Business Owners - What were your obstacles when starting out?

[marketresearch]

I have a previous thread about starting my own admin & part sourcing business for the HVAC / Mechanical Industry.

I'm hoping I can get some insight from current and previous business owners in the Combustion Industry to give me some feedback on what your obstacles were in the first few years?

Thanks, Kim

[flange]

combustion---too many people think its a sham, especially oldtime navy guys who think you adjust a burner by flame color only and trace smoke. they are reluctant to spend money to do it properly. Too many people, especially owners, are not willing to spend the money to learn how to properly use CA's and see any real benefit. oh yes, and cashflow...

[Tiger93rsl]

Building a good customer base and again cashflow.

[VTP99]

Same problem now MULTI TASKING

[marketresearch]

flange -

Quote - "Too many people, especially owners, are not willing to spend the money to learn how to properly use CA's and see any real benefit"

What is a CA? A Combustion Analyst?

Kim

[flange]

a combustion analyzer is a tool, usually electronic and expensive that allows you to measure flame characteristics to determine if a unit is working properly. kinda like the machine gas stations use to check your car, only portable. there are many who believe these tools are unneeded, or too expensive and guess if a unit is working properly. There is much discussion around here about combustion.

My company owns two of these machines, at a cost of almost $4000 each. There are less expensive models, depending on market segment.

[sarge]

We have the same obstacle today: Whenever you earn money, you can be sure someone(Fed, State, Local) will have their hand out to take what they consider a fair share. Some call it tax. I like to call it being .... well I can't put that word on this site.

[tiger man]

We have 5 service techs, and every one of us has a tpi brand anaylzer, as we measure excess air, and co on almost every high efficiency furnace and boiler we encounter.we will turn the anaylzer on outside and walk in the house in case any co is present in the home.these anaylzers seem to be decent though they don't cost 4,000.

[Home&Marine]

The Government Regulations and Licenses, Federal, State, County and City. Just getting everything Legally you need to have is a PIA.

Second you'd better have enough Cash to survive the first year on little or No Profit.

[zman420]

Question? I have been in the trade for over 25 years, and ready to take the next step to get my state license in florida,ive gotten a lot of different info on were to start my studying at and everyone wants to sell you something, so Im asking for suggestions what should be my first step be?which direction should I go?

[jim147]

The Government Regulations and Licenses, Federal, State, County and City. Just getting everything Legally you need to have is a PIA.

Second you'd better have enough Cash to survive the first year on little or No Profit.

There isn't one website you can jump on and get a list for everything you need for your area. You have to check and keep checking. From the Fed down to your postman.

And for every employee you add the PIA fator goes up quick.

jim

[Home&Marine]

Question? I have been in the trade for over 25 years, and ready to take the next step to get my state license in florida,ive gotten a lot of different info on were to start my studying at and everyone wants to sell you something, so Im asking for suggestions what should be my first step be?which direction should I go?

I believe that S.C. and Florida have reciprocity on Contractor License and supposedly it's easier to get a Mechanical License in S.C. (than Florida). I met one guy in a school who was from Florida (or I wouldn't know this). Here you have to pass a Business Law Exam before taking the Mechanical Exam. I can give you a phone number of someone here in S.C. that can tell you (since he teaches the contractors school).

In S.C. there a Residential and Commercial License. There's a major difference between the two.