Rcon said:
You can network with other independents in the same situation as you. When I was first starting out on my own, i'd get a guy I worked with at another company who had gone out on his own as well to help with larger projects. I'd help him with his as well. The employees come later on when you have a more stable schedule.
I've done this too with good results. It's all about finding people you jive with.
I think a lot about the idea of employee owned companies, specifically in the trades, having been a solo guy at times.. I've often thought ,"I need another me". The thought of taking on an employee that may or may not have a clue seems like it would be more trouble than its worth.
One of the best and most successful contractors I ever worked with was BB&C, three ace carpenters that got together and started contracting. I worked for one of the B's, (the other B&C had a good painter already). They would have a couple houses going at the same time. One of there policies was to have a licensed contractor on site at all times during work hrs. And all three guys worked, they had a few employees, but they would sorta tag-team the jobs and get together to do the important stuff on each job.
What would happen if instead of having employees you had partners. Other "journeymen" that you collaborated with to work on multiple projects to the benefit of all? You could even hire management to work for you, as the labor instead of the other way around.
This would require a lot of compromise along with cooperation, trust, and a good deal of luck to find the right people. You would argue about things (like whether or not to cut ceilings)
but maybe good craftsmanship is universal, to an extent anyway. And these differences could be overcome.
I've only scratched the surface of this idea in practice, but I like it. A lot....
It's complicated, and a hassle, so is running a crew of employees. My wife's photography business runs on a similar premise.
It's an idea, not for everyone of course. Just saying the classic way of doing business doesn't have to be the only way........still flushing out the idea.
