Controls Engineering

[HVACctrl]

I am considering beginning a consulting business in controls- mostly HVAC, but other forms as well. I am a mechanical engineer (should have PE after April of this year), but have specialized in controls for most of my 8-10 years experience (graduated over 8 years agom but worked 2 years of co-op positions during school).

I was just curious if there were any others in this arena and what types of clients you target? Mechanical contractors? Building owners? Larger engineering firms?

I do have a friend (guy with whom I attended school) who has a firm that serves the petro-chem market. He would like to break into the Commercial building market. I may try to gain business and run it through his company if I get it anything prior to my licensure or if it turns out to be more feasible that way to start off.

Would it be a good or bad idea to consider teaming up with them longterm instead of starting off on my own?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ed

 

[Drazen]

I beleive that mechanical contractor could be your most probable clients, because they normally have "hole" in a field of controls which is within their HVAC scope.

General contractors don't seem willing to deal with so detailed brakdown of works, dealing with main mechanical contractors is enough effort for them.

 

[HVACctrl]

Thanks for the thoughts. I kind of thought the same. I will likely look into that side of things...

Ed