being a supermarket mechanic

[redwhitekat]

well just a review of my first 4 months being a supermarket mechanic, for all of you looking for hours lol its the side of the trade to be in, so far i've had lots of hours, lots of learning and seing new things, very challenging in both the equipment and store managers wanting the equipment to be working yesterday. the oncall can be brutal, i've been oncall 3 times now, and got 30 hrs 1st time and 45 hrs 2nd time lol Not sure how long i'll stick with it, as most times things break at 4 pm and guess what, most times its got to be fixed today, so working late, busy oncall, learning curve, stress, etc is hard to deal with. just my review for those of you getting into supermarket, lots of money to be made.

[james122964]

well just a review of my first 4 months being a supermarket mechanic, for all of you looking for hours lol its the side of the trade to be in, so far i've had lots of hours, lots of learning and seing new things, very challenging in both the equipment and store managers wanting the equipment to be working yesterday. the oncall can be brutal, i've been oncall 3 times now, and got 30 hrs 1st time and 45 hrs 2nd time lol Not sure how long i'll stick with it, as most times things break at 4 pm and guess what, most times its got to be fixed today, so working late, busy oncall, learning curve, stress, etc is hard to deal with. just my review for those of you getting into supermarket, lots of money to be made.

Sounds about right, except for 1 thing, the stuff does not break down at 4pm, it just gets called in then, on the way home, so the next manager can deal with it.

It has been a rough summer to say the least, the guys were I work are normally getting 50 hr easy every week and the on call guy is knocking down 70 + a week.
Last I was on call I had 92.

Jim

[luskys a/c]

I commend you guys who give the extra mile to satisfy the customer and get the job done right. I know nothing about Super Market refrigeration and I am in the process of starting my own business (HVAC & Refrigeration) . I feel comfortable with the other applications like walk ins and reach thrus and the small display cases but the big Super market systems I seem to be a little wary of. In your opinions what would be a good way to learn about the dynamics of these systems other than field experience. I know enough to not take a call on equipment I have no business touching but I would love to at least start somewhere.

[crackertech]

Markets can be brutal this time of year.:D

[cmclifton]

I've been in markets for 4 months too. I'm lucky though, I only have to take care of a handful of commissaries. Been averaging 50ish hours per week for those 4 months, and it's been a lot of fun.

[Dowadudda]

I hope I don't have to eat my words here but I am gonna go for this and say.

I have been out of it for 3 weeks. I don't miss it. And I hope I never have to do it again.

I am not sure how many of you guys in this section know about my recent voluntary departure from my job to start back out on my own again. I did 3 weeks ago. And I did it sort of cause i was in a moment with dealing with stress and bs and just all the crap. I am done with it. God help me to never have to east those words.

I have sacrificed countless special occasions, holidays, family get togethers, family and personal vacations.

How many beautiful fall weekends, or perfect sun shiny Saturdays where you could be doing something relaxing, but yet your pulling call and running. I have missed many days like that in my career and most of that was missed while doing racks.

A close friend of mine. He's on here. Were sittin having beers last night and he says to me. "you look calmer, at ease, peace of mind". Then he asks. "is there something wrong" as to reference that I am not usually just relaxed and not so amped up from what he is use to from me. And the funny thing is, I should be freaking out right now cause I am trying to scramble to find work. But, you know. It's amazing how big a world is out there that needs stuff fixed in the HVACR biz. Thank my lucky stars for the skills I got. I busted my a$$ for them. But still feel lucky for them.

I loved it. It's a big time big leagues job. There aint no doubt about it. But man, I also hated it. I really did.

[Pascone10]

I hope I don't have to eat my words here but I am gonna go for this and say.

I have been out of it for 3 weeks. I don't miss it. And I hope I never have to do it again.

Really? What have you been doing now? Youve been doing markets far awhile right?

[Freezeking2000]

I hope I don't have to eat my words here but I am gonna go for this and say.

I have been out of it for 3 weeks. I don't miss it. And I hope I never have to do it again.

We still take care of 2 small markets at my company. You may be back in a few smaller markets as well if the opportunity comes your way. No dial out on alarms at my stores.

I was in the markets as a tech for 10 years and do not miss it at all, not one bit.

[Dowadudda]

Really? What have you been doing now? Youve been doing markets far awhile right?

went on my own.

over the last 10 years i have had about 6 years collectively.

I imagine I would do a few little stores if I got asked. But I am not gonna go out and look for it.

[jpsmith1cm]

I have a slightly different take on market.

Yeah, it can be stressful, the hours can be brutal, the managers can be difficult.

IF YOU'RE NOT TAKING CARE OF PROBLEMS!!!!!

With a good preventive maintenance program, you can catch the problems before they happen and half enjoy your summer.

