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Outsourced Construction Bookkeeping And Accounting Specialists
Lynnwood, Washington
Lynnwood, Washington
Greatly helpful
out of 10
26 votes
My Inspiration To Do What I Do And Be What I Am
It occurred to me that I may be coming across as a bit stern and serious. The reality is I am simply a Great Big Teddy Bear that loves accounting and helping contractors achieve their definition of success.
Written Sep 03, 2010, read 3913 times since then.
I was raised in a construction family in Seattle Washington in a quaint little house in the Interbay neighborhood which is nestled in between Queen Anne to the east and Magnolia to west.
It is also home to a railway switchyard which means in the 1960’s it was a great place for a young man to have some “Character Building Experiences” as it was a tough and gritty.
My Step Father was a Landscape Contractor and he was my inspiration for going into construction and later becoming The Contractors Accountant. This is his and my story of how it happened.
And of course anyone who has anything to do with building, remodeling or maintaining our homes and businesses. I wrote this article to give an insight into who I am, what I do and why I do it...every chance I get….but only in days that end in “y” like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
My stepfather was my inspiration. He began a construction related firm of landscaping in the 1940’s and retired in the 1990’s having owned and operated it for over 50 years.
He was a Salt of The Earth Contractor as described later in this profile because he worked practically every weekday during all of those years only taking off Sundays and the occasional Saturday.
He did it even though he was born with severe physical handicaps. He exemplified the concept “In life you produce reasons or results, and reasons don’t count.”
I first met him shortly before he married my mother in 1965 and worked in the family business until I went to college in 1973.
During those years, he passed on his protestant work ethic and the importance of “keep-on-keeping-on” with a type of Winston Churchill attitude of “Never Give Up.”
He led by example by never quitting when it rained, or the ground was so hard it required a pick & shovel, or the rocks weighed several hundred pounds and need be moved with a long steel bar and brute strength or any number of tough nasty conditions.
He always made enough money to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our backs; however, he never made a lot of money, which means I learned how to live well and be happy no matter what the income level.
He taught lessons of self-reliance and self-sufficiency by the way he lived. Even now when I read Emerson’s essay on Self Reliance I visualize him and can see the determination and strength of character in his face.
His favorite book was “The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. It had a strong and positive influence on him and helped shape his views and it is my favorite book as well.
While was growing up it seemed to me that he was not very smart or bright and in my arrogant Sophomoric opinion, “he just didn’t get it.” However, the Universe has a sense of humor and It allows me to continue my education by taking many tests and learning the lessons It has prepared for me. Its patience is endless because It allows me to repeat the tests until the lessons are learned. Then a new test appears and the cycle is repeated endlessly, test, and learn, test, and learn.
A wonderful test presented Itself when Sharie and I were married in 1973 just shortly after high school graduation. We moved into our first apartment and the Universe presented me with a brand new test which I named “do I get it?” Now the Sophomore in me understood life at a new level and I reverted back to being a Freshman; where I remain today. I had to provide ALL the money to keep a roof over our heads, food on our table, and clothes on our backs. Suddenly my step father became the wisest man on earth and for the first time I understood he "did get it" all along and in fact he was simply waiting patiently until I got it…and I got it…real good and real fast.
So a large part of what shapes my passion for providing consulting and accounting specifically for people who are contractors, builders, remodelers, plumbers, electricians, drywalls, painters and others is out of love and respect for my stepfather and how he ran his business. I will be eternally grateful to him for the lessons he passed on by the way he lived his life.
Over the years, I have been privileged to work with many contractors and have developed several observations that I call Randalisms. This one is The Three Types of Contractors:
- Dog And Pick-Up Truck
This is a Contractor with a pick-up truck and the dog sitting in the passenger seat hanging his head out window enjoying the fresh air while watching the world go by. This contractor enjoys the freedom of doing what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants and does not need or want to expand and grow his or her business or be bothered with employees.
Annual net profit after all expenses roughly $20K to $40K
- Salt of The Earth
This Contractor wants to expand and grow their business in order to have more free time and perhaps even put money away for retirement. This contractor has three employees. They hold two of them by the throat; one in each hand, and eyeballs the third one.
