We Started a Van Building Company & It Was a BIG MISTAKE
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- Опубліковано 29 жов 2022
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Kels and Jay, You 2 are resilient and you have everything possible to keep you motivated. You've both built not only skoolies, Vans, and now your camper, but also your fan base, your friendships, business relationships, and NOW your futures. No it is not easy to own and operate a business, no one ever says it will be easy because it's not. It takes years to become someone powerful as Elon Musk of Tesla (for example). You can do anything that you set your minds too. I'm gonna tell you a story. My son who is turning 16 soon, went out and bought him an old dully truck, a Ford. This truck huge!!! He paid I think $600 for it. It runs and drives, looks rough as hell and its a diesel. A couple of weeks ago he was changing one of the back tires. Had it up on a jack with a wood ramp he built and a cylinder block. Well, his ramp moved, the truck fell, smashing the cylinder block in multiple pieces, my son's left foot got caught in the hole of the wheel and his other foot under the tire. He almost amputated his feet. Fortunately, he only sprained them, but no sooner than we left the hospital and arrived home, where was he again? Out with his truck trying to finish what he was doing. He didnt want his injuries to stop him because it was super important to him to finish whatever he was doing. I know its hard and painful at times, but you both are strong and in your own ways you are more powerful that you know. Forget the recognition and the fame or even the money you make. This is about the moments. You are inspiring others to follow what you are doing. Dont ever doubt yourself even when times arent favorable. Everything will be ok. Keep those chins up and put your hands together and ROCK THIS SHIT!!! You got this. HUGSS xoxo
Wow, thank you for sharing Deanna! It's not surprising your son is only 16 and already has that much resilience, because you raised him...but it's still extremely impressive. You must be so proud😊 Thanks for the uplifting words!💛
Yall got this! It took me a year and a half until I didn't feel like I was drowning when I started my first business. 9 years in and I still learn new things every day.
I'll say it again, you two are some of the hardest workers I've seen on UA-cam. Keep the faith, good things will happen.
Praying for Jay's healing. And for you both Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually.
Garry and Marilyn 😎
12:01 you guys are killing it. the van looks great. you're going to have a quick sale and some happy future campers!!!
Thanks guys!! Means a lot coming from you💛💛
You two are beautiful human beings, both on the inside and out. You have so many people wishing you well. All great things happen when you step out of your comfort zone. You have got this ❤❤
Thank you!! We know you'd be here helping us if you could. We love you! 💛💛
HEY!!! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!!!! We love you guys and KNOW that you got this!! We are currently benefiting from your talent and dedication….every time we get in the van we love it more and more…and are experiencing great adventures! Yes please take take time out to care for yourself!! And if you ever need us to give a potential client a recommendation for you…you got it!!! (Also if you ever venture to NC please stop by!!) Now get out there and keep doing what you are doing….again WE BELIEVE IN YOU AND ARE CHEERING YOU ON!!
You guys are just the best💛💛 Thanks so much, nothing makes us happier than seeing the pictures of you guys enjoying life out on the road 😊
@@KelsAndJay you don't have to pay rent. Just use a four hundred dollar portable vehicle tent, at the clients home . And you just make a few more trips to the hardware store if you have less places to store materials. You can even get smallish portable table saws you could store in the van that you are currently rennovating. And all the other tools are small. The reason you feel overworked is because you locked yourself in with rent costs. If you were living in your van, and parked at a client's house, you could take more time off because you aren't burning money on rent.
You guys are going to kill it!! I first found you guys when I was doing research on electrical for skoolies almost 2 years ago. I have super enjoyed following you guys ever since. The growth and learning that I've seen since then has been awesome. Anyone that has the pleasure of buying one of your vans is going to be a very lucky person for sure! You both have so much to offer and I am confident that we will see your business take off. Hopefully you won't be too busy to keep making videos 😅. Keep it up!
Thanks for being here Ross! Making videos is something that's been in my life since I can remember, so I think I will always find time to make them as long as they continue to make me happy 😊
One of my mentors once said, if you're not afraid, you're not doing the right thing...! You can do it. If not you, who then! ;)
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. You both do great work. My mind is blown by how much you do and how rapidly you get things done. Hugs to Jay. Nothing stops him! Hugs to you!
Thanks for always being here with such kind words 💛 haha jay is fearless, he inspires me every single day!
Excellently Said 😘👋👑
It’s so scary doing something new. So proud of you guys! Take time to rest so you don’t end up in burnout! You guys are so strong it’s inspiring!
