[KennyC]

Hi all....a question for RESIDENTS.

Do you feel that there is a market for new PROFESSIONAL contractors to the area?

I am a Painting Contractor with and established, 19 year old company.

I am considering the possibility of splitting my time between here (Michigan) and Florida, and starting a new venture near TV.

Just throwing it out there to test the waters. Thoughts?

Thanks, and Happy St Pat's!

Ken

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I'd say if you're proficient at your trade..........AND...........are an ethical, honest, people-oriented businessman who gives people their money's worth and treats people the way YOU would want to be treated, you'll do well in TV.

Bill

[KennyC]

Thanks Bill

Yes, we have been in business too long to risk our reputation and goodwill.

I know there have probably been a lot of fly by nights in and out of the area for some time, due to the concentrated "AARP" crowd that we are a part of!...lol

For some reason this seems to attract the "vultures", thinking that they can swoop in and grab what they can, then swoop out.

I will be thinking/working on this in the coming months, while also seeking a home in TV at the same time.

Either way, we will be coming down to scout it out soon.

Thanks again!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

You're welcome, Ken. Hope it all works out well for you.

Just remember: Bring your checkbook when you visit TV. You're liable to find a home you just can't live without!!!

Bill

[buzzy]

How do you plan to run a business when you are only here part time? I think the only contractors that survive are the ones who are able to spring into action when an occasional customer comes along, yet meet schedules when there is a backlog of work. If you just want to make money on the side, then you will only get side jobs.

[KennyC]

Originally Posted by buzzy

How do you plan to run a business when you are only here part time? I think the only contractors that survive are the ones who are able to spring into action when an occasional customer comes along, yet meet schedules when there is a backlog of work. If you just want to make money on the side, then you will only get side jobs.

Well, I would obviously have a plan in place before doing anything.
I would only contract projects that could be completed while I was in the area.

As far as your quote:
" I think the only contractors that survive are the ones who are able to spring into action when an occasional customer comes along"

If a painting contractor can do this at a moments notice, he is probably not that busy. What does that tell you?

What I was trying to relay was that I would do a slow transition, as we have many large, annual responsibilities to take care of here also.

We do a lot of Commercial, Industrial now, but I would probably just concentrate on Residential in TV, as my semi-retired body and mind would thank me!....lol

[KennyC]

I do thank you for the response Buzzy....maybe one day we will be neighbors!

[rjm1cc]

I think the demand is here (Fl) as the retired population probably gives you more potential customers. The key is quality and price as in any business. Being here part of the year would raise the question on how good of a workforce do you actually have. That would be a negative. Also a call back when you are not here would be a problem. I could see a good business ran by a member of the community using residences of the community. I would look for a local foreman or maybe a partner and try for year round business.

[mulligan]

Also keep in mind that the contractors are already cutting back on help, and in about 18 months, a bunch of tradespeople are going to hit the bricks.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Also keep in mind that the contractors are already cutting back on help, and in about 18 months, a bunch of tradespeople are going to hit the bricks.

I am curious as to where you came by that information???

[BogeyBoy]

I don't know about 18 months but when the final build out is done a lot of contractors will be looking for work. At the rate they are going it won't be long.

And all those sales reps will either do resales or be standing in the same line as the contractors.

[NIPAS K-9]

Originally Posted by KennyC

Hi all....a question for RESIDENTS.

Do you feel that there is a market for new PROFESSIONAL contractors to the area?

I am a Painting Contractor with and established, 19 year old company.

I am considering the possibility of splitting my time between here (Michigan) and Florida, and starting a new venture near TV.

Just throwing it out there to test the waters. Thoughts?

Thanks, and Happy St Pat's!

Ken

YES........ GREAT DEMAND FOR IT. IF YOU PRICE IT RIGHT AND ARE HONEST YOU WILL DO WELL. ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BOUGHT HOMES WHICH ARE ALL WHITE....... WALLS AND RENT THEM OUT UNTIL THEY CAN MOVE THERE. WHEN THEY DO THEY USUALLY HAVE THE PLACE PAINTED TO THEIR COLOR CHOICE. NOT TO MENTION THE REPAINTS EVERY FEW YEARS.......... YOU WILL DO WELL

[KennyC]

Thanks NIPAS, and all that input..I truly appreciate the time and effort.
We are a bit away from doing a total relocation due to business obligations here.
I will be considering a startup in TV with a local Foreman.

Thanks again all that responded! Have fun and stay warm while I freeze my butt off!