Yes, stuff will still break and managers will still wait until 4PM to call it in, but this hasn't been happening as much around here.

I hope that I won't have to eat MY words....


Congrats, 4D. Markets are a brutal place to hone your skills, but hone them you will.

Good luck with your venture.

[Dowadudda]

I agree that good maintenance alleviates many dicey problems. I mean I shutter when I think back on some of the most murderous marathon on calls I had, and you could trace it back to bad or lack of maintenance.

Thanks for the support JP.

I am not knocking down any records or nothing but, work is slowly trickling in. I am networking and mingling my but off. I have been meeting some really neat people. And aside from my passion for what I do. I love to meet and learn about new people.

You know it's been kind a neat. Here I got my back up against the wall. I am needing to do this. I need the cash. But. Here I am out hustling trying to sell myself. I am all in. It feels a little exhilarating. I feel good. I feel like I am doing what I need to do. I will tell you this. If I make it. I will not ever feel sorry for anyone again. Because literally I am taking a larger risk than most would have the balls to right now in this state and this economy.

If anything it's a change of scenery. I was in some little deli this last week working on a cooler and I was dealing with a customer who has been kinda getting the run around. Took care of him. Might have a good start on a new account. Have had a couple that come my way like that. 3 weeks. I am pretty pleased.

[jpsmith1cm]

I agree that good maintenance alleviates many dicey problems. I mean I shutter when I think back on some of the most murderous marathon on calls I had, and you could trace it back to bad or lack of maintenance.

Thanks for the support JP.

I am not knocking down any records or nothing but, work is slowly trickling in. I am networking and mingling my but off. I have been meeting some really neat people. And aside from my passion for what I do. I love to meet and learn about new people.

You know it's been kind a neat. Here I got my back up against the wall. I am needing to do this. I need the cash. But. Here I am out hustling trying to sell myself. I am all in. It feels a little exhilarating. I feel good. I feel like I am doing what I need to do. I will tell you this. If I make it. I will not ever feel sorry for anyone again. Because literally I am taking a larger risk than most would have the balls to right now in this state and this economy.

If anything it's a change of scenery. I was in some little deli this last week working on a cooler and I was dealing with a customer who has been kinda getting the run around. Took care of him. Might have a good start on a new account. Have had a couple that come my way like that. 3 weeks. I am pretty pleased.

IMO, Dow, this is EXACTLY what the small equipment market needs.

Guys like yourself who have a deep enough understanding of the systems to make them work properly.

Have dabbled a bit in resi stuff lately, just enough to get a bad taste in my mouth.

Guys do this work every day who arent' even qualified to carry wrenches for my damned apprentice yet are commanding top dollar from homeowners and it makes me ill. Guys who can't even find a leak yet are perfectly willing to keep charging a customer year after year to keep dumping gas in a system.

I don't have the business sense that you seem to, or I'd be looking to capitalize on the same thing in my area.

I'm not what you would call a "people person"

[thrashme]

Congrats 4D and good luck on your new adventure...I went out on my own 5 years ago and it has been a great ride. I have had 3 markets until June of this year, I lost them to a larger company that took all 23 of the stores of that chain in this area, they also have 3 other major chains. At first I was a little shocked, pissed and concerned, but now that it is all said and done it has been a blessing in disguise. This past January I allocated more advertising money into Air Conditioning because at 50 those 11pm to 5 am are just not as much fun as they used to be. Although I still work on weekends it is NOT all day and all night! Short version, I am still up 14% over last year on my gross. Life is too short too miss out on living it with my family.

[Dowadudda]

it's funny you should say something like that, because you know what, I am seeing that exactly.

JP, I would not go as far to say I have a deep understanding of systems. Thanks for thinking that way for me but listen.

It does have some technical know how and experience no doubt. But what I think I got on most people is my perseverance for the answer. I don't give up on figuring things out. I will go study what I have to, work longer and harder to get my answer. I think about things with intensity. And when I troubleshoot, I can focus and channel that. Over time that becomes a habit. I aint any smarter than you or anyone. I just work at my trade cause I love it.

I also believe that, now and the last time as well, that I was in business, I have a genuine enthusiasm about things surrounding the trade and business. I think people respond to that.

I was just on my mower today thinking about how I am gonna have such a tough time trying to grow and have guys that I can make into a good mechanic and how I might want to instill those qualities in them. Not just for my benefit but for there's also.

[jdwendling]

Aw you don't need luck. Just enjoy the peace when the phone isn't ringing and trust that it will ring. The hardest part of being self employed is to not worry. Do what you want to do when you can and work when you have to.

[Phase Loss]

Way to hijack the thread 4D's!

It takes major balls to do what you did and I wish you much luck.

