how old were you

Wayco Wayne_2

I live by the same credo. I was 32 when I took the plunge. That was 20 years ago. I have been able to coach my kids soccer, and baseball teams, and have rarely missed any of their activities because of work. I could take more time offf though. :) WW

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[Deleted User]

when did you start

How old were you when you started your business? why?

Weezbo

*~/:)

child labour laws prohibit me from revealing that information:)

[Deleted User]

i was

I was 26 when i started my business, that was 4 years ago time flies when you are having fun. I left the plumbers local to try my own thing when all the power house work and treatment facilities stopped building. The last job i had was working on deer island in Boston. I am glad i made the move wouldnt change a thing.

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Steve Gates_3

one month shy

of 42. Fourteen years ago today at 3P.M. It was Mothers Day. Actually started the next morning but did meet the boss and helped him buck hay that afternoon. Yep 56 next month and starting ot feel it.

Edit. On my own since Oct. 98.

Steamhead (in transit)

I was 46, Gordon was 49

We incorporated in August of 2005. I doubt either of us would want to work for someone else's company again.

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Ed_26

dated

Aug.'84 - 56 is coming fast! Mostly, it's good. After all these years, still have to learn to say NO!

Dave Stroman

I started in 1982. I was 29. I can say this after 25 years, having your own business does not mean you can take time off whenever you want, or even take a vacation more than once every few years. My most recent and most enjoyable vacations have been factory tours and training. Wirsbo, Taco, Kitec, Viessman. They sure show you a good time and I get to spend time talking about what interests me the most, hydronics. If I had to do the whole thing over again, I would not have gone into business with my wife or work out of the house. Not good for a marriage.

Dave in Denver

Darrell

Friday the 13th of January, 2006! One year later on
friday the 13th 2007 I bought a brand new Chevy Express Van!

I was 45 at the time. I was in business once before about ten years ago and fought my way through 5 seasons of work before it overwhelmed me...trying to be too much to too many people, and low bid too. This time I am smarter, watch the books, study the numbers, watch my exposure and read and read and read the bare bones books!

Why? I had twenty-five years of customer base established while working for other outfits. The last outfit wanted to get out of the service business...and I couldn't see letting all those customers call somebody else. It was time, my wife was ready, I was ready. No regrets at all, and I do take time for family...it's all about family.

ScottMP

August 5, 1984

It was my Birthday and my father went in the hospital the night before from a stroke. He died five days later and it was the most devestating thing that has ever happened to me.

He never saw his youngest son start a business, or see his name on the side of the vehicles. Twenty three years later and I have eight trucks on the road, two son's and a beautifull house. A succesfull business and sometimes it all comes down to my Father not seeing it or being here.

I went thru some Tought times. Worked my tail off. Worked Friday nights, Saturday day and night, holidays, missed a few dinner partys and family get togethers. I'm very happy where I am and sometimes amazed it all worked out.

Its not for everyone. Being a Great mechanic DOS'NT mean a great busnessman. Its two completly different jobs.

By the way, Do Take Time off. Do leave a job to see your kids play, Do plan as many vacations as you can.

The work will be there. You Family might not be and time certainly is'nt.

I Miss you Dad.

Scott



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Unknown

At 41 in 1998 (I'll be 50 tomorry)

Why? Because I couldn't take the idea of ever again working for another "mom and pop" service company and all the underlying BS that goes along with it, eg the former tile layer son in law with 2 whole years experience in the HVAC field trying to tell me how to do the job. His famous words after losing a technical argument to me, "You play the game pretty well but I'll get you." . My response? "Uh, this is WORK, not a game." I knew at that moment that my days with the company were numbered. By ME, not them!

Like others here, I doubt I'll ever be able to work for someone else again.

Rocky_3

I was 34

Worked for a great old guy who taught me how to do it right the first time. He died from a heart attack while snaking out a sewer drain at a customers home on a Saturday morning. Went into business for myself after that. After 10 years, I am just now finally getting to be a better business man than I am a boiler man. Have 7 vans and 7 really good techs. Good Lord has blessed the work of my hands. Still hard at times,especially at -45 below and you wonder "what in the name of Pete am I doing this for?", but this job allows me to give to my church and my community, allows 7 families a really good living with medical and retirement, and vacations. One of the biggest pleasures I take out of this business is seeing my employees (read "friends") start families and buy homes, because of their hard work and this company. Very satisfying.

Regards from not-so-chilly Fairbanks,
Rocky

Ps. I just bought a new river boat, Jetcraft Extreme Shallow. If you want to talk to me this summer, come down to the river. I'll be the one with Merle Haggard on the boat stereo and a King Salmon on the line. (Don't forget to play every now and then.)

Dave Yates (GrandPAH)_1

Well said

And great advice. Just wait pal till you get grandchildren. Your Dad looks like quite the character & he's been with you all along the way. It shows(G).

Ruthe Jubinville_2

agreed

and in my book I'm sure Dad saw his son start a business and sees the success you are. .. Ruthe