Wow that's young, I'm a 3rd generation concretor. My family was all union members and were always scared to go on own and loose benefits and retirement. It took me until late 2 years ago, I was 30 and it's been great so rewarding, just hard finding good reliable help
That's awesome, I know it's a scary decision to leave the comfort of a paycheck and benefits sometimes. You just have to believe in yourself and make it happen. It's much more rewarding!
@@MikeDayConcrete hey mike men I want to get into the concrete business and I’m 20 from Detroit, Michigan, and I want to know the first step to starting to become a a concrete contractor
Hey Tyler. I'm actually interested in starting my own concrete business. I own an agency that offers Brand Architecture, Logos, websites, etc. so if you'd be interested in helping me and kind of mentor me and how to get started, I can provide some of my services to you for free in exchange. I can give you my email if you are interested or you can send me a link to your socials and I can hit you up there. Thanks. I live in Texas by the way.
im finishing my apprenticeship in brick and block this year but so keen to learn more about concrete work, specially cause is related. best channel here, no chit chat.
I pour concrete every day , and love watching your videos and your back round/ how you started ! I don’t learn much I just enjoy the content . Thank you for taking the time to do so.
I am a concrete guy as well. How I got my start was just about the same as yours. Like I tell everyone I am strong enough to do the work and dumb enough to keep coming back every day. As the years go by I realize there are worse ways to make a living. I love concert and will do it till I can’t do it no more.
I learned how to finish in Michigan now I got my own thing going on in Georgia. 2 different worlds I lost my first pad down here. I could pour 6 yards easy in the cool Michigan weather but in savannah georgia it's way too hot. Lesson learned. It makes me feel better knowing you made mistakes and had to fix them. I have to grind down and resurface the pad!!!!
@Mike Day Concrete: Thnx Mike, love Ur vids. I especially like the part where U talk about the encouragement U got. I know how important that is because I grew up in so much negativity and that kept me back from doing things for decades. Positivity is everything caus without it U dont even try.
Mike from all your videos, we can sure tell your a hardworker, down to earth honest person , and do some real great videos. , that even guys in the trade pick up new , or better ideas. On how to do things. , thanks mike , keep em coming
Mike, how you doin.. I’m four years doing concrete. It’s a job I keep getting better at and one that I’m never tired of and always look forward to going to. I’ve been a skilled laborer in just about every aspect of construction, but it’s concrete that I find myself more or less built for. I know I need to get my own company going. I don’t know how, and it just might kill me to be sitting down for any length of time during the day if I know there’s a hole I can dig or a coctrete slab I could be busting out and throwing into a dump truck. In other words, I’m not an office guy. Seems like you might be made from the same cloth as me, so to speak. How is it running a business insofar as daily operations and such. A day of concrete is a damn good day for me. Would a day of running my concrete business be better? Anything you might want to say on that is appreciated. Thanks either way, Mike. You’re a good dude.
Yes i’am Lee’s Concrete Construction out of Madison, IN. And I can relate I know how to do the work and get up. I started when I was 24. I started with my grandpa when I was 12 every summer. And then I took off on my own. And I could use some business strategies.
Just started my concrete business , I actually named it cement finishing ! But I’m happy with the name for now eventually I will change it to concrete finishing 😂 but I’m super excited
This is why I'm here, stumbled upon your channel by chance. I've run crews and even been at the point where I was bidding/organizing/setting up/ pouring/ finishing & putting hours in basically running the ship. All for other guys that eventually either bury there company or completely screw over everyone around them only increasing there own wealth and well being. The current company I work for out west is great but basically starting over building a reputation which is going good but my summer fall work in the east the company has many many issues stemming from the top down. I'm in a position that I could break off potentially after a few recent side stamp work that caught the eyes of a good size builder In the area. Offering me work to bid on and do , the way I look at it if I'm not like all these knuckleheads younger then me that suddenly never have boots on and I actually work and mostly solo as much as possible to start I could cover my costs and potential losses and not effect my families well being.
-Great advice Mike. I went the other, ‘comfortable’ route. I made good money, but it’s never as profitable working for someone else as it is being your own boss. I will say though, it takes a certain kind of person to run their own business. You must be a self-motivated person and after you start to see some profits roll in, don’t let up. Let that be your motivation to go at it even harder. -Where did you get that right-handed drive Ford truck? 😉
You're right, self-motivated, driven, never quit kind of attitude are all qualities you need. If it weren't for that one guy seeing those things in me and motivating me I wonder where I'd be today