The two of you are so authentic, talented and hard working. The best couple by far on UA-cam. We're all behind you. 😊
I believe in you guys. Y’all got this. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re at your wits end. I’ve had some struggles of my own with starting the UA-cam channel. I’ve wanted to just trash my camera and cry some days. You guys are such good people I am so glad I was able to hang out with y’all. Wish Jay a speedy recovery and thank ya mom for me for being free help lol. Remember to breathe sweetie. Luh u 🥰
You're the best Le'shaun, thank you! You've got this too, just gotta push through the hard days🙌we're always here if you need to talk or vent. We had so much fun spending time with you, I'm sure our paths will cross again in the future 😊💛
Thanks for sharing not only the good but the bad & ugly that's part of real life! Hang in there you guys got this! ❤️
Y'ALL ARE AMAZING!! I'M IN AWE OF YOUR TALENT, DRIVE, CRAFTSMANSHIP, KINDNESS AND POSITIVITY!!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT!! AND KELS YOU HAVE A TREMENDOUS TALENT WITH VIDEOS AND NARRATING!! LOVE FOLLOWING AND WATCHING!! LOVE THE SILLY'S! 🥰 I PRAY YOUR STILL DOING VANS WHEN I'M READY FOR MY BUILD🙏 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT YOUR DOING! KEEP PUSHING BUT REMEMBER TO TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELVES!! GOD BLESS❤️🙏
Thank you for such kind words teri 💛💛
I know your business will grow. Getting your business out there. Advertisement is keep. People only fail when they give up. Never have a backup plan and just grind hard and never give up.
Beautiful- I had a 1973 dodge maxi van, I bought used - it was off white - had 2 seats up front, and bare in the back, swinging doors on the side and back. I did the 3/8 plywood with the sculptured sandstone and greys colors carpet glued to it, I didn’t build anything in it, because I was a carpet installer back in the 80’s - I loved that van, I probably did a dozen or so for friends, - I even did a Ford F100 van with the big dog house between the seats, he wanted burnt Orange paint and I had 1 inch Rust-/-orange carpet I used, I built a bed across the fender wells, with slide out drawers from the back. Back when Good Times Vans were the Thing, haha- love y’all’s videos- and tell the wife, she’s Pretty, don’t worry about what other people think, Y’all Rock - Good Luck, 🍀 God Bless, 🤠🐾♥️🙏🏻🇺🇸🍀🌲🦨
I watch your videos and many other UA-cam creators. All amazing. But for some reason … only a few thousand views?? Weird. You both are so talented. Try and be positive. It will happen
Thanks guys, that means a lot! We know it will happen when it's meant to 💛
Kels and Jay! Absolutely amazing stuff for real. Thank you for showing us the reality behind something like this. For people going through similar things, its a breathe of fresh air to know we are not alone and what we go through is normal. Also this video is like top tier production. I felt like I just watched a show on Netflix or something. Incredible.
Hey, young people, keep your heads up!!! Life happens. I am the father of four adult daughters and went out on my own in 2010 as an Independent Fitness & Wellness Trainer, and it was one of the best decision I have ever made!!!
Continue to work on your craft. Time management comes as you get older, but you have to continue to Grind!!! Adjustments are a necessary part of human development, and trust me, it gets better. Working through your fears is success. Blessings 🙏 🙌 🙏 🙌 🙏
Perseverance is the most important , hard work and success. We love u guys!
You two are crushing it, don't give up the faith ✌️🙏
I love how y’all’s videos tell a story! Daily vlogs can get sooo boring. Van looks great 💜
It’s only in your failures you achieve success. The important thing you have to risk failure to grow and learn
0:44 aww that made me smile
You are doing so amazing so very proud of you ..Such a special beautiful couple .everything you do is absolutely beautiful ..your attention to detail the craftsmanship ..gorgeous ..it's an honour to be here .Congratulations ..an big prayers jsys hand heals quickly am big hugs super proud of you much love an God bless always from Cyprus x
It's an honor to have you here Wendy. Thanks for being part of this journey with us! 💛
@@KelsAndJay ahhh thanku for your beautiful words x
Thank you for sharing this insight, it helps a lot, we recently started a van conversion company and are going through the trials and tribulations of the start up process, with both of us ending up in hospital too >< its been awesome watching your journey and cant wait to connect in the future! You got this! :)
- Chun
t
Keep at it guys! you're doing great - most people dont get to 'work' at something they really love. Just a small point though, check that clearance under the roller-door to make sure you can get that Van OUT the garage when its done with that A/C on the top!
Thanks Martyn! We measured it recently and it's going to clear by about an inch. So it'll be tight, but it should work haha
We believe in you guys!! You got this.
