Need Wisdom & Advice

Spencer · 01-06-2006, 03:41 PM

I am 17 and need some advice on starting a construction business.

I have been doing construction since I could drive and I love it. I probably have as much experience under my belt as a person my age could have. (6 houses start to finish and tons of odd jobs) I will be graduating high school in 4 days and then going to work for a GC full time. The pay isn't horrible ($12/hr) but his best payed guy gets only $14, so there isn't much room for advancement.

I think that I am fully capable of running a successful business but my concern is when I should try to start. I am afraid that if I try to start to early (maybe 21) people won't want me to do work for them because of my age and the fact that I don't look very old. No one is going to let someone who looks like a kid build them a house.

In the mean time I am going to work full time for this GC and possibly buy junk houses and fix them up for resale. I would also appreciate any info on this if anyone has ever tried it.

If anyone could share their opinion or experiences I would really appreciate it!

**Cole** · 01-06-2006, 03:50 PM

Ok im 22, dont start off building houses.

Do small jobs, decks, fences etc...

Once you get a reputation built up with past clients you are golden.

Edit: Are you planning on attending college?

**Cole** · 01-06-2006, 03:56 PM

I could talk about this for hours on end.

Biggest thing, represent yourself like a professional.

Dont show up to prospective clients with torn up jeans and a t-shirt.

And just know your stuff.

RobertCDF · 01-06-2006, 03:56 PM

I started my deck company at the age of 22 and I know I lost TONS of work because I was so young (I look 18 at the most) I grew a gotee to try and look a little older I think it helped some. One thing I would do for sure is register your business name and open your business checking now so that when you are ready in 5 years you can put 5 years in business on all your advertising. Next thing I would do is start doing side work and running all that money through the business. Get your name out there start with the easy stuff that people will let you do get a large customer base and always let them know where you are headed. When talking to most of my customers I tell them that I will be doing custome homes before too long. Then in the future they will call me when they need a home built because I did such a great job on their deck.

RobertCDF · 01-06-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole_21

I could talk about this for hours on end.

Biggest thing, represent yourself like a professional.

Dont show up to prospective clients with torn up jeans and a t-shirt.

And just know your stuff.

Yeah what he says. I always shower, shave, brush teeth, comb hair, (dont wear a hat) and dress up a little nice jeans and a clean company shirt. and ALWAYS BE 1-2 MINUTES EARLY!!! this is very important and get your estimate to them when you say you will. Or call and tell them that you need a little more time with it. I dont do this all the time but I should. Set up an appointment with them to go over your estimate and talk things over with them. Make changes as needed and ask when they would like you to start.

Spencer · 01-06-2006, 04:24 PM

Great Advice

Thanks Rob and Cole

Grumpy · 01-06-2006, 04:49 PM

I've been doing odd jobs my whole life... never really thoguht of it as a business until I worked professionally in the industry and saw what all went into it.

I say go work for someone else for a little while and learn the ropes... That's like getting paid to learn. Work a few years and get some contacts but suppliers and subcontractors.

I say start small and specialize in what you do. Then slowly branch out until one day you have the know how, the contacts and the finances to be as big as you want to be.

ruskent · 01-06-2006, 05:56 PM

I'm 19 and been in business for a year. I started out just like you. I been working in construction since i was 13. Once i graduated HS i was just tired of putting up with the bull******************** the guys i worked for gave me. And i didn't see much room for advancement. So i started my own business. Right now most of my business is landscape construction. I do retaining walls, pavers etc. I found it was easier to get a 5k landscape blocks job at my age instead of a big kitchen remodel. I lost a bunch of jobs because of my age, but atleast i was able to get some and build REFERENCES! You just have to start some where. This year i plan to try to push more construction projects and get some decks and inside remodeling projects underneith my belt.

You just have to start somewhere. I was 18 and made $12 an hour working for a GC. Then i went out and started bring in 2500 a week. Just find something and start there.

**Cole** · 01-06-2006, 06:21 PM

Good info^^^^^^^^

Just remember if it was easy, everyone would do it.

Brian · 01-06-2006, 07:10 PM

Spencer,

Age is an issue only if YOU make it one. While you certainly need some level of knowledge and experience, it sounds as if you have that.

