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  1. manofstl

    Professional Liability Insurance

    I've had PLI for 3 years, no claims. Given lack of work, I doubt I will renew PLI for 2009. I attended a course on Engineer's Liability. The lawyer teaching the course says statistics in SC show engineers with PLI are sued 5-8 times more frequently than engineers who go bare. Lawyers consider...
  2. manofstl

    Starting Up A Design Office

    Looking back, my lack of CAD skills was the biggest weakness that I didnt recognize soon enough. Even worse, I wasted time and money on people who claimed to know CAD but didnt. If I could do it over, my startup would include intensive personal investment in CAD drawing, management, and production.
  3. manofstl

    Dress Code

    Reading all these responses reminds me of my corporate "dress for success" bull$%$$ days. I left that ratrace and started my own company. I am pretty strict with my employees. I insist their shorts and tank tops be clean, with no pizza stains, as I hate pizza.
  4. manofstl

    Considering Six Sigma Consulting

    Before I went out on my own, I worked for a company that pays lip service to 6 sigma. They diverted a lot of talent into that program with little to show for it. But then the talent they wasted on it was good for little else, so maybe that was win-win for everybody after all. If you are going...
  5. manofstl

    Mix In Place Sidewalks

    Got it, and thanks guys. I have already revised the specs based on your input.
  6. manofstl

    Mix In Place Sidewalks

    I'm designing a site for a charter school. My client wants to use student help to build a walking trail using "mix-in-place" techniques. He want to use cement, in-situ soil, add water, and mix in place. Rough broom finish. Client has heard of some cities building bike/walking trails with this...
  7. manofstl

    Accountant or Attorney 1st?

    Actually you need to talk to both early. After that, you will bond closely with your accountant. I would say the accountant relationship is much more important than the lawyer side. Pick and accountant that will actually return your calls. Ask if they can give support to Quickbooks (or...
  8. manofstl

    Seismic Anchorage Of EMT

    I've been asked to design EMT conduit anchorage (emphasis seismic) for an equipment room. Drilled expansion anchors are acceptable. To be honest, I've never had to do one before. I searched the forums and didnt turn up much. It's 1- 1/2 inch EMT with 4-#6 wires. IBC 2000 1621 applies. I...
  9. manofstl

    How I started on my own.

    Before you jump, read the book "The E-Mythe Revisited". There are 3 hats you must wear: -entrepreneur -manager -technician Know and undertand these 3 roles (I didnt at first) and you will at least have a better feel for the road ahead.
  10. manofstl

    Escaping the billable hour model for civil engineering?

    You will soon learn, young Jedi, that billable hours are your bread and butter. Took me a while to figure it out too.
  11. manofstl

    Business Digital Camera

    I searched the posts for this issue, hope this isnt a repeat. I find my el-cheapo digital camera is not adequate for the field situations I run into. I need: - at least 20 ft flash capability (typ unfinished rooms or crawl spaces, or attics), preferably built in, not outboard - voice record...
  12. manofstl

    Going out on my own.

    Feb 06 marks the first anniversary of my own startup. what a year it has been. Here's my tips: -join the Chamber of Commerce. Network with members, many useful leads came from the COC. -find a good cpa, pay for a coupla hours startup advice. -buy the cheapest version of Qbooks pro, learn how...
  13. manofstl

    Fiber vs WWF

    I am very thankful for the perspective you guys have shared. I lurk this site a lot and have learned a lot, too, just by reading the broad view of responses to different issues. I am going to recemmend a complete design review using JAE's suggested approach.
  14. manofstl

    Fiber vs WWF

    Non composite
  15. manofstl

    Fiber vs WWF

    So, without telling anyone, Contractor decided to substitute fiber reinforced concrete instead of the Vulcraft metal deck with concrete/6x6WWF I spec'd for a second floor. Now he calls, wanting approval from yours truly so the job can proceed. I checked with Vulcraft to see if the FRC is an...
  16. manofstl

    Distributing Work to Staff

    I've used M$ Project and Primavera on various projects for the last 3 years. If you are serious about resource management, Primavera Project Planner is the way to go.
  17. manofstl

    Success Stories on Starting up your Business

    I just made the transition from six-figure engineering manager to poor-but-honest consultant with no guarantee of anything. I thought about this move for proabably 5 years before deciding now or never. I began planning for the move by starting out cold-calling on clients. Did pretty well by...

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