Replies

1. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Jan 07, 2000 10:35am | #1

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   Would she do the same for you? Move, that is. Or is that not an option she can or will entertain. Is this a case of move now or lose the girl? If so it's infatuation - commute.

   Can you start to develop your new contacts before you move and give up your steady income? Do you have savings you can live on if you really want to stay independent?

   Most new construction framing is done by crews. A lone carpenter is just too slow for the production required even if you are the best. Have you determined how long it will take to develop a crew in a new area especially if they are already working full time. Will anyone take a chance on a newbie, jump ship and hope you can keep the work coming in. Finish work is a bit different, even if the GC is in a hurry, one good man, who can get at least a competent helper, can keep real busy even as a newbie and get the work done on time.

   From experience, it is ALWAYS better to have contacts before you move or you will probably have to go back to being an employee.

   Back to the girl... if she has lived in that city for any length of time she should be able to develop contacts for you. Take a day or two off for a few weeks and try to follow up on those contacts. Who knows, if you come across alright and can provide references, even from a hundred miles away, you might just bypass the startup hurdles and fit right in.

   Good luck in your endeavors. Ralph

2. 
   Dick_A_Streff | Jan 07, 2000 10:35am | #2

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   I am contemplating relocating my business to another city in the same state but over a hundred miles from my current location. Obviously this would basically be the same as starting out all over again, as I
   have never lived in the new city and have no practical contacts with anyone in the trades (or the general public for that matter).

   I have been self-employed as a carpenter/contractor for the last four years doing a fair bit of remodeling and a lot of new home subcontracting in the last year. Prior to going out on my own I was a lead
   framing carpenter for a general contractor.

   I rather enjoy new construction framing and finish carpentry (as opposed to remodeling) and am contemplating limiting my business to soley sub-contracting frame and finish work in the new town. The
   city has a vigorous market, and works "seems" plentiful.

   I guess my question to everyone is, has anyone ever actually done this and do you have any practical tips for establishing yourself as a sub-contractor in a new location?

   Since I'm limiting my market to sub-contracting many of the tried and true methods of drumming up business from the general public really don't apply. I established my current business mostly through
   personal contacts and word of mouth, neither of which I'll have upon moving.

   I'm considering hiring on as a full time employee with another outfit for awhile, just to get a feel for the market and its prices and also to start getting some personal contacts in the area. But truthfully I rue
   the idea of going back to work for someone else after being so happily self-employed for this long.

   Any comments appreciated.

   Thanks,

   Dick Streff

   p.s. In case you're wondering I'm moving for a girl. Isn't it always for a girl!!