Replies

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Nov 11, 2001 10:07pm | #1

   *
   I think the potential for profits and the opportunity to run your own business sooner are valid arguments for specializing.

   But over the course of a lifetime the more skills you have, the less suseptible you are to economic forces around you and changes in established technologies. As an extreme example, consider the family that grows their own vegetables and livestock, when they could buy food cheaper. Even if their income drops due to an injury, or layoff, they will still eat, because they have those skills, right? But what about that other family with a huge mortgage and both parents working 60 hrs a week in the computer industry? What happens to them when there is a downturn in their industry?

   Say you build custom stairs - you're good at it because you started at an early age, and it's all you've ever done. Now compare your versatility with a carpenter who has done a wide variety of work over the same length of time. You both take your professions seriously and are in similar health. Who do you think has more options when they have to make a change for whatever reason?

   I've always thought it helps to be either versatile, or mobile.

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Nov 11, 2001 10:41pm | #2

   *Terry and Jim, I personally feel both of you make good points. I always wanted to specialize in something unique so as to "corner" the market in my area but never really found a good niche. Making things like custom cupolas or fireplaces sounds fun but can it pay the bill? Unfortunately not in Florida. I think if you specialize in something it works if your specialization is something that is ALWAYS needed yet is tied closely to another aspect of any job. The example of drywall taper and finisher comes to mind. Every job you can think of around here uses drywall and good, fast tapers and finishers are always in demand. I guess a niche is only as good as the maket its "niched" in?Mike

1. 
   Terry_Smiley | Nov 12, 2001 04:24am | #3

   *MikeI didn't choose my specialty as much as it chose me. It was a natural void that I took advantage of. There wasn't anyone doing it well and so there wasn't that great of a demand for it. Things have sure changed since I started 21 years ago. As Jim describes, my specialty could dry up in a heart beat, but because of it's uniqueness it has advantages. If gives me the ability to be creative. I can make my work an example for others to follow. People find a mystery in what I do just because few do it.I posted the original discussion because I wondered if others had had the same experience. I believe it's available to everyone.Tight linesTerry

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Nov 12, 2001 04:51am | #4

   *Terry, OK, now you've got me REALLY curious!!! What is it? (The specilaity)Thanks.Mike

1. 
   Rich_Beckman | Nov 12, 2001 05:11am | #5

   *Yeah, Terry, whatb isyour specialty?As to the topic, I think it also depends on the character of the individual. Some people can do the "same thing" over and over again, taking pride in achieving ever greater degrees of perfection and efficiency.Can't speak for others, but I am simply not capable of that kind of dedication and discipline, so I try to do many things to keep myself interested.Rich Beckman

2. 
   GACC_DAllas | Nov 12, 2001 05:40am | #6

   *I was lucky,When I started carpentry work, we did it all. Foundation, framing, insulation, drywall, trim, cabinets and hardware.....even fences and decks. I've become specialized by choice, not chance. I picked trim and cabinets because it's fun, and the lumber is not too heavy on an old mans back. We build the staris, the custom cupolas and mantles as well as things that I never dreamed existed but only live in the minds of talented architects.Specialization by choice is the way to go. But having something other than trim or cabinets to fall back on in hard times is very comforting.I think Terry's specialty is hand driving nails."Have nail set, will travel"With all the nail guns around, driving a 16 common in three is a lost art.Ed.

3. 
   Terry_Smiley | Nov 12, 2001 06:16am | #7

   *Once again you've hit it on the head Rich.i Can't speak for others, but I am simply not capable of that kind of dedication and discipline, so I try to do many things to keep myself interested. This is my mantra. I've done a little bit of everything in the home building trades, but couldn't stand the repetition.Ed's got it right too.I think Terry's specialty is hand driving nails. To answer your question I put on slate roofs, but I do it in Colorado. There's not much history for this here. Oh, and I also do architectural copperwork which fits with what Jim and Ed said they enjoy.The truth is what I do doesn't take any skills you guys don't have. It's fun because it's just a little different material, and I have to adopt carpentry, masonry and sheet metal skills to my most complicated projects.I'm fascinated by other tradesmen who have done the same with their specialties. I've seen stairguys, marble craftsmen, masons and framers, who just astound me with their command of construction layout and execution.It's a huge honor to be associated with craftsmen.Thanks for the opportunity to shareTerry

4. 
   Mike_Smith | Nov 12, 2001 07:40am | #8

   *terry.. my buddy is a slate and copper guy.. he made a great living in Westchester , NY...but since moving to RI.. it's been scratch & gouge...now the living isn't so great...a lot more competitionbut one of these days, if his knees hold out...

5. 
   Pro-Dek | Nov 12, 2001 10:35pm | #9

   *I was a remodeler before I took on decks.Although I do mostly decks it is nice to have the experience of remodels for the winter months.Specializing is good because you stay on track and don't have to stock up and drive six different vehicles to work.Use Subs- It is still very profitable and frees up your time to get other jobs . Unless you want to do foundations,framing,sheathing,plumbing,electrical,HVAC,insulation,drywall hanging,mudding,texture,paint and trim.All these professions are good but not when you try to do them all yourself.Bob

6. 
   Scott_R | Nov 12, 2001 11:32pm | #10

   *Terry, cool specialization! I've done many different things under some good builders and on my own but never have worked with slate. It's pretty rare to find slate roofs in my area and that's a shame. I'm with Rich on this one, guess I have too short of an attention span to stick with one thing. As the old saying goes; Jack of all trades, master of none. I have always admired guys like yourself that have dedicated your work to a specialty and finely honing your craftsmanship. Scott R.

7. 
   GACC_DAllas | Nov 13, 2001 01:26am | #11

   *Terry,Slate roofing is an art. No doubt about it.It also takes a special breed of man to do such a job. It's not for the weak or the faint of heart.My hat's off to you.Ed.

8. 
   Terry_Smiley | Nov 17, 2001 04:32am | #12

   *Ed,I appreciate your complement, thanks. I have the deepest respect for craftsmen and people with the heart to work hard every day (with out kudos). This is what I aspire to. That's why I'm so proud to be a member of this group (the brotherhood of construction workers).Tight linesTerry

9. 
   jim_at_great_white | Nov 21, 2001 07:20am | #13

   *Terry Great meeting you yesterday. Thanks for the leads, sorry to say they were full of carps. Did however find something today, gonna be different working for someone though.If any of you guys get a chance to meet Terry you'll like him. He's a great guy and from what I saw of his work more of a craftsman than I think I may ever be. But I certainly won't stop trying.Jim

2. 
   Terry_Smiley | Nov 21, 2001 07:20am | #14

   *
   Over the life of my business I've ended up in a specialized field. This wasn't my intent, but I'm very satisfied. Should this be the advise we give new comers
   i "define your specialty".