sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Need advice in starting a telecom biz in the Chicago area...

I currently work as a second level tech support rep for a telecom company. We contract technicians throughout the country to perform work for our customers. I'm starting to get tired of telling people what do to and I want to do this on my own. I currently have a very strong grasp on Nortel equipment (Norstar/BCM/Call Pilot), Toshiba DK systems, and Panasonic DBS system. I know how to remotely program all of these fairly well. I'm also decent with paging/music setups. My main background is in data, networking, and computer hardware.

My question is directed to technicians who are famailiar with how the union works. I'm non-union. Do I have to join the union in order to work in this area? Does this mean I have to start as a journeyman making $10/hr? What is the best way to go about doing this?

I have limited field experience, but I'm 100% confident that I know plenty to be successful. Please help, thanks in advance...

I am not familiar with the Chicago area so I cannot answer those questions for you; however, about starting a company in general, any company. I am sure that you ara a good tech, the world could use more of them someitmes! Just remember, owning and running a successful business is far more than just being a good tech.

Are you planing on being a subcontractor or actuallly starting an interconnect and selling systems? Being a subcontractor would be a good way to get into the idea of running your own company, without the headach of dealing with trying to build a new customer base.

I am not trying to diswade you from starting a business, but just know everything. Out of all the good intentioned and hard working peopole out there 95% of businesses fail in the first year, and 95% of the ones that survive fail in the next 5 years. It can be done - heck look at all the successful people here, but it is very hard work and the odds are against success.

Good luck! I hope that everything works out! Let is know if there is anything we can do, many people here have been successful and would be more than willing to help you in any way we can!

Steve

Well for one thing, everything TampaSteve said above plus
As for the unions, they are very strong in the city
(proper), not as bad in the burbs execpt for new construction.
As for programming, on site or remote the unions couldn't care less.
Some places require a union card for service and MAC work but it's really the cabling end they are concerned with.
In Chicago, all new construction is 100% pipe for low voltage.
I have one next week in the city where they are having me install the system and terminating the field.They actually asked me as they really don't care to do this kind of work.
The only ones who get upset about this are the union Telco. shops or the EC who has a Telco/Data division as you probably beat them out on the bid.
Honestly though that shouldn't be a big concern for you as starting your own company has many many more issues then that.
Even with overhead at a min. you still have to be concerned with, business Insurance, major Med. insurance, vehicle and equipment upkeep and maint., getting established with vendors so you have net terms, any major changes coming up, marriage, having kids, college, buying a home.
All of this and more has a large bearing on leaving a job with reacurring income and benifits.
Just some things to think about.
BTW, a 1st year apprentice is making more then $10.00 an Hr. :rofl:
MrG

From what I understand the IBEW is very strong in the Chicago area. If it's anything like New York City don't expect to do much wiring. As far as joining them, yeah you could walk in and sign up, maybe you will be called before you retire.

From what you are saying I really think you need a change of employer rather than starting out on your own, at least until you get a few years of hands on experience. Sitting behind a desk is one thing, running a business and actually doing the work is another.

-Hal

Ok, you've sold a few small systems now. You're installing a system for a new customer, or subbing for another phone company. Cell phone rings and one of your other customer’s calls with a problem. They want you there right now. Hmmmm Do you leave your new customer who you're trying to impress, or fulfill your obligation to the older customer? Been there.

Hire a tech? Is there anyone available that you can trust to the do the work the way you would do it?

Richard

What about groundskeeping and sprinkler systems for your new office? And have you got a lawyer, accountant, bookkeeeper, payroll service, liability insurance, diability insurance, property insurance, business profits insurance, a retirement plan, a health savings plan, an employee handbook, a detailed business plan with five year projections, a project manager, degreed management consultants, a board of directors, qualified professional executives, a capital investment plan, and five years of cash flow already in the bank? Without those you haven't got a prayer.

My advice is: just do it. Many people have succeeded because they didn't find out first that they couldn't.

Be prepared to work on systems with no manuals. Never know what you're gonna find. Toshiba Strata VI... Tie Mod-Key... Vodavi StarPlus, ect...
You may have to buy an old manual from time to time. Or be prepared to tell the customer that you don't work on that system. I was just hungry enough to never say that.

Richard

jacksonf4, we are right next to you in Bartlett! Some tips, IBEW and unions run Chicago. That being said so you don't have to go pull cable you can STILL sell the phone systems and install them. Structure, make sure you incorperate your business properly and have adequate insurance for techs that will be on site. Get an IPASS..why some companies don't do this really is stupid. make sure to get accounts at the communications supply houses like graybay etc. Use a company credit card to track expenses rather than using cash...end of year you will thank me. Get an accountant. Get some sort of software for quotes we use quickbooks pro. Make sure to get letterhead, folders, business cards etc with your name on them. Lastly, IMHO you have to have a web site with all your info that is easy to find. Make sure to have parts on hand AND a fax number and machine available 24/7. Good luck!

Dear Coral,

What's an IPASS and why am I really stupid if I do not get one?

It is an electronic toll card. I guess so you don't have to pay cash every time you go in and out of the turnpike.

We have Tollways up here all through out the Chicago area.
Cash slows you up and the toll is also twice as much then using the IPASS.
Sometimes referred to as "open road tolling"
I can't say as to if not having one could make you "stupid", I think it would take a bit more then that but having one would be a wise investment.
MrG

I'm surprised no one mentioned licensing. In MD you have to be licensed to pull cable.

No worry. He won't BE pulling any cable with the IBEW around.

-Hal

Kyawa,

What kind of license do you need to pull cable in MD?

I noticed the orginal poster hasn't responded to any of the post. But all I can say is after driving in Chicago a few day back, the best thing I can tell you is get out of the city those drivers are crazy.

Also, when you become self-employed, along with all of the other very valid points the rest have mentioned, there is one more thing. NO MORE days off. You are going to have to work 24/7/365 for the most part. Rarely will you have time off or vacation. If you are not working, you will be at least thinking about work. At least for the first 5 years or so. Being self-employed has it's good points, as well as bad. Take all of it into consideration.

Thanks for all of you responses. I agree with Hal in doing sub-contract work. I think my best bet would be to work as a field tech for a company until I feel comfortable enough to do sub-contract work on my own.

You have to have a restricted electricians license. They have two: one for IT (phone, data, video) and a separate one for alarms. I have both but no longer do much alarm work because the insurance rates are outrageous.