Hi guys. Found this forum a couple days ago and it looks very helpful. So maybe you guys can help me. But first let me give you a little background. I am starting a painting business in Michigan with my best friend from college @ the beginning of the new year. We plan to start with painting and speciality coatings. As time goes by, we will add other services such as environmental remediation, duct cleaning and possibly demolition. Currently I am working for an environmental remediation company that is owned by my brother who is 15 years my elder. Financially I have been treated very well. But I have grown tired of the constant pressure I am under and the lack of support that I get. But the worse part is having my yearly bonus (which usually exceeds my salary!) held over my head. I basically do all the estimating and project management for the company. So I have decided that I want to control my own destiny.
My question to you fellers is as follows:
1. What is the best avenue to advertise for residential and commercial?
2. What is the best way to establish a relationship with a general contractor?
3. Do you guys use any services to help find bidding opportunities like Dodge or CAM?
3. Generally speaking, how long does it take to learn the business and establish the company?
4. What pay rate do you guys pay your help?
5. How competative is this industry?
6. Am I making a mistake?
I would appreciate any help or words of wisdom you all can give me.
My question to you fellers is as follows:
1. What is the best avenue to advertise for residential and commercial?
2. What is the best way to establish a relationship with a general contractor?
3. Do you guys use any services to help find bidding opportunities like Dodge or CAM?
3. Generally speaking, how long does it take to learn the business and establish the company?
4. What pay rate do you guys pay your help?
5. How competative is this industry?
6. Am I making a mistake?
I would appreciate any help or words of wisdom you all can give me.