TOOLS STOLEN - Help me start over
My name is Alex.
I'm a 30 year old guy, that has a dream of running my own small business and offering various home services for residents in the lower mainland.
I came across a company, (that I should leave the name out of for legal reasons, as I am going to be taking them to small claims and pressing criminal charges on them and don't want to affect the case.) that offered me the opportunity to be a subcontractor. I need to buy all my own tools and equipment, and they will subcontract me work they have, for 30% of the invoice. It wasn't much, but it was a good way to get experience and start me off. So I used my tax refund this past May, and purchased every single tool, ladder, pressure washer, harnesses, everything that I needed to make sure I can do these jobs safely and of highest quality. I put everything I had financially, mentally and emotionally into trying to start up my business and maintain it. I hired two friends to help me on jobs as I needed it. I was doing well. I was building clients and getting referrals. I made business cards, a facebook page, got WCB coverage, a GST number, everything I need to have a properly run business. THe only thing that didn't belong to me , was the pickup truck. That the contractor rented to me.
The contractor that subcontracted me out work, July 9th, took the truck to his property with his spare key with all my gear in it. My wallet and ipad included. First I told him I want my stuff back. He claimed that he doesn't have the truck. I sent my friend to his property to investigate. My friend located the truck with all my equipment in it hidden at the farthest back corner of his property hidden by trees. My friend took photos and video. The owner of the house then came out and threw rocks at my friend, swung punches at him and threatened to hit him. My friend ran away and sent me the photos and videos. Once I confronted the contractor that I have proof he has my equipment, he then sent multiple inappropriate text messages, swearing, name calling, mocking me. One message saying I'll never see my stuff again. I called the RCMP, and they said there is nothing they can do without receipts and proof. I scanned everything and submitted it, but in that time the contractor has taken my equipment and moved it to an unknown location. So now I am in a legal battle, pressing charges, with the burden of proving everything and taking him to small claims court to get my equipment back and fine him for improper work practices and wrongful dismissal along with workplace harassment. A lawyer has informed me this is not a short process and can take 6 months to a year.
End of story. I'm battling for my equipment back so I can go and continue and work for my own clients and subcontract for a different company. Each day that passes, I am at a loss of potential work, I struggle to find work without my equipment and resort to doing temporary craigslist jobs. Not consistent work. This has taken a large emotional and mental toll on my mind and heart, and there's nothing I want more than to get back to work and be back on my feet.
I am not looking for full financing of all my equipment. But enough to get me the basics to start up again from scratch. Then from there I can generate revenue and buy additional equipment as I go. Such as the pressure washer that was taken with all attachment.
The sooner I can buy equipment, the sooner I can start. I have clients calling me already asking to do work, but I've had to tell them sorry I cannot and told them what happened. THey have all told me to call when I'm setup again.
For now, i am looking to get enough funds to purchase:
A used minivan (approx 1000-1500)
3 ladders ( 300-400)
hoses, extension poles, nozzles, window squeegees (400)
safety harness, ropes, rope grabs for 2 people (400)
and misc small things like soap, scrub brushes, buckets, trowels, chemicals (100-150)
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** EVEN BETTER THAN CASH DONATION **
If you have any old equipment you don't use anymore that you would like to donate. I would take that over cash.
Ladders, pressure washer, harnesses, hoses, roof rack, old vehicle, window cleaning gear, TOOLS in general.
Please use my contact info below to contact me :)
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This would mean the world to me if people would help me to restart my business and help relieve the anger and stress I hold each day from just the thought of my experience. I've recently did this career change after driving a recycling truck for 9 years picking up residential curbside bins, because my knees and back have been taking a toll from that kind of work, and so I've switched to this type of work because my body isn't able to take the hard labor it used to. Running my business will help me eat properly, employ my helpers, and save up for a down payment on an apartment. I'm only 30, but I know life is short and we all have to work hard.
I know in this day and age, it's hard to get by. I'm looking to the public for help as a last resort, as I am not the kind of person to ask for handouts.
I don't even feel comfortable doing this, and so if you are reading this and looking to donate and help me get back on my feet. I would like to at least offer free home services in return to each and every donor within the lowermainland of BC, Canada.
I do gutter cleaning, window washing, moss removal, gutter repair and any oddjob really. Like painting and fixing fascia. I offer pressure washing usually, but I cannot offer that until my business has started back up for a bit and I cannot afford to buy another one, or if my court case gets my equipment back. Whichever comes first.
And so I ask to any potential donor. To take down my contact info. Email me, text me, call me. I hope I can clean your windows or something in exchange for your kindness and donation. Or if you prefer to donate and be paid back at a later date. Please contact me and let's work out something like that too.
All I'm really asking for is help to get back to work.
wether you donate $20, $100, lending money, exchanging for home services.... Just want to say thank you in advance.
feel free to contact me if you're donating and would like some work on your home.
IM NOT AFRAID OF HARD WORK. I just need the tools to do the job.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
~ Alex Yamamoto
778-237-0953
https://www.facebook.com/YamosHS/
EMAIL: (use the contact me button provided by GOFUNDME)
Nothing in this world would mean more to me.
