I am a career changer. I moved from software development to the construction industry. I own a small construction firm and am involved in remodeling homes, building additions to homes etc.

EDUCATION | My background is in Computer Engineering and Software Development project management.

HOW TO GET STARTED | To be a General Contractor is not very easy. You have to have a thorough knowledge of all aspects of home building and if you decide to go into commercial construction then its a whole different ball game altogether. You have to read construction code books and be able to understand engineering/architectural diagrams and how to build to specifications. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding codes of construction and you have to pass exams in every state you wish to contract in. Before doing this, you have to have hands on experience in the construction field for a period of three years (at least in Massachusetts). And that is half the job. Then you have to start a company, get appropriate licensing/registration as a company, hire legal/accounting/IT firms to take care of legal matters, accounting and IT infrastructure.

MUST HAVE TRAITS |

how I got started |

why this job?| I love interacting with people. My expertise lie in customer acqusition, communications and in project management.

why I love this job!| I am able to apply similar techinques and methodologies from my prior job to this field and I love it a whole lot more because I get to meet new clients or existing ones that need additional improvements to their homes, discuss their home improvement needs/requirements, help them understand different options/designs, bring them up to speed with the latest and greatest ways to getting their projects done.

my typical day|

what they are | The biggest challenge that I face on a daily basis is communcation with my sub-contractors who are skilled folks but lack the professional attitude for most part. This happens when I get a new sub-contractor on board to be my primary sub-contractor in a related field such as electrical or plumbing or carpentry or to augment my existing team. For me to have them stick to a project deadline or to communicate when things go awry is the hardest part of my job. But that by no means should be a show-stopper for any one because if you try hard and emphasize your principles repeatedly, you will get someone who things like you. It took me over two years to get a solid team together that thinks alike.

all about growth | Growth is limited to your imagination. You can go on to building you first home to building communities and malls. But you have to start slow and build the trust as an honest and quality home builder. Every contractor can build homes, but there are very few home builders that build quality homes, where customers are satisfied and happy, where customers are raving about their home to friends and family. Financially, you can make a lot of money if you plan it correctly, if you manage your expenses right and last but not the least you have to be at the right place at the right time.

my website|