First, I want to introduce myself to you great folks. I’m John, and an aspiring General Cont. I’ve been impressed by the quality of discussion on some of the great threads that have appeared here. I’m a new subscriber to Fine Homebuilding, and thought i’d ask a few questions, start a discussion or two, and add my two cents when I think it’d be helpfull.
I’ll intro myself: I got a lower management job at a large contractor lumber yard out of college 2 years ago. I’ve gained pretty good knowledge of materials, and have taken some community college classes in building construction, etc. I’ve always wanted to build. Now I need some real-world experience.
My question to you folks who have succeeded at starting a business:
Tell me about how you started your business/got into building. Did you work with a large company, small company, or did you start by building a spec home on your own? How does a fellow get into this great industry?!
Thanks in advance!
John in SC
*Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool.*
Replies
get on a framing crew for a couple of years minimum.
What fishdog said.
I started framing with my Dad as a teenager. Did that for about 12 years. Then got a job as superintendent for another GC. Did that for 8 years and just now went out on my own.
I'm supposed to close on my first spec house this Friday. Whoohoo!!
I can't imagine trying to oversee a building project without having had the hands on experience framing, working around other subs, doing interior trim, etc.
I'm not saying that it will take 20 years, but a couple of years working in the trenches would be well worth it. IMO
Hey, I'm not so far from you. In Augusta GA you would be "John2x4x92-5/8".
"It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept."
Thanks for the advice fellows. I've got an interview coming up with a custom home builder. I'm really hoping to get out in the field sooner rather than later. I'm planning to build experience and equity at the same time. I think i'd be John2x4x92-5/8 a lot of places, but not in SC. :-)John*Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool*
Just re-starting my contracting business after a brief hiatus. Like most the others in this thread, several years framing, remodeling, and managing/superintending.