Thank you!! 💛
Love you two so much! Also Kels, you are one of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever met! ❤ you guys will succeed at all of it, I know it!
Van is looking awesome. Keep up the great work and stay strong. You’ve got this😊
Can't wait to see the finished van ! Love your style !
I am so proud of you two. Starting a business has it's challenges and I know that from being a business owner myself. I know you will persevere and be successful because that's who you are.
Keep up the good work. Everything matters!
I felt the pressure so many times this summer as we attempted to sell our giant house to downsize to an apt and eventually a truck camper. We had already moved out so we were committed and had two sets of bills and dwellings to take care of. I reached a breaking point one day where I had to just let it all go and the house sold within a week. The issues didn't stop there and our contract closing date is tomorrow but that's not happening. I try to take it day by day and focus on the good.
Thanks for the reminders that it's all part of the process. You got this. 💞
Is Pippa or the rug fluffier? 🤣🤣💖🐈
-Aimee
Thank you for sharing with us! I can't imagine how stressful that must have been for you. It's always tough to let it go and to let the universe take over, but a vital part of getting to that next chapter of our lives. Haha, it's a close one but I'd say Pippa 😂💛
Me and my wife tried to help one of our 5 kids buy a house this last year. Got a great deal on it, but our daughter couldn't get a loan yet, so we just bought it ourselves. It needed a lot of work so we put a lot of time and another 30k into it fixing it up. Long story short, she got a new boyfriend right as she was getting ready to move in, and moved into another house with him. So over the last 6 months, we've been trying to sell it. It was on the market 16 days before we got an offer we accepted, but this was the height of the housing market, and the inspection showed a lot of little things that needed fixed still. The buyer wanted us to fix it all, and we had already dropped the price 15k for them. So we didn't do the deal. Ever since, the housing market has dropped harder, and interest rates have kept going up. So now we are stuck. Contract with the realtor is up in 4 days, so we are just going to rent it. I also want to start a bus conversion/tiny house business. But the money I thought I would have back by now when the house sold is the money I was going to use to build a 60x80 pole building to start the business in. But I've got a very high paying manufacturing job, so I'll get by. But it's swing shift and I live an hour away. So I feel the pressure, and feel trapped. Hopefully the universe switches it up soon and the house (karpp A Diem) gets closed on, the business (kels and Jay) takes off with a boom, and the clouds part and let in a little sunlight that I desperately need.
no matter where you are or what you are doing at the time, that is not your worth....you are your worth, you are better than youtube, you are better than a van build, you are better than any comment you ever receive or any rating....you are an amazing lady, wife, friend, family member, pet mom, runner, music choser, editor, insulation installer, hole filler, painter, new business owner or random person on the street....you are so much more than you give yourself credit. You ARE enough. Failure is a badge of honor since to be able to fail is to be able to learn and grow. You two are doing great, keep stepping forward.
🥺this was so sweet!! Thank you so much for making my day 💛💛
You've got style, girl! That's part of business, not knowing. Persistence pays off eventually. Accomplishment leads to happiness. Resist comparing yourself to other people, just who you are today to who you were yesterday. Always do your best. Keep the faith. Every year will get better and better. Enjoy. The days are long but the decades are short. Cheers!
So So proud of you guys!!!
Never let your doubts win your dreams
Sorry for the turmoil, but it made for a great video! 🤘
You guys are amazing!! Incredible determination and great skills! 🎉❤ Keep at it!! You’ve got this!
old firefighter trick it to put egg whites on a burn as soon as you can. my family has uses lavender EO for burns (make sure its high quality). may still ache, but the damage isnt as bad, and it generally heals faster.
I believe in you!! And not just because I'm your aunty. But because I know your fire and determination. Love you both!!!
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Henry Ford
The outtakes at the end was 👍
There is no shame is 100 % true and its always good to stop and reflect
I new here and the 1st 20mins I was hooked...bless Yall and the business
So proud for you guys!
I have been following you guys for years and you two have inspired me to build my own bus rebuild i want to start one this coming summer
Just found your channel. You have entered the right business at the right moment in time! With the oncoming financial collapse you are going to see a mass influx of people living in their vehicles. Just remember this that cash flow is number 1 reason businesses go under not lack of sales! You guys just need to take inventory of the market and what is really desired and you will do amazing.
Not a good time, that van build will be 100k
Rooting for you guys 💓💓💓
all the very best. not a bad looking van for sale at all.
Ideally a new business the emphasis has to be on earning not spending. You should be taking orders and requiring payment in full up front, making adjustments at the closing. Making sure to always say all costs stated before the job is completed is only a quote not final costs.
