Hi All,

I'm interested to find out how small installation businesses like yours bring on new workers. I'm putting together an article for Custom Retailer on this topic thinking we could all benefit from the collective wisdom. How do you all go about recruiting and training people to help with your custom business?

If your comments end up in the mag, I'd be pleased to mention you and your company (with your permission, of course). BTW, kidnapping doesn't count :)

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ron

PS: I can only ask permission from posters if we can communicate via email. If you'd rather not display your address publicly, you can mail me at my profile's address, thanks.

This message was edited by Ron CR on 11/04/02 22:00.30.

Hi Ron, When I started my company I was a one man show from sales to install. My first two hires were my two sons( both in their 20's ) Having run out of sons, and not wanting to make any more,I had to bring in others. In my area, good installers either own their business or are gainfully employed.We work in a pretty cool industry and most outsiders think this stuff is easy, so I have never had a problem with people asking if I need any help. I look for enthusiasm and a few basic skills with tools. I have found that most people can be trained. My most recent hire is a woman that painted my house this summer. After four or five installs, she can keep up with most guys pulling wire. She is in her early 30's so i dont have to worry much about the problems some young guys can create. (you other owners know what I'm talking about ) A number of years back while working in another industry, I picked up a guy hitch-hiking, he told me he was out of work, I ended up hiring him and he turned out to be a valued employee. There are plenty of good people out there, just keep your eyes and ears open.

Deco

I haven't hired anyone yet, ( I'm just the peon, or is that pee-on) But I've never been recruited, I have always known where the local A/V shops have been and have gone to them looking to get paid for what I love doing. When I look back I don't know if I would have hired myself for that first job (in the industry) that I got, but I'm glad they took a chance on me and I sure learned a lot about snakeing wire's where they don't seem to want to go.

I am in the process right now. I am having success with a temp agency, which works out well. I have the dilema of too much work for me, but not enough for two installers. So with the temp agency I don't have to commit to full-time hours. Now that I have found a reliable employee from the agency, I have to go beat the pavement for enough work for two. I also offered him a commision on anything he can find.

I have found that guys with past electrical experience make the best installers. Try calling a trade school in your local area, there are list of graduates in the electrical field who post profiles for interested employers. Sometimes its best to have a bock of clay, and then mold it the way you want it.