As for me, I got into Trade 4 1/2 years ago and into Super Markets 3 years and 8 months ago. For now, I love it. But i can tell you I will NOT be doing this forever (Super Markets) I can see how it will one day become endless bull$****.

till then, I'm young, single and have no kids, so its perfect.

[luskys a/c]

Okedoke........I will leave out Super Markets in my push for better quality Refrigeration in my area. I am with you Dow. I gained my knowledge from shop to shop and now I want to leave this Hospital job to make my own money and honestly Im scared s*less. Bills wont stop comming in and I need to find a customer base. I like the HVAC side of it but the Refrigeration draws me in so much more . I hope the best for you Dow.

[Dowadudda]

I will say that there is no good time to start. You start with one foot in front and start stepping. The work is there. Someone is on that call right now. Most guys here want to learn and strive to do well and be competent. That is not the case in I'd say 50% of techs. The percentage being higher with managers and owners that knowingly send substandard quality service to the customer. I have seen through many shops that simply take the customers money and know the tech did not do the job correctly.

So how can there not be opportunity? It's everywhere you look.

Our product is our skills and knowledge and delivering them at a price that produces a value.

Most operations I have been involved with think radically different. They think if they provide some resemblance of service it entitles them.

It is craziness what goes on out there. Even a blind squirrel can find a nut

[-frozen-ocean-]

Great move Dow! long hours aren't everything in life. when you start caring too much about your job and then get **** on in the end u get burnt out. stress and being groochy more often will screw a guy up. I'm getting sick of market work myself. good luck

[condenseddave]

Good luck.



































Are you stoned???????????????????????????????????????

[Dowadudda]

holy balls. where have you been hiding for the last few years.

Whats up Dave? I haven't seen you in years.

Are you still in business?

[condenseddave]

I don't much care for the element that's taken over here. I frequent a smaller, cozier forum. Just came to pay my respects to Carnak, and was looking around. Thought I'd say hello.

Business? I quit before you did. LOL.

I've been with a large contractor for ~6 years. Only supermarkets.

Take it easy.

[shaun66]

4D's , Hope you do well, when I met you last winter, you showed a passion rarely seen any more

back to market talk,
I got in this trade 21 yrs ago, in a small (100000) city. we did everything - one call market, next call resi fridge, next call 500 ton chiller
left that went to NH3 contractor
then to test chambers
came back to to markets 10 yrs ago and love it. do only commissioning software/mechanical no on call. rarely work more than 10 hr days
6 figure income
all is good

[stanbyyourword]

Dow good luck I shocked by this news, but also understand
I think where I will end up is buying out a small established contractor that is selling , you should maybe think about doing so , to get started and keep the customers happy and grow , may I ask how old you are out of interest? I know you have ALOTof
supermarket experience , I also wonder why you didnt opt for superviser field manager
position at existing firm or other? I havent ever worked in markets as employee just older ones and new ones on projects , but I have worked in every facet in 18 years commercial /industrial hvac and refrigeration, as you know the experience isnt free and just given to you , you have to have passion for this stuff and drive , for the goal of knowledge and the hunger for it. I only ever worked for a large company once, and swore never again
which was one of big 3 chiller manuf , i was so miserable there but learned so much , I only say this cos I as well know that I will one day soon probably take your same route , keep in mind when you have pizza places with walkin freezer down on saturday nights they still want you there at 130am , so think about hiring help, all the best my freind , even though I dont contribute alot here , I watch and listen to all of you , Im also so busy , just time to scan with my coffee in the mornings
, and some including yourself are able to offer the same and BETTER answers on topics , I recognize you as a pro and wish you all the best in your venture , keep the faith I think the moral of the story , and what you were trying to tell the young guy who started the thread is "love your job , take pride , but lifes too short to work it all away" stan

[Dowadudda]

I am 37 this November.

I am not interested nor do I have the capitol to buy an existing business.

Being on your own, as I have been successfully before, is not for everyone. And on certain days it's not for me. But I could say that about working for someone too.

At the end of the day. My goals and dreams are to build a shop from the ground up. So exactly when would have been the right time? That perfect time would have never come. Because of the change which was happening at the place I was, I decided it was time.

I am risking a lot. I could lose my home in this process. I could lose a lot. You just got to make a stand and move off square and get to gettin. That is the only way in my opinion. I was no ever gonna have a perfect time or a ton of money. I just needed to get gettin. So that is what I did.

4 weeks. I have been working and making some money. If the next 6 months progress as the last 4 weeks have I will be more than pleased. I have had a lot of days so far where I am doing business type stuff, the admin, setting my books up and getting things printed and getting insurance and crap like that. Setting some marketing in place. Going out and handing out cards. Making contacts. And it all seems to be moving forward.

[james122964]

I am 37 this November.

I am not interested nor do I have the capitol to buy an existing business.

