Move Faster
> 5,000 linear feet of joint compound to replace, that is the job.
Today I will talk about the “how” I do what I do, let’s begin.
The first thing we had to do was measure the total linear footage to be replaced. I performed this task with software. I was given the building plans, not to scale, so I level set. I performed this task by calibrating my software to a known measurement on the building. The rest was mouse work.
Second, determining the price on a per foot basis. This was a little more complicated as I had to understand and devise a plan to achieve the desired objective. Once the plan was in place, I solved for the time variable, this is the amount of time to replace one linear foot of joint sealant. Then I had to calculate the equipment required, tape, guns, lifts, ladders, etc.
The rest is a linear regression that solves for Price. That is just the beginning, then we have to optimize for profit. The price we submit is what I referred to as the burdened price, the margin is made in optimizing the burdened price.
All this math sounds like a lot of work, so why do you do it Uncle Baby Sidney. You see, by the time I pay all my scientist, engineers, I make zero, zilch, no money. Just kidding, I snagged that line from the TV show, The Righteous Gemstones. This math is where the magic really happens.
The caulk gun you see in this picture is about >$400, yes there are more economical versions, but this one is better. Three main reasons: 1. The speed at which the joint compound is expelled is controlled, this reduces overflow and excessive cleanup. 2. The efficiency of pressing a trigger vs squeezing a handle reduces hand fatigue, 100 deg heat is hard enough to work in. 3. Speed, this system is just playing faster, when dealing with thousands of feet.
The equation we are optimizing goes as follows: 5,000 LF * 10 min/LF = 50,000 minutes. Divide 50,000 by 390 min/day = 128 man days . Divide 128 man days by 8 men = 16 days, estimated time to complete this task.
We then apply an if then logic to the equation that states, if the cost of the electric caul gun is less than the cost of a man minute, then buy the gun. My ultimate goal is to complete this task in under 16 working days. A working days is defined as an 8 hour days at 80% efficiency yielding 6.5 working hours per man, per day.
Long and short of it, this is how I make money, I solve math problems all day. The craziest part of this whole situation is that the math I use, I was taught back in the 8th grade. I was not the best student back then, I did not take advanced placement classes, but I was exposed to the subject. That is the key to this whole thing, we have everything we need inside of us already, we just have to dust off the cobwebs and find a way to apply it. There is no doubt the the MBA from RICE helps, it adds credibility and gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride that I was able to play with the really smart kids. It is Saturday, I am in my truck, working. I have been pulling long days for weeks with no end in sight. Yet, I am not complaining, nor wearing this as a badge of honor, rather, I am reminded that I have been blessed with a mind for numbers and that when I apply that mind, beautiful things happen.
