Replies

1. 
   calvin_ | Nov 22, 1999 06:33am | #1

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   Patrick, don't be like some guys and buy a pick-up and a magnetic sign. Try learning to be a carpenter before you ever consider being a contractor. And read the messages in Advice to the Young in this business section Good luck.

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Nov 22, 1999 06:53am | #2

   *You say you'd like to learn more about framing. 6 months on a good framing crew would be a great way to pick up production techniques from folks who do that part of our profession every day. Now, about your larger question - imagine you are in a boat. The boat is in a river - the river of life. Conventional wisdom says to have goals, a business plan, and to work towards these goals. To me that is the same as having a motor on your boat and stearing through the river. I was always very "goal oriented" and had my motor full speed and had to stay focussed on where I was going. About ten years ago, I took the motor off my boat and drifted in the river of life, letting it take me where it would. I ran aground many places I would have avoided while stearing my boat, and my life has been enriched in ways I never could have imagined. That is the problem with goals, you can only set your sights on what you can see, and there are many more possibilities that are awaiting you than you can see.

2. 
   Patrick_Cash | Jan 04, 2000 11:38pm | #3

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   I am wanting to get my gc lic in Alabama.
   Personally I can do drywall, trim, cabinets, and tons of basic stuff. Would like to learn more about framing though.
   What should you do?? Be the gc? Do new construction, re-models, minor repairs, trim?
   High end, low-end, ???
   Or how about a gc that does their own trim and cabinets??
   Maybe work for a gc as a forman.
   Not sure where to begin.
   Where is your time best spent??

   Thanks
   Any and all comments are welcome :)