So, you just got promoted to maintenance technician. Welcome aboard! Now, let’s get you outfitted with the right tools. You would think that this wouldn’t be an issue but, new techs showing up to their new handyman job with no tools is very common. I want to make sure this…
Tools that help you earn a living without using much energy or brain power is what I like to call “easy money tools”. Lots of guys don’t like their job because they’re working with the wrong tools. Trying to pry a stuck garbage disposal loose with a flat-head screwdriver is…
“What do you mean you can’t fix it? We pay you $16.00 an hour to know this stuff!” Folks, if anyone ever says this to you it’s time to start looking for greener pastures. First of all, $16.00 an hour to be an expert in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliance repair,…
While doing research for this blog post, I was browsing through maintenance technician jobs on a website that covers the entire nation. I was about as inspired as I would’ve been while browsing on Amazon for a coffin to be buried in. So before we dive into this, I want…
Imagine you’re in a checkout line when you see an ex co-worker you haven’t seen since you left your old job. He informs you that since you’ve left, the place has gone turdlicious. They don’t have the tools you had while working there so nothing is getting fixed in a…
A question that I get asked a lot from techs all over the world is, “How do I earn an above average income in this business?” My answer is simple. “Become an above average person.” It amazes me how many people out there today want to do above average jobs,…
Okay folks, it’s time to address a falsehood that’s been spreading through the apartment industry faster than a crop duster’s fart at Disney World. I’ve been hearing it since I started in the business 15 years ago. And the legend goes like this: “You need to take the EPA class…
9) The Boozer Sometimes as adults we come to work with a hangover. Once every year or two is life. However, “the boozer” takes it to another level. Clocking in all glassy eyed while looking like a Nick Nolte mugshot every week will get you blacklisted from the apartment industry…
Dealing with burnout can be a real beyotch. My last bout with it was during the summer of 2010. I suddenly found myself doing things I’d never done before during my 7 years as a maintenance technician. I was scowling at residents as they walked by and rolling my eyes…
I’ve been on both sides of this issue. I’ve dealt with shops that had the bare minimum to work with and shops that had more than enough to work with. Needless to say, working in a skeleton shop annoys the piss out of me. Early in my maintenance career I…