I have greatly appreciated this forum and the degree of expertise and experience you all have. Getting ready to retire from long-time career in a completely different profession but do not see myself as retiring and know I can still find enjoyment in working and the challenge in owning/building a profitable business.
In researching potential business opportunities, WC continues to rise as such an opportunity. Relatively low cost of entry, a highly fragmented market yet scalable, so opportunities for a one-person operation or to develop and build a multi-unit business.
That said, is this business primarily a young person’s game on the technician side? I would think as an owner one would be wise to work “in” the business for a time before hiring and training staff and devoting full-time to working “on” the business. In other words, how long would it take to learn enough about the “how” and is age any barrier if in good health? I have researched the franchise opportunities out there and I just don’t see the kind of significant value-add that franchises in other industries provide. Thanks in advance for your insights!
Started cleaning windows in '99 at age 46. Started my own business in 2010. I have one part-timer, sometimes two. It is good to learn, hands on for a while, before starting ones own, though generally not as long as I did.
Agreed, solo is the way to go. Employees used to work much harder and care about their quality back in the day. I had a crew of 5 back back in the 80’s. Not worth the additional employee head aches we deal with now a days.
Thanks for everyone’s input thus far. I can certainly see the benefits of owner operated vs. employees and each model has pros and cons. For those of you that have decided to be solo practitioners, what should one like me with no wc experience expect/plan with respect to the amount of time spent on sales versus production in the first year?
I’m 47 now and started back in 1995 at 21 yrs old. Had a couple helpers over the years but completely solo for the last 3 yrs. I just like worrying about myself and no one else.
i started in 2013, i am 64 next month i can still still outproduce my young staff. you can start to earn money day one if you want. you can be a small owner operator or grow it bigger whatever you choose. you can learn it yourself or never lift a squeegee.
I’m starting this Spring. I would say it varies by how much time and intelligence you devote to it. I think I’ll have to do the work for roughly 4 years since my time is limited. (College, work, girls, and this business). I have a partner which is nice but if we could focus on this business full time with no other obligations I think within a year we would hire 1 employee or more.
I started when I was 22 back in '86.
Was solo for maybe 3 years and then had part-timers. Over time I had maybe 2 full-timers and a few part-timers as a peak for a given time period. Now I need a full-timer and also a part-timer who actually wants to work. I do most of the work myself in the winter. I love it and hate it at the same time.
Started right out of the military at 26, did some commercial but primarily resi later. I’ll be 50 in September.
WC is ok but generally doesn’t make more than $100/hr here. I’m finding pressure washing makes about 50% more so I’m concentrating more on that this year.
Started in 2005 and honestly don’t remember how old I was then but I’m 47 now…hold on…I was 37.
Good thing I only have to count by 5’s.
And in all honesty, with my clients new and old…what I’ve been noticing is that they don’t want me there all dang day long. I used to be pretty fast, and as I’ve grown a little older and put on some tonnage I’m slower.
Plus I’ve straight out asked many people. Here in San Diego for the most part, people are really very busy with the day to day unfortunately. Multi-tasking on a different level really.
So maybe, if I might suggest, do your best to be as efficient as possible and find out by asking well thought out questions what they value most about your service. Being young also has its draw backs. Youngsters are bulletproof and UFC fighters. Not ALL of them, but its how I was.
Ones who are older should have a little more sense, and are in general safer when it comes to what they do. You can use that to your advantage. Study up on safety requirements and make sure you adhere to them and then some (within reason of course).
I’ve gotton some pretty good jobs just for following the rules on jobsites while having the ability to still be able to be taught things I thought I already knew.
Attitude and experience go a long way with anyone. Youngsters who have those qualities are rare.
So the only set back I think may be the speed aspect of it, but you should be able to knock that outta the way.
I agree @BostonMike, it seems employees might be a pain. I was planning on hiring one, but then I realized I don’t want all that goes with it. My brother in law is going to try taking over most of my storefronts and he will just have his own business. He lives close enough that he will just drive here once a month and take care of them and then it will pay for his visit plus some. The best part is I’ll have about 15 hours a week back to myself!
I was 52 when I started in 2009. I get a lot of exercise while cleaning. It’s been good but am ready to sell and retire since I have reached 62 years of age. Great profession!
i would, in fact that is the demographic i am looking at to hire for techs. guys or gals who are retired but want something to keep them active and earn some money for part of the year (6.5 months here). it’s a great mix of physical and social it is also very satisfying work.
