Posted: 3/11/2016 12:36:42 AM EDT
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I am an independent contractor that has worked for two years under a general contracting firm. I've been disgruntled with the way they run business with the clients I bring them as well as their ability to be professional within their own business. Not to mention they've burned me more than once so my loyalty to them has waned. Quite frankly, I see no point in continuing this relationship other than to close the jobs I have with them that are still on the books from last season and awaiting final payment.
The other day I received a call as a referral from a job I performed with the above business. The man has an approved $21k job that would net me near 40% profit upon completion if on my own. I have the funds to pay the materials and labor in cash, not to mention I discussed with the customer typically 50% down is standard to which he had no qualms. Would it be wrong of me to use all the connections I made through the above company to perform work in an area that they are associated with? I have never signed a non-compete, and quite frankly thought I'd leave the industry altogether this season as I'm fed up after 4 years of hail-chasing, but if I ran it on my own I could see some perks at least for a short 1-2 year venture in which I took on less jobs (less clients=less headaches), had 100% control over the production, and worked for myself. The only part that I think could get iffy is using the subs (I've built a relationship with them seeing as how I provided a good 60-70% of the work last season for the company as a whole) whom technically have the option to freely work with whomever they choose. I know the roofer would work with whomever brings him a paycheck, the sider is somewhat loyal as long as they're consistent...which they wouldn't be without me. I don't care who he works for as long as when I call him he can give me a schedule of completion for my jobs if he chooses to do work with me. Ideally I'd like to be off their books completely, but this job came up out of the blue and it has my gears turning that I would net $8k instead of the typical $2500-3000 from them. I'm not in a position to take on the venture I want on my own, but another 1-2 years of staying in this industry on my own and completing 25-40 jobs or so a year as a standalone could net me the chance to do what I'd love. If I don't go on my own it will likely be my last job for their outfit and I am on my own for finding a new opportunity outside of the industry or return to work for a previous contracting outfit that was more professional. Anyone ever been in a similar position? |
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Quoted:
Any contractor that asked me for 50% up front would get a nice to meet you and I wish you the best of luck. Luckily it's not a thread about that but if that were the case I'd negotiate a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials and the rest upon completion. I've had plenty of clients just like you. |