This is only a “word picture” and not to be taken literally
Annual net profit after all expenses roughly $40K to $60K
- The Professional
This Contractor has one to twenty employees, a formal documented business plan which is updated and reviewed regularly with a board of advisors as outlined in my article http://biznik.com/articles/how-to-setup-your-construction-company-board-of-advisors
They focus business resources on serving the segment of the construction market where they are most profitable. In addition, they understand what business they are in.....and I will give you a hint....it is not contracting.
They know the importance of doing what they do best and outsourcing the rest as outlined in my article http://biznik.com/articles/the-contractor-and-the-black-box
Annual net profit after all expenses roughly $100K to $1,000,000+
In conclusion, if we ever have the pleasure of meeting at a Biznik event or any other occasion perhaps this short profile will offer some insight as why my passion for the construction industry and contractors is so strong. Sharie and I love contractors and have made it our mission in life to help as many of them as possible achieve their definition of success be it Dog And Pickup Truck, Salt Of The Earth or The Professional. We love them all!
Randal is co-founder of Business Consulting and Accounting offering Construction Bookkeeping And Accounting services to construction companies and service professionals. QuickBooks ProAdvisor and UDA Construction Suite.
Learn more about the author, Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA.
Comment on this article
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Posted by Edward Moda, Everett, Washington |Sep 04, 2010 -
Posted by Candice Thompson, Seattle, Washington |Sep 05, 2010 I very much enjoyed reading your article, my father owned his own masonry company for over 25 years and I have always LOVED working with contractor's of many sorts. I love how you name the 3 types of contractors. That is brilliant! I will have to pass this on to my father and his friends. They will definitely get a kick out of it.
And by the way, for someone who is not a writer, I think you did very well outlining and defining as well as implementing your article to include said contractor types. I personally think it was well written and I enjoyed reading it as well. =)
Candice Thompson
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Posted by Victoria Dzenis, Seattle, Washington |Sep 06, 2010 Randal,
Thank you so much for sharing your stories about your stepfather. I really "go it" too-- your deep respect for him has led to your current respect for the contractors you work with. It really helps me deepen my understanding of why you love what you do!
It's also a great reminder to all of us to acknowledge and appreciate those people who have been our mentors and have inspired us over the years. Thank you for that wonderful reminder!
~Victoria
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Posted by Diane Kern, Seattle, Washington |Sep 07, 2010 Your Step-Dad seems a great guy. I'm sure that he influenced many people and not just you. I enjoyed the story.
The three types of contractors could be an article on their own.
Keep writing
Diane
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |Sep 07, 2010 Good Morning Edward, Candice, Victoria & Diane,
Thank you very much for your feedback. I sincerely appreciate it.
Diane, your suggestion of an article of the three type of contractors is a good idea and I may write an article about it.
Being an accountant it is my nature to be serious and private. However, since joining Biznik and meeting a lot of great people and learning about them from their profiles and articles I decided to get outside my comfort zone.
Now I am so far outside the boundaries of my old my comfort zone that when I look back it appears just beyond the horizon, about 10 miles away. Life is good and always getting better!
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Allen Snook, Snohomish, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 Hey Randal,
I really enjoyed reading your article - a good story is powerful medicine - and you delivered a great one!
To put a bow on it, looking forward to the next "Randalism" :)
Cheers...
...Allen
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Posted by Linda Baldridge, Monroe, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 Being I'm married to a asphalt paving contractor, our company is the Professional, we are constantly competing with the other two, but the problem today is people are willing to go with that Dog and Pickup Truck or the Salt of the Earth type of contractor because there cheaper, what they don't realize is that contractor doesn't protect his guys who are working from injury, or guarantee the cheap job that they did, I would have rather you name them Fly By Night Contractor
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Posted by Barbara Breckenfeld, Mountlake Terrace, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 Randal -
Thanks for your great article. It works because it is totally and authentically YOU. Your delight and love for what you do and who you do it for is just as present in your writing as it is when meeting you in person.
Congratulations! That is successful and effective writing.
Barbara
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Posted by Sandra Smith, Puyallup, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 That was a great read. It was very authentic and personal, which lends itself to trust building. I'm glad you took the time to write and share it.
When people like you and trust you, they're more likely to do business with you. This article went a long way toward building that foundation.
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Posted by Stephen Percival, Federal Way, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 Great Read, Randal! It is inspiring to all of us no matter whether we are construction people or not. Your story certainly described you and your approach to business that certainly should get you a few calls.
Our stories drive our businesses. We need to keep telling our stories.
