Enough of the resume/interview process

[thrush544]

6 months is long enough for me!

I am going to start my own mechanical/heating/plumbing business. Pretty much a one man show, did it about 8 years ago, in much more economically depressed area. I was busy, but also a single father of three teenagers. So, when offered, I took another full time job at that point.
So I'll be selling my 2001 F-150 and two 64 Ford 2 door sedans (western bodies but need restored), to buy a used service truck (Ford only, hopefully 4x4 & western/southern rust free)and a few tools I had borrowed from friends back then. I have 85% of the tools I need, a shop to use and most my old shelving and work bench.
Any advise out there, I'm all ears

Thanks & God Bless,
Ed

[Ranchero50]

See what's required to be legal in your area, liscenses, insurance and other BS.

Jamie

[woods]

Back when I got out of the service...it came abundantly clear to me that I would not be able to hold down your run of the mill type of employment. The previous training I received of "improvise, overcome and adapt" was taken over by "do all the assbackwards stuff I say or you're fired". This lead to me taking the steps to be self employed. As you know, it's some hard work, but to me personally, it's very gratifying and makes me happy. So I really do wish you the very best of luck and feel you should be admired for giving it a go.
I know nothing about your particular line of work and I'm glad you're out there when I need guys like you. So, I can't really help with specifics on that, but you probably have a good handle on that anyway.
The only real advise I can give you from my own experience is good customer service. There will probably be times where you will not make as much as you wanted on a job because something went wrong, or someone that you're just tired of dealing with...I most certainly have been there. If you suck it up and treat the people who are a pain the right way...it will pay off. Maybe not on that particular job, but word of mouth is HUGE when you're starting out. One job that leaves you hurt (but done right) can many times lead to three new jobs where you will come out very good. These three lead to more, well, you get the picture.
I'm stating the obvious here really...I mean, I am pretty sure nearly everyone knows this, but most don't do it. If you're the guy who stands behind his craft, then you will be fine. Keep with it, don't get discouraged, it will work out for the better, maybe not overnight, but it will.
Again...good luck to you.

[flyboy71]

See what's required to be legal in your area, liscenses, insurance and other BS.

Jamie

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General's Office.

Not sure how that applies to service contractors.

[fordman]

good luck if you can get anyone to call you. i havent had a call in over 3 years.

[averagef250]

I'm self employed, different business though. For me, zoning, marketing and paperwork/taxes have been the hardest obstacles. The best thing I ever did was get a few filing cabinets, tons of folders and figure out a system for keeping track of everything.

So far, 2011 has been the busiest year since going on my own in '06. 2011 to date has net more than a grossed in 2010 and work is lined out through next year. I got a part time guy, he went full time, moving to larger building, preparing to hire another part timer when the new shop is up and going and pump some into real advertizing for the first time.

Do it and don't look back. You'll find out pretty quick if you love it or want to run and hide. My biggest motivator has been the "you won't make it's" and "why not work a regular job like the rest of us" types out there. Haven't heard a squeak from those types in awhile.