Im not trying to be a preacher here but man Ive had a lot of soul searching over the past couple years. My dad and myself have an excavating and paving family business. He passed away a little over a year ago from Covid. Put me in a funk that I've never experienced before. God has carried me through it. With out Jesus Christ in my life I know I would have given up. When you guys are struggling and question your abilities and you push through it that's what builds your character and makes you a better person. Don't give up on something you love. Just like Todd said its like a marriage. Take advice from successful people not people that are always negative. Great video Buddy!
Im watching all of your videos every day now. I dont expect a respone just want to ask/say. You are truly changing many lifes and that is amazing and honorable 🎖. My question is im currently a year out some separation of military and have a family of 6. This kinda business is my passion. Should i put all my eggs in and make this omelet or get with a starter company just for a few years. Thanks for the informative videos! Ill be sure to watch them all.
Thanks for this video , it is helping with the fear. I am driving a truck for a rental company. I have a tractor an l47 with a backhoe attachment a shredder a tiller and a box plate I've been doing side work. I'm tired of this company that I work for and decided to go get my LLC and some insurance to go out on my own. I'm scared s******* honestly. I haven't quit my job yet but I have full intentions of doing so. Ditching and septic work is the area that I'm going to focus mainly because I have Plumbing experience. Although the septic installer license requires classes that I've been rolled in. I've been watching every video I can fine on how to find work in bid work and naturally on how to do the work. If you have any pointers that you haven't put out in these videos feel free to slap me in the head with them. I think I will document my experience as well and make some videos. Once again thanks for your time and efforts in your videos
Hey man, love the videos! I am sure my wife is tired of me playing them all the time lol. I am so close to jumping all in and just bought my first Kubota. I watch and appreciate all thee advice. I believe, as a former soldier, train as you fight so I immerse myself into as much information as possible. The real test will be learning the machine 😅 but I am pretty confident from previous experience. I have had a few other business ventures with family as partners and it is true to never do business with family. When things get tough, it will show true colors and intentions and as optimistic as I am, it just didn't work out. I guess the point is, NEVER stop trying!! Thanks again bud and glad to hear your story!! Comment on this comment, as you always say! Happy Excavating!!
So far it's worked out for me doing both. I've paid for all my equipment and able to contribute to the house income. My intent was to pay everything off and use it as my retirement!! You just gave some absolutely great advice!!! Thanks for what you do and keep on keepn on Brother!!!
Made decision and pulled the trigger to start my small landscaping company. Reached out to some contacts I had developed a relationship with in the past and was able to get a deal mowing/brush hogging an HOA community. Excited to see what future holds and hopefully get more work. Only doing this on weekends for now to keep a sustainable pace. Your videos have given me good advice as to bidding for work and knowing your value. Thank you!
I’m a ditch hand on the pipeline but also have 7 years experience doing water and sewer. I’m only busy 6-8 months a year pipelining. So I’m buying a mini in the spring and going to give it a shot. I’m wondering do I buy a 40 mini that would max out the flat deck trailer I have now, or sell it and get a gooseneck flat deck or dump trailer so I can haul a 60 mini? Thanks in advance 👍🏼
Todd this video is literally spot on for my current situation. I’ve quit one long term career and trying to start my own small excavating/property maintenance business. I have a window of time to see if it’s gonna be viable, but obviously have to be realistic as well. My question is so foundational that many might find it humorous. How do I get work? I’m doing things like having signs, business cards, speaking with contractors about getting their overflow work, and just trying to network. What are some of your best tactics for a one-man business to get the ball rolling. I’ve done a few jobs in the first few weeks but it sure isn’t a good feeling when the phone isn’t ringing. What advertising do you find is the best value? I truly want this to be successful. I’ve got the ability to provide a quality service to the public but it’s so hard to get things rolling. Any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks
