Re: Life Sucks, Then You Move On

["Jim@xxxxxxx" <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Dec 4, 1:47=A0pm, JoeRaisin <joeraisin2...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Lost my job yesterday. =A0My regional ops mgr and supervisor are lobbying
> to get that decision reversed but I'm not holding my breath.
>
> 1. What's covered under a non-compete clause?...

Sorry to hear of your loss, Joe.

If your job is "alarm installer" a non-compete clause prohibiting you
from installing alarms, even in the same neighborhood as your former
employer, is unenforceable.  Feel free to work for a competitor or
start your own alarm company.

> With my license I can do NFPA Fire Alarm Inspections and am told (by
> someone who may or may not know what they are talking about) that as
> long as I don't solicit current customers of my former employer it isn't
> a problem.

That is correct.

> 2. I know it varies from region to region but how would you guys go
> about estimating a wiring job? =A0By the foot? =A0By the estimated hours?
> By the number of drops? =A0All of the above? =A0Money up front or bill la=
ter
> or a combination?

I haven't done wiring as a sub contractor in many years but when I
did, it was by the drop or by the day, depending on the level of
difficulty.

> I've worked with enough cheap wire before to know
> I want to use a decent product so are there any brands
> I should avoid?

Stay away from Eastern Wire & Cable, because it's crap.
Avoid Genesis.  It's good enough quality but over priced.

> I know these may be basic and perhaps dumb questions
> but I've never had to deal with such things before...

The only dumb question is the one not asked.

> and I have to admit I'm still a little befuddled and off
> balance - pretty sick to my stomach as well.

I feel the same way but not from job loss.  It's the blasted pain
killers and the steroids.  :(

> Is there anything else I should be considering?

Try to network with realtors.  Have you done any specialty stuff
besides run-of-the-mill alarm work?  If you know how to read
blueprints, consider approaching architectural firms in the area.
Architects spec what systems will be used, but many of them don't
really know the different systems.  They get a local installing firm
to write the spec for them.  If they win the bid, you'll have an
excellent shot at doing the installation.  The key in this kind of
"spec-sale" is to write the description of the equipment to be used
directly from your favorite manufacturer's "A&E" which you can usually
download directly from the manufacturer's website.  Describe the
hardware precisely, down to the last letter, but  DO NOT spec the make
and model.  That way it's a specification -- not a sales proposal.

I'm sure you'll get lots of other ideas from the guys here.  Hope
these help, too.

Best of luck,

Robert L Bass
www.BassBurglarAlarms.com