Curtis I’m a tech here in Albany/leesburg for another company and I was sent to that exact complex a couple of months ago. While on site a big fight broke out next to my van and a gun was pulled. Luckily no one was shot and the police eventually showed up but I had my handgun ready to go and told my dispatcher screw this.
Were I am, we used to have a few areas that were DNS (do not service) after dark for just these reasons. Thankfully, they got better when a new management company took over the complexes.
When I got into business for myself I asked a couple of old timers their regrets. 1 said "I never charged enough money" and the other one said "I've never lost a penny by saying no, but I have lost thousands by saying yes" Words to live by
Spent a lot of time at our local housing authority with my last company. Were all roach infested dumps for the most part and I don’t miss it at all lol. I learned really fast to always trust your gut and it’s okay to say no. I refused a rat,roach, and bedbug infested home once.
Back when I first started I had a hard time saying no. Now, after 30 years, I say no a lot more than I say yes. I'm happier, healthier, and definitely more financially secure because of it.
Big facts brother. At some point I got sick of ppl taking advantage of my integrity and taking my kindness as a weakness. So I def use "nope" as I see fit. And like u, def less stress and that alone is worth it all
Thanks for taking us along for the ride not a waste of time educational you are right to turn that one down if it don't feel right better to use your gut instincts than to get burned or possibly worse. 😮
Thanks for taking us along. Trust your gutt and information you get. You made the right choice! Go Dawgs! You need a new GA Dawgs sticker on your new truck. Lol
Threaten landlord with a lean on the property. Cause a lean will nvr leave your credit report. It usually works for us when we got them ones that dodge u left n right
I think you made the right choice, especially if it's a slow pay situation or if you have to fight each time to get paid. You have a good business and reputation, so it doesn't make sense to jeopardize that for new business that isn't worth it. Thanks for taking us along, and pat Riley on the head for uncle JT.
I'm glad to hear the good old intro music has returned! Yes, I think you made the right decision. Some years back, as a newly minted HVAC/R tech, I took a job with a pretty shady company and worked in some shady places. One of those was an apartment complex. I went there to replace a condensing unit. The apartment management company provided the replacement -- from another unit that had burned! As I drove out there, my assistant told me that someone from the management company had been recently robbed at gunpoint on the grounds. I set the unit and nothing ever happened. Even so, as I left for lunch with the vacuum pump running, I wondered if it or my gauge set would still be there when I got back. (It probably helped that the tenant in the apartment was a _big_ man...a real nice guy, but not somebody you'd ever mess with.)
Curtis, don't feel bad about it, I know you try to help everyone and sometime that can be bad, because not only could you not get paid, but they could have jacked you when you were working, and taken you truck and your tools, and anyone that knows how much those tools cost will target you, watch your back in those rough neighborhoods, keep your head on a swivel.
I'm in Miami we got a call to a rough part of town in a building we have never been to, One way in one way out. when I get to the building it's super sketch the amount of people out I started looking for the apt number , realized the number didn't exist, turned around and got the hell out of there😂
Curtis, by now you have a "sixth sense" about things. You are not a "non-profit"! No sense in doing work for "free". And based on the pinned response from the other tech, your Spidey sense was accurate. You just ended up having a nice scenic drive.
I would have done the same. I have been in 3 to 5 million dollar home neighborhoods when they agree on the price and once it’s fixed they tried to talk you down on price. So with my experience it’s everywhere.
Had to look up Cordele. Its the Watermelon Capital of the World! And if that's not enough, your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cordele is 1 in 98 and property crime is 1 in 25.
Probably a good move ! From just looking at those units with un insulated suction lines and kinked up discharge lines it just had a bad vibe to me. I say you made the right decision especially since it’s out of your normal service area
My company took on a complex similar to that. I warned my boss I had a bad feeling about it. He chuckled and swept it under the rug. The place was a nightmare. Lack of maintenance, old equipment etc. We were getting several calls a week, sometimes several a day. Well, no big surprise, after not even a year we don’t go there anymore because they owe us money. Plus it was a sketchy neighborhood to say the least. Don’t miss it.
