SFA: What's the Answer?
Striking Out on Your Own
Ozymandias
Okay, so I'm prepared for the inevitable unhelpful remarks of people just saying "too bad, save up some money" I was hoping that other industry business owners may be able to give some guidance or advice to a young man such as myself. I'm in Canada, and I have been working in the stone-countertop industry for 10 years now, starting as a polisher, and eventually working my way up to a general manager. I've programmed machines, ran machines, templated, etc,, etc. The business I currently work for was essentially started by myself with financing from the owner. I figure, why not start my own company? I can do it for someone else, why not do it again, but for me this time? Obviously, the main barrier is money. I make $27 per hour; I have a new family and a new house. Basically, I am living just over paycheque-to-paycheque as far as my income and financial situation. Is there anything that can be done for an aspiring fab shop owner who is broke? Is this what my life is predestined to be? Making someone else rich, while I starve? Has anyone else here started from the bottom and care to share your story? Any advice for me? Thank you all for reading.
Dave.Scott Premium Member
There are many here that have done exactly what you are proposing to embark on yourself. I went from a tile saw, hand grinder, 1/2” drill with a mud whip to fabricating kitchen counter tops with a SKIL saw in one hand and a garden hose in the other. Just sold the business and am retiring. You can do it. Confucius said that "chance favors the prepared mind." You are starting in the correct place. Ask questions, design a plan in your head, write it down. You are making what they call a "Business Plan" This is a first step that puts you ahead of 95% of all the other guys. Start there, I will be here any time you ask any other question. David Scott Architectural Stone of Montana / Slabworks of Montana Bozeman, Mont. 406-522-9001 "What we leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, what is woven into the lives of others" – Pericles
Ozymandias
I'm sure the customer will love that advice. 😅
JMarcella Administrator
I started at 22 years old with $0. Full disclosure, I had a business partner, my father, who also had $0. Lol. All I can tell you is this: at some point you'll need to believe in yourself enough to take some risk. Maybe some substantial risk, like leveraging your house. Or have the patience to endure the long road of just making your way little-by-little and sacrificing like hell. Either way, take a good hard look in the mirror. If you truly believe this is the path for you, you'll find a way.
HaldenLucero Premium Member
If you had to, could you do everything “by hand” with the cheapest available tools possible? Halden Lucero Arizona Granite Services
Dave.Scott Premium Member
I did, it gets old. You then find the bottleneck and save your $ to buy a new tool. most likely a bridge saw, compressor and pneumatic polishers.
Fred Duarte Premium Member
Where In Canada? Do you have any clients or contractors to make sure you have your basic bills and paycheck assured? If you don't have the work yet I would just start as a part time after work since you have obligations beyond just yourself now. This might be an issue with your boss, so not really sure how you should go about it. Another way you could start is to find someone already setup that would cut your slabs and maybe rent you some space if you need it to fabricate. With these 5-axis saws someone will do it. I got mine last January and pretty much sits around for more than half the time. They also work unattended, so it could be a win/win for someone with the right mindset. Don't look for bigger shops, they think you're taking their jobs, look for someone a bit younger like you. They tend to see things in a different perspective. Good Luck Fred
ufGatorHarv Premium Member
I agree with Fred. I could do several jobs a week for people. They just probably won't want your remnants piling up everywhere. By the way, we're in Jacksonville, FL if anyone needs kitchens cut. Chris Harvey www.JacksonvilleCountertops.com
Jon Allen
How do you like installing? Why not start your own install business? You need a truck trailer, tools and a helper! Go around to granite shops tell them you are licensed, insured, and will install their jobs for $7ft² or whatever the going rate is in your area. Do that for a few years you'll meet a lot of contractors and then start your own fab biz later. I know installers that make over $200k a year
Stonesmith09
I could help you get started, but I’m in North Carolina. I have a Rye Corp. Scorpion and a handmade rail saw you can have in a good-faith credit agreement. We can discuss price and payment terms if you are interested.
BReynolds Premium Member
Have you considered a buyout of the current owner of the shop you work at? Or look at buying another shop that is already set up? If you have experience and the owner is willing to finance a portion you can get a bank to loan the rest if you can prove you know what you are doing. This will save you 5-10 years of hard work and stress. The bank will be loaning based on the profitability of the business not on your personal income level. Building from scratch is a long hard road, not impossible but you can buy a business and make great money year 1 and not have to grind for 10 years to get there. Brandon Reynolds
Ozymandias
Thank you for your advice, really appreciated your angle on this one because it is what worked out for me in the end. I worked out a deal with a former employer of mine who has a shop about an hour away, who is struggling to maintain consistent jobs. So, it is a win/win situation, as I cut him in for an hourly rate to use his shop and tools.