My advice is to learn the business side of things. Being a great craftsman is one thing, but if you own a business that's not enough. Take some business classes, read books, check out this board often, etc. If you have to work in a trade during the day, then work on your business skills at night. And pay attention to what your boss does business wise-- it will be a valuable lesson one way or the other. You may learn what to do, or you may learn what not to do.

I think the three most important areas are: finance, sales, and marketing.

Good luck with your adventure.

Brian Phillips

Spencer · 01-06-2006, 07:26 PM

Quote:

And pay attention to what your boss does business wise-- it will be a valuable lesson one way or the other.

I agree with you there Brian. I have learned a lot about how NOT to do things by watching my boss.

bob the builder · 01-06-2006, 07:31 PM

Spencer,

You can also start organizing how you will run you business now. An example could be log how long certain types of jobs take for you do, then you will have everything in place when you start.

Bob

Tom R · 01-06-2006, 07:32 PM

The supposed 'age-disadvantage' is a matter of psychology, - - how can anything be a disadvantage that will steadily get better every day for years and years to come??

Good Luck!!

Grumpy · 01-09-2006, 01:05 PM

When i got into home improvement sales I was 23-24 and I found age to be a problem with some people. That's where salesmanship comes into play.

When I started my own business and had to tell people I was only in business for a year I was able to turn it around into a good thing... that's where salesmanship comes into play.

Bottomline is you will sometimes win and lose jobs for stupid reasons. I feel that you should win 30% just bys howing up ontime and sober and knowing your product & service. You will lose 30% just because the person may not like you, may not be a serious buyer, whatever. And there is 40% remaining which is where a real salesman sill shine.

If age is really that big of a deal with your customers I recommend showing them a modified resume during your sales presentation. Show them the jobs/experience you have had in the industry and show them your certifications. Heck show them pictures of jobs you've worked on but if they are not your jobs be sure to say "I did this great job and my only regret is that I was working for someone else when I did it."

If you want to succeed bad enough you will find a way around those pesky objections that come up commonly.

How long have you been in business? "Sir, I can tell you that the company has been incorporated since 2003, and while I know that isn't a heck of a long time let me tell you that we didn't just wake up one day and decide to be roofers. I have been professionally in the business since 1998, obviously working for other people; not to mention I am a second generation remodeler. Also I want to tell you that because we are a smaller newer company we do not have to resources to train our employees so we only hire very experienced craftsman. Heck my quality control manager has been roofing for as long as I have been alive!"

or

Mr. Customer we have been incorporated since 2003, but let me tell you why I started this company. I started in this business in 1998 and have worked for a few other people but I didn't like the way they did things. The first guy i worked for is probably in jail and I quit as soon as I learned about his shenanigans. The second guy i worked for did great work but had poor customer service. I started this company to address those flaws. We are honest, do a great job and we try to give you top notch customer service."

Turn a bad thing into a good thing. Yeah being in business 2 years sounds like a bad thing until you put it in a positive light.

Aren't you a little young to run your own business?

['i]Well now's the time! I have no kids to worry about, no wife to support and I can pass the savings along to you. Also the bottom line is I have to do a good job since it is now that I am building my reputation. I want it to be a good reputation and the only way to accomplish that is by pleasing you."[/i]

RobertCDF · 01-09-2006, 01:31 PM

Grumpy,
VERY good advice... I think i learned a few things from that post. The only downside is my previos employer is an excelent custom home builder and a very close personal friend of mine... so I cant badmouth my previos employer. But I will try to modify those lines to make it work. Latley age has not been an issue for me because a ton of work has been from references. But I am going to start advertising heavy in hopes to grow the business larger. And may run into this problem again. I think when I hire my older brother (31) I might have him go to estimates and talk to the customers. Then age wont be an issue.

ruskent · 01-09-2006, 02:16 PM

Great post grumpy!!

Spencer · 01-09-2006, 03:28 PM

Thank you very much.

That is some really good advice.

Right now I see myself continuing to work full time while doing odd jobs on the side. I am also looking into buying fixer upper houses to move in, fix up, and sell. Its like Grumpy said I have a lot going for me right now just because I have no wife and kids.

**Cole** · 01-09-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer

Thank you very much.

That is some really good advice.

Right now I see myself continuing to work full time while doing odd jobs on the side. I am also looking into buying fixer upper houses to move in, fix up, and sell. Its like Grumpy said I have a lot going for me right now just because I have no wife and kids.