I’m in the HVAC trade as well, I grew up in Rochelle which is the next town over pretty much. I live in Savannah now but it’s crazy to see how much Cordele has gone down the drain.
Public housing authorities are joint public/private entities that in my experience operate on a shoestring. They get annual funding from government agencies. You did well to leave it alone as it could have been a considerable period of time before you got paid.
They had those condensing units mighty close together, how they could even get enough air flow is surprising. Nice thing about working for yourself is being able to walk away and say "Call someone else.".
Yep , Pick & Choose Your Customers. Its Kinda Like a Marriage. Pick the right Customers You Will be Happy !!! Stay closer to Home = Happier ! I Try to keep a 30 Minute Drive max drive time = Better / Happier !!! Allways go with your Gut ! Remember - Your Married to that job if u install a Compressor. for 1 Year ! Good vid !
Never apologize for turning down a job. You don't even need to justify it ti anyone honestly. Its your business your time and your well-being out there on the line. Even if you just feel uncomfortable its more than enough reason as everyone by federal law is entitled to a workplace that they feel safe and comfortable in period
That is called intuition most people do not have it they keep coming back for more punishment thinking they will get paid for the work they did last month if they keep helping this person, cut and run your being used, great call Curtis.
IF I were you, to find out the dead beats, request a service call deposit or NO WORK. IF they are wondering the same thing then tell them to call the BBB to check your rep. I'm assuming that your BBB history is clean. OR some other service rating company could be contacted that you are associated with. There must be an HVAC official member associations list with the different members either in good standing or not. That way, you'll know b4 leaving the shop if it's a good call or not. Tell them that if it's an emergency then you're first stop will be to pick up a check (Verified) b4 the work begins. Maybe even ask for a cash payment. And have them sign a contract at time stating that b4 an actual repair is done that all the parts and extended time will be paid for on the day of service. 1. Diagnostic service call 2. Repair service call and parts 3. Any follow up service call that may include more time and parts. Take photos of the call and the interaction with the customers.
Hello Curt, I enjoy your channel. I enjoy the way that you explain as well as you can exactly what you're doing and why and how to fix it. I also want to let you know that I graduated HVAC and 91 and I also like to try and diagnose the system as or before you do just to see if I'm correct. It's like Jeopardy for the HVAC man. I have been out of the field for a while now and I'm curious what application are you using on your phone that allows you to you know monitor suction and discharge pressures and so forth? I also like the magnets on your lights and meters that would have been quite handy nothing like trying to operate the equipment at the same time hold it. Either way just wanted to give you a heads up and say thank you for great content. Have yourself a good day in front of the telly watching your favorite sporting events... It was badminton right?
Landlords who don't keep their properties in good repair usually also find some way to avoid paying service techs correctly too. I think you probably made the right call. Obviously the landlord didn't value your time like I would have either, because the landlord wasn't there expecting you.
When it come to the point where you have to " tuck and run " then you bet i am outta there. Just by looking at those outside units would have set off all kinds of red flags. It all comes down to a business decision.
A friend of mine told me when I started on my own, “I can sit on the front porch at home and not make any money!” I’ve worked for a few of those property management companies before, most of them were horrible. It always took months to get paid, and the last job I did for one of those companies, I never did get paid. Thankfully it was less than a thousand dollars so it didn’t break me. Never say never, but I don’t plan on ever working for a company like that again.
make'em put up $ upfront. Add additional to ticket for travel and hassle . Tell them never going out at night and will charge for every toll stolen. You;ll get that apartment as few want to deal with areas like this.
You made the right decision Curtis if you feel unsafe don't do the job. Pennsylvania had that issue with government housing until the early 2000s now with section 8 PA does vouchers so people can choose where to live. I know I. The west Chester PA area when they had government housing shootings were a common occurance and high. But with the voucher program communities have gotten cleaned up and families feel safer. And life for hvac techs are way easier. And that has nothing to do with racism either the fact is you need to feel safe while working. Period and not worry about someone shooting you.
You're saying to remember when the writer of Dilbert said "get the hell away from black people". Why not just say what you mean openly instead of veiling your racism.