I needed this video. Right now I'm working full time and on the side I'm mowing, bush hogging, and actively looking for a skid steer or mini to expand without having to rent all the time. That fear of the unknown is the biggest thing holding me back right now. Hopefully by spring I'll have some more equipment and can make the decision 🤞
This is good stuff. I’m not to the point I can quit my job but when I’m ready it’s gonna be good. Bought a 21 cat 289d3 been using it a little on weekends, been cutting and baling hay for money on weekends without skidsteer jobs. For now my weekly job pays the bills. Side work is paying equipment and business insurance costs. I need to get into more advertising side of things but afraid of getting overwhelmed with work and side work. I’m learning a lot right now and I want to give the best finished product that I can. I think quality can bring a good price. Once I’m a little more confident in my work I’m going to build up my advertising. Hard part about quitting my day job will be leaving good friends I work with. Really enjoy working for them and will hate to leave them with a spot to fill. Everyone is replaceable though
Omg Todd I got let go in 07 the exact same way . I did everything they asked me to. even worked every position they asked me to and weekends . They told me I made too much money cuz I worked there right out of high school . I thought I’d retire from there . I never trust anyone but me again Everything you said in this video is true and I feel the same way
@@DigginLife21 I hear your brother I tried to go back to work for a little while . I thought it would be less stress but it wasn’t it was more stressed trying to live paycheck to paycheck . So I’m back at it with all paid for stuff and I’m not going back ever again hopefully
Great information buddy thanks for sharing and u gave some great advise. Thanks a million again. I really like ur channel and I hope it will blow up to be one big one.
New subscriber, seen a couple videos of yours and this one is spot on! I am at this point and have been for a couple years. It is definitely hard to leave the job security but at the same time, is it really secure?! It won't be long before I have all my ducks flying in the same (right) direction and take this leap! Keep up the great videos and God bless my friend!
Have you talked to larger excavating contractors around you? I bet they turn down a lot of small jobs, maybe they would give those customers your number.
The guy below hit it. We are a small company and run 5-8 guys and we do a lot of small projects for big guys that don’t want to remoblize, started with a mini and we run several 40k trackhoes and some skidsteers and a D6 now. The only sucky part is when they get slow they hold on to stuff. But we run several other customers as a GC to keep options open. Best thing is picking the people you enjoy and want to work for.
I’m currently working my full time job on the weekends. Started my business this year and been pretty busy through the week. I’m in this role of transitioning to doing it full time. This coming spring. Good advice in this video thanks for putting it out there.
Maybe that’s what I needed to hear. Been doing side work for a couple years and it’s getting hard to keep up. Only hang up is what I would lose in retirement but maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way.
Would you recommend maybe renting a mini ex and the expenses that comes with it? I’m almost 98% sure that I can get the work I just want to believe that having to go the route of renting some equipment will pay off in hopes of me becoming my own business where I hope someday to leave my full time job that I have now? Any input will be greatly appreciated! I really enjoy watching all your content! It’s very encouraging!
When what you do becomes a job, it’s time to change. I’ve been doing my full time career for 20 years and it’s beginning to become a job. Good advice, I like what you said. I’m in eastern NC. I have a compact 40hp backhoe trying to get something started. Wish I had got a mini. Still can I guess, just skeptical like others starting a new adventure.
I was working full time about a year and half ago and I sat down with the wife and talked about this situation. I had more side work then I could handle in the evening and weekends. I had the understanding when I hired on with me previous employer that this time might come. I jumped on in with a grey market 120 Hitachi excavator and a farm tractor. Now I have a D5G,pc210 a c60 dump truck, a new trailer to pull a rental pc45 on. I also have a D3 sitting in my shop. Just need the time to finish putting back together. Live it breath it eat it. Business Life 😁
As, someone else said, I basically Never watch a video twice - But, this one I did - And, made notes from what all you said... And, from some of the comments also... Besides being motivational, this is some of the Best/Good Advice, when it comes to When to Go Full Time... Plus, really good pointers in running a successful and profitable business... Thanks...!
