 

[CoolCruzin]

My machine tooling / parts business is really busy .
The consumer products ( rv, trailers)took a steep slow down like wtf happened.

 

[702sandman]

I see certain areas slowing down, but here in vegas my new construction HVAC side has been non stop with the high end custom homes I specialize in. Just yesterday i send out 2 more home bids for close to a million between the 2 and we still have the rest of 24 booked up so it seems to still be flowing pretty good. I’m 2 mill ahead of last year at the same time frame.

 

[NicPaus]

Just finished up for the day. Working tomorrow. Still passing up jobs as I don't have the manpower or subs to get to them. If I don't take a day off this month I can set my record. But I am getting burned out. Was at Ganahl earlier it was slow. Plumbing supply house was busy like always.

Tomorrow's is a Plumbing job. Bid it $1350 was going to go with $1650 but it's for my Realtor on a property she manages. Repeat customer. He thought my price was way to high. She got another bid. $7,850 bid did include connecting the dryer vent to the outside. It just dumps under the unit.

 

[c_land]

Numbers are still good for us.

Construction Management and Inspection division is slowing a little bit.

Seems like the labor side of things is freeing up a little. We have been able to fill a few long open positions recently with reasonable compensation

 

[EmpirE231]

Bump! how are things looking?

seems to be slowing down around here.

 

[Englewood]

Bump! how are things looking?

seems to be slowing down around here.

Slowing down for sure...

 

[JFMFG]

We are still busy but definitely slower.

 

[Javajoe]

Public Works jobs are still real busy. We are all booked out the next 2 years or so. Starting a minor league stadium for Ontario in a couple months so that will help fill some slots for a couple Teams. Should be a few years of work with all the other ballfields after the fact on that site

 

[Javajoe]

Currently looking for a PM, PE, PA and a PE Intern for the Inland Empire

 

[Your ad here]

For those of you that are/seeing a slowing down, are things getting back to a normal pace? Pre covid pace? The last 4 years were not anywhere near normal and even if things started cooling off in the beginning of '23, jobs could have a 2 year run.

 

[EmpirE231]

For those of you that are/seeing a slowing down, are things getting back to a normal pace? Pre covid pace? The last 4 years were not anywhere near normal and even if things started cooling off in the beginning of '23, jobs could have a 2 year run.

I'm in the insurance biz, so it is a mixed bag. We are still busy, but a different kind of busy. definitely seeing way fewer new vehicles being added to policies, way fewer new home purchases etc. new toys being insured is almost non-existent. Consumers seem to be strapped.

have heard from friends on other industries that things are slowing down. Slower than a "pre-covid pace"

 

[shintoooo]

Checking in. How's business? My clients are still chugging along although some have slowed down depending on their industry. The people in the movie and film entertainment business are very slow right now. Has the new administration affected your business up or down?

Retail and online sales have slowed. Travel agents have slowed a bit. Service industry (Lawyers, doctors, etc...) still busy and that won't change.

 

[bilz]

Retirement hasn't slowed down

 

[lbhsbz]

About normal for me

 

[JLG614]

Business is up but the operational costs are insane. We are continuing to grow so we spend quite a bit on capital every month but god dam year over year our expenses have climbed at a rapid rate. We service almost every market, construction, retail, warehousing, homeowners, etc and everyone is till taking a good amount of gas. We have seen trends before when there is a recession or low point coming because customers will start slowing down and taking less fuel. As of now it looks like business as usual but its still early in the year

 

[NicPaus]

No complaints from Me.
Sales are way down at all the supply houses except the plumbing supply house is as busy as ever.

Restaurants are hurting big time. I have been trying to not eat out and save up to replace my truck. When I do go I feel bad for not going more often to support my regular spots.

 

[530RL]

Just got back from Verticon the helicopter convention.

With the exception of the US firefighting guys, who have not had contracts from the Forest Service renewed, everyone is very busy and buying.

Lots of parts stocking in fear of price increases. So that drives more business for now.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Checking in. How's business? My clients are still chugging along although some have slowed down depending on their industry. The people in the movie and film entertainment business are very slow right now. Has the new administration affected your business up or down?

Retail and online sales have slowed. Travel agents have slowed a bit. Service industry (Lawyers, doctors, etc...) still busy and that won't change.

Very true.. The TV industry is crawling right now. Not much going on...

 

[wet hull]

We have slowed, the big projects are not coming. Wrapping up our last big one next week. I do have a small ADU, kitchen remodel signed. I'm ok with it for now, needed to pump the brakes and start interviews with new subs to fill in the cracks.

 

[shintoooo]

Airlines are struggling as people are not traveling as much.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1899966392079966528

 

[shintoooo]

Vegas casinos are struggling big time. I would be short those stocks if you're in the market. They priced themselves out. I don't see myself going to Vegas again this year even though they comp me hotel, food and drinks. It's just not as fun as it used to be. Money will go much further in Mexico lol.

 

[shintoooo]

My theory is that Trump is going to ruin the economy so prices go down on real estate, stocks, and other investment assets which in turn will bring interest rates down and then they will buy up everything at the bottom. When you have the power to control the economy, why not do something like this?

