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