What can you tell us about business license? Insurance for a single person operation.. Equipment. New or used? Credit rating. Financing? Cash on hand. Auctions selling equipment? Thank you for the information, Ken
You’re “suppose “ to have a contractor’s license in NC if a single job pays $30k or more. I would buy new when possible. Finance at low interest rate. Keep your cash on hand
hey Toad. How do you go about buying equipment. I want to buy an excavator most likely buying a used one but I'm not sure what to look at besides the hours. Any advice and tips would be helpful. Awesome videos!
Great info Todd. I'm right there at that point of wanting to go full time. Got most of the equipment and doing side work. Can you give advise on advertising. I did read through the comments and like the idea of hitting up bigger companies for small jobs they don't want to mess with. Thanks
You worded this perfectly. It drives me crazy when ppl who have never ran a business try to give advice lol. When your steady income is the same amount of your day job plus expenses plus money for the tax man...then you can go full time if you wish (in my opinion of course lol)
I cut them before they cut me and retired at 57 after 26 yrs. Everything u said is true. You need to make your own destiny...if possible. Big companies are the worst these days and no postion is safe. They look at how much u cost the company and then go from there even if its not the best business decision because its the bottom line to them.
LOL, while you were out there bustin your butt, he was at the shop making buddy buddy with the managers. I've bought my excavator, trailer and dump truck. But I plan to move out of state before i start a business. Now I need my CDL so I can drive my truck. But I have a good paying job in the oil field, but it is always possible for it to go away. Not sure if I want to start part time business here and then leave the state or just wait until I move.
@axe609 If you have some extra time and you have the equipment, then why not start working? Then you’ll better yourself to take off running full force in a new area.
Word of mouth pound the pavement introducing your self to builders and contractors. When you’re small cash is better than spending on advertising. Your time however is there every day. I’ve been going 8 years and the little I have spent on advertising has really not produced anything.
Rarely do I watch a video twice. Put this category in a motivational video category. Thanks for talking about your personal experience. I have a question too. When you were a truck driver, an employee 2008, how much skills and knowledge about today's business did you have? I mean, how much did you need to learn new things to accomplice the level you have right now? Do you have more in depth video about how you started your own business after got fired?
I would add this.. Study yourself and the environment where you work; if your present work/life influencers promote 'slick' and deceptive behaviors, and if you carry even a sliver this attitude into a business start-up, your venture is probably doomed from the get-go.
PS: People need to realize its not just your wages u make its all the other things the company pays for u such as SS, medicare, medical etc. that becomes what u really cost a company.
Love your channel Todd! This is some great content sir!
Glad you enjoy it!
I needed to see this. Just bought a 14’ dump trailer and second guessing myself. Thanks Todd your an inspiration.
Im not trying to be a preacher here but man Ive had a lot of soul searching over the past couple years. My dad and myself have an excavating and paving family business. He passed away a little over a year ago from Covid. Put me in a funk that I've never experienced before. God has carried me through it. With out Jesus Christ in my life I know I would have given up. When you guys are struggling and question your abilities and you push through it that's what builds your character and makes you a better person. Don't give up on something you love. Just like Todd said its like a marriage. Take advice from successful people not people that are always negative. Great video Buddy!
Good device man, I needed this today. Just bought a machine and a dump trailer. Time to grow a pair and make it official.
ADHD moment 8:56. Same here! We just don’t see bears lol. Awesome video man. Thank you!
Thank you brother Im just starting out in my business and you help more then you know
All I can say is WELL SAID 👍
RSC....really!?! I was a sales rep for them in the Charlotte area during that time. Just surprised we never crossed paths. Love the channel buddy!!!!
Im watching all of your videos every day now. I dont expect a respone just want to ask/say. You are truly changing many lifes and that is amazing and honorable 🎖. My question is im currently a year out some separation of military and have a family of 6. This kinda business is my passion. Should i put all my eggs in and make this omelet or get with a starter company just for a few years. Thanks for the informative videos! Ill be sure to watch them all.