Exactly brother.

I am in the same boat and I dont see myself getting married for another 4-5 years.

Edit: Maybe longer.

**Cole** · 01-09-2006, 04:23 PM

Grumpy and his business knowledge, he is like a machine.

The good thing is that this forum is full of people that have been in business for a long time and they dont mind helping out younger generations.

sonsito · 01-09-2006, 09:47 PM

#1 Do not get loans or debts to do jobs or thinking is going to help your business.

#2 Start by sticking with one trade for a while and do small or big jobs, whatever is available, if you bid right, any job will result in good profit.

#3 Save all the money you can (capital). When you have good capital (good amount of money in the bank) then almost nothing can stop you.

#4 Referalls are always the most important and best form of marketing. Always keep and and all customers 110% happy, eaven if you have to loose a little profit here and there. A big job can and will sooner or later come from that person's referral.

#5 Keep you cost down. Most people want to start of with fancy offices and several employees. The fact is you may make enough money to pay them, but at the end all the money goes to them and very little to you. The smaller you stay the more successfull you will be.

If some one would have giving me this advice when I started after high school, I would be more 3 times succesfull than what I am now.

Good luck and work hard - If you work hard your employees will work hard
If you are lazy your employees will be lazy.

01-06-2006, 04:24 PM	#6
Spencer View Profile Spencer Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (521) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: General Construction Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 521	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Great Advice Thanks Rob and Cole

01-06-2006, 04:49 PM	#7
Grumpy View Profile Grumpy Bah Humbug! Send Message Follow Blogs (17) Threads (8,574) Photos (0) Reviews (49) Projects (12) Toolbox (43) View All Activity Bah Humbug! Trade: Roofing and Gutter Specialist Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 8,574	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice I've been doing odd jobs my whole life... never really thoguht of it as a business until I worked professionally in the industry and saw what all went into it. I say go work for someone else for a little while and learn the ropes... That's like getting paid to learn. Work a few years and get some contacts but suppliers and subcontractors. I say start small and specialize in what you do. Then slowly branch out until one day you have the know how, the contacts and the finances to be as big as you want to be.

01-06-2006, 05:56 PM	#8
ruskent View Profile ruskent Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,884) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Outdoor D/B Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,884	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice I'm 19 and been in business for a year. I started out just like you. I been working in construction since i was 13. Once i graduated HS i was just tired of putting up with the bull******************** the guys i worked for gave me. And i didn't see much room for advancement. So i started my own business. Right now most of my business is landscape construction. I do retaining walls, pavers etc. I found it was easier to get a 5k landscape blocks job at my age instead of a big kitchen remodel. I lost a bunch of jobs because of my age, but atleast i was able to get some and build REFERENCES! You just have to start some where. This year i plan to try to push more construction projects and get some decks and inside remodeling projects underneith my belt. You just have to start somewhere. I was 18 and made $12 an hour working for a GC. Then i went out and started bring in 2500 a week. Just find something and start there.

01-06-2006, 06:21 PM	#9
Cole View Profile Cole Mod / ArchiBuilder Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,611) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Mod / ArchiBuilder Trade: Design/Build Outdoor Living Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ArkLaTexOma Posts: 6,611	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Good info^^^^^^^^ Just remember if it was easy, everyone would do it. __________________ Tulsa's Leader in Outdoor Living Construction \| Facebook \| Tulsa Pergola Builder \| Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens

01-06-2006, 07:10 PM	#10
Brian View Profile Brian Systems Fanatic Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (415) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Systems Fanatic Trade: Painting Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 415	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Spencer, Age is an issue only if YOU make it one. While you certainly need some level of knowledge and experience, it sounds as if you have that. My advice is to learn the business side of things. Being a great craftsman is one thing, but if you own a business that's not enough. Take some business classes, read books, check out this board often, etc. If you have to work in a trade during the day, then work on your business skills at night. And pay attention to what your boss does business wise-- it will be a valuable lesson one way or the other. You may learn what to do, or you may learn what not to do. I think the three most important areas are: finance, sales, and marketing. Good luck with your adventure. Brian Phillips __________________ Houston Interior Painting Houston Exterior Painting Houston Painting Contractor

