Question about EXPANDING MY COMPANY?

Question

I have an HVAC company with 1 truck on the road so far and it is doing very well. My only advertising is my truck, my business cards, an ad in the phone book, and people's references. Lately as usual in the summertime I have been overloaded with work, and am now considering expanding my company. I realize that if I expand my company to maybe 2-3 trucks, then I should try to balance things out by advertising more.

My question is, should I advertise more to build up an even bigger clientelle, then hire more workers, or first hire more workers and then try to expand my customers. I'm sure both options have their +'s and -'s but in your opinion, which one is the safer/better choice. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have been in business for twenty-five years and I have tried both ways, trucks or business first. What worked best for me was to find experienced professionals to work for me. I gave them all the work they wanted and I then went out to look for more business. I also helped out with parts running. My customers really liked having a professional work on their equipment.

There was a time when the calls got too much for me alone and I had to hire the first schmo that came along. WRONG THING TO DO! His call back rate was over 50% and he kept on getting hurt on the job to the point he would work one to two days a week.

My advice is to find the good techs first. It will be an expense well worth it.