Good videos brother wow
Thanks for this video , it is helping with the fear. I am driving a truck for a rental company. I have a tractor an l47 with a backhoe attachment a shredder a tiller and a box plate I've been doing side work. I'm tired of this company that I work for and decided to go get my LLC and some insurance to go out on my own. I'm scared s******* honestly. I haven't quit my job yet but I have full intentions of doing so. Ditching and septic work is the area that I'm going to focus mainly because I have Plumbing experience. Although the septic installer license requires classes that I've been rolled in. I've been watching every video I can fine on how to find work in bid work and naturally on how to do the work. If you have any pointers that you haven't put out in these videos feel free to slap me in the head with them. I think I will document my experience as well and make some videos. Once again thanks for your time and efforts in your videos
Hey man, love the videos! I am sure my wife is tired of me playing them all the time lol. I am so close to jumping all in and just bought my first Kubota. I watch and appreciate all thee advice. I believe, as a former soldier, train as you fight so I immerse myself into as much information as possible. The real test will be learning the machine 😅 but I am pretty confident from previous experience. I have had a few other business ventures with family as partners and it is true to never do business with family. When things get tough, it will show true colors and intentions and as optimistic as I am, it just didn't work out. I guess the point is, NEVER stop trying!! Thanks again bud and glad to hear your story!! Comment on this comment, as you always say! Happy Excavating!!
So far it's worked out for me doing both. I've paid for all my equipment and able to contribute to the house income. My intent was to pay everything off and use it as my retirement!! You just gave some absolutely great advice!!! Thanks for what you do and keep on keepn on Brother!!!
Correct
I really appreciate how positive you are. I look at every day and every job as a blessing! Keep it up buddy!! ✌🏼🇺🇸
Made decision and pulled the trigger to start my small landscaping company. Reached out to some contacts I had developed a relationship with in the past and was able to get a deal mowing/brush hogging an HOA community. Excited to see what future holds and hopefully get more work. Only doing this on weekends for now to keep a sustainable pace. Your videos have given me good advice as to bidding for work and knowing your value. Thank you!
Congrats and best of luck my friend
Shoot I use to be a equipment hauler for RSC too lol. That’s where I was at when the towers were hit on 9-11.
Your the most positive person l know
I'm thinking on doing mine starting off as a weekend warrior until I get alot of work
how do you deal with the fear of not being successful?
I’m a ditch hand on the pipeline but also have 7 years experience doing water and sewer. I’m only busy 6-8 months a year pipelining. So I’m buying a mini in the spring and going to give it a shot. I’m wondering do I buy a 40 mini that would max out the flat deck trailer I have now, or sell it and get a gooseneck flat deck or dump trailer so I can haul a 60 mini? Thanks in advance 👍🏼
I would sell and get a bigger excavator. It'll be worth it
Todd this video is literally spot on for my current situation. I’ve quit one long term career and trying to start my own small excavating/property maintenance business. I have a window of time to see if it’s gonna be viable, but obviously have to be realistic as well. My question is so foundational that many might find it humorous. How do I get work? I’m doing things like having signs, business cards, speaking with contractors about getting their overflow work, and just trying to network. What are some of your best tactics for a one-man business to get the ball rolling. I’ve done a few jobs in the first few weeks but it sure isn’t a good feeling when the phone isn’t ringing. What advertising do you find is the best value? I truly want this to be successful. I’ve got the ability to provide a quality service to the public but it’s so hard to get things rolling. Any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks
I needed this video. Right now I'm working full time and on the side I'm mowing, bush hogging, and actively looking for a skid steer or mini to expand without having to rent all the time. That fear of the unknown is the biggest thing holding me back right now. Hopefully by spring I'll have some more equipment and can make the decision 🤞
I’d say you’ve made the decision... it’s just a matter of following through at this point
I am 56 years old in the next 3 years I want to build my own 600 sq ft house.... I am a girl. Am I crazy? But I feel happy doing work for myself.