@brosephgnarballs the writer of Dilbert also likes to call out mind reading. You are assuming you know what the OP means without waiting for the OP to address it himself. Shame on you for mind reading AND name calling in the same breath without even having the facts.
That’s why I now (and everyone should) get paid UP FRONT a $1000 retainer deposit or at least a $300 site assessment diagnostic fee to show up when dealing with apartment complex or any multi family property owners. Even single family property customers I don’t know get charged upfront for site assessment nowadays. Chasing money down is not worth it and the risk is eliminated by getting payment up front when scheduling.
Common Sense is Not Too Common. You were either Blessed 🙏 with it at Birth or you Weren’t. Most people were Not so Lucky so Please Pray for ALL of them. 🙏
CANCELED JOB? Why did you cancel the job? You drove 1.5 hours round trip, gas, time, etc. You didn't even look at the work to be done. Maybe it was an easy repair? Maybe you could have started a good relationship with the apartment owner? Maybe they would pay good? Or, why didn't you ask for a deposit on the work? Or a credit card number to have on file, before you headed out? But, to walk away for no reason other than a "gut feeling", seems kinda of bad business... wasted your time, and the customer did not get there AC fixed. Now they half to find a new company to schedule the repair. More time and inconvenience to them...
I don’t wanna hear it. I’ve been telling you for months now to quit working for cheapskates, apartment complexes, contractors, customers 45 minutes away, etc. Do your research on customers before you leave the shop not while you’re in your van at their house or place of business. Now you’re about $300 in the hole.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Curtis I’m a tech here in Albany/leesburg for another company and I was sent to that exact complex a couple of months ago. While on site a big fight broke out next to my van and a gun was pulled. Luckily no one was shot and the police eventually showed up but I had my handgun ready to go and told my dispatcher screw this.
That’s good to know. Dang
OMG, it's not worth it!
If u gotta strap up, aint no service call, install anything worth it. Yep na let the next guy get that one 😂
nope yall can sweat lol
Were I am, we used to have a few areas that were DNS (do not service) after dark for just these reasons.
Thankfully, they got better when a new management company took over the complexes.
When the fur on your neck stands up, you go go go!! Not a waste of time, Curtis, a good lesson in situational awareness.
Yep, definitely need to listen to those gut feelings.
"It's just a business decision." And that my friends is the kindest way to describe the situation. Well done.
When I got into business for myself I asked a couple of old timers their regrets. 1 said "I never charged enough money" and the other one said "I've never lost a penny by saying no, but I have lost thousands by saying yes"
Words to live by
👍. Been there done that ! Old timer here. OG since 1981.
My guess was a fight over who was gonna steal the van 😅
Always go with your gut. I’ve been in that exact situation. There is plenty of work to be had in safe neighborhoods.
Very true
You are right, it is amazing how accurate gut feeling is, and bad vibes.
Thanks, for the insight! TX.
One of the motto's I use for my business is: I'm only as good as the customers I turn down. Good for you.
Glad you got the hell out of there when you get that gut feeling run like hell
5:09
Spent a lot of time at our local housing authority with my last company. Were all roach infested dumps for the most part and I don’t miss it at all lol. I learned really fast to always trust your gut and it’s okay to say no. I refused a rat,roach, and bedbug infested home once.
Ur a bigger man then me 😂 if I worked for a place that sent me to crapholes yep nope I'm out. Take my yrs of knowledge to the next shop 😂
Handyman I knew dragged away a couch from a rat house occupied by a filthy bat woman, when he went home he brought bed bugs with him lol
@@AllTattedUp13 I left after about 8 months. Could not handle it anymore lol.
Back when I first started I had a hard time saying no. Now, after 30 years, I say no a lot more than I say yes. I'm happier, healthier, and definitely more financially secure because of it.
Big facts brother. At some point I got sick of ppl taking advantage of my integrity and taking my kindness as a weakness. So I def use "nope" as I see fit. And like u, def less stress and that alone is worth it all
Thanks for taking us along for the ride not a waste of time educational you are right to turn that one down if it don't feel right better to use your gut instincts than to get burned or possibly worse. 😮
Don't blame you. I have left before also when in that situation
Those kind of places I worry about my truck getting broken into and my tools stolen.