You should also have the motto starting out, "no job too small." Those jobs will pay the bills and carry you to your goals.
Setting up the books preferably on apps that keep business books are great. Every expenditure has to be itemized, Earnings, inventory kept, and that includes office supplies right down to the last screw.
Every successful business works 15 to 16 hr days. Set hrs you are open and speak with potential customers, working on those small jobs etc. Then after closing and yes lock up. Work on your projects and goals when there's no small jobs or after closing.
Build a web site link it everyday possible. Make a logo and put it on every vehicle, small jobs too, that you work on. Advertising Every way you can.
Sharing information on line is not a good thing. Banks look at things like that when making loans. Posting that you're doing well and making sales is also bad, because thieves see that info too.
You need a safe and use it, only keeping petty cash out.
Everyone doesn't wish you well.
Yes starting a business is overwhelming at times people know it. Sharing too much isn't professional. When building a business and name you need to "Always" think what's best for your reputation and goals.
Dress for success, show your eclectic side and casual/serious side while thinking business modest. You want to be taken seriously not dressed for a casual picnic.
Get that website built it will bring work to you. Always get paid first.
Write proposals for banks. It will help your business if you are working with some banks , atleast one that can make loans for these sales. The easier you make it for your customers the better.
Keep books as you go it's way easier than trying to remember what the shelves, desk computer, flooring sealants etc cost later.
This isn't even half of what you need to know, but it will get you started.
Yes it's a lot to educate yourself about and establish, but you can do it.
Y'all got it!!! Can't wait to see what it looks like!!
Thanks Sandra, can't wait to show you guys! 💛
@@KelsAndJay I just wanted to say. I get down on myself also. I'm disabled and can't do what I want to become of my lower back pain. I do make handmade cards like for bdays, anniversary etc. That helps me plus putting my faith in God. He knows your path!! Your in my prayers. Oh how is Jay's hand??
You can create a Patrion page and let your fans donate to support your channel.
I watch a lot of van life channels. I have seen some jump off and build cabin or buy them, or go to different rigs or start business while trying to con their subscribers with everything out to make a buck. You to knuckleheads and I say that with all the love in my black heart 🖤 are some of the purest and real deal people out there. You keep things 100 all the time and yes starting a business is always hard in the beginning when your doing it by yourself! But lovies you got this! Everything you started you always had butterflies but you always prevailed in the end and came out on top! You guys will take the van building world storm! 2 paws up for you! Happy holidays!
Hi just found your channel, keep the faith. Starting and running a business is tough work. Good luck! I’ll keep looking forward to your new post. 😊
Believe in yourselves always U Guys Got This.!!! Best of Luck Always From Your Friend In Michigan Tam ❤️😘
You two are so amazing!
Right back atchya 💛
Just subscribed. Can't wait to see more!
you two are good and smart and I see you going long amazing way in your business you're going to make it big because you have the knowledge
I watch you guys camping etc. and I enjoy it very much. But I’m dyslexic and I’m not even sure if you’re gonna get this comment I hope so God bless you guys❤
We got it and appreciate it very much 💛💛 thank you for watching 🥰
You are both young, take care of your health.......... Your dreams will come true♥️🙏🌹🌈🦋🥂
1:34 oooooh sick tool rack! That was a score!!!
I'm curious why you chose wool for the insulation. Wool absorbs moisture so isn't that a bad thing if inclosed inside of a wall where it's unable to breathe to dry it self out if it absorbs moisture or gets wet?
If it becomes moist or gets wet couldn't it cause mold on a wood surface if it's in contact with the wood or rust on a metal surface?
You can read more about havelock wool and the benefits of it here😊: havelockwool.com/van-insulation-products/
@@KelsAndJay I've been doing a lot of research into how professionals insulate metal buildings, metal building construction is similar to a van with it's metal exterior and metal interior ribs. The professionals agree a product that absorbs or retains moisture should be avoided for several reasons.
I just referred to your link of the company promoting their product for use in van builds but the professionals in the building industry seem to disagree with the use of that type of product.
Sometimes you have to take a couple hours and just step away. I used to own and operate my own machine shop. My husband helped me try to save it from two employees who committed piracy agaist me. You two won't have that problem. Also....you two are GOOD!
So proud of you two ❤❤❤
6:25 i do this too. big time. i don't think it's going away for me haha.
I guess I did it right I hope you guys will continue on sharing your adventure God bless
Can't speak for the US. But in Europe I think it's very hard to have a succesful van building biz.
Competing with big companies is impossible. Their profit is in the discount they get by buying in bulk. A van is stuffed with tech since it's like a home, only smaller. If you can't buy in bulk and pay premium for all this stuff then it's very hard to still have any profit. If you buy all at retail price and calculate then it seem like it's just as expensive to just buy a new ready made van.
