[Tonractor]

I Have been an electrician since 1996. Became a felon in 2002. More and more construction contractors in my area are starting to run back ground checks. It has effected me twice to many. I am also tired of making others money with no appreciation. I am above or average with constructing and remodels. Making sure the quality of my work is above standard gives me enough confidence to take on jobs I never done before. If I don't know how, I will. I learn and pay attention to everything. So I am now trying to get things going for myself but I never have tried nor would know how to get the work where to get it, how can I start building a work calendar. Where do I look to bid on jobs. How do I start building clientele.

 

[Morning Wood]

What felony did you commit?

 

[Tonractor]

Two charges agg assault, agg burg. The agg makes it sound bad.

 

[fast fred]

just because you are felon doesn't mean anything unless you let it define who you are

there are plenty of people who have made a mistake they then move on

be prepared to explain what happend in very basic terms, no need for details, find your "story" be prepared to be embarrassed and looked down upon be prepared to repeat the story many many times it will be a humbling experience

some people won't care, others will demonize you, some people understand change and forgiveness

once you get past that bs you'll start dealing with the other bs, networking, pricing jobs, and keeping on top of work, nothing different from any other tradesman, sometimes it's much easier to sit back and collect and check working hard for someone else instead of making the "big bucks" as an independent contractor

you'll only succeed if you want too

 

[SteveinNEPA]

Ill say this - One of the best guys I ever worked with carpentry wise was a felon, One count Ag, Assault in 2005 and one assault with a deadly in 2008. The weapons charge was self defense all the way around, but his record screwed him in court so it stuck. Either way, do not let the past define your future.

 

[Quad Racer]

sure fine you may explain the assault. But explain the burglary to someone?

Don't get me wrong the homeowners will not do any checking on you. If they google the name you may get "made" but not likely.

There is a lot of time between 2002 and now. To generate a quality clientele takes time.

 

[dom-mas]

refferals and hustling. Let everyone you know, know that you're on your own. If you are a sub and don't have a list of GC's that need you or don't have a good network of people that are doing work i woud think twice about going on my own. It sounds right "tired of making someone else money" but there is always a trade off. that tradeoff is long hours at first and constant hustling.

 

[TimNJ]

I Have been an electrician since 1996. Became a felon in 2002. More and more construction contractors in my area are starting to run back ground checks. It has effected me twice to many. I am also tired of making others money with no appreciation. I am above or average with constructing and remodels. Making sure the quality of my work is above standard gives me enough confidence to take on jobs I never done before. If I don't know how, I will. I learn and pay attention to everything. So I am now trying to get things going for myself but I never have tried nor would know how to get the work where to get it, how can I start building a work calendar. Where do I look to bid on jobs. How do I start building clientele.

Do you have a license?
If not, does the felony affect your ability to get one?

 

[CQC]

Get some business cards and start networking. Takes time and energy, but it is what you have to do to get started out on your own.

If you are not the networking type, then find someone to partner up with that is. Good luck to you.

 

[jb4211]

Two charges agg assault, agg burg. The agg makes it sound bad.

The "agg" doesn't make it sound bad. It is bad. Aggravated Assault is an assault that causes serious bodily injury.

What's NOT bad about that?

 

[Red Adobe]

it takes some $ to get started as a contractor, lic, ins ( electrical is HIGH ), tools/equipment (you need alot more as a contractor then as a journeyman.. credit card or at min a line at the supply house......and so on

As for the felonys....if you cant get them off the record then something that may help ( it pains me to say it ) is to join and attend church and gain the support of them. I have the feeling Utah is like NM and there are several contractors that are high on the church and it will go alongways.

"I despise hypocrites thus the pains in church , and i know its not fair to say all are the same but in my expirence they are similar