Home Forums General Discussion MAKE A SUGGESTION Starting your own elevator company

Has anyone started their own elevator business? Successes or failures ? Resones for either....I would love to have a conversation with someone about the pros and cons, learning curve, labor, etc....

My Father and I started one in 94', he later sold it after I left. It's hard to work with family I would not have a company myself, I prefer to work on elevators versus running a company. Some people enjoy having their own company-it just seems like too much non elevator related headaches to me.

Thanks E311 , yes it is true , don't mix family and business. The troubles are endless..

My father started company, I worked for him. Company in business now for 30 years. I took over ownership apx 10 years ago. every time I feel like I'm catching up, everything changes.

I've started my own 14 years ago and still running strong. However, the BS one has to deal with is a major struggle. You'll need to have a business mind to even compete let alone succeed. 14 years ago I started up with 3 others, today I am sole proprietor. I've been audited twice, I had to sue individuals, I've also been sued, been stabbed in the back by both friends and family, struggled through the worse economy our generation has ever seen, work more hours than I spend at home, and many other things I can sit here and cry about. But you know what? It's been worth it and I love what I do. I also enjoy the fact I can tell any one of my customers to go F*** off anytime I want, though I typically don't. There is one important lesson that I recently had learned the hard way. At the end of the day, all I am is the guy who signs the checks. No matter how much you think you are friends with any employee, you are not theirs. Other than that it's been great lol

Me and 5 partners started our own Company 3 years ago now, the hours you have to put in and the BS you deals with every day is tremendous. All I can say is given hindsight is 20/20 that I should have never entered into it with more than one partner, and make sure that you keep a eye on the books and know exactly whats going on in the office and that you and your partners are on the same page

Hello
Ive had several companies. Multiple partners, one partner, sole proprietor and all they all have their pros and cons. Not in the elevator trade but my two cents. ( may start elevator one once my sons are older)

Multiple partners- hard to be on the same page usually always ends up in buyouts, backstabs etc
Make sure you have a shotgun clause in case things get ugly
(Also remember with multiple partners comes multiple wives. And they all think their hubby is working harder than you and deserve more than you)

Single partner- works well. When choosing Partner always team up with someone who works harder than you. Pretty straight forward and simple but imperative. Also have a shot gun clause

Sole proprietor.- everyone likes at first cause their the boss. I don't need anyone. More reward, more risk, more work. In that business I went on a cruise for my sisters wedding. Second day in at 5 am I get a text I quit from my main guy who knew exactly what was going on for everyone for the seven days I was gone. Nice

Sole proprietor with mini shares to keep interest
Works really well. Your still in control but to give 10-15-even 20 percent to right individuals works well because as bad as it is to say. They're married to you and will watch the spending and care more. Remember you still control the books etc so it's still under your control

Alternate advise. Hire a really good accountant. Don't do it yourself, mom, cousin etc. They may be cheaper but you get what you pay for. The books are the most important thing. Review daily weekly monthly etc. Don't wait for the end of the year oh no we lost money. Stay on it so you can react quick to control any bleeding.

When starting any business plan for the worst, hope for the best. If in a partnership write all sorts of clauses. When you're in the new honeymoon stage everyone will sign anything. That won't happen to us sure I'll sign.

Make sure you protect yourself. If married move everything into your wife's name or whoever. If business flops it's too late to move assets etc without looking like a crook. They can go back tears and say you knew you were sinking and bailed early and stole.

If it's not making money quit. Don't drag it out forever due to your ego. It only gets worse.

That's my take for what it's worth. I've made money,lost money but have made out fine. Right now I work on elevators and love it. I was thinking the elevator business would be good because all the maintenance money coming in on regular basis. What are the struggles of your maint contracts are written up decent. Guaranteed to make money? One outfit here in their maint contract they have the first right on mods to beat everyone's price.

I'd love to hear more about the money side in the elevator trade

I know this is an old thread but would love to hear more people's experiences.

Had a elevator business for 10 years. Extremely cut throat industry. Some years made money some years not. My advice, you better be a person who loves working more than anything else in the world. not just working on elevators, go home or office and work some more after your workday.
The day after my first daughter was born I sold my company to a competitor. No way I wasn't going to be around for her and her mom.
I'm proud I did it and I walked away with some money in my pocket but have known some extremely sharp elevator people to lose it all for the sake of there ego.

Just wondering if you kept it to 100 units doing proper maintenance by yourself would that be a good balance between stress and decent income? How much donbuildings pay per unit for monthly maintenance?

CES, thanks for the post. You give me hope. I have been a sole proprietor for almost a year. Love it but it is definitely not for the weak of heart. So much more to it than meets the eye. Hope all is well with you and your business.

Montana

Working in the family business currently - dad started it 25+ years ago. I think most people look at owning a business as being your own boss therefore its great but the reality is you are putting in so much additional work (which you may not be compensated for) in order to ensure the success of the business. Employees work for one thing only and that is money, remember they have a family, bills, etc so don't take it personally. Its definitely getting tiring with the ups and downs - one minute youre on the right path everything is running smooth and then out of nowhere everything turns and your back in the Crap fighting your way out.

I am personally in a struggle right now with where to go.... I am running the business with my dad still and i truly love it for the most and am grateful to be in this position but at the same time the amount of time required for the business and seeing how much time i'm losing with my family is starting to take a toll. Currently considering making a few significant changes that would remove me from the business and in turn hopefully afford me more time with my family. Bottom line is, it's definitely not as glamorous as people think but it can be great if youre willing to forgo certain luxuries in life.