 

[BHC Vic]

Vegas casinos are struggling big time. I would be short those stocks if you're in the market. They priced themselves out. I don't see myself going to Vegas again this year even though they comp me hotel, food and drinks. It's just not as fun as it used to be. Money will go much further in Mexico lol.

Look into tronconnes. Perfect for a relaxing you and wife only are fun for a whole group.

 

[attitude]

My theory is that Trump is going to ruin the economy so prices go down on real estate, stocks, and other investment assets which in turn will bring interest rates down and then they will buy up everything at the bottom. When you have the power to control the economy, why not do something like this?

The take I have seen is the US has $7 trillion in debt that needs to be refinanced soon and he wants to get the rates lowered first.

 

[Thing One]

My theory is that Trump is going to ruin the economy so prices go down on real estate, stocks, and other investment assets which in turn will bring interest rates down and then they will buy up everything at the bottom. When you have the power to control the economy, why not do something like this?

Do you think he's doing it intentionally, or just not the brightest star? I know last time he was in office, the tariffs hurt us big time. Major price increases and material shortages.

 

[shintoooo]

Look into tronconnes. Perfect for a relaxing you and wife only are fun for a whole group.

We went to Loreto last year and I think we're going back again this year. 2 hour flight from LAX and very cheap.

 

[Done-it-again]

We are pretty busy and cant get all projects installed fast enough. Just need to fill in the last quarter of the year.
Its just costing more money to make money right now.

 

[BHC Vic]

We went to Loreto last year and I think we're going back again this year. 2 hour flight from LAX and very cheap.

Troncones is in guerro so I think it’s a longer flight but k ate a couple Valium or however you spell it so I do t really remember

 

[Done-it-again]

Airlines are struggling as people are not traveling as much.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1899966392079966528

Have you price out flights, we fly guys all over and holy shit its expensive.

When they want to charge $1200 a seat from LAX to Ft Myers is crazy during busy times.

South West was never really cheap, but now they will start charging for bags.

 

[JFMFG]

We are doing ok. We had a better January and February this year over last so that a positive. I do feel like we are slowing slightly but we will see how it plays out the next 4-5 months is our busy time.

 

[530RL]

The take I have seen is the US has $7 trillion in debt that needs to be refinanced soon and he wants to get the rates lowered first.

The weighted average maturity of US debt is 72 months.

About 3 trillion will mature in 2025 compared to 8.9 trillion that matured in 2024.

 

[NIKAL]

Do you think he's doing it intentionally, or just not the brightest star? I know last time he was in office, the tariffs hurt us big time. Major price increases and material shortages.

I know it does not look logical to slow the economy to reduce debt and grow the economy. But I just picked up my taxes last night and my Tax CPA guy was talking about this due to some investments I have and how to position myself. He was saying with the government having to finance some of our debt later this year, he’s expecting two rate cuts, so that the government refi’s at a much lower interest rate, saving billions of dollars in interest. This would also spike the consumer economy with lower interest rates.

Then later last night I stumbled across a video about crypto, which I know zero about. This video came out a few weeks ago and the discussion was a does Trump and his cabinet slow the economy, with tariffs and what not to help force the feds to lower interest rates, and with our looming debt refi coming in months, it would be a huge financial benefit for the government to be buying loans at a much lower rate.

As far as the tariffs it seems to be most agree it’s necessary to get the USA on equal footing as the other countries who have tariffed the U.S. for centuries. They said US cars in Asia are taxed 100%, thus why you don’t see American brands in China. Germany tariffs US made cars at 10% yet other countries cars are only 2.5%. Why?

It was said the tariffs Trump is imposing is going to cause short term pain, for a long term gain. Plus it will help establish the USA & our market as the leader again as we have been losing ground to Asia and other countries around the world. But I don’t think Trump was expecting as many countries to invoke new retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. as quickly as they have. They did not do this last time, but last time they did not know his playbook either. I think they are more prepared for Trumps way of doing business. But ultimately we will come out ahead, it’s just unknown how long it might take? Months or years? The Dems would like to see years as they can try to win back the house & senate. So we need to hope it does not take that long.

 

[Bajap1]

My theory is that Trump is going to ruin the economy so prices go down on real estate, stocks, and other investment assets which in turn will bring interest rates down and then they will buy up everything at the bottom. When you have the power to control the economy, why not do something like this?

What i believe Trump is trying to do is balance out the trade deficit, he has talked about this going back to the 80's.

We have been accepting products from other countries with zero or virtually zero tariffs. While they charge us 25%-250% tariff for our products. This besides corporate tax rates is why companies leave the US...they can sell there products globaly manufactured in lets say china, and back to the US without tariffs or to other countries with modest or reciprocal tarrifs. But if lets say Apple tried to sell a iphone made in the US to China, there is a chinese tariff slapped on it dramatically reducing sales in the global market.

By balancing the trade deficet these companies will likely be back in the US, creating jobs and everything else that comes with it, instead of dealing with communist dictators.

