Becoming A Contractor?

joemirag

Im not sure if this topic belongs here or not.

I've been reading many of the post's on this site and it seems like many you here are very successful.

Well about a year ago when I was 17, im 18 now. I started working for a independent contractor doing remodeling and I loved it. I loved working 40-60 hours a week, I loved the dedication to get a job done. I loved doing what I did. Basically I loved everything about remodeling. Ever since then I've wanted to get into the construction/remodeling business but I'm not sure how and where to start. My old boss's business failed about 3 months ago and he went on to become a CNA. I lost touch with him so I cant get much advice from him, and would prefer not to seeing as how he became a ... CNA. Now down to the point. Can anyone give me advice on how to get back into construction/remodeling? Im not trying to start my own business, Im just trying to get a job along these lines. I've been thinking and only thing that comes to mind is find out how to join the union, but many of you say that the union is a bad thing to do. Is there any other possible way to get a job doing what I used to do?

Thanks for your time, im looking forward to your help!

BTW I live in chicago.

SelfContract

First, answer these Q's:

1. What is CNA?

2. Are you better than your old boss (qualities/talent) ? If your boss failed, what make you will NOT fail like him (if you tried hard or similar like him)?

genecarp

Cna---?,

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joemirag

1. A CNA is a certified nursing assistant, he works at a nursing home and takes care of the elderly.

2. Of course im not better than my old boss, he has many years experience compared to my 6+ months experience. And his business failed because he stopped trying.

I know 6 months isnt much but I loved what I was doing when I was working for him and I learned alot doing what I did, He had 10 employee's before me and he said I was his best employee.

Im not trying to start my own business im just wondering if theres any way to get a job doing remodeling besides joining the union because I have no clue about the union. And I met my old boss through my step-dad. Is there any possible way to get a job besides knowing someone that knows someone?

buildpinnacle

I am not well versed on the 'union' question as that is not prevelant in our area. However, I know that we are always looking for qualified carpenters/etc. in our business. It sounds like you have the main attribute that most business owners demand and that is will. I will spend the time and money to train anybody if they have the will and drive to succeed. You should be able to comb the classifieds, search through companies in your area on the web, make a list and go contact them to see if they would be willing to let you come by and interview. Be professional and prepared.

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SLSTech

There are some Non-Union shops out there in Chicago - you simply have to look for them (they generally have protesters around or a giant rat out front of the building).
Besides some of there unsavory tactics used against non union shops & some other issues with them, the union may be the way to go for you. They do have a structured learning program that takes you through most phases of construction. The program does take time. The flip side is if you are looking at being a GC or specialty sub later, they will not teach you how to run a business, etc... Try to remember no matter which way you go - there is always pros & cons. It is up to you to do your due diligence, figure out the pros & cons of each and decide what you really want.

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joemirag

Thanks pinnacle! That made my morning. Ive been here for a while now trying to figure something out, and it just hit me, go out and find them, there not going to find me. Thanks again. Hopefully I can find something in the classifieds section.

joemirag

Im gonna have to look at one of those non union shops, Only because you said they have a structured learning program. Very interesting

I really appreciate your guy's replys. Bad thing is you guy are getting my hopes up, and we all know what happens when your hopes get up to high right?

Carport King

Hi Joe glad to here that you would like do do something you love to do. Working with your hands and building things can be very rewarding and you can make a nice living at it to.

Do not worry about what happen to your old boss and do not let it dampen your spirits. Remember when you put your mind to something that you are passionate about you can move the world.

Education and the skills to learn your trade is all you need.Find the niche of the building trade you love the best, then go after that company that best suits your needs. Try to find a mid or larger company to work for.

Go and visit them and do your homework and ask to see the owner. Sit down and tell your story and ask for a job, start at the bottom of the ladder if you need to and your passion will show and you will climb the ladder if you truly put in your time and effort.

Be early everyday and work longer then anyone else. Always look them straight in the eyes and give them a firm handshake and a smile and you will be fine.

Put in a good hard five years and learn all you can and save every dime you can.Then you will no when your ready and get your own license and start your own company.

Good luck and keep in touch.

threaderman

Born and raised in Harvey,south-side,and I never went with-out work as a plumber.Union or not is fine,they both have pros and cons.You have to start at the bottom and work your way up.You're going to have good and bad bosses any where you go.Learn as much as you can on your own time as well,knowledge is power!Go meet people,someone will give you a chance,keep in mind this is the slow time of the year so don't give up hope,you may have to wait tables until things pop in the spring.A lot of us have bein there,you still have to pay your bills right.Good luck.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

joemirag

Wow, Im speechless. I really do appreciate all the advice, and im deff gonna stay on this site for a while and soak in all the knowledge I can. I was just reading about the mold infestations from a different post, Interesting stuff. Thank you all!!!!!! I appreciate it.

If all of you are still around when//if everything does work out, i'll be sure to include you guys in my success story and thank you guys.

threaderman

One more thing.I joined the air force at 18 in 82' and was a Plumber in the civil engineering squadron,it's a viable option.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

joemirag

I guess considering joining the army/marines is a option. But ive lost a few friends to it.

Sir Mixalot

Get out the yellow pages and call every contractor that is listed in any paticular feild that you are interested in. Good Luck!

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threaderman

I was in the service in 85' when they bombed the Beirut embassy and killed hundreds of Marines while they slept,the bastards.I wanted to go fight so bad I could taste it.You have to do what's good for you,but I never regretted my service time.There is more on the line now,I'll give you that.God bless them all.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

Celtic

Joemirag....what State do you live in?

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joemirag

sorry for the late reply I got caught up with something, I live in illinois.

And thats a good idea to check the yellow pages, Ill get to that as soon as I find the dang book.