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I'm still stuck on this $25 an hour and up foreman thing too........I know CA is expensive, but NJ has to be dam close, and I don't see it here. I would like to hear what your definition of, or should I ask what kind of skills these people asking for 100k a year have in CA. Yes, I know foremen making 100k with a few (very few) companies, but these guys have been working for the same place for 15+ years and basically, are one with the owner. Even at some of the biggest companies, a very good Landscape architect/salesmen is maxing out at 150k.....and that is a much more skilled position. I just can't see where this number is coming from, besides union wages. It seems like you aren't looking to hire a foreman, but are looking to hire another owner!
as for the dilemna.....My gut response is get off the job and do sales yourself. If you think a foremen can cost you money in the field, then I will have to ask how you assume a salesman won't cost you money in the office. Yah, the foremen makes a mistake on the job and you lose a days work maybe..........the salesmen makes a mistake on a 300k estimate and you lose 60k.....the choice is simple to me.
I'm not saying you have to leave the job site completely, but a few visits a day should be all you need to make sure things are running right. .......unless you are telling us that everyone you have working for you is a complete idiot that can't be trusted...which I don't think you are.
My overall thought is to either hire or promote someone to take on more responsibility in the field, so you can leave more. I think everyone will have the same answer on this.
If you aren't happy in the office, and want to be on the job, then all I can say is perhaps you need to rethink your future plans of expansion. I can't see doing the type of volume you envision and still be able to be on the job site....it just doesn't work that way.
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