More Events, More Problems - April 14, 2025

Hey Future Owner,

Today was a blur—in the truck early, three job stops, and back at the warehouse just in time to get buried in client requests and quote follow-ups. Some big opportunities are bubbling up, but they’re also highlighting the growing pains we’re starting to feel.

Stop 1: Tables & Chairs Pickup – Low Margin Reality Check
Garage-side pickup. Quick and simple, but we assigned two guys when one would’ve been enough.

• Revenue: $333

• Costs: $148

• Margin: $185 (56%)

Margins took a hit because of how the day was scheduled—not the job itself.

Stop 2: Tent + Cocktail Tables – Missed Detail, Still Solid
Life celebration event. We forgot to charge for two concrete blocks, but otherwise a clean job.

• Revenue: $1,521

• Costs: $400

• Margin: $1,121 (74%)

Could’ve been even better, but still within the sweet spot.

Stop 3: 40-Guest Package Return – Exactly What We Want
Garage-side pickup. No client present. Everything stacked, ready, and seamless.

• Revenue: $1,054

• Costs: $224

• Margin: $830 (79%)

This is the kind of margin that keeps us in business. Efficient and predictable.

Rewriting the Math: From Job Margins to Daily Margins
One thing is clear after today: our current margin tracking doesn’t match our model.

We don’t have full-time employees on standby—we operate with lean, scheduled labor. That means labor is often a fixed daily cost, not an hourly one. And when we run multiple jobs in one truck, those cost efficiencies aren’t reflected in a per-job margin.

The next move: revise the ARA calculator to track daily contribution margin. It’ll give us clearer insight into the real profitability of a day’s work, not just the illusion of per-job performance. More useful. More honest. Way more helpful for scaling smart.

Client Requests Are Getting Wild
The inbox was full today—everyone wants something. And apparently, TV rentals are hot now? We’re not in that business, but saying no is tough when it’s tied to a bigger sale. This is how scope creep sneaks in. We’ve got to draw a line before we become a jack-of-all-inventory.

Big Fish, But We’re Understocked
Some major leads are circling… with asks for gear we don’t have. The temptation to say “yes” and scramble later is real. But it’s also dangerous. This is that moment where we either stay focused—or quietly start building a company we didn’t mean to.

Closing Thoughts
Growth is great—but it only works when the foundation holds. Today revealed some cracks in the numbers, the workflow, and the boundaries. Fixing those now will keep us from losing our edge later.

Until next time, keep building smart…