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01-06-2006, 03:41 PM	#1
Spencer View Profile Spencer Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (521) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: General Construction Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 521	Need Wisdom & Advice I am 17 and need some advice on starting a construction business. I have been doing construction since I could drive and I love it. I probably have as much experience under my belt as a person my age could have. (6 houses start to finish and tons of odd jobs) I will be graduating high school in 4 days and then going to work for a GC full time. The pay isn't horrible ($12/hr) but his best payed guy gets only $14, so there isn't much room for advancement. I think that I am fully capable of running a successful business but my concern is when I should try to start. I am afraid that if I try to start to early (maybe 21) people won't want me to do work for them because of my age and the fact that I don't look very old. No one is going to let someone who looks like a kid build them a house. In the mean time I am going to work full time for this GC and possibly buy junk houses and fix them up for resale. I would also appreciate any info on this if anyone has ever tried it. If anyone could share their opinion or experiences I would really appreciate it!

01-06-2006, 03:50 PM	#2
Cole View Profile Cole Mod / ArchiBuilder Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,611) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Mod / ArchiBuilder Trade: Design/Build Outdoor Living Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ArkLaTexOma Posts: 6,611	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Ok im 22, dont start off building houses. Do small jobs, decks, fences etc... Once you get a reputation built up with past clients you are golden. Edit: Are you planning on attending college? __________________ Tulsa's Leader in Outdoor Living Construction \| Facebook \| Tulsa Pergola Builder \| Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens

01-06-2006, 03:56 PM	#3
Cole View Profile Cole Mod / ArchiBuilder Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,611) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Mod / ArchiBuilder Trade: Design/Build Outdoor Living Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ArkLaTexOma Posts: 6,611	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice I could talk about this for hours on end. Biggest thing, represent yourself like a professional. Dont show up to prospective clients with torn up jeans and a t-shirt. And just know your stuff. __________________ Tulsa's Leader in Outdoor Living Construction \| Facebook \| Tulsa Pergola Builder \| Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens

01-06-2006, 03:56 PM	#4
RobertCDF View Profile RobertCDF Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4,316) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (8) View All Activity Pro Trade: Custom deck builder Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 4,316	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice I started my deck company at the age of 22 and I know I lost TONS of work because I was so young (I look 18 at the most) I grew a gotee to try and look a little older I think it helped some. One thing I would do for sure is register your business name and open your business checking now so that when you are ready in 5 years you can put 5 years in business on all your advertising. Next thing I would do is start doing side work and running all that money through the business. Get your name out there start with the easy stuff that people will let you do get a large customer base and always let them know where you are headed. When talking to most of my customers I tell them that I will be doing custome homes before too long. Then in the future they will call me when they need a home built because I did such a great job on their deck. __________________ Robert Shaw Colorado Springs Custom Decks Colorado Custom Decks Custom Composite Decks

01-06-2006, 07:31 PM	#12
bob the builder View Profile bob the builder Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (302) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Home Improvement Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 302	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Spencer, You can also start organizing how you will run you business now. An example could be log how long certain types of jobs take for you do, then you will have everything in place when you start. Bob

01-06-2006, 07:32 PM	#13
Tom R View Profile Tom R Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,484) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Carpenter Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,484	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice The supposed 'age-disadvantage' is a matter of psychology, - - how can anything be a disadvantage that will steadily get better every day for years and years to come?? Good Luck!! __________________ http://www.tr-built.com

