The next step for Growth.

Like most CC OO we first start out working out of our garage. Then if we choose to expand what do you do?  For us it was important to keep it sustainable. Why move away from a free garage shop. A couple thought on that. One my neighbors.  I didn't want them dealing with or concerned about our employee vehicles or the safety concerns they may have. After all they don't know these people. Second I don't want my home to be a distraction to how our employees view me. Simply put, I don't want then at my house. Third, having a shop location away from the home creates a true work environment. Not only for our employees but for us also. We leave home just like our employees to get to work in time. So that creates the accountability for all of us the be on time.  

We also didn't want to have high over head for a shop. We decided we basically need some where for vehicles and chemical storage. So we rented an office space about 18 X 12. It cost us $250 a month and has worked out great fir us over the last two years.  Maybe one day we will graduate into a large garage style shop, but only when it's sustainable. Here is our shop.

I take it that space there is within the office space that you rented? That's pretty good for $250.00. Do you leave the vans parked outside of the office space.

What about renting a storage space big enough to fit supplies and one van? But then it wouldn't be a nice office space and not temperature controlled.

Yes, it's inside a building with other offices. We park the vehicles outside in the parking lot. I have recommended the storage locker to others too. That would not work for us because of employee parking issues. It's a simple solution to the business growth question. I know a cleaner who jumped into the big shop picture with $900 space rental a month, not including utilities. That lasted about two months. Grow $low.

Slow and steady

maybe best not to even have your employees even know where you live just in case you have to fire some one and they might seek revenge on your house and such. You never know.

How to you run heaters and cords to the vans where parked? to keep from freezing

I run the drop cords through the mail slot. I tried to get the Owner to let me have some outdoor receptacles put in but he said to wait. I have had to heat the vans about 10 times this winter so far.

Ryan, that is a start. Seems to be a good one. I agree with above. I built a garage/shop 8 years ago. This is at our home. My one down fall is that sometimes employees need to hit the head. I really do not like them going into our private space. Plus that also disturbs our 2 dogs. Great job at moving away from the home/office.

That's some good advice right there.

I started out in a small garage with a loft. Then I leased a pretty big shop before the cost started hurting. Then I built a 3 car garage with loft at my home. Now I am looking for a shop / office again.

I agree with Ryan and others that you need to move the business away from the home. It eliminates distractions and allows you to function on a more professional basis. I have my eye on a 3-unit building that is next to the main highway, gas station, and car wash. I am just waiting for a space to open up...hopefully soon.

I would like to but cost of living is huge in Seattle, I would have to get a shop way out in the sticks to get anything under 1000/month that has a garage

( miller ) gerry wrote:Ryan, that is a start.  Seems to be a good one.  I agree with above.  I built a garage/shop 8 years ago.  This is at our home.  My one down fall is that sometimes employees need to hit the head.  I really do not like them going into our private space.  Plus that also disturbs our 2 dogs.   Great job at moving away from the home/office.  

Rent a portajon.

Problem solved.

I understand this could be a problem for you guys in the northern parts of the country during winter months.

Rob, you make a good point as well, location. Not number one on my list but our shop is located on the main road in our part of town. During the cleaning season I park my van in the last parking spot by the road with the large graphic side of the van facing the road. Best part, there is a traffic light right at our office space. BINGO!

The idea here is small improvements that get you to the next step. It's important to remember you don't need to take on the whole wish list when your company is growing in the early stages. This works, and serves a purpose also.

250.00 and you get billboard advertising with it too now that's a really good deal

I think I need some more picture to post on this topic. Maybe tomorrow.

Portajon looks pretty tacky in a residential area.

Ryan S wrote:I understand this could be a problem for you guys in the northern parts of the country during winter months.

Rob, you make a good point as well, location.  Not number one on my list but our shop is located on the main road in our part of town. During the cleaning season I park my van in the last parking spot by the road with the large graphic side of the van facing the road. Best part, there is a traffic light right at our office space.  BINGO!

The idea here is small improvements that get you to the next step.  It's important to remember you don't need to take on the whole wish list when your company is growing in the early stages. This works, and serves a purpose also.  

Perfect, being next to those main roads is free money.  Excellent move, good price too when you think about how much advertising you get by parking a van right up against a busy road.

When I had that large shop, I bought a retired ambulance and parked it in front of the building.  I drew more attention to my signage than roadkill draws flies.  You can get them really cheap and they make a nice little camper or tool truck.  Mine ended up being sold to New Jersey and put back into service right before the flood.

I must say Rob, that is about as creative marketing as one can get. I'm sure it worked great, everybody breaks their neck to look at the ambulance.

Especially when you flip the lights on at night