Hey guys, I'm looking for any advice you may have for getting into the pumping/conveying business as on operator. I realize things are a little slow out there and not many companies are looking to hire, but I'm trying to be proactive and get some knowledge before things start to pick back up. I'm 26 years old, have been a concrete finisher for the last 6-7 years and my dad has been driving a ready mix truck for the last 34 years- I've been around concrete for pretty much my whole life. Have been on some pump/conveyor jobs but was too busy busting my butt to chat it up with the operators and make some contacts. I read posts on this site and am trying to learn as much as I can that way, but is there anything specific I should look into- like mix designs etc. I'm in the Chicagoland/NW Indiana area. Thanks!

go back to school, hahaha , just kidding bud, i saw the shot and had to take it

good luck

Actually, toper is right. Stay in school. I can't wait until the only thing I have to do with concrete is walk on it. But if you have to play in the mud, lots of us were RM drivers first. It's a really good way to learn the ropes of the entire concrete industry. I worked as a batchman/dispatcher/RM salesman too, before running a pump. You'll also make lots of contacts with operators who may help steer you toward an operators job opening in the future. Just my 2 cents.

Talk to Harvey,good man.

DON'T DO IT  RUN FOREST RUN.............

Just keep trying to chat up the operators and find out who's hiring.  Most like to hire fininshers because they can handle the bad days or hard work throwing 5" hoses and pipe around...and control a jobsite.  Finishing is pretty standard as far as work throughout the day...you wait for the mud and work your ass when it gets there.

Concrete pumping is 90% boredom and 10% sheer terror.

You'll find someone hiring but you gotta keep networking.

17,

You have to call the Op.Union.See what they can do. You know you won't be able to run a pump with the union on your ass.I'm north of the city.Who does your dad work with?

Ruck

does not matter what business you are in its going to be expendsive and painfull. the pumping has no profit, reason your in business. the money is allways in sales. do more concrete like tear out and replace city sidewalks. get a hydroulic hammer and a dump truck. do foundations and get a compact excavator that can be pulled behind a regular truck, something you can run on the weekends or evenings. then when you make a pile of money and need a write off get the pump. ha ha    

ruck- my dad drives for prairie materials. not sure if you pour much with them, but he's mostly out of the city. I've been considering trying to get hired as an RM driver as a back-up, or second option to pumping. good to know that it would help if the eventual plan is to get into pumping. looks like the key, just like anything else, is networking. thanks for all the advice guys, keep it coming!

They used to say go west young man now I say come south and I will sell you a company and work for you a year free training and teaching you the area.

Eugene said it best ,start slow and then go for the purchase of a pump, after you have the cash.

Hey Seeman give me a jingle I might have an idea for you.

Ryan

269-367-4901

no ! thats combat in somolia, iraq, and afganistan,

 My initial impression was that were asking about 'going' into business rather than "getting into the biz".

 I got into it on the very same road you're on. Started out working summers scrubbing trowels & fetching forms. I was facinated with pumps from the first time ever seeing one. After hanging out in the shop long enough and riding shotgun every chance I got they finally sent me out on my own...  18 years later and I still dig it!

 It's a great profession and it's unlike any other, That's one of the reasons I like it so much. Out there on your own at the helm of a badass machine seeing different jobs, places and people every single day. In busier days and better times a good operator that wants the work can make a damn good living too.

 I've seen several finishers take to pumping like fish to water. And every one of them ended up being better operators than the guys that began their careers as truck drivers. HAHa! But along with the money and the freedom comes 30 tons of responsibilities as well. There is no such thing as being a No Show or calling in sick unless you're in the hospital. That means someday you may find yourself sitting in/on the honey bucket with a remote box in your lap and the door kicked open so you can see your boom!

 But! The days that you get to toss a line out and catch a couple fish while you wait for a clean up load make it Way worth it!

 Days like this one...  

 Actually that day I forgot to grab my little pole that fits in the toolbox so I waited til the job was finished and used my 4 piece remote control Whale Rod!... 

Hi TT ! I dont see the great Mao on the pump ! ;-)

TT if you needed any river rock you could have just shoveled some into your hopper.

That picture is very funny tootall, It would be fooking amazing if you had a tiny bluegill on the end of it just for laughs :)

Tell the company that you want to work for you want to start off on a trailer pump keep it old skool !! Learn how concrete is pumped or atleast try to !! " Its much easyier to break system starting out then dealing with a boom party wich doesn't sound right but its the truth!!!!!!! aka jls lv

I agree with Milkman, RUN dont walk.  Right now this is not the business to be in, maybe in a few months, maybe after November, it will begin to get better.

TOOTALL!!, I find that you and I are often on the same page!!!!