bcl
Member
- Location
- Garden Ridge, TX
- Occupation
- Electrician (Owner/ Operator)
Hey everyone. I've been a Master Electrician for about 10 years (in the trade about 20 years), and own a smallish shop, doing about $16MM a year in two states. Our work is heavily weighted toward solar, with a smattering of other commercial and residential electrical. It's been a lot of fun, but I'd like to start diversifying a little bit more, hopefully into small commercial projects (new construction and TI). For those of you that have done solar, you'll understand why (it can be a roller coaster sometimes with utilities, and state and federal legislations). I'm also starting to lose some of my best apprentices because they need broader experience, and I'd rather be able to keep them around.
Conceptually, I know how to build a business (obviously), but I'm a bit timid to start bidding and building commercial projects because my experience in estimating and project management is limited. I'm planning on hiring people who know this better than me, but beyond that, what are the top three things you wish you'd known before you started bidding larger work?
Also, I'm looking for someone who knows the industry to help coach/ mentor a bit. If you or anyone you know would be interested I'd appreciate it. Excluding, of course, the LinkedIn shysters who want to charge me thousands for their proven growth methods to make me a millionaire. Thanks.
Conceptually, I know how to build a business (obviously), but I'm a bit timid to start bidding and building commercial projects because my experience in estimating and project management is limited. I'm planning on hiring people who know this better than me, but beyond that, what are the top three things you wish you'd known before you started bidding larger work?
Also, I'm looking for someone who knows the industry to help coach/ mentor a bit. If you or anyone you know would be interested I'd appreciate it. Excluding, of course, the LinkedIn shysters who want to charge me thousands for their proven growth methods to make me a millionaire. Thanks.