Starting a Structural Engineering Firm 19

[structuralengr89]

For those that have their own structural firm, if you had to do it again, what would you have done differently?

Also, does anyone have any good books, article, or links to starting a structural firm?

I'm a PE with 8 years experience (4 in bridge design and 4 in commercial buildings). I would like to continue doing commercial building work for architects.

The positive: My wife makes enough income for our family to live off her income. Our home is an older (historic registry) house, which has a separate office entry in a mixed use zone. I could work from home. No commute time or fuel costs (unless meeting with clients).

The negative: The economy doesn't look good right now. I work for the largest commercial building firm in the state and it seems as though the work is slowing down.
I don't have any clients, though I might be able to get work from a former employer (I would confirm this before going it alone).
I don't have any startup money. I would think I could easily spend 20k on computers, software, etc.
Insurance costs. Attorneys. CPA's, etc, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[testrun]

StructuralEngr89,
There's been some good posts on this thread, and here are my two cents -- which are a bit off topic, but not completely. I have a degree in Civil Engineering, and had worked in the Structural Design and Heavy Civil Construction sectors for a total of almost seven years. I became eligible to sit for my PE, but decided not to for various reasons. Well, it was four years ago that I became a labor cutback statistic, and afterward eventually decided that I wanted to build something for myself, with or without a PE. So I took a year to read about small businesses, investigate some opportunities, and in Jan of 2007 I bought the full version of AutoCAD, and haven't looked back since in offering Drafting Services to smaller Engineering and Architecture firms. Work came easy at first, but that's not the case anymore. Now referrals and having a niche skill where there is a need have been key in getting projects. I'd say that all the logistics to starting and running a business can be tackled through determination, common sense and trial-and-error. As for clientele, find something that nobody wants to do, and you'll have a niche for life. Outside of this, referrals, and knowing your local DOB laws that are related to structural design could be sources of ideas on services you could provide. Business is all about meeting needs. All the best in your decision, and I hope you go out on your own and succeed!!
Sincerely,
Testrun

http://www.DraftingServices.com

 

[abusementpark]

DOB laws?

 

[brandoncdg]

I started my Civil Engineering business with 2 other partners January 2009, maybe at the possible beginning of the destruction of the housing building market in Southern California. We are still slowly getting by barely. We got $1million insurance because a somewhat big project required it, and we were able to beat out some bigger companies, so this made sense as we could build a relationship with this developer.

We also made our simple website with exactly all the info someone would need to see if they find us. I am 30 and knew from college that I wanted my own thing by 35. Times got tough and I took a chance on a job and it backfired. So the stars lined up and almost exactly what I wanted just fell in place. Falling in place was me being on the phone back and forth with a lot of people for a month to piece this thing together, but that was the easy part.

Now a year later. We have had beautiful business cards made up, trying to emulate the artistic style of architects. Got our website up and trying to market that. We try to be on top of everything with clients and consultants. Some of these guys know I am emailing at 3am whatever day. I would say be prepared to work harder than normal to build up your relationships.

Our next goal is to start making banners to put on our projects that are about to go into construction.

One thing as being a younger guy at the conference tables for the projects. Be sure to stand your ground on your designs and ideas. I had to do this with some seasoned Architects, and it felt weird at first.

The best advice is don't let people talk bad about your wanting to go off on your own. And be prepared to work harder than you have ever worked. I think the last few busy weeks have turned my thoughts into loose ramblings, so sorry if this was a bit hard to follow.

CDG, Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading

http://cdg-ca.com

 

[testrun]

@abusementpark
DOB laws are local laws that the Department of Buildings here in NYC establishes. For example, the laws could be requirements that building owners need to conform with (or else be fined or imprisoned); whether maintaining their building, or when they want to rehab it or etc. If one knows what is required by the DOB, then one could figure out who needs to conform to that law, and then market himself to that need.
-Testrun

http://www.DraftingServices.com

 

[Momgineer]

Thank you all for responding to this posting. The advises are all helpful. I to am thinking of opening my own practice in structural engineering consults. I would like to know what everyone thoughts are about opening a business during this downturn in the construction industry. I am thinking of starting in the next year after obtaining my S.E. Any advises and thoughts is much appreciated.

By the way, Structuralengr89, I would like to know if you started up your firm and how it is going.

 

[structuralengr89]

I have not gone off on my own yet. I have been using this time to gather all things necessary to begin once the construction industry turns around. I am saving money and we are living off my wife's income to have us prepared.

I work for the largest structural firm in our state that provides services to architects. The smaller one man/two man operations are still struggling for work.

I personally thing it will be 2012 until things turn around. Hopefully obama will be out of office and we'll have a more conservative legislative branch.

 

[rowingengineer]

Momgineer,
What services are you going to offer, what is going to set you apart from the guy next door? If you have good answers to these questions you should have little fear of when to start, if you answer match what you would find on any engineers web site, than you would be better waiting until the tide turns.


An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field

 

[Momgineer]

Thanks Structuralengr89 for your input. I have been thinking about having my own practice for the last 2 years, but have not made a move becuase I wanted to get my S.E. first. My plan is to position myself with current clients and different organization so that the transition will be easier. I plan on moving on toward the beginning of 2012 also. By the way, I am in california silicon valley and it looks like things are picking up here. Do you mind shearing where you are located? I just want to see how others are doing. Thanks.

 

[Momgineer]

Row ... good question. This is what I ask myself everyday, what will set me aside from the hundreds of small firm that I will be competing with. I am still searching for the right answer before making my move. Some positive notes that I ahve recieve thorough the years are ...my interpersonal skills, most of the clients I deal with are happy with my responsiveness and willingness to work together to find the best solution to the situation. I hope that these are good start.

 

[jay156]

I was just laid off from my job last Friday, so I'm looking into doing this myself. The only thing is, my employer might call me back, depending on whether our clients (various industrial plants in the area) come back to them with more work. But, my only contacts for work if I set out on my own are those same clients. It's probably not very ethical to try to steal those guys away from my old employer. Right? I guess that means I'd have to start out with no prospects for jobs and hope I get some work from... I don't know who.

So I hear that advertising in the yellow pages doesn't work. So what do you do to get your name out there, other than meet clients from previous jobs and then steal them away from your old employer?

 

[GregLocock]

I think there is a distinct ethical difference between leaving a job with your contact files on a USB drive, and being laid off and contacting your old clients for work.

But perhaps I should have been a lawyer.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[chris9]

When I started my own business 5 years ago everyone told me it wouldn't work but I'm still here and I'm still smiling. If I had to do it again I would wait until next year then throw everything into it.

Chris

http://www.value-design-consulting.co.uk