Thanks for taking us along. Trust your gutt and information you get. You made the right choice! Go Dawgs! You need a new GA Dawgs sticker on your new truck. Lol
You made the right decision 👏 👌 🙌 👍
I've been doing this a long time. My first job is to feel out the customer before I invest any time. Im lucky im self employed.
U made the right call.
I hated to do work at apartment complexes. They want it fixed yesterday, but they pay you next year!!
Threaten landlord with a lean on the property. Cause a lean will nvr leave your credit report. It usually works for us when we got them ones that dodge u left n right
I think you made the right choice, especially if it's a slow pay situation or if you have to fight each time to get paid. You have a good business and reputation, so it doesn't make sense to jeopardize that for new business that isn't worth it. Thanks for taking us along, and pat Riley on the head for uncle JT.
I'm glad to hear the good old intro music has returned!
Yes, I think you made the right decision. Some years back, as a newly minted HVAC/R tech, I took a job with a pretty shady company and worked in some shady places. One of those was an apartment complex. I went there to replace a condensing unit. The apartment management company provided the replacement -- from another unit that had burned! As I drove out there, my assistant told me that someone from the management company had been recently robbed at gunpoint on the grounds.
I set the unit and nothing ever happened. Even so, as I left for lunch with the vacuum pump running, I wondered if it or my gauge set would still be there when I got back. (It probably helped that the tenant in the apartment was a _big_ man...a real nice guy, but not somebody you'd ever mess with.)
Curtis, don't feel bad about it, I know you try to help everyone and sometime that can be bad, because not only could you not get paid, but they could have jacked you when you were working, and taken you truck and your tools, and anyone that knows how much those tools cost will target you, watch your back in those rough neighborhoods, keep your head on a swivel.
I'm in Miami we got a call to a rough part of town in a building we have never been to, One way in one way out. when I get to the building it's super sketch the amount of people out I started looking for the apt number , realized the number didn't exist, turned around and got the hell out of there😂
Curtis, by now you have a "sixth sense" about things. You are not a "non-profit"! No sense in doing work for "free". And based on the pinned response from the other tech, your Spidey sense was accurate. You just ended up having a nice scenic drive.
I would have done the same. I have been in 3 to 5 million dollar home neighborhoods when they agree on the price and once it’s fixed they tried to talk you down on price. So with my experience it’s everywhere.
Had to look up Cordele. Its the Watermelon Capital of the World! And if that's not enough, your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cordele is 1 in 98 and property crime is 1 in 25.
Sometimes, you have to follow your gut. I think you made the right choice. Stay safe.
Probably a good move ! From just looking at those units with un insulated suction lines and kinked up discharge lines it just had a bad vibe to me. I say you made the right decision especially since it’s out of your normal service area
I am not an HVAC person and when he first got there and showed the outside equipment, I said not no but hell no. What a mess.
That's what we call gut feelings.
Sometimes, it's what you have to do.
follow your feelings is smart. be bless
Good decision Curtis.
My company took on a complex similar to that. I warned my boss I had a bad feeling about it. He chuckled and swept it under the rug. The place was a nightmare. Lack of maintenance, old equipment etc. We were getting several calls a week, sometimes several a day. Well, no big surprise, after not even a year we don’t go there anymore because they owe us money. Plus it was a sketchy neighborhood to say the least. Don’t miss it.
I’m in the HVAC trade as well, I grew up in Rochelle which is the next town over pretty much. I live in Savannah now but it’s crazy to see how much Cordele has gone down the drain.
You made the right choice 👍👍👍
Public housing authorities are joint public/private entities that in my experience operate on a shoestring. They get annual funding from government agencies. You did well to leave it alone as it could have been a considerable period of time before you got paid.
The housing authority in my area has their own maintenance people.
Good call. Always go with your gut, especially when landlords are involved.
Don't worry ...you know what's the best thing for yourself
Hey brother you gotta listen to your gut feeling always it got you this far
Looked like a good move to me
Glad you trusted your gut. Anytime I've ignored my gut feeling about something and proceeded anyway something bad ended up happening.
