Richard has done well in gaining his TM at such an early stage in his business, which he started up about the same as mine. Some people (Derek West) started off with a TM which was a wise move no doubt. I am building up finances to be able to buy a TM in a couple of years or so! However, I have been offered the cash to buy a Titan and decent sized van by the father in law for a share in my business, but I have serious reservations about this. He's not the easiest man to get on with in the world and I can envisage difficult times if I bring him on board. I'd rather do it on my own TBH!
My point is, we get it Simon, but most of us have mortgages, kids and competition who are prepared to undercut on every job you quote on (By half in most cases). Most of us will have a TM at some stage of the business but we will have to be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day.
But, you can still be successful with a Porty. The guy I worked for in Cumbria has an Exel, since 1988 he still uses them and bought mine from me last year when I upgraded to the triple vac. Through carpet cleaning he has bought no fewer than 10 houses of which he rents out and they are all paid for now, by the tennants. So you don't necessarily have to have a TM to make it big.
On the other hand, there have been a few TM owners who have fallen by the wayside and had to sell up, maybe they built up too fast too quick, who knows?
