I was just wondering what percentage of you bros have made the commitment to go from backyard builders to factory shapers. I was also wondering what kind of horror stories any of you may have about audits(SHHHHH!) and visits from the EPA?! Any bad blood from local “commercial” shapers/ glass houses who’ve given you the business for “cutting into their turf”… For those of you who ARE full blown commercial shapers (and I don’t mean simply accepting bread for your work), what kind of good words could you pass along re/ business end etc.? P.S. What about working for name shapers, and delicate “exclusivity” arrangements?! Much appreciated, T.
There are a number of guys I know in the business where their backyard is their “commercial” shop. You only need a unit the size of a tree car garage and you have enough room to glass, sand and shape. Works only where zoning allows for light industry or home based business that have the kind of impacts surfboards have. Chances are, your (or anyone else reading) current residence is not in a zoning area that would allow you to do any commercial work. Having any “employees” can be complicated – even if the glasser and sander are considered by you to be “contract” most employment laws will see it different unless they supply all their own tools and supplies (yes, the glasser has to buy his own resin) - otherwise, it is likely that you will be deemed to be labeling workers as contract to avoid taxes and mandatory insurance, etc. – the government holds all the cards in this game. This is why you find a lot of one man shops in this business – rarely more than three people - each being his own “contractor.” Its a marginal business, anyway to cut expenses is money in your pocket. Building a new facility is a pain, you will have to put in handicap able bathrooms – men and women – that can be bigger than 1/2 the space requirements for a small operation – just one example of the beurocracy. Best to find a small location in a light industrial park where the landlord has all ready covered-off on zoning issues. Yes, I have heard of EPA making visits. One shop, they came in looked around – made them build and put all the chemical drums in a special containment area to guard against spills. Also, one guy was paid a call by the DEA – they track large purchases of acetone – it is used in the production of methanphetamine. Large purchases of some chemicals are tracked and profiled by the Fed from time to time. So, when you by a 55 gallon drum of acetone – you probably start showing up on the radar screen. In the whole scheme of things – the amount of chemicals used in the surfboard industry is not that large – there are a lot of bigger fish to fry. That doesn’t mean, take any chances by operating outside the law. A couple of years back, a bunch of local boatyards were busted for letting sanded paint spill in to the waterway. They came in with news crews and guns drawn – lead the owners off in handcuffs (picture a guy in docksiders and a golf shirt with handcuffs) – for paint dust!!! I am looking to go commercial by 2004 – plan to be inside the law, for sure – spending a lot of time studing these issues now so I will be ready when my time comes. There is a mamonth amound of issues you have to be aware of. Violations of many environmental and some employment laws are classified as criminal offenses – so your company structure (i.e. corporation) will afford you (as an individual) no protection. The regulation side of this, or any busienss, is stagering. Shine http://users.leading.net/~shine
It is difficult to do. Not only do you have to contend with regulations, but the fact that now your sole income will be from board building is quite ominous in itself. We all know there ain’t much money in boards until you get to be numbers(both in orders and the bucks paid for your board. When you see that Al an Rusty sell boards for $450…and we all know what we get for our boards, you can see why they some money from boards. However, nothing new, T-shirts silk screened in Indo, china, mexico…sel for $20 bucks. A couple of there shirts sold and that is the amount I am trying to get for a shape…and it is hard to get the money , from my friends!!! So, you end up doing it for free. It might have been Tom Stern…anyhow…he told me to get a career and do boards for fun. I agree. Have a descent full-time job which brings in eough cash to keep your kraft alive. If I knew I could make it, I would love to make boards for a living. It isn’t practical. I got into shaping to save bucks and I have always liked making things. As a business ventur…I think not. When board building gets to the point where it isn’t as hazardous or strenuous or expensive…maybe. Sanding is still a bitch, fiberglass dust sucks. Shaping ain’t bad, but now the electric costs makes you wonder… See ya guys, I am going back to school. As Jeff Booth, his education at SDSU has paid off.
See ya guys, I am going back to school. As Jeff Booth, his education at > SDSU has paid off. Yes, it is interesting that few things in life that are noble work pay a lot of money. I say drink heavy from the well when you are young – pay the bills – sock away the cash – get to a place in life where you can chose alternatives. The worst alternative is to have no choice at all.
Thanks, SHINE, and STEVE…It was great to get the skinny, and the philosophical outlook from you folks! Yeah, labors of love are often the toughest (albeit, most rewarding) things in life. It sure IS a shame that there’s so much bureaucracy and preventative gray clouds looming over what could, otherwise, be a nice “living” for a lot of talented folks. It’s a pity that this land of supposed free enterprise carries with it so many roadblocks to financial (as well as spiritual) wellbeing - sometimes. Continue to make your best boards for your dearest friends, and you’ll not only have a welcome audience - but a better feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. Best of luck, bros…Aloha, T. (“JACK HANDY”…{joking}).