This is short term US pain, designed for long term prosperity. Does it suck balls in the short term? Yes! In a year from now or less it will be worth it.

 

[monkeyswrench]

My view on my "business" is much more simplified...as is my business really.
It must be increasing, and here's how I know this: The facts are simple, costs have increased, but I am still able to eat the same amount, and so are my kids. Some unplanned payables have arisen, yet I'm not selling my plasma or a kidney. My nest egg isn't growing (poached that thing long ago), but my ship is not sinking either. The equations aren't very complex, but it makes it very easy to check the math.

The waters aren't calm, but they aren't yet the storm we hear of in the media. When you must choose between food, fuel and housing, that is bad. Until that time though, business as usual for most people I think, If they so choose.

 

[Englewood]

Vegas casinos are struggling big time. I would be short those stocks if you're in the market. They priced themselves out. I don't see myself going to Vegas again this year even though they comp me hotel, food and drinks. It's just not as fun as it used to be. Money will go much further in Mexico lol.

I think they will continue to struggle. $50 resort fees, plus parking, plus fees everywhere you turn. They are stingy with comps now and the table minimums are outrageous. I used to enjoy going but only go for sports now.

 

[DMF]

We are still busy, but I have noticed the phone calls are slowing down.

 

[JFMFG]

I think they will continue to struggle. $50 resort fees, plus parking, plus fees everywhere you turn. They are stingy with comps now and the table minimums are outrageous. I used to enjoy going but only go for sports now.

We went to Vegas for a night for our anniversary minus the cash I brought to gamble etc we still paid about 1600$ for room food carrot top show and booze. That’s not including flights it’s getting a little wild

 

[Cole Trickle]

I think the reality of how pricey everything has become is starting to take its toll .The cost for most families to do normal things no longer makes sense and do to this things are going to slow big time for a lot of industries. Construction is booming in my area yet most newly built houses are sitting vacant due to interest rates. I don't really get it as we have 15 for sale in our neighborhood and none are moving in the 1-1.4 million range yet they keep building. maybe they think material cost will only get worse so build now?

cars, groceries,utilities, taxes,etc. is crazy for the average American just keep playing the keeping up with the jones's and rack up that Credit card.

I hate to say it but eating out in both restaurants and fast food has become so expensive for what you get I have to ask myself why would anyone do it. Family of 4 $50++ for crap fast food or well over $100 for 2 with drinks at a nothing special restaurant. I can cook one hell of a meal and buy a nice bottle of Bourbon for old fashions at home for way less.

I think the resort fees have killed Vegas. It used to be the cheaper better valued get away. If I can fly to cabo and stay at an all inclusive resort for even money its a no brainer. We are going to Sayulita in July.

Trump needs to kill the economy so the fed lowers rates so he can lower the cost on Americas debt. I think we need to keep working on lowering inflation but I'm not sure that's realistic. If he gets the rate down I'm afraid that the economy goes bonkers again for a short period of time and people loose there minds all over again and things long term will be even worse. I think the Tarif deal is a good idea to try and bring manufacturing back to the USA but I think its a long way off and we are now conditioned to love cheap china crap.

 

[thetub]

What i believe Trump is trying to do is balance out the trade deficit, he has talked about this going back to the 80's.

We have been accepting products from other countries with zero or virtually zero tariffs. While they charge us 25%-250% tariff for our products. This besides corporate tax rates is why companies leave the US...they can sell there products globaly manufactured in lets say china, and back to the US without tariffs or to other countries with modest or reciprocal tarrifs. But if lets say Apple tried to sell a iphone made in the US to China, there is a chinese tariff slapped on it dramatically reducing sales in the global market.

By balancing the trade deficet these companies will likely be back in the US, creating jobs and everything else that comes with it, instead of dealing with communist dictators.

This is short term US pain, designed for long term prosperity. Does it suck balls in the short term? Yes! In a year from now or less it will be worth it.

how dare you speaking this blasphemy ... dont you know we have FREE trade agreements all set up with these countries

ya right bullshit these so called free trade agreements are far from free. previous administrations signed sold out the US ....

i wonder who gained to benefit those agreements ??? not the country

 

[lbhsbz]

About normal for me

And of course now that I said that....not a single order today lol

 

[EmpirE231]

Things seem to be slowing down for sure.

In my biz (insurance biz) things are steadily busy, and we had a good 2024 but we are also working our asses off for it. I'd say after being in this business for a good 25yrs or so.... we've never had to work as hard for it other than the 1st few years in business. This industry is also becoming so volatile due to the CA govt and things like the palisades fire happening.

we really haven't changed the way we live day to day, but we should. Like everyone else mentioned.... fuel, hotels, flights, restaurants are all overpriced, especially for the mediocre service they now all provide. That is the biggest thing making me consider spending less money is the fact that service has gone downhill so fast in most of these industries.... hard to blame the industries themselves due to CA's $20/hr min wage and paid 15 minute popcorn breaks, 5 paid sick days etc etc CA is really driving a knife into private businesses viability and ability to make a profit while offering good service

still a mixed bag though... some friends in other industries are struggling, and some are prospering.