Thread: How and when did you turn pro builder?

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The question was not aimed at painters, but having been around the hot rod biz for so long, I have seen many things they have in common. Here are some of my experiences:

Two things got me into this biz....my friends trying to hire me....and the passion I have for it!

Here are some things I have learned that fit all workers in this market....and you'd better listen close, or you will pay the same price I did to learn these things:

Work at it part time for a few years, until you establish a reputation, and repeat customers. Those two things will determine how consistant your business is.....unless you can work without food or electricity...and don't care if you wife dumps you for someone who makes a living. :-) I worked part time in this community for about 12 years.

Diversify...diversify...diversify! If you only do one thing...or one style of car...or offer to work on one part of a car....you will be out of business as soon as the fads change (and they will!), or as soon as the economy slows down.

You need to live in a large enough community to generate a solid demand. I started out in a town of 300, with 50,000 nearby. I now live in an area with almost a million in population...and still hit a slow time occasionally.

Be honest, repectful, dependable, and communicate well. This will keep you in business, because people will enjoy working with you , and they will not only come back for more...but they will send their friends. It's the very best kind of advertising. I don't advertise at all. I tried many times, but it never really produced much work compared to having friends supporting your effort.

Do a quality job, and charge a fair price. If it does not pay you enough to live, you will be driven out by economical needs, ...and BTW, you will find that those "favors" and "give-away" jobs are the ones that you end up having to redo...repair...or take more time than you thought. (Don't ask me why!...it just happens very very often.)

When you go full time, KEEP YOUR OVERHEAD LOW! The economy goes up....then down.....then up....etc, etc. If you have heavy expenses, you may not survive the "down" times. Usually, if you need a large facility, the county areas are less expensive than metro areas. Just don't get too far away from your customers.

Your customers will usually ask for specific work, but try to work a little beyond "the usual way of doing things", whenever you can. Otherwise your work is always boring and predictable, and you won't be noticed by many potential customers.

Now get busy, and if you are lucky, you will end up getting paid to enjoy your favorite hobby! Good Luck.