If the outside looked that bad Curtis didn't even want to see the inside..lol. Call back city.
They had those condensing units mighty close together, how they could even get enough air flow is surprising. Nice thing about working for yourself is being able to walk away and say "Call someone else.".
Yep , Pick & Choose Your Customers. Its Kinda Like a Marriage. Pick the right Customers You Will be Happy !!! Stay closer to Home = Happier ! I Try to keep a 30 Minute Drive max drive time = Better / Happier !!!
Allways go with your Gut ! Remember - Your Married to that job if u install a Compressor. for 1 Year ! Good vid !
Trust that gut every time. 👏
They do it to themselves. As they say “not my chair, not my problem”.
Never apologize for turning down a job. You don't even need to justify it ti anyone honestly. Its your business your time and your well-being out there on the line. Even if you just feel uncomfortable its more than enough reason as everyone by federal law is entitled to a workplace that they feel safe and comfortable in period
Glad the old intro is back!
Know the feelings. If stayed longer, they would have cleaned your van.
They were probably scoping it out waiting for him to leave the van unattended.
As you said Curtis, your not desperate for business, that may have been a wise choice 🤔 Au
Good call Curtis.
That is called intuition most people do not have it they keep coming back for more punishment thinking they will get paid for the work they did last month if they keep helping this person, cut and run your being used, great call Curtis.
Section 8 housing. Stay far away from that stuff.
Amen to that. Some of the nastiest and infested places I’ve ever been in unfortunately.
IF I were you, to find out the dead beats, request a service call deposit or NO WORK.
IF they are wondering the same thing then tell them to call the BBB to check your rep.
I'm assuming that your BBB history is clean.
OR some other service rating company could be contacted that you are associated with.
There must be an HVAC official member associations list with the different members either in good standing or not.
That way, you'll know b4 leaving the shop if it's a good call or not.
Tell them that if it's an emergency then you're first stop will be to pick up a check (Verified) b4 the work begins.
Maybe even ask for a cash payment.
And have them sign a contract at time stating that b4 an actual repair is done that all the parts and extended time will be paid for on the day of service.
1. Diagnostic service call
2. Repair service call and parts
3. Any follow up service call that may include more time and parts.
Take photos of the call and the interaction with the customers.
Hello Curt, I enjoy your channel. I enjoy the way that you explain as well as you can exactly what you're doing and why and how to fix it. I also want to let you know that I graduated HVAC and 91 and I also like to try and diagnose the system as or before you do just to see if I'm correct. It's like Jeopardy for the HVAC man. I have been out of the field for a while now and I'm curious what application are you using on your phone that allows you to you know monitor suction and discharge pressures and so forth? I also like the magnets on your lights and meters that would have been quite handy nothing like trying to operate the equipment at the same time hold it. Either way just wanted to give you a heads up and say thank you for great content. Have yourself a good day in front of the telly watching your favorite sporting events... It was badminton right?
Landlords who don't keep their properties in good repair usually also find some way to avoid paying service techs correctly too. I think you probably made the right call. Obviously the landlord didn't value your time like I would have either, because the landlord wasn't there expecting you.
Curtis, At your first stop by the water tower, it appears that you were on 10th St between 22nd and 23rd Ave.
Always trust your gut!
Probably a wise choice.
Some time you just have to drive right by.
How many miles do you have on the van now?
Indeed, a wise man once told me I can stay at home and not make money !!
I leave too. I would explain my mistakes goin out to places but can't
When it come to the point where you have to " tuck and run " then you bet i am outta there. Just by looking at those outside units would have set off all kinds of red flags. It all comes down to a business decision.
A friend of mine told me when I started on my own, “I can sit on the front porch at home and not make any money!” I’ve worked for a few of those property management companies before, most of them were horrible. It always took months to get paid, and the last job I did for one of those companies, I never did get paid. Thankfully it was less than a thousand dollars so it didn’t break me. Never say never, but I don’t plan on ever working for a company like that again.