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 08, 2010 Dear Allen, Linda, Barbara, Sandra, and Stephen,
Please accept my sincere thanks to all of you for your comments and feedback.
Your suggestions and observations will help focus future articles to be relevant to our target market of contractors and to other Biznik members.
Allen, glad you enjoyed the Randalism. I plan on writing an article about the history of them and include a few of them. (I have 100's of them)
Last year I was part of a panel of speakers that gave 15 minute presentations on our expertise to 300+ contractors at Safeco Field hosted by The Blue Book (Construction Reference Guide) and most of the people enjoyed them.
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Kathy Wilson, Lynnwood, Washington |Sep 08, 2010 Randal, Thanks for writing this wonderful insight into who you are and why you want to help contractors. I also get it! Your step-father sounds like he was a very smart man. Looking forward to seeing you at more Biznik events.
I agree with Diane...keep writing!
Kathy
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 09, 2010 Kathy,
Thank you for your comments and I look forward to seeing you at more Biznik events as well!
And yes I am thinking of another article for later in the month - Something to do with contractors- well go figure...LOL!
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Vernita Steege, ACC, Everett, Washington |Sep 10, 2010 Thoroughly enjoyed your article Randal! Look forward to more of your publications. Oh, and you didn't fool me one bit.......I pegged you as a "teddy bear" the first time I met you!
Vernita
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Posted by Marilyn Oliva, Fort Lauderdale, Florida |Sep 10, 2010 Thank you for the great story. I really enjoyed it and it made me think about what types of people I am influenced by and who I am passionate about.
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Posted by Pooja Gugnani, Chicago, Illinois |Sep 10, 2010 Great Article Randal! Thank you for sharing, love the word picturization.
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Posted by Suzette Parker, Woodinville, Washington |Sep 10, 2010 Randal, Wow! To think I have been inspired by an accountant - teehee! That was a fantastic article showing many sides of who you are. It's quite apparent that you've built your life, both your business and your personal life, on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and respect for others. While those sound serious, the life those virtues produce is rewarding and full of joys.
I hope you are able to speak into the lives of many young people - if not in person, through your writing. You have a message that is longing to be heard.
Blessings, Suzette
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Posted by Arlene Nelson, Kirkland, Washington |Sep 10, 2010 Randal, Thank you for your wonderful article! Not only do you share your inspiration but also your personality, and wisdom. Clearly, you hear your clients, understand and champion their goals. You've truly been there, done that, and know the ropes.
Arlene Nelson
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Posted by Arnold Arnan, Kirkland, Washington |Sep 10, 2010 A fantastic article! As an imigrant son, I understand the concept of watching your father work incredibly hard to make a living for his family. As now a father of three, I am in the exact same boat. Your words were inspirational and it hit home. I hope you continue to write.
Arnold
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 10, 2010 Dear Vernita, Marilyn, Pooja, Suzette, Arlene and Arnold,
My sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you and everyone else that has or will add your comments to this article.
Some of you I know real well, some a little bit, and some of you are friends that I have not had the pleasure of meeting in person...yet.
I consider all of you to be valued friends that have made my life richer and fuller.
Warm Regards To Everyone, And Thank You Again,
Randal
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Posted by Patrick Ingram, Lynnwood, Washington |Sep 11, 2010 Hello Randal, I just read your article. I can relate to your up bringing. My father was a contractor also and he worked long hard hours to feed 4 kids. He passed his work ethic unto us as we all started working in the trades (where was L&I then) at 14 years old. I may have wanted to be at the beach but, my father taught me much greater life lessons by my being with him. He too read the same book as your father. He was a great guy who always gave a 100%. I still try to live up to his ideals and now I am passing the those values onto my children and grand children. Thank you for a great article. Among your other talents you are a great story teller. Patrick
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 13, 2010 Hello Patrick,
Thank you very much for you comments.
Perhaps you could post an article about your experiences and what led you to spend time in construction.
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Shelly Robbins, Seattle, Washington |Sep 22, 2010 Interesting article explains the "3 Types of Contractors", how many employees they have, and how much their contracting business earns for them. It gave me a lot to think about.
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 27, 2010 Hello Shelly,
Thank you for your comments
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Elvis Arias, Jersey City, New Jersey |Nov 07, 2010 great piece thanks for sharing and keep them coming
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Posted by Darylene Dennon, Woodinville, Washington |Dec 16, 2010 I love how you state short story. Since you have become friends I don't think either of us can say anything in the short version. I loved your article/blog and you have to know I think the world you. I think you did a great job in being very specific as to who your ideal clients are and why.
