Help

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

wayne123

Senior Member
Location
North Carolina
How many of you guy's work alone? I am a self employed EC and I do mostly residential. Its really getting to wear on me abit but I enjoy not having to pay a full time employee. The money is better that way too. The long runs of romex and crawling in attics and crawl spaces are getting rough on my finely tuned (HAHAHA)body.
 
Re: Help

I also work alone. It is good at times and bad at others. I would like to get someone to help, but I do not want some one that is green. It just seems like it would be more trouble than its worth. I know everybody has to start somewhere, But not with the little Guy.
 
Re: Help

Attics and crawl spaces don't really bother me all that much. I've found it often pays to spend a few minutes and lay down some 1X8/10 ramps rather than try to spiderman it across joists

The worst part is getting "in the hole" and finding out you need something else after it took you 15 minutes to worm your way in :D
 
Re: Help

I to am self employed, I just took on my father on to help. Try teaching a old dog new tricks. He is not an electrician by trade, but he now is. Its hard to find someone who is willing to work hard, so you end up doing the work your self. Also I can't find anyone who will do a quality job. Its just hacks who want the big bucks.
 
Re: Help

if any of you guys are from chicago or suburbs contact me and maybe we can sub contract together. i use 1 other contractor and he uses me. no benifits to pay etc. and you dont have to lay anyone off. my email address is notchooo@prodigy.net thanks
 
Re: Help

Thanks for the input. I would like to find someone in my area that would be willing to sub out with me also. It's the quality thing that concerns me the most. I work hard on doing a good job for people and I get the majority of my work by word of mouth. I also get alot of return business. I really have to be able to work a while with someone to be able to trust them and make sure they do quality work and don't try to screw a customer or myself. ;) ;)
 
Re: Help

Just a little story I had been working alone since May 1988 then April 10, 2001 was told I had Cancer with 65% of living On April 11 my son started working with me just beginning. On July 2, 2001 after 3 major surgeries I was sent home with an I.V. machine to die. I wouldn't give up and on July 9, 2001 went to work with I.V. and Rob. Basically Rob saved the business and my determination to work saved my life. So I'll say this just be ready because you don't know about tomorrow you might need someone so just look around and think about who if something happens.
 
Re: Help

I agree it's hard to find someone. I have my friend helping me, but it sometimes seems that you waste more time watching them then working yourself. I asked my brother to help when it's a large addition or new house. He's good. He doesn't know the ins and outs of how to tie in circuits, but he can drill and run wire (neatly). I hope he stays interested in it. By the way; what do you pay someone learning. I have a feeling I'm being to good to my brother!!

I'm in Northeast Pa.
 
Re: Help

I work for a contractor and i work alone probably 50% of the time. I actually like worrking alone . i work faster and smarter and dont have to waste time setting up a helper who is not all that interested in the trade anyways.
 
Re: Help

a=1 thanks for the prayers it was all in Gods hands I probably wanted to die and had great depression upon myself and wanted a pity party but the Lord has his ways and thanks to him I am alive today and a testimony for the power of Jesus, which is a greater power than electricity.
 
Re: Help

I have been working industry for 30 years and now I'm starting to do some side work, mostly residential.I find it interesting and challenging trying to find the best prices on materials.I'm in Ma. and not a very big town so supply houses are limited. Also if you want helper with experience and he has a license you cannot work together without a masters haha.
 
Re: Help

1 Man shop here, I found a couple of other EC's that work alone and after seeing their work, when I get busy and the calls keep comming in I send the people who do not want to wait to the other guys and if I need a hand I can call on one of the other EC's to help out, no training, comp,etc; In the attic I found a head lamp that is lightweight works great!! What happened to the spell check?
 
Re: Help

William, good luck and the best to you!!!

I am no longer contracting, but had a small shop - at times up to seven men. My success can be attributed to belonging to a EC association. Our association now has more than 200 contractors and we all have and will continue to help each other. Some of the larger shops were of great help either supplying manpower, equipment (like bucket trucks) and sometimes hard to get material.

For some of the smaller guys who are thinking of reaching out to get a helper or mechanic, the association can help. It is not too bad if you have the right attitude - remember where you started. Just remember if he is green, teach him and have patience. Also remember one day he may start his own business like you did. If you did a good job teaching him, he will be good competition, who may even help you :)

Pierre
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top