Curt where are you from bro? mentioned codeal in this video and its about the same distance from my house. and i notice the 229 area code too!
make'em put up $ upfront. Add additional to ticket for travel and hassle . Tell them never going out at night and will charge for every toll stolen. You;ll get that apartment as few want to deal with areas like this.
Looks like what i see in Central Indiana everyday
Low income housing
Say no more! 😂
Is that liw income housing?
You made the right decision Curtis if you feel unsafe don't do the job.
Pennsylvania had that issue with government housing until the early 2000s now with section 8 PA does vouchers so people can choose where to live.
I know I. The west Chester PA area when they had government housing shootings were a common occurance and high.
But with the voucher program communities have gotten cleaned up and families feel safer.
And life for hvac techs are way easier.
And that has nothing to do with racism either the fact is you need to feel safe while working.
Period and not worry about someone shooting you.
What is Georgia snow?
A field of cotton
@@HVACGUY ahh. Thank you
When in doubt, remember the wise words of Dilbert...
Okay what are the wise words of Dilbert?
Posting a comment here so I can come back if the answer shows up!
@@HVACGUY I am thinking he means the words of the writer of Dilbert Scott Adams.
You're saying to remember when the writer of Dilbert said "get the hell away from black people". Why not just say what you mean openly instead of veiling your racism.
@brosephgnarballs the writer of Dilbert also likes to call out mind reading. You are assuming you know what the OP means without waiting for the OP to address it himself. Shame on you for mind reading AND name calling in the same breath without even having the facts.
I heard cordelle is huge watermelon farming area.
That’s why I now (and everyone should) get paid UP FRONT a $1000 retainer deposit or at least a $300 site assessment diagnostic fee to show up when dealing with apartment complex or any multi family property owners. Even single family property customers I don’t know get charged upfront for site assessment nowadays.
Chasing money down is not worth it and the risk is eliminated by getting payment up front when scheduling.
What’s wrong with going to the managers office. I’m sure they have one in a complex this size
gotta trust your gut
Trust you instincts
I don't blame you at all.
Almost need a police escort going in their
Even they're afraid to go there. 😂
It’s Obvious you’re a Smart Man and if you’re Not, you Won’t Live to See Tomorrow. 🤔👍🙏
If you smell something fishy or don't seem right.I do the same thing curtis.good judgment call
👍👍😊😊
😎👍😎👍😎👍
Good morning Boos you are Hilp
Hey Curtis, did you stop at Stripling's and get you a hot sausage dog on the way home?
I should’ve
Buc-ee's near Macon! 🤣@@HVACGUY
No a/c repair and probably no pizza delivery either. Section 42 life gets it from all sides.
You in the mud there man. These people have very limited resources.
you got a brain glad you used it .wile your fixing ac's , be worried abought tools NOT Worth it
Day's bees kray kray?
You did the right thing cuz you wouldn't have got paid they would have got you😢
A Zoo with no bars
when in doubt,,,,,,cut out!!!!!!
Looks like the wrong side of town to me. Nope!
Section 8, no thanks
Common Sense is Not Too Common. You were either Blessed 🙏 with it at Birth or you Weren’t. Most people were Not so Lucky so Please Pray for ALL of them. 🙏
Common sense is not so common anymore. You are definitely right about that.
@@claessjostrom565👍
Trust your gut…..
CANCELED JOB? Why did you cancel the job? You drove 1.5 hours round trip, gas, time, etc. You didn't even look at the work to be done. Maybe it was an easy repair? Maybe you could have started a good relationship with the apartment owner? Maybe they would pay good? Or, why didn't you ask for a deposit on the work? Or a credit card number to have on file, before you headed out? But, to walk away for no reason other than a "gut feeling", seems kinda of bad business... wasted your time, and the customer did not get there AC fixed. Now they half to find a new company to schedule the repair. More time and inconvenience to them...
Risking your life in that place.
I don’t wanna hear it. I’ve been telling you for months now to quit working for cheapskates, apartment complexes, contractors, customers 45 minutes away, etc. Do your research on customers before you leave the shop not while you’re in your van at their house or place of business. Now you’re about $300 in the hole.
Do the apartment complex is a LLC or something like that, because logically otherwise you should be paid even if you have to go to court for it