Being on your own, as I have been successfully before, is not for everyone. And on certain days it's not for me. But I could say that about working for someone too.

At the end of the day. My goals and dreams are to build a shop from the ground up. So exactly when would have been the right time? That perfect time would have never come. Because of the change which was happening at the place I was, I decided it was time.

I am risking a lot. I could lose my home in this process. I could lose a lot. You just got to make a stand and move off square and get to gettin. That is the only way in my opinion. I was no ever gonna have a perfect time or a ton of money. I just needed to get gettin. So that is what I did.

4 weeks. I have been working and making some money. If the next 6 months progress as the last 4 weeks have I will be more than pleased. I have had a lot of days so far where I am doing business type stuff, the admin, setting my books up and getting things printed and getting insurance and crap like that. Setting some marketing in place. Going out and handing out cards. Making contacts. And it all seems to be moving forward.

I do not know you, but good luck.
I think every once in a while about going solo, even have all the licenses and pay them every year, but, in my area I would not really be able to earn much more than I get now. The thing that mainly keeps me out of that is that I absolutely hate collecting the money, bickering of prices, etc.

Proved good service, and be honest you will have no troubles.

Jim

[ColdairGuy]

I started out at a fast food chain (ac tech/ plumber/ janitor lol) out of school....Then I stepped into a full blown refrigeration company. Began with c-stores and then into markets. I learned EVERYTHING that I know today there!

Great learning experience, but I also learned supermarkets weren't for me. The on calls really affected my mood etc. I spent many holidays / special occasions in markets when I wanted to be with family etc..

Lack of maintanence is obviously the culprit for excess OT in markets, but you can't really control that when accounts are shifting around every other month because there is a better deal from another contractor and alot of times the stores weren't exactly yours, they would dispatch whoever was around...and you never knew what they left for you there the next time you showed up.

It was a great learning experience no doubt but I knew I didn't want to start a family with that type of work schedule...now I have a wife and daughter, and I am finally happy!

The End lol

[james122964]

Yep, they should change the on call to working all hours all week while you are on call, there has been no exceptions, worked every weekend all day and half the night.

Jim

[NedFlanders]

I am 37 this November.

.

...very ballsy for a little kid.....:D

You got the skillz to do it and you've done it before good luck Dow

(for the new guys)The Supermarkets can eat you up. No matter how much you know though , your're always learning.

[johnl45]

Best of luck Dow, you know you can do it. (again)

[Dowadudda]

3.5 months. Going good. Feels like I never left my business. I look back on the posts I made a few months back and it reminds me of my mindset then.

I am not "out of the woods" but things are grooving.

I am quite satisfied. And I recall that when I made those posts, how uneasy I was compared to now. I have more confidence about whats happening now.

There is work out there. Right now I am finding there is hacked systems to diagnose, redo. I just looked at a small light commercial job today, I will be busy for a few months on this puppy getting it back into shape. I think I just found my winter. I will post back.

[clark c]

Words of wisdom guy's:

If your planning on starting your own business, keep it small.....yourself and maybe one person!

I've been in business now for 10 years. It's grown steady every year with trucks and customers. Our tallest hurdle is employees and people that can't do what they say they can do. The larger the business, the more headaches! Many days I wished I would have just stayed in upper management working for other companies. The stress is a hell of a lot less working for someone else. If your planning on building a business, you will reach a lot of plateau's that will be extremley tough to get over.

If anyone is interested, I'll sell you my business in Texas and work for you!

[MikeySq]

3.5 months. Going good. Feels like I never left my business. I look back on the posts I made a few months back and it reminds me of my mindset then.

I am not "out of the woods" but things are grooving.

I am quite satisfied. And I recall that when I made those posts, how uneasy I was compared to now. I have more confidence about whats happening now.

There is work out there. Right now I am finding there is hacked systems to diagnose, redo. I just looked at a small light commercial job today, I will be busy for a few months on this puppy getting it back into shape. I think I just found my winter. I will post back.

good to hear!!, its been about the same for my lil change too things goin well this way too!

[thermofridge]

Good luck Dowa. As I write this I just got home from a 1 AM market call. Now I have time for coffee and back to the shop to load up and put another 8 in. I can appreciate your enthusiasm to end the madness. This has been a calm week on call and I still hit 17 hrs. overtime.

[Big_Ern]

I got a taste of it....but there were no hours for me. I'm 23. I really liked working on racks and would like to learn more about them but there just isn't the opportunity. i am working now though...

[pherman]

I got a taste of it....but there were no hours for me. I'm 23. I really liked working on racks and would like to learn more about them but there just isn't the opportunity. i am working now though...

What???? Where is that were there are no hours doing markets? What were you doing construction or service?

[Big_Ern]

I did construction and service....