I doubt that I can add anything that hasn't already been said. My question is why are you wanting to change? Prior to 2008 we concentrated solely on high end, large custom homes and made more money than we ever have. We specialized; we covered whole house lighting control centers, audio/video systems, central vacuum systems, cameras, intercoms, large service entrances, generators, etc. The market was good but it didn't last - when the housing market went south so did the business. With this being said - my point - do whatever works for you - expand your market and your business offering, specialize if you want to grow and make more money. Moving from one market to another does not guarantee you will be more profitable. We now do just commercial it is very competitive and it is very hard to find good experienced help and we have a reputation of paying better than average. As others have mentioned, we have estimators who know the market, project managers that manage the projects, and electricians who do the work. In other words our overhead is high and it takes a lot to feed a big machine. I hope this helps - the best of luck in your endeavors.
Honestly, the way I did it was by cold-calling management companies. They really like to see a face that is normal, looks business-like and presents themself well. Many times they are not happy with those they have been using and don't know where to go to find a replacement. When they get a good feeling about someone they can see, they sometimes are ready to pull the trigger on a change of contractor. Find commercial management companies, go to their office and ask to speak to the person in charge of electrical maintenance. Don't email or call, they won't have the time to speak with you most of the time and they will rarely respond to an email.
Start with Small multifamily constrution as the are both residential and commercial. There very different in the code requirements and that is where you need to research.
In Florida, that requires an EC license, not just an ER. The easiest way to break into commercial, I believe, is to start doing small build-outs in strip malls for new tenants. It's high visibility and free company advertising.
Julia, We do all industrial, commercial and residential. Very simple find the customer with a need and take care of them. Your tools and equipment will change as you need them. Can do attitude is what it takes.
Answers (31-40)
I doubt that I can add anything that hasn't already been said. My question is why are you wanting to change? Prior to 2008 we concentrated solely on high end, large custom homes and made more money than we ever have. We specialized; we covered whole house lighting control centers, audio/video systems, central vacuum systems, cameras, intercoms, large service entrances, generators, etc. The market was good but it didn't last - when the housing market went south so did the business. With this being said - my point - do whatever works for you - expand your market and your business offering, specialize if you want to grow and make more money. Moving from one market to another does not guarantee you will be more profitable. We now do just commercial it is very competitive and it is very hard to find good experienced help and we have a reputation of paying better than average. As others have mentioned, we have estimators who know the market, project managers that manage the projects, and electricians who do the work. In other words our overhead is high and it takes a lot to feed a big machine. I hope this helps - the best of luck in your endeavors.
Honestly, the way I did it was by cold-calling management companies. They really like to see a face that is normal, looks business-like and presents themself well. Many times they are not happy with those they have been using and don't know where to go to find a replacement. When they get a good feeling about someone they can see, they sometimes are ready to pull the trigger on a change of contractor. Find commercial management companies, go to their office and ask to speak to the person in charge of electrical maintenance. Don't email or call, they won't have the time to speak with you most of the time and they will rarely respond to an email.
Start to advertise that you do commercial work. Go slowly, commercial can be slower to pay.
You might try contacting the major construction companies and ask them to
allow you to bid on their projects.
Start with Small multifamily constrution as the are both residential and commercial. There very different in the code requirements and that is where you need to research.
We are an Electric Utility Company. We only provide electrical Service.
In Florida, that requires an EC license, not just an ER. The easiest way to break into commercial, I believe, is to start doing small build-outs in strip malls for new tenants. It's high visibility and free company advertising.
Julia, We do all industrial, commercial and residential. Very simple find the customer with a need and take care of them. Your tools and equipment will change as you need them. Can do attitude is what it takes.
I was trained in both, the trick is having your truck stocked with just enough material because you always get calls for both.
I always keep my options open.
I learned on both and have always worked on both. 45 years ago the scale for both was the same