Caught kilted at work...sort of.

[Whidbey78]

Yep...I got caught wearing one of my old X-Kilts at work a couple of days ago. Fortunately, being self-employed (and grossly underpaid), I don't have to answer to anyone about what I wear to work. Actually, I don't wear a kilt when I'm working since there are too many ways to ruin it between paint, stain, power tools, welding sparks, cutting iron, etc.

The back-story here is that I was actually planning to do some work around my own house when a customer called me. It seems that she dinged the face of the countertop I fabbed for her with a sauce pot when she went to put it in the sink. I told her I'd take care of it and blend it out. It took all of ten minutes and really wasn't a bad ding...it could have been left and nobody would have noticed. I usually don't charge for little follow-up jobs like this since it's part of what I feel is good customer service. Plus, it's good PR and often nets me good word-of-mouth advertising and more jobs. Usually my customers insist on paying, both for the time and especially the cost of driving there. They appriciate the fact that I check up on my work, and if they aren't happy with something I make it right. Most guys around here do the job, cash the check, and are never heard from again. I HATE that and refuse to operate that way. My name goes on it, my reputation goes with it, and I refuse to have my name go on something that the customer isn't happy with. Also, considering that I did the entire kitchen remodel(read: she spent a small fortune) she's paid up in my mind, especially since six of my last ten contracts came from friends of hers after she recommended me.

Anyway, she was trying to sneak the picture and surprise me with it, but forgot to turn off the flash.





I had to pose for one for her.

No, I don't usually wear shirts like that when I'm working either. Even though this was an unexpected service call on a day off I would have changed it but didn't realize I was wearing it until I had already driven the 55 miles to her house. Fortunately she has a good sense of humor!!

She thinks I should do my on-site work kilted and make it a sort of business trademark. I'm already known simply as "The Kilt Guy" around here. Hmmmm. Maybe I will.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent.
Wearing the kilt is another way to ensure a satisfied customer.

[azwildcat96]

Sounds like a great marketing plan. I've heard of a landscaping company that designed their own tartan and the supervisors wore kilts, as a way to drum up new business.

[Tobus]

I definitely think she has the right idea! It would be a good marketing tool. People would remember that detail about you and word would spread. It would be your unique trademark. Go for it!

[Spartan Tartan]

Bottom line...NICE HAT!

[Whidbey78]

Bottom line...NICE HAT!

Darn right...Go Navy!!


It might work as a recognition trademark kind of thing...considering that I'm the only kiltie around here I'm already easy to locate if you ask the right question. Ask where Allen's house is and you'll get a blank stare. Ask where the "guy in the kilt" lives and they'll give you better directions than Tom-Tom.

Well, my own camo and poly-co kilts don't cost much more than a pair of jeans. Installing cabinets, countertops, etc. isn't as hazardous to my clothes as the fabrication stage so maybe wearing a contemporary kilt for on-site work would be pretty cool. At least I'd be comfortable! I suppose an over-apron for on-site messy work would help prevent some damage considering most of the damage to my pants is across the front of the thighs. In the shop I don't think it will work so well, but that's okay. I rarely fab and install on the same day anyhow, so I won't usually have to deal with the inconvenience of changing clothes before going to do an install.

Maybe the old gal has a good idea!

Hmmm...maybe I'll give it a go. I've been looking for a reason to make some more camo kilts. I wonder if I can write it off as a business expense.

[Tobus]

Yes, that would be perfectly justifiable as a business expense, especially if it becomes your marketing niche. Basically, it's a work uniform AND an advertising expense.

* I am not a tax attorney, but I've certainly seen much less justifiable stuff get deducted.

[Standard]

Nice looking kitchen, and glad to see someone else stand behind their work. The Kilted Karpenter?

[CMcG]

Another member of Xmarks (Kilted Realtor) uses the kilt as his calling card. I met him at the Tartan Day kilt night and he says it really helps him stand out from the crowd:
http://reidgreiner.com/biography.html

[Whidbey78]

Another member of Xmarks (Kilted Realtor) uses the kilt as his calling card. I met him at the Tartan Day kilt night and he says it really helps him stand out from the crowd:
http://reidgreiner.com/biography.html

That's pretty cool! I'm thinking that contemporary kilts might be more feasible, both in practicality and durability but especially financially. People in my little town have grown accustomed to seeing me in kilts--traditional and contemporary--but down the road I'm still an oddity in their eyes. I'm strangely comfortable with that. People rarely forget a guy in a kilt.