Help with starting a HVAC business

Uni R_2

http://www.barebonesbiz.com/

mjbaron1274428

Looking to start a HVAC business

Hello, I have been a refrigeration fitter for a little over 10 years and I am looking at starting my own business. Looking for any help, advice, books, etc. I appreciate avery response. Thanks ~ Michael

aaron_4

new business

I would look into joining.

http://www.nexstarnetwork.com/nexstar/index.jsp

Darin Cook_6

Michael

Do yourself a huge favor right from the start. Find and use a good accountant!!! Taxes can eat you alive if you do not stay on top of them. Many people here on the Wall will back me up on that. The problem is that while most of us are aces in the mechanical side of the trade, the business side can be very frustating and is a full time job itself. But both sides have to be done equally well to truly be a successful business. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.



TSGT Darin Cook,
Air Expeditionary Forces,
Iraq

Tom_35

Starting your new business---

I certainly agree with the advice that you have already been given. It would surprize me if 10% of the new start-ups do this type of planning.

I would also recommend that you join the Service Roundtable. The investment is $50/month and there is a world of information, marketing ideas, problem solving, etc. Also, stay hooked up with this site.

You will have to change the way you spend your "free" time as well. Lots of nights will need to be spend reading, keeping up with what is going on in the industry, bookeeping, etc. Ellen's books will be a huge help with this.

If possible, stay away from new construction. Low margins and much higher possibility of not getting paid. Follow up with all your service calls, jobs, etc to verify that they are happy with you---then ask for referrals.

Good Luck,

Tom Atchley

mtfallsmikey

Not only a good accountant, but

If you can, befriend a good lawyer. I know that everyone else is going to blast me on this, but having one on YOUR side is priceless! and buy Ellen's book, better yet, meet her in person. She has been a godsend to this industry!

John R. Hall

All good suggestions

And this:

www.the-next-contractor.com

Josh_10

Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!Form a business plan and stick to it!

Empire_2

Starting on the right foot

You have taken the first step to owning a business of your own. Talk to as many other business owners as you can. Most will divulge info that you may have never thought of. Also, get your name out there...Offer specials to people that refer you to others. This is only done in the first year or so until you can get a base of clients.

My .02

Mike T.

Ragu_5

Way to go!

Yeah, I'd say: Ellen Rohr (Mrs. Hot Rod, tee hee), an accountant and a lawyer. Good luck.

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GW

see a shrink

Kind of a joke... (I married one), business is all fun and games until someone doesn't want to pay you. Or, they'll bust your chops on price. Why, because they can, that's why. If you have the proper self image, that along with the other stuff that was mentioned will get you a few rungs up the latter.

Running a business is just like running your household expenses, just move the decimal point over to the right a couple of times. When you add employees the road may get bumpy, just grab tighter and bare it. Grow your image as you grow your staff, employees cost huge money (I’m not talking just hourly, I'm talking overhead).

Working by your self may prove to be the easiest, but what do you do when you’re 55 and sick of doing calls?

Anyone with a pulse can start a business. If you're not a foolish spender, have descent credit, won't take any doo doo from a 'button-pushing' home owner, and don't mind working your tail off for 5 to 10 years getting things off the ground (it took me more than that, but I'm a little slow) you'll do just fine!


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John L

Learn how to market your services effectively, select your market niche and set a plan of action and put it into effect

Best of luck

Brad White_9

WILSON!!!!!!!


Yer killin' me!!!!

Hire a shrink!!!!!!!

I ABSOLUTELY love that!!! LMAO!!!!

I also agree with everything you said after.

Mark H

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Ragu_5

Michael...

Just had a couple of thoughts that have helped me in the past.

Running your own show is not a sprint; it's kind of like a long race or a marathon. Approach things with a long haul perspective because good things take time to develop.

On the slip side, one of the good things about surrounding yourself with professionals (accountant, lawyer etc.) is that they can see where probems are starting to develop and can advise you about nipping those things in the bud before they become big issues.

The last item I have for you is that prompt payment from your customers is tremendously important. It keeps things flowing for you. Good luck. Jack

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