See sir, I’m like the opposite side of your coin.
Wasn’t brought up in the trades, but it’s basically all I’ve ever done.

I eventually became a GC and ran a business with only hands on tools type of knowledge. Nothing about running a successful company.

I will say it’s maybe easier to start off and be a one man band from my side of the pillow. But to invest capital, create a crew and do stuff. Maybe your side is good.
But if you think you can just start doing big projects and expecting guys/gals and everything to just fall right in line like it does on pen and paper….be ready for when the ink spills

 

Not quite clear on your objective... it sounds like you want to own your own company or get into a leadership role in another... but it doesn't sound like you have the background for either... it's difficult to manage someone who has the experience you don't... you don't know what to look for, what oversight and direction to provide, etc.

Think of it this way... the people you were just working for, did you look to them for knowledge or direction on what to do? What would you view of them be if you weren't competent on what needed to be done?

Many times tradesman will learn their craft and then go out on their own and learn the business side as they go through trial by fire and either make it, tread water, or give up and go work for someone else... others are business orientated and become paper GC's... but either one is going to require experience and that only comes from doing...

Unless you have a boat load of cash to get you through the first year of being in business for yourself as an owner, not having experience is going to cost you while getting it...

Be a little more clear on what your objective is...

 

I have spent most of my adult life in construction, I am 45 now, the first several years on the trade side, and the last several on the management side. Most of my experience was in Colorado working for a large builder. I can tell you in construction and probably most industries, it is really hard to find good people, especially people willing to learn and work hard.

 

There are a lot of "office jobs" in this field that are more "active" in the sense of being closer to the project. Project management, design/drafting, and estimating/sales come to mind. I've known plenty of these folks who never swung too many hammers, but are often in close coordination with those who do.

I think your sentiment regarding integrity is interesting, and if I'm understanding it correctly, I see a lot of your attitude in myself. Sometimes this industry has an ugly side, especially in terms of safety and health, which is coming from my perspective as someone who works on site. In many spaces, there is also a prevailing feeling of apathy regarding standards and best practices. One thing that disappoints me, is I really enjoy learning about things like building science and new developments in the industry, but it's rare to find people who derive the same enjoyment from talking about these subjects.

Maybe you are referring to dealings at the higher level, to which I cannot really speak. At any rate, there is definitely a need for personnel, at all levels, who have a strong guiding sense of ethics and morals, and an eagerness to learn about ways to elevate the industry as a whole.

 

"Is it realistic to consider a leadership role or future business ownership in construction without being on the tools first? Have any of you seen people make that kind of transition successfully?"

People who can run businesses can run any type of business. Extensive knowledge of the particular business isn't a prerequisite. Elon Musk isn't a biologist, but has been successful starting Nuralink. Alan Mullally successfully ran Ford after a career in aerospace.

I'm certain that if you pulled certain participants here and plopped them into the restaurant business, Jaws and/or Allan E would serve the best, and most profitable, barbecue in Texas.

 

"Is it realistic to consider a leadership role or future business ownership in construction without being on the tools first? Have any of you seen people make that kind of transition successfully?"

People who can run businesses can run any type of business. Extensive knowledge of the particular business isn't a prerequisite.

This is true. If you have business skills and a good vision, all you need is to hire relevant talent in your desired field, and then start to build your clientele. I've even thought of getting into the plumbing business (I'm a carpenter) because my city is starting to require sprinkler systems not only in commercial builds/remodels, but residential as well. I figure I could hire a couple of young plumbers who are interested in specializing, get in touch with as many contractors as physically possible, advertise as a reasonably priced and fast sprinkler install contractor, and see where that takes us. I'd bet someone has already come up with that idea, but I haven't seen them around, personally. Maybe there are already a bunch of sprinkler companies, or maybe it's not something plumbers would even be interested in doing because of competitive rates, but I figure it's a niche that may be needed soon.

 

DBD:

You have to watch out for grass-is-greener syndrome. You always think the other guy is making more money.

 

New construction is probably your best direction being you can better lean on "trusted" plans, that detail scope of work for the professionals. Pricing, bid work, and client specifications would be a lot of your up front learning curve. Execution off that base then should be easier with your existing skills.
Project management with a pay schedule will also be critical unless you happen to have a large chunk of cash to cover a project and payment issues.

 

I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Went to work for a major construction company. They decided to open an office in Florida. I volunteered. Took the Florida GC test and passed. The State therefore said I could pull a permit for ANY project in the State. I had one year of experience. Am I a "skilled" tradesman? Absolutely not. But, I had courses in accounting, finance, law, etc. Ultimately ended up running my own company doing $10 million a year in commercial. Yes, it required a really good field superintendent.

 

Start talking to some of those construction clients you supplied labor too. The ones you know have their act together.
Good outfits are always looking for good help.