One-person shops

jackchips_2

I was a one man shop for most of 13 years and got out in 1985 for two main reasons: I would jump almost every time the phone rang and I was so concerned with what would happen if I had to give up one or two of my major accounts during the busy time and then things got slow again.

My wife and I did not want to grow and it was next to impossible to balance new construction with the many service accounts we had built up.

I have not regretted the decision but still miss the many people I got to meet and share coffee with.

Pretty old stuff but your question brought back some good memories.

Thanks,

Jack

John R. Hall

Anybody want to step forward?

I'd like to write an article about how one-person shops compete with the big boys but it is usually difficult (but not impossible) to get them to stop long enough to talk -- or to open up to a journalist. I have written articles before on two different guys who went solo -- one from a small office and another from his home.

If you are interested or know someone who isn't shy about talking about his one-person shop, please let me know. If you don't know of any but would like to offer your opinion of one-person shops, please let me know, too.

Thanks!

Tony_23

I'm not shy .....

and I've been called opinionated

But, I'm two men and an "apprentice".

Can't talk now though, Mass is in 40 minutes

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Ken_40

Hey John,

I was a one man shop for almost five years, back when this biz became my career.

I'll share whatever I can; but this time you need to promise me a free book, if you publish this work.

Deal?

John R. Hall

Ha

I can send you a copy of The NEWS when the article runs -- FREE. But I don't think this topic is good enough to turn into a book. No one would have time to read it.

Unknown

I grew up in a family business My father ran the show while he tried to make me follow in his footsteps, after much teen angst, I did. and now I run my own one man shop.

Id be more than happy to share my experience with you.

Norm
Independent Burner Service
http://www.indoil.com

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Bob Sweet

John,

With the insights of yourself and Ellen Rohr, I stepped out and started my company 6 months ago. Only myself in the field and my wife doing the books.

I am quite pleased with the way things are progressing and would be happy to help.

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Larry Weingarten

I've been...

... basically a one man shop since the mid 1970s. After all, who would employ the likes of me with my sense of humor? ;~) Do you have a list of questions?

Yours, Larry

David Sutton_6

I have had both

i worked at a big company , partners in a big co. and now a single man out fit, let me tell you i never enjoyed myself so much as i do now !!...David

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Old Plumber

One man shop

After more than 20 years in the business one man shop there is alot we can discuss. I am now retired so we have plenty of time. Contact me

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I wager that the success of a one-man shop is measured by the patience, strength and abilities of the woman who stands beside the man.

(Not being sexist--just realistic. It probably won't work with any other gender rolls be they reversed or even the same...)

Al Letellier_9

one man shop

After 12 years, I've gone solo, John. Let me know if I can help out.
Al

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John R. Hall

Please e-mail me

Thanks to all who have replied so far. Please e-mail me at johnhall@achrnews.com and I'll send along some questions with my reply.

Timco

Two most important things I offer to compete as a one man show...reputation and actual concern for the customer's needs. I do not advertise, and am busy all year long. All word of mouth & return customers.

Tim

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Wayco Wayne_2

Same here

My wife and I now have 20 years on our own. It is at times satisfying, and at others terrifying. One thing it is not, is boring. I get to keep control of quality and keep it as high as I am able. I get to choose what to work on, and what not to. It works for me. WW

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John R. Hall

Photo ID

I'm going nuts trying to get the ID of this guy who sent me his pic for my one-person shop article. I've attached it. Maybe someone can help? (My bad -- I deleted the original e-mail.)

John R. Hall

Need help with photo ID

I messed up and deleted the e-mail from this guy. I attached the pics. Can anyone identify him and/or have contact info? Thanks.

Weezbo

the only competition is with one's Self. *~/:)

peace

Darrell

I'm running a one man show, service only. I did this once before and tried to mix new construction with service work and after a couple of contractors stiffed me and some "significant legal intervention" I cooled my heels for a dozen years of so working out of the Hall on a couple of major projects, and for a medium size local shop. I'm having a ball, I have a customer base 700+ names strong, and I turn work down every day. This time I don't feel the need for glamour and show...keeping it really simple and enjoying the profit. A business analyst that I take care of tells me that the trend is to smaller shops and Father/son outfits because they can avoid alot of the employee costs, and the built in overhead of a bigger shop. He says that a sub-contractor can't break free of the profit/overhead ratio until he has 16-20 working employees on the ground. Whereas a smaller shop, 1-4 men has a realizable profit/overhead ratio.

Tony_23

don't know him,

but he sure looks happy !