[jwholden]

Check out this website, it doesn't do the greatest job in the world but it is a starting point.

http://babel.altavista.com/translate.dyn

I spent about 2 minutes last week trying to explain to a guy to flip a paver over so the string is on top. After two minutes I finally got out of him a word something like 'voltero'.

My Spanish speaking guys are less than eager to teach the boss too much for fear I'll find other, less expensive, guys to replace them.

I have a very hard time finding a guy who speaks native spanish and carries a drivers license.

[Stonehenge]

You can get jobsite Spanish books to help you along... I took enough courses in college to be 'certified' (not really clear what 'certified' means), and still have all the reference books from then.

[Stonehenge]

Hey wait a sec JW - didn't I just read that you had two employees that were brothers, and one you'd had for 3 years? Where'd these other employees come from?

[Rex Mann]

Though I have never seen them, I understand there are several
great English-To-Spanish books on construction only. I have a book on laying pavers written in Spanish. Also, have access to a video in Spanish.

The ICPI is putting on a Basic Contractor Certification Class taught in Spanish in Atlanta in Feb. 2004.

Peace,


Rex

[Stonehenge]

Here's the one I was talking about (though I haven't had a chance to test it out):

[jwholden]

I currently have two guys working with me for a whole three weeks now. One of them has worked with me for three years. Whenever I need another employee I always ask him if any of his brothers are looking for work first because I know the family has an excellent work ethic. Funny, but none of the brothers are actually available to work until someone else actually shows up at the jobsite. Twice so far this year my employee has said 'Hey are you still looking for someone?' the first or second day someone else started working. I don't think he quite gets the concept of a temp. agency yet. I am fascinated by these little games, better than chess.

Yes, this is the same guy who missed eight days of work so far this year. When he called the last time about missing a day of work I asked him if he was happy, 'cause when guys miss that many days of work they usally aren't. He hasn't missed a day since and I think hiring someone else has helped to lighten his load a bit.

Spanish speaking guys are great workers but don't think they are superhuman. They still get tired, miss days for stupid reasons, and like to piss the boss off when bored. I had to go through many guys before I found my current long term employee and have to remind myself daily that nothing is guaranteed.