Just Starting Out Question

charles_tx

Hi all,


I know that most of you guys on this forum have been in business for years and have crews and stuff but if you could just think back for a min when you were just starting out, I would appreciate it,

Here is my problem:

I just started up my own gig and I am doing it basically by myself and I am happy just doing small jobs so I can provide for my family but most of my leads (mainly flyer campaigns) are resulting in these big projects that are beyond my one man capabilities. And I really need the money right now and I hate to turn them down, (although I have had to) so what did you guys do in these kind of situations when you first started out solo?
Did you immeadiately go out and hire someone not knowing if you'd have enough work after the job was finished?
See if another local small time carpenter was interested in going in with you on the project so both of you make a little money together?

Thank you

Charles

Glasshousebltr

Never had a partner. As far as hire the help? you can't get out of the park without the step up to the plate.

Bob

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Bob

Tscarborough

Hire for the project, but at least at first, bid it high enough to cover yourself. Then you have some money in there for OJT if you do get it, and little to lose if you don't.

joasis

I started out the same way...after working myself to death, I hired one guy, no experience, and trained him exactly how I wanted...it worked out great, he learned, I didn't have to pay top wages at the beginning....and now he is my lead guy....

stacker

even tho i have been contracting for several years,i am still small.me and another employee.i have taken on a couple bigger commercial projects in the last couple years.when i do,i hire additional help,with the understanding that when the job is over,as much as i would like to keep them on,most likely they will be laid off.this has worked well for me.i have gotten the jobs that would otherwise have gone to an out of town contractor.so the money stayed in my hometown,i helped a couple guys who didnt have work,and now people know that unless it is a huge job,they can find a local mason who can handle the work.i try not to turn work down.i tell them if they can wait,i can get there.the only work i have turned down in the past year was a 60 unit motel,70 miles away,and a hospital addition in my hometown(seen the bid on that,300 grand).
i took on a partner once,still pulling the shorts outa my butt.

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life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

Cole

Charles, If you need some help finding some guys to work for you, pm me.

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charles_tx

Thank you Bob, Tscarborough, Joasis, Stacker and Cole.



Yes I know it is everyone's main goal to expand and stuff but I wasn't expecting it 5 weeks into going solo. I already had to turn down some jobs because they were bigger than I could handle and this latest one an arbor which I want to specialize in winds up being massive compared to the ones I have done and advertised its like I get the call and go cool! and then I go over there and its all angles, and if the HO wants to go with the even bigger size he wants the aggerate conc pad extended and a tree removed and Sh!t I am not equipped to do all that.
and there are some things about it bothering me like how do I support 17' spans over an exsisting concrete pad, how do I attach the upper ledger to a brick wall, ect... these are just things I am not that experienced with, and to top it off 6x6 cedar posts have to be special ordered, not to mention I have to design it several ways because the HO doesn't really know what he wants that takes time ect.. and inbetween I have a job coming up putting up a pool cabana and there isn't enough time in a day especially when your a single parent.

Well sorry for rambling on with my problems ! Thank you all for your replies I really appreciate it !

Thank you Cole, and I do not have enough posts to pm but I will email you.

Charles