I think all business folks should do that for the rest of us. Saying everybody or anybody just doesn't put an actual image in my head.
Sounds like a focus networking group to me?
See ya
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Dec 16, 2010 Hi Darylene,
Thank you for your comments. Yes it is tough for us to say anything in short version; however, we do have fun doing it.
Yes, you are right it does sound like a foucs networking group.
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Steve Borcherdt, Mountlake Terrace, Washington |Jan 13, 2011 Dear Randal, I loved your story and loved the lesson in it even more. I get it! My circumstances differ a little. There was no Salt of the Earth kind of guy pointing the way. My drive has come from not wanting to be anything like the example given by my father. At that I was successful long ago. Now I am looking to put the dog in the kennel and step up to Pro.
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Posted by Mark P Friedman, Boulder, Colorado |Jan 22, 2011 Randal - great post, full of heart. I feel your passion for your industry. Thanks for sharing!
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Posted by Karen Floyd, Seattle, Washington |Jan 27, 2011 Randal, I am not a contractor nor do I have a business that boasts of income that would require a bookkeeper at this point. I just want to say that I enjoyed your personal sharing and writing style. As a fellow member of Biznik I'd like to add you to my network. I can never have too many heartfelt people in my world!
Thanks again for sharing intimately.
Karen
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Posted by Ann Whitmore, MS, Bainbridge Island, Washington |Feb 01, 2011 I have no experience or particular interest in contractors or accounting, but I met Randal and decided to read this article. I'm sold on you as a human being and business person, Randal. There's nothing more that I would like when I hire someone to perform an important job for me than a business person with the values you convey in this article. So delightful! I look forward to the next Biznik event we attend together. I feel like I know - and really like - you now! Thank you for the generous sharing.
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Posted by Joe Yosso, Vancouver, Washington |Feb 07, 2011 Thanks for your article.I can really appreciate your stepfather, he certainly sounds like someone that was great to know and be around. Thanks also fo sharing the "why" of your business. I look forward to meeting you at a biznik event or just the both of us. Thanks
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Posted by Tim Meechan, Bothell, Washington |Feb 08, 2011 Randal, I spent many years working with the three types of contractors you described. Maybe you'll agree, sometimes the ones that were the most likeable, were the "Dog & Pickups", but they were usually the ones that needed more hands on help too. I really miss some of those good old boys but know that you are dead on when it comes to which of the three were best equipped to provide a good future for their families.
I also really enjoyed your thoughts and feelings about your stepfather. I would love to hear more about him and your relationship in whatever manner you are comfortable with. I have a sixteen year old stepson that I frequently struggle to connect with and I am always looking for advice.
Sincerely, Tim Meechan
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Feb 08, 2011 Steve,
Thank you for your comments and it is good to step up to Pro....You Rock....Rock On!
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Feb 08, 2011 Mark,
Thank you for your comments.
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Feb 08, 2011 Karen,
Thank you for your comments and thank you for inviting me to your network which I joined
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by John Sturtevant, Houston, Texas |Feb 17, 2011 Hi Randal,
Great article. I especially like your message about..."our mission in life to help as many of them as possible achieve their definition of success."
I hope you can attend my Business Writing Workshop in Seattle on July 26. It would be a pleasure to have your inspiration in the class.
All the best,
John
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Feb 17, 2011 Hi John,
Thank you for your comments and I will look into your workshop
Warm Regards,
Randal
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Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |Sep 26, 2011 i say...it is time to resurrect this article for readership again!
Randal it is an honor to know you. And for a numbers guy "my, my, my" how you can spin a tale. Numbers and letters look out. Randal is on the job.
So glad you started to blog.
Deborah Drake
Authentic Writing Provokes
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Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |
Sep 27, 2011 Deborah,
Thank you so very much for your kind words. As always I certainly appreciate you!
Warm Regards,
Randal
FixMyQuickBooks Tweets
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Updated 1 week ago
Construction Bookkeeping Services Cloud Based
Construction Bookkeeping Services Cloud Based
We work with residential and commercial contractors, home builders, remodelers, specialty contractors, subcontractors and architects.
http://www.fasteasyaccounting.com/contractors-that-we-help/
Warm Regards,
Randal...[more]
Article tags
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