This is good stuff. I’m not to the point I can quit my job but when I’m ready it’s gonna be good. Bought a 21 cat 289d3 been using it a little on weekends, been cutting and baling hay for money on weekends without skidsteer jobs. For now my weekly job pays the bills. Side work is paying equipment and business insurance costs. I need to get into more advertising side of things but afraid of getting overwhelmed with work and side work. I’m learning a lot right now and I want to give the best finished product that I can. I think quality can bring a good price. Once I’m a little more confident in my work I’m going to build up my advertising. Hard part about quitting my day job will be leaving good friends I work with. Really enjoy working for them and will hate to leave them with a spot to fill. Everyone is replaceable though
Love the channel. I would love to get started but costs have me a little nervous
Omg Todd I got let go in 07 the exact same way . I did everything they asked me to. even worked every position they asked me to and weekends . They told me I made too much money cuz I worked there right out of high school . I thought I’d retire from there . I never trust anyone but me again Everything you said in this video is true and I feel the same way
Self employment is where it’s at for me
@@DigginLife21 I hear your brother I tried to go back to work for a little while . I thought it would be less stress but it wasn’t it was more stressed trying to live paycheck to paycheck . So I’m back at it with all paid for stuff and I’m not going back ever again hopefully
Great information buddy thanks for sharing and u gave some great advise. Thanks a million again. I really like ur channel and I hope it will blow up to be one big one.
New subscriber, seen a couple videos of yours and this one is spot on! I am at this point and have been for a couple years. It is definitely hard to leave the job security but at the same time, is it really secure?! It won't be long before I have all my ducks flying in the same (right) direction and take this leap! Keep up the great videos and God bless my friend!
I struggle to get my mini excavator out there to get work just have to be patient. Thanks for the content
Have you talked to larger excavating contractors around you? I bet they turn down a lot of small jobs, maybe they would give those customers your number.
The guy below hit it. We are a small company and run 5-8 guys and we do a lot of small projects for big guys that don’t want to remoblize, started with a mini and we run several 40k trackhoes and some skidsteers and a D6 now. The only sucky part is when they get slow they hold on to stuff. But we run several other customers as a GC to keep options open. Best thing is picking the people you enjoy and want to work for.
I’m currently working my full time job on the weekends. Started my business this year and been pretty busy through the week. I’m in this role of transitioning to doing it full time. This coming spring. Good advice in this video thanks for putting it out there.
HERO you speaking volumes.....💪💪💪💪 i was just thinking about what you was saying this morning
Awesome! Very true.
Maybe that’s what I needed to hear. Been doing side work for a couple years and it’s getting hard to keep up. Only hang up is what I would lose in retirement but maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way.
Would you recommend maybe renting a mini ex and the expenses that comes with it? I’m almost 98% sure that I can get the work I just want to believe that having to go the route of renting some equipment will pay off in hopes of me becoming my own business where I hope someday to leave my full time job that I have now? Any input will be greatly appreciated! I really enjoy watching all your content! It’s very encouraging!
When what you do becomes a job, it’s time to change. I’ve been doing my full time career for 20 years and it’s beginning to become a job. Good advice, I like what you said. I’m in eastern NC. I have a compact 40hp backhoe trying to get something started. Wish I had got a mini. Still can I guess, just skeptical like others starting a new adventure.
I was working full time about a year and half ago and I sat down with the wife and talked about this situation. I had more side work then I could handle in the evening and weekends. I had the understanding when I hired on with me previous employer that this time might come. I jumped on in with a grey market 120 Hitachi excavator and a farm tractor.
Now I have a D5G,pc210 a c60 dump truck, a new trailer to pull a rental pc45 on. I also have a D3 sitting in my shop. Just need the time to finish putting back together.
Live it breath it eat it. Business Life 😁
Great advice! If it's going to be, it's up to me. Got some catching up to do, so thanks for the motivation to keep it going!
For sure pal
As, someone else said, I basically Never watch a video twice - But, this one I did - And, made notes from what all you said... And, from some of the comments also... Besides being motivational, this is some of the Best/Good Advice, when it comes to When to Go Full Time... Plus, really good pointers in running a successful and profitable business... Thanks...!
Thanks for commenting🙏🏻. Hopefully it helps in your own venture one day
Very good..