So I guess the only way is either building for individual customers to their specific order. Or find a niche that is too small for big companies to make profit but still has a small group of potential buyers that are looking for that what they can't find at big companies.
You got this! So happy to have been part of your first builds.
Thanks Julie!! Missin you, hope you and ollie are doing well 💛
5:51 noooo Jay's poor hand!!!
You are doing great!
Congratulations
How do I get on your build schedule? 🤔 I have a 2003 Church bus, shuttle bus! You guys are Rock Stars, do not doubt yourselves!
Thank you!! Send us an email to kelsandjayhi@gmail.com 😊
Oh sweetie you guys are amazing..... You are good enough, smart enough and funny cute enough.... Lol. You said funny enough on the video right after I typed it so there ya go... I love you guys❤️
So it appears that you're making a build for a van and then going to try to sell it. And that's great. However if you're worried about whether you can sell it or not, wouldn't it make more sense to contact people who are looking to have them builds and find out what they want exactly before building it? Because as you have it right now you have to find people that want to build vans and you have to find people that want the vans that you have built already. In this case however if you find people that are just simply looking for Van builds so they can start living the van life, you can make the van as they want it so you don't have to worry about them not wanting exactly what you built. Or you can build it not only to what they want exactly but to what their price range is. You guys have the experience and you know how much you can build the van for. Just saying...
As business owner myself you should take some days off or you will burn yourself out, and things will go down fast. If it takes longer to build it right, take the time to do it right. Give yourself time. Also take time to cleanup the shop even 15 minutes at the end of the day, so things move faster the next day.
You should've just moved out of your apartment and rented a house with a big garage. That way your home is also your office, you could still do that you'd save a lot of money that way until you ramp up production and hire more people
A Walmart going out of business? 🤯
Are you sure they weren't just changing their location?
When I was in NC, the Walmart was somewhat small, and it moved to an offramp for the interstate as a supercenter.
Take your time, be safe and get plenty of rest.....a lesson for the young at heart
Very wise words, thanks Bill!!
You got this
Sometimes bringing in a new business manager might help with fresh eyes and new directions. Just a suggestion.
Anyone know what the song is in this video? I love it and it fits the mood I'm the moment so well!
New to channel, hope hand is healing.
I don't think "We Messed Up" is quite the appropriate title for this. Because you didn't mess up. I think your expectations were different from what happened at first. Before you were taking on projects that someone asked you to do. Now you're taking a little more of a risk. Plus you also took part in that competition. You overextended a little. You're still getting it done. You both are hard workers with a vision and the talent and skills to accomplish anything you set out to do. You are amazing and inspiring.
I get the beating yourself up thing. I can't tell you how many times I have done exactly the same thing since I took the leap and bought a house as a single 52 yr old woman in 2007. Considering all the things that have happened in my life since I'm amazed I'm still here. I got some stories.....!!
Oh and had an issue with the Patreon thing this AM. I forgot to change the info to my new card. 🙃 Doh! All fixed now.
Clone Jay for me so I can have someone help me fix all the crap wrong with my house. A Jay clone could probably fix everything in no time at all. I have tools!!
😆 😆
I'm beginning to think Jay might need to wear like a protective bubble suit. Man that hand looked painful!! You take care of yourself!!!!
If it's built with love folk will notice ☺
Great shop.
Where's the new shop located ?
9:22 Kels, paint slopping into a paint tray literally grosses me out haha. #grouttrauma
Hahah you definitely have some #painttrauma goin on there justin 😂
It's beautiful van.
Hey I came to your page just to ask about your van build business . Is there a website
You can send us an email for more information 😊 kelsandjayhi@gmail.com
So what is the “Big Mistake”?
No one works hard than entrepreneurs.
Stop it!!! You are a great person!! We are gong to have ups and downs
Love how you guys took a risk do you think you should of just kept traveling and doing getting paid to build ppl vans and buses on thr road since its no over head like a ware house
"Even with our experience it seems like we're in way over our heads and everything is falling apart." "No days off." "Stressful."
Welcome to starting a company. It's work.
Good Vibes
💛💛
Welllll it's ok. I wanna mess up with you too. dang.
Walmart going out of business is a bad sign
You don’t have to measure your worth by someone else’s success. God made us all to be who we are and to enjoy the ride and bless those around us and you do that so smile and believe in what He has made. Remember God doesn’t make any junk!
Aren’t you guys making good enough money from UA-cam to sort of tide you over till the business takes off ?