01-09-2006, 01:05 PM	#14
Grumpy View Profile Grumpy Bah Humbug! Send Message Follow Blogs (17) Threads (8,574) Photos (0) Reviews (49) Projects (12) Toolbox (43) View All Activity Bah Humbug! Trade: Roofing and Gutter Specialist Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 8,574	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice When i got into home improvement sales I was 23-24 and I found age to be a problem with some people. That's where salesmanship comes into play. When I started my own business and had to tell people I was only in business for a year I was able to turn it around into a good thing... that's where salesmanship comes into play. Bottomline is you will sometimes win and lose jobs for stupid reasons. I feel that you should win 30% just bys howing up ontime and sober and knowing your product & service. You will lose 30% just because the person may not like you, may not be a serious buyer, whatever. And there is 40% remaining which is where a real salesman sill shine. If age is really that big of a deal with your customers I recommend showing them a modified resume during your sales presentation. Show them the jobs/experience you have had in the industry and show them your certifications. Heck show them pictures of jobs you've worked on but if they are not your jobs be sure to say "I did this great job and my only regret is that I was working for someone else when I did it." If you want to succeed bad enough you will find a way around those pesky objections that come up commonly. How long have you been in business? "Sir, I can tell you that the company has been incorporated since 2003, and while I know that isn't a heck of a long time let me tell you that we didn't just wake up one day and decide to be roofers. I have been professionally in the business since 1998, obviously working for other people; not to mention I am a second generation remodeler. Also I want to tell you that because we are a smaller newer company we do not have to resources to train our employees so we only hire very experienced craftsman. Heck my quality control manager has been roofing for as long as I have been alive!" or Mr. Customer we have been incorporated since 2003, but let me tell you why I started this company. I started in this business in 1998 and have worked for a few other people but I didn't like the way they did things. The first guy i worked for is probably in jail and I quit as soon as I learned about his shenanigans. The second guy i worked for did great work but had poor customer service. I started this company to address those flaws. We are honest, do a great job and we try to give you top notch customer service." Turn a bad thing into a good thing. Yeah being in business 2 years sounds like a bad thing until you put it in a positive light. Aren't you a little young to run your own business? ['i]Well now's the time! I have no kids to worry about, no wife to support and I can pass the savings along to you. Also the bottom line is I have to do a good job since it is now that I am building my reputation. I want it to be a good reputation and the only way to accomplish that is by pleasing you."[/i]

01-09-2006, 01:31 PM	#15
RobertCDF View Profile RobertCDF Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4,316) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (8) View All Activity Pro Trade: Custom deck builder Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 4,316	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Grumpy, VERY good advice... I think i learned a few things from that post. The only downside is my previos employer is an excelent custom home builder and a very close personal friend of mine... so I cant badmouth my previos employer. But I will try to modify those lines to make it work. Latley age has not been an issue for me because a ton of work has been from references. But I am going to start advertising heavy in hopes to grow the business larger. And may run into this problem again. I think when I hire my older brother (31) I might have him go to estimates and talk to the customers. Then age wont be an issue. __________________ Robert Shaw Colorado Springs Custom Decks Colorado Custom Decks Custom Composite Decks

01-09-2006, 02:16 PM	#16
ruskent View Profile ruskent Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,884) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Outdoor D/B Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,884	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Great post grumpy!!

01-09-2006, 03:28 PM	#17
Spencer View Profile Spencer Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (521) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: General Construction Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 521	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Thank you very much. That is some really good advice. Right now I see myself continuing to work full time while doing odd jobs on the side. I am also looking into buying fixer upper houses to move in, fix up, and sell. Its like Grumpy said I have a lot going for me right now just because I have no wife and kids.

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01-09-2006, 04:23 PM	#19
Cole View Profile Cole Mod / ArchiBuilder Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,611) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Mod / ArchiBuilder Trade: Design/Build Outdoor Living Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ArkLaTexOma Posts: 6,611	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice Grumpy and his business knowledge, he is like a machine. The good thing is that this forum is full of people that have been in business for a long time and they dont mind helping out younger generations. __________________ Tulsa's Leader in Outdoor Living Construction \| Facebook \| Tulsa Pergola Builder \| Tulsa Outdoor Kitchens

01-09-2006, 09:47 PM	#20
sonsito View Profile sonsito Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: Interior Woodwork (trim, cabinetry, etc.) Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	Re: Need Wisdom & Advice #1 Do not get loans or debts to do jobs or thinking is going to help your business. #2 Start by sticking with one trade for a while and do small or big jobs, whatever is available, if you bid right, any job will result in good profit. #3 Save all the money you can (capital). When you have good capital (good amount of money in the bank) then almost nothing can stop you. #4 Referalls are always the most important and best form of marketing. Always keep and and all customers 110% happy, eaven if you have to loose a little profit here and there. A big job can and will sooner or later come from that person's referral. #5 Keep you cost down. Most people want to start of with fancy offices and several employees. The fact is you may make enough money to pay them, but at the end all the money goes to them and very little to you. The smaller you stay the more successfull you will be. If some one would have giving me this advice when I started after high school, I would be more 3 times succesfull than what I am now. Good luck and work hard - If you work hard your employees will work hard If you are lazy your employees will be lazy.