🙏🏻
I feel like this was directed at me. 😂🤷♂️. Thanks for the encouragement!
Just for you pal...and maybe a couple other folks
I just bought a tractor with a brush cutter , do you have a bid video for this kind of implement to make extra money
Here ya go
ua-cam.com/video/wN4uD6zWWCs/v-deo.html
Thank you so much
What can you tell us about business license? Insurance for a single person operation.. Equipment. New or used? Credit rating. Financing? Cash on hand. Auctions selling equipment? Thank you for the information, Ken
I like to hear his response on this to good question
You’re “suppose “ to have a contractor’s license in NC if a single job pays $30k or more. I would buy new when possible. Finance at low interest rate. Keep your cash on hand
Great advise: Wish I'd started my own business, but I had a very successful military career.
Where do i start? I can operate a machine and really enjoy doing it but dont know bidding and knowing what to do on every job
He has alot of videos on bidding. This guy is great and shows everything
hey Toad. How do you go about buying equipment. I want to buy an excavator most likely buying a used one but I'm not sure what to look at besides the hours. Any advice and tips would be helpful. Awesome videos!
Responsiveness to control inputs and make sure pins and business are tight
For some, and myself including, it's not the loss of wages, it's the medical insurance...heck I know I can make it without my current jobs pay.
Worth checking with an independent agent. We were quoted just $14 more per month than what my wife’s employer plan offered.
Great info Todd. I'm right there at that point of wanting to go full time. Got most of the equipment and doing side work. Can you give advise on advertising. I did read through the comments and like the idea of hitting up bigger companies for small jobs they don't want to mess with. Thanks
You worded this perfectly. It drives me crazy when ppl who have never ran a business try to give advice lol. When your steady income is the same amount of your day job plus expenses plus money for the tax man...then you can go full time if you wish (in my opinion of course lol)
Yes sir
how did you get jour first couple of jobs when you started?
I posted a vid tonight about it
I cut them before they cut me and retired at 57 after 26 yrs. Everything u said is true. You need to make your own destiny...if possible. Big companies are the worst these days and no postion is safe. They look at how much u cost the company and then go from there even if its not the best business decision because its the bottom line to them.
That’s a fact
being laid off from covid has made the leap a lot easier for me
LOL, while you were out there bustin your butt, he was at the shop making buddy buddy with the managers. I've bought my excavator, trailer and dump truck. But I plan to move out of state before i start a business. Now I need my CDL so I can drive my truck. But I have a good paying job in the oil field, but it is always possible for it to go away. Not sure if I want to start part time business here and then leave the state or just wait until I move.
You’ll make right choice
@axe609 If you have some extra time and you have the equipment, then why not start working? Then you’ll better yourself to take off running full force in a new area.
Starting out what’s the best why to spend money on advertisement
Word of mouth pound the pavement introducing your self to builders and contractors. When you’re small cash is better than spending on advertising. Your time however is there every day. I’ve been going 8 years and the little I have spent on advertising has really not produced anything.
Good advice thanks
I agree with Joe Miller just do good work people will keep telling others and you’ll be covered up. God bless
Every area is different. It’s hard to say
Rarely do I watch a video twice. Put this category in a motivational video category. Thanks for talking about your personal experience. I have a question too. When you were a truck driver, an employee 2008, how much skills and knowledge about today's business did you have? I mean, how much did you need to learn new things to accomplice the level you have right now? Do you have more in depth video about how you started your own business after got fired?
I posted a video tonight that touched on my startup
Good advice!
🙏🏻
I would add this.. Study yourself and the environment where you work; if your present work/life influencers promote 'slick' and deceptive behaviors, and if you carry even a sliver this attitude into a business start-up, your venture is probably doomed from the get-go.
Well put Terry
PS: People need to realize its not just your wages u make its all the other things the company pays for u such as SS, medicare, medical etc. that becomes what u really cost a company.
Good points
You were cut (from the rental place) because you were a threat to those in your immediate management structure.
👌
First