When did you go out on your own?
When did you go out on your own?
(OP)
I have a question (specifically for the structural guys, but I would appreciate input from all), for all of you that have been brave enough to venture out and start your own engineering firm.
How much experience did you have when you did it, and how did you make the assessment of whether you had enough experience/expertise?
I am assuming that most small (1-3 or so man firms) typically do smaller projects. Do you ever regret going that route instead of working for a mid-size or larger firm and have the opportunity to work on bigger projects that are more recognizable? I've considered the possibility of going out on my own at some point (not that I am anywhere near that point right now), and I always struggle with the idea of doing houses and other small projects that may not even include designing a structure (maybe just designing reinforcement for a column for a change of use of space or something similar) when right now I work on projects that win architectural awards and I have the opportunity to work with world-class architects and have people say, "Oh, I know that building" or "I've been there" when I am asked about projects that I work on. Not that it's all about accolades, but it is nice. Do any of you have any regrets on that front?
Also, what's the pay like when you go it alone? I am sure it's tough at first. How long did/does it take to get yourself to a comfortable income and is anyone making comfortably in the 6 figures?
Any other insights would be greatly appreciated.
How much experience did you have when you did it, and how did you make the assessment of whether you had enough experience/expertise?
I am assuming that most small (1-3 or so man firms) typically do smaller projects. Do you ever regret going that route instead of working for a mid-size or larger firm and have the opportunity to work on bigger projects that are more recognizable? I've considered the possibility of going out on my own at some point (not that I am anywhere near that point right now), and I always struggle with the idea of doing houses and other small projects that may not even include designing a structure (maybe just designing reinforcement for a column for a change of use of space or something similar) when right now I work on projects that win architectural awards and I have the opportunity to work with world-class architects and have people say, "Oh, I know that building" or "I've been there" when I am asked about projects that I work on. Not that it's all about accolades, but it is nice. Do any of you have any regrets on that front?
Also, what's the pay like when you go it alone? I am sure it's tough at first. How long did/does it take to get yourself to a comfortable income and is anyone making comfortably in the 6 figures?
Any other insights would be greatly appreciated.





RE: When did you go out on your own?
The thing that motivated me was the sincere desire to control my life and provide for my family from a basis I could control since, as an employee, I had been laid off three times in four years due the Reagan Economy. I worked for firms that balanced their budgets on the backs of their employees. I was tired of paying someone elses bills.
I have been a one man operation ever since, doing my own thing, mainly residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial, log homes, inspections, reports, storm drainage, short plats, you name it. Tried to diversify as much as possible to expand my market, clientelle, and network.
Started in 1986, and it took me about five years to get into six figures, but been there ever since. I think nmy first year was 60K back then. Managed to weather the ups and downs, and my network has helped with that a lot.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: When did you go out on your own?
Were you scared when you made the decision to go on your own?
If you try and don't succeed, are you less desireable to another employer?
How many hours do you typically work to make your 6 figures?
RE: When did you go out on your own?
The Good:
I really like the ability to control the kind of projects I work on, and who I work for. When I worked for others, I always seemed to be the “fireman”, taking over projects that were already in trouble or that had difficult clients. I got tired of that quickly. I also like the idea that the reputation I have built is my own, not someone else’s. When I started out, my kids were very young, and they got to see me nearly everyday in the morning before school, right after school, and quite a bit during summer. I never missed a single soccer game or gymnastics meet. For me, the payoff in terms of family life has been priceless.
I have found that I appreciate the relationships with clients much more in my role as a sole proprietor much more than when I was an employee. I decided years ago that I would only work with clients that I like and respect, and that in turn respect me.
The Bad:
I feel like I couldn’t really go back to work for someone else in a design capacity again. Also, I don’t think it likely that I would be brought in by a mid-size firm into an management/ownership position, something that I likely would have had by now with 31 years experience. From a career standpoint (as opposed to family life), I should have grown my business. I would be looking at the opportunity to sell off to employees at this point.
Being a one-man firm, it is very hard to significantly grow my income. Also
Think about:
What do you want to get out of life, and how does your professional career fit into that?
Are you the type of person that can deal with a huge variation in work load? Can you and your family deal with the uncertainty of next month’s income. Are you able to say “no” to people?
RE: When did you go out on your own?
A little, but I had a pretty good network and experience behind me when I was laid off the last time. Clients in thenetwork, when they found out, actually helped to pass the word in addition to my cold calls. I had enough work to keep me busy within a week or so. I do not suggest that this will be the same for you, particularly in this economy.
The number of yours - about half time or 1000 hours was enough to generate that figure for me, but it depends on your hourly rate and how you bid the projects too.
Even if you do not "succeed", you still have a network and the experience under your belt. In analyzing your situation, you may think that you are more of a risk to another employer, but remember that the potential employer also knows that you have already tried to go out on your own and did not succeed. You are not likely to try again.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: When did you go out on your own?
to expand on the question at hand (since my question applies to overall bottom line of any business), how did you deal with your liability/exposure and cost of coverage without the "help" of a larger entity (i.e established engineering firm) when you first went out on your own? what would you do differently (using the knowledge you've obtained over the years) if you had to start your own business today (with today's ambulance chaser litigation style mentality)?
if you'd prefer i ask the question on a new thread, just let me know. thanks in advance.
RE: When did you go out on your own?
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: When did you go out on your own?
I did not do Government, Medical or Government jobs requiring liability insurance, as, at the time, it would have been too expensive for me to obtain it (1986) - from 12K to 15K per year - just after the Hyiatt Regency walkway collapse debacle.
I just had to pick and choose my clientelle, not take any risks design wise, and be conservative in my designs.
I have had no problems going bare. I try to keep the clients happy, keep those who are, and weed out the possible problem makers. Takes a little gut instinct regarding situations and personalities here. I also try not to burn any bridges or make enemies that will come back to bite you.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: When did you go out on your own?
RE: When did you go out on your own?
The MBA was worth it.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: When did you go out on your own?
RE: When did you go out on your own?
The best way to test something is to squeeze it, slowly, until it breaks!
RE: When did you go out on your own?
Like you, I was nervous about pay when I started, but made $60k (net) my first year, while working part time on my masters degree and spending a lot of time remodeling my house. This year I expect to make six figures. If you have any business sense, you wont have any problem making your current salary (or at least in the same ball park).
For me, the glamour of working on fancy projects is far surpassed by the fact that I call all of the shots and don't work overtime making other people wealthy. I paid my dues as an EIT, and now I can work hard for myself.
If you know you want to start your own firm, you should do it as soon as possible. It's not like you're starting some obscure business - it's a solid profession that is in high demand. If you fail at it, so what?