Marine Business in Central Florida

I have been a member of your FMCA since its inception. During that time, I have seen the economy and business go through the ups and downs. Right now I believe we are on the way up as our company is very busy. We have a very strong web presence as well as some old time clients that have allowed us to get leads to work. We are so busy, I need to watch my attitude when responding to customers.

Yesterday when a customer called one of my estimators got the call and then gave me a lead sheet implying that he had not discussed the project with the customer other than to acquire name, number and project scope. Little did I know what awaited. The note Read that Mr. Roberts wants a price on a 4’x250’ pressure treated wood dock built immediately. I called the gentleman right away. He boastfully stated that he wanted the pressure treated wood dock and
wanted a square foot price urgently.

I began to ask the normal questions as I always do with my lead, the first being “do you already have your permitting?” He exclaimed that he didn’t need permitting on this dock as that was just an excuse for the government to make money off of him. After I laughed obnoxiously out loud over the phone, I explained that we cannot work that way. As he began to talk over me to argue his case, I told him we were not interested and hung up on him. He then called the office back but I would not take his call.

The reason I tell this story is for two reasons. The first being that I am normally patient and willing to talk to any potential customer even if I do not think they are potential as long as they are nice to me. In this case, I copped an attitude that he was a user and only wanted me to qualify another bidder for him. So I went to the dark side and most likely created an enemy. I should have done a better job at letting him down as a potential customer.

The second reason I tell this story is that I understand that we can’t get every customer and more, we shouldn’t want every customer. I am absolutely sure that this guy would have been very difficult to work with, if in fact I had been able to beat his other bidders. Later I found out from the estimator who took the call, he had discussed the project at length with Mr. Roberts. They guy would not tell where the lake was or divulge any information other than the location being in Osceola County. Further when the estimator asked for his name, he said “Mr. Roberts”. I have a problem with a guy referring to themselves when soliciting a bid from someone as Mr. anything. Am I wrong?

Back to the business here. We have been bidding a lot and getting a few. Getting a lot more sheet pile projects bother for temporary shoring and for permanent sheet pile. Not only steel sheeting but vinyl and composite as well. I saw the stock market tock a plunge today and I hope it is not an indication of a trend. Best wishes to all my fellow FMCA members.

– Rick Fender