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bbicf
Registered Users
Posts:23
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| 07/02/2008 7:29 PM |
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I am an icf installer and am about to go on my own, I was just curious for some feedback on the business side of things from some of you that have done this from startup. I,e what would your most important lesson be (non construction), what have you found is your most productive advertising method, other than word of mouth. What are some of the things you have found to be most helpfull to keep growing your business? any other advice you may find helpfull to a new business startup? I am looking for more of the businees side of things to keep the company running smoothly and growing, but not to fast
Thanks N |
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Chris Johnson
Registered Users
Posts:341
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| 07/02/2008 7:56 PM |
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Hire a good accountant...you need someone to deal with your silent partner...the IRS
Keep your books in order, shop for fair priced insurance and workers comp.
Don't be afraid to make a profit, you are not an installer anymore...your a businessman, most installers think their previous employer was making gold off them working and most think they can do the job cheaper to the customer at the end of the day...there are reasons why business people charge what they do and hopefully you are able to figure that out on your own.
Be prepared for the ups and downs in business and the cycles that follow it (See sentence above)
Depending on your area and the clientel will dictate your advertising medium. Personally I don't advertise, I am known in the area and by distributors, architects, engineers, contractors, etc....It's called networking and the financial cost is free, the time cost is what you want to put into it.
Good Luck
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Chris Johnson - Pro ICF
Napa, CA
Come for the wine, Stay for the ICF work |
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bbicf
Registered Users
Posts:23
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| 07/02/2008 8:44 PM |
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thanks chris
what was and or would be your approach to getting in with architects and engineers or any one relevant etc. I am not a good cold caller, but may have to learn soon, what about going after some smaller builders etc. to install icf for them, what strategy would you use to convert them. |
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walltech
Registered Users
Posts:469
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| 07/02/2008 9:26 PM |
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N, purchase a professional alignment system to show you are making a long term stand, keep your prices up there with your previous employment, and hold true to your word. One thing I've learned as an ICF dist. for 10 plus years is the guys who price them selves low end up out of business soner or later, they think the lower price allows them to cut corners and this is no business to cut corners as you probably know.
Dave |
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Chris Johnson
Registered Users
Posts:341
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| 07/03/2008 12:07 AM |
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Bracing is an important part of being a full time ICF company...it's yours, you are not waiting for it to show up from the supplier, you always know the condition it is in, you are responsible for it.
I would say you are a little premature in starting up without any contacts or leads. Contacts take time to develop and require maintenance to keep them going. First you need a good reputation then jobs will follow then architects and engineers, etc. will seek you out. If you want to get in with some...give them a project first...in the future they will recommend you...one hand washes the other.
Don't get me wrong...being a good installer is important...but being a good installer doesn't make anyone a good businessman
Welcome back Dave |
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Chris Johnson - Pro ICF
Napa, CA
Come for the wine, Stay for the ICF work |
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SoCalScott
Registered Users
Posts:40
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| 07/03/2008 7:54 PM |
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You will definitely have to go out and develop new clients and projects in order to get your name out there. Don't JUST look for projects already going ICF, where you are bidding against the other ICF guys and limiting your margins. Go talk to GC's that use framing and CMU and tilt-up subcontractors and let them know what YOU bring to the table. Whether it is better, faster, cheaper or some other aspect to their projects that you can help them with by implementing ICF walls.
Good Luck! |
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bbicf
Registered Users
Posts:23
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| 07/03/2008 9:26 PM |
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Thanks guys
Don't get me wrong I am not going into this cold turkey, I already have jobs lined up and contacts. What I am looking for is to set myself apart from the others and get in where others haven't in case of the downturn in the builing economy. What I see here (saskatchewan canada) By the way it is booming here, is that everyone goes after the homeowner and targets there efforts to that, whereas I think that by getting in with different people and setting yourself apart from the average installer is key to growing your business and when the s*** hits the fan the you are still the one being called first by the ones in the know. I am not interested in just being known as a good installer, I am interested in building and growing a successful business of as well, I am very interested in the whole energy efficiency concept and see alot of opportunity in the field of "green building" and sustainable living. ICF just happens to be my start right now, but will be looking to grow and add more.
Thanks N |
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Chris Johnson
Registered Users
Posts:341
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| 07/03/2008 10:29 PM |
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Well now that we know your area...you should not have to much difficulty getting things up and running with what's happening there and N.W. of Edmonton there is enough work I'm told for over 10 years...establish yourself and work the business up to your maximum potential.
