Rafter X LLC.

The unfortunate truth of owning and running a business.

Running a business is really hard.

What they don’t tell you is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid back people.

People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view you as a service and not a person anymore.

Friends and family will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store.

You have to worry about if you forget to email/message or call someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can’t get to everyone’s messages, emails and phone calls.

Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the cleaner... All while being a parent, a husband or a wife, family support, friend... it’s one of the hardest things you will try and balance. If you give your time, you will sacrifice financial benefit. If you strive for financial benefit, you will have to sacrifice your time. It’s just the way it goes when your business is relying on you to survive and you’re relying on your business to provide!

There’s a reason you don’t see many people succeed in small businesses after 5 years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It’s freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control.

Here’s a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support small businesses... and hopefully more of us will stick around!

Drainage system install

Tunnel boring under a driveway for a sprinkler system

I started Rafter X Gates and Gutters two years ago as a side job. Now I have made it my full time job and have expanded my services. I am licensed and insured. Will provide references upon request.

Rafter X gates and gutter will now be installing sprinkler systems, as well as servicing and repairing existing systems.

We will be installing underground gutter drains for our new installs and existing gutter systems.

We will offer trenching services up to 36” deep 4” to 6” wide.

I will start scheduling for these services after October 1, 2018