How to grow as a 1 man band

[smajchrzak]

Hello! I'm in the same boat, I'm about a year and half into running my own business. And I've been doing all the big jobs solo. Which I can do but it is a bit exhausting especially with a 6 month old at home. I've been trying to look into hired help as well. The other day I was approached by my local IBEW representatives and they said I can contract with them and they will send me guys. Guys with more experience than craigslist lol. I haven't met with them yet to talk specifics but perhaps that's a route you could take also.

 

[NoahsArc]

Its rough. I hate my life when I have to fish or pull solo, especially between floors.

But can't really hire someone to work those 4 random hours a week, some weeks...

 

[HuntNJ]

if all you need is a guy for 4 hours a week then you don't need a guy...sorry but 6x12 =72k. you are barely staying afloat with those numbers.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Is that 4-6k net, or gross sales?

I’m in the same boat, I could use a helper for about 30 hours a week, or, if a guy knew what he was doing, he could work on his own. Then we’d need another helper between us though. I’ll get there, but it takes time.

I have some part timers that I run through the temp agency. I just send them down there to sign up, and the agency handles all the WC, taxes, payroll, so at the end of the day, it’s not really too bad.

I’m also teamed up with another contractor, like what @Joe.B is talking about. He has his projects, I have mine, and we jump onto each others as we need. We are doing a joint venture on one project.

At this point, learn some tricks for working alone, and grind it out until you can hire a helper, then work him as much as possible, even if you don’t need him. Then, slowly start standing back and having him do the work, and within a few years you’ll have a trained employee.

 

[VE Inc.]

Recently started my own electrical business after 16years in the trade. Less than a year in right now. Had a decent nest egg that I used for startup costs. Bought a van cash, operate out of my home, I'm the only employee.

Im focusing on residential right now and jobs are coming in. But I can't afford to hire someone let alone have 40hrs a week to keep them occupied. But there's jobs where I physically need a 2nd person, sometimes experienced so a service upgrade doesn't take 2 days.

I'm starting to get calls from GCs for things like remodels and additions. Things I would need ideally 2 more guys to keep the job on schedule for the GC. So I'm in this conundrum of needing bigger work so I can get employees but needing employees to get the jobs done.

I have a few friends, some experienced, that are willing and able to help out when they can. But then I run into issues, especially jobsites with GCs, that there's guys there that arent insured god forbid an accident happens. No idea how to navigate this and I feel myself giving up.

Here's something that worked for us, until we got out of residential work. We called the largest commercial / industrial electrical contractors in town to introduce ourselves. Often times, they get opportunities at jobs that they do not want. For our particular experience, the companies we called did not do any residential work, but have very recognizable names. We asked they entrust us by giving us an opportunity on unwanted jobs. We ensured we would not let them down. In a short matter of time, they provided enough referrals to keep us busy and to hire additional workforce, whether it was a journeyman or apprentice. Those service calls provided the revenue we need to cover the additional people and overhead.

Once we were able to grow to 6-8 people, we started bidding commercial work only. We've been very blessed and was able to move away from residential, as it's a very competitive business where I am. Lots of companies offering plumbing, HVAC, electrical, solar, outdoor lighting, you name it. Hard to ask commercial guys to go into a $2m house and hang a $20k chandelier over a $10k rug. Please don't ask me how I know.....an expensive lesson.

As far as man power, we also formed relationships with a few key electricians and EC's in our area. We made deals to borrow guys / pay their hourly rate when they weren't busy. Vice versa, we'd call them to offer our guys when we're in between jobs. It has worked out nicely.

We also aligned with our local Builders Association, which offers electrical apprenticeship schooling. We now get apprentice applications regularly. Starting pay is affordable as well.

Of course, this is nothing revolutionary, just sharing my experience. Perhaps it'll help you as well.