Canadians naturally "Build Green" because of the harse weather conditions endured throughout the year, energy is not getting cheaper promoting and selling ICF's in that area is a no brainer. Set yourself out above the competion look for and take on the unusual projects, the custom homes so to speak, your population is small enough that word will travel fast if you do good quality work.
One thing that has always worked well for me is I generally promote Block 'A', The manufacturer knows this and in turn helps promote me. Some guys promote they will install anyones block...personally I don't think you can become an expert in all blocks (I believe we are currently sitting around 93 different brands (including regional and national companies)). I will install a couple different types as the leads come in from different people (don't bite the hand that feeds you) and sometimes I decline bidding if I don't want to install the spec'd block, if the customers ask why I tell them my opinion and ask if I can bid with block "A"...they always say yes.
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Chris Johnson - Pro ICF
Napa, CA
Come for the wine, Stay for the ICF work |
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Paul Stevens
Registered Users
Posts:143
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| 07/03/2008 10:32 PM |
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Probably the most important thing to have is a contract and a payment schedule. Don't build a customers house with your own money, your money is to build your own home. Make sure you get a signed contract and work out a payment schedule ahead of time so both you and your customer know what is expected. Also try to get a decent deposit to get you started. You don't want to be racing to pour day just to get paid because you need money, thats how mistakes are made and jobs get sloppy. I don't know of anyone who has bought a hose without giving a deposit first. There should not be a difference in building one for someone. When you quote a job figure out how much you are going to need at each step. footings, basement pour, waterproofing weeping tile stone. etc. and write out a payment schedule where you are able to cover you costs as well as make some money for yourself. Don't be greedy, just be fair. Cash flow is very important. Go through you payments with your customer and briefly explain what it is for, every time you pour there is a big expense that goes along with it. Once that concrete is hard there is no going back, you need to be covered. If the customer has a problem with it right of the bat shake his/her hand and tell them 'thanks for their time, but unfortunately you will not be able to do business with them'.
It is much better to stay home and make nothing than go to work and lose money.
Now that being said, not every homeowner is out to screw you, most are great, but some of then are, you have to be careful.
Try to find out if they have all of their finances in order, are they flush with cash, or are they working on a builders loan, some loans only kick in when the roof goes on and windows are in. Can you afford to go that long.??
Remember, YOU ARE NOT A BANK, the only house you should finance building is your own. This may sound harsh but you only need to get screwed once to learn your lesson, trust me!!
Good Luck
Paul
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irnivek
Registered Users
Posts:272
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| 07/04/2008 9:42 AM |
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don't let homeowners "save money" to do their own waterproofing. Insist on the brickledge being flashed/waterproofed. don't let them have a good deal because jed james and jared the brothers from the next county are going to "help" Let them work for free and you hold the power to give them a credit at the end of the job if they made/saved you money.
get control of the excavation part of the process=control of quality, scheduling for the job.
have ability to control framing/dry-in part of the process, or at least refer qualifed subs to follow you. Great subs will keep you busy with referrals forever. We can talk ourselves blue in the face about how great our product/service is, but when others start spreading the word, people come to you, instead of you banging on all doors. This will take time. To start, home shows do produce...
use a title company to escrow all funds, which will be released on a prearranged well organized contract. No need to work hard and wonder if you are getting paid on time if at all. what if the general, homeowner or other gets hit by the proverbial bus or has emergency surgery? Having money in escrow allows you to pay a sub/supplier as quality service is rendered which sets you apart from 99% of your competition! Next time your sub has a scheduling difficulty, they will service YOU first, because you treat them with more respect! Enough of this 30-60-90days/never get paid because you don't know the proper lien laws in state xox or the bank appraiser is on holiday so the next draw isn't available till next month...
yes, I'm going to work today.
Kevin
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ICF Calgary
Registered Users
Posts:1
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| 08/26/2008 3:53 AM |
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Greetings from Calgary,
I have some excellent advice for you. Go to Chapters and in the business section find an author called Micheal Gerber and his series E-Myth. It stands for entrepreneurial myth. He is a business consultant/author who really knows his stuff. For 25 years he analyzed 25,000 businesses from a business point of view. He even has an E-Myth book for contractors. I've got them all and read them many times.
I've been doing commercial concrete forming as a carpenter in Calgary for two years. Always wanted my own company. I want to get experience in ICF's. How much experience do you think I need before I can start. At first I will do basements only. I heard ICF's are very easy to learn. Can you compete with traditional forming basement guys with ICF? From what I heard you can and the product is better, and you dont need as skilled workers.
I heard that things are slowing here in Calgary and thats really bothering me. I'm considering moving to Saskachewan.
I'm telling you that book is priceless. Let me know how it goes.
carpenter in Calgary |
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