Our pool business as a road to retirement

[Arif]

Ok. Well, the last couple of weeks have been quiet. We're now looking for another employee so I can get my hours back down due because of the new commercial accounts. I posted an ad on craigslist and recieved about 20 emails and resumes in the first few days. One thing I've learned from past interviews is that people who aren't used to working outside in 100 degree heat don't last long. If an applicant doesn't have pool experience but worked in construction or landscaping they generally do well. Those who worked in an office for the last 5-10 years usually won't make the cut.

I've been debating if I want to use the pizza shop model or the pest control model. The pizza shop model utilizes the employees truck and pay him mileage depending on current gas prices. The pest control model is buying a truck and have the employee use it for his route. Obviuosly there are pros and cons with each model. I've decided for now on the model with the lower upfront costs, pizza model. I don't plan on keeping the business for more than 5 years (even though I only planned on staying in the Army for 3 years and ending up serving 11) so I figure why spend money on assets that require maintenance, insurance, and gas. The employee also benefits in that the rate I pay is about twice what they pay in gas so the excess covers the maintenance of their vehicle. Sometimes this does cause a problem as I get applicants that are qualified but have a car instead of a truck. I don't allow employees to carry chemicals in their car due to the fumes and danger of transporting it in a closed vehicle.

Our general liability insurance is due to expire next month. The membership in the pool association includes general liability of $3 million (at half the price) versus the current $1 million coverage I have. So I'll be canning the current GL insurance at the end of the month. Now if I can just find cheap worker' comp. insurance.