[Mic71]

Hello- My father stared our business 35 yrs. ago and has retired and my brother is now owner and I run our crews, I would really like to go out on my own but I'm afraid of stepping on toes. Our name in our community is very well known and I'm afraid it could cause problems. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Mic71

 

[Rich]

Mic71 welcome to the forum

I'm wondering why exactly you want to leave the position where you're at currently? Are things tough, is there tension, just feeling the need to move on, money isn't that great? Let me know.

The reason I ask is if I have learned 1 thing from my years of painting and being on this forum...sometimes staying where you're at ends up working out much better than wishing or trying something different. I'm not saying to not go on your own, I'm just curious what you are looking for that you're not getting now.

 

[porkchop]

I am curious as to why you would want to leave? Tell us more of the story and what you would like to do

 

[Mic71]

Well, My dad started the business 35 years ago, we are the largest paint contractors in our area. In the past few years my dad retired and my brother took over (rightfully so) my brother stayed right there and learned directly from my dad, I stepped out for a while not knowing what I wanted to do, and realized painting is what I know. I'm not sure what other painters make but I get paid $21.00 an hour which I know is about the highest in our area unless it's prevail. I've got some rental property and I've flipped a few houses, I'd like the freedom to own my own business and be able to supervise my property, and I just don't have that freedom with working for my brother. I'd like to be making the money he is making (along with that comes alot of headache, I know! I'm really trying to weight that out. My brother mainly deals with commercial painting and I thought it may be a moral thing if I stayed away from that and stuck with new residential construction??? My last name is very well know and I'm afraid it will lead to some confusion. I have a great relationship with my family, I just don't want to be his employee for the rest of my life, I'd like to do something for myself. I just feel like there is more out there. I'm trying to figure out how hard will it be to make it as a small painting business, our area is swamped with the one or two man crews, very competitive, but I have the benifit of knowing a lot of contacts. I'm also not sure what it will cost me in the way of insurance and so on....

mic71

 

[Tmrrptr]

Sounds like one of those california no fault divorce things, mic...

You might as well tell your brother now, that you're gonna snipe a few of the best accounts and go out on your own so you can be a free spirit.

Since it IS a family business, best to tell him your plans soon as possible and give him plenty of warning so he can find your replacement.

Yep, there's always hard feelings here and there, but that's part of the life of being a free spirit...
r

 

[KeirK]

Or, you could consider talking to your brother and seeing if there is a way for you both to work together. In my experience, I see your opportunity as potentially disasterous for you both. That being said, most partnerships end in disolution. Sooooo, try talking to him about your life goals, and see if you can potentially work together, even if your companies are seperate.
K

 

[timhag]

You stated that "painting is all i know" also "I'd like the freedom to own my own business" along with "I'd like to be making the money he is making" and finally "I just feel like there is more out there" With that being said, you know what you have to do. What are you waitng on? Oh, forgot another "I have the benifit of knowing a lot of contacts" I think you have the answers to your own question.

 

[Wolverine]

Does your brother have a 'residential' side to the business? Could you start and run it and borrow painters and office help? Have you read the E-Myth?

 

[Mic71]

That's something else! I just talked to my brother today!! He wants to help me and give me all the residential business with a little percent for himself to cover overhead costs, we'll stay under the same company and just back eachother up. Hey guys it's a cut throat world in the paint business and I guess blood is thicker than water.... thanks for all the advice from everyone. He completly understood I just wanted to better myself, and he knew we would head that direction he was just waiting till I came to him.

 

[Tmrrptr]

Mic, that is great news.
Try to separate your management functions, like using a different office area, or something, and schedule regular meetings with the other half of the business... and NOT informally..
r

 

[Mic71]

Thanks, That's great advice... I'm humble enough to know to walk softly. When we start this it will be a small crew and myself under my brothers guidance. Keep in mind dear ol' Dad is retired yet he still comes into work every day, I'm sure he'll make a great referee. This could make for a good t.v. show!

 

[timhag]

Good luck Mic71, keep us posted.

 

[Crown Restoration]

Thanks, That's great advice... I'm humble enough to know to walk softly. When we start this it will be a small crew and myself under my brothers guidance. Keep in mind dear ol' Dad is retired yet he still comes into work every day, I'm sure he'll make a great referee. This could make for a good t.v. show!

I think that is really awesome. It sounds like you have a really good chance to work with your brother and become stronger as a result.

I have always dreamed of working with my brothers.

 

[Dave Mac]

Mic 71, that is a awesome everthing worked out like it did.


dave mac