Time to hire new guy

[bobbyho]

I have been in a pretty good situation lately. More work than I can get to. I have been wondering about when it is time to take on a journeyman. I can't take on an apprentice. We would have to have the ability to take on 2 jobs at one time. I can't send the apprentice off by himself. Do any of you have a "forumula" for when the time is right for this move? I have had to turn down some work lately and this drives me nuts. I can't tell if this is all coincidence with all the work coming in at one time. I think I have realized all that can be done with just myself doing everything. Any advice or anecdotes about how you took that next step would be greatly appreciated.

[480sparky]

The best formula is having planned well in advance for this day, coupled with a business plan & model that will allow for hiring someone, and having the financial backing availble to make it happen. "Having enough work for two" does not guarantee success. Just hiring someone because you're so busy is more a recipe for a disaster.

[Buck Parrish]

Dittos, Sparky,
Also you want to make sure your advertising is in place.

[Buck Parrish]

Oh, and most importantly. Do a back ground check.
And don't fratenize with the help. (After hours).
You can't imagine the problems that could occur. Their are some real nuts out their.

[satcom]

Would it be possible, to find a good part time guy, to help bring the schedule in line? Many of the EC's in my area, have been doing it for years, with good results.

[480sparky]

.....And don't fratenize with the help. (After hours).
You can't imagine the problems that could occur. Their are some real nuts out their.

I know of a lot of people who end up in the unemployment office right after the company Christmas party.... Seems they said or did something they shouldn't have.8-)

[dan55]

I have a pretty good relationship with some other electrical contractors in town and we share labor. depends on who i am dealing with but they charge between 15 to 30 percent over the jm or apprentice wages. this has gotten me out of a couple of crunches and works ok short term.

[Rewire]

ask yourself "do I want to grow?" if you answer yes then you are ready to take the next step in becoming an electrical contractor.If you are just looking to get over a hump then i would suggest asking other self employed electricians in your area if they would work for you part time.

[j_erickson]

I can say for sure that I have hired too quickly and fired too slowly in the past. Do you think you have too much work to handle for 1. weeks? 2. Months. 3. Years?

Another j-man which includes a stocked truck with another set of tools plus a portion of your time can really drain you. I've had as few as one employee and as many as 10 with 5 trucks. For me 2 trucks and 3 employees works best....

I wish you well, I'm just trying to share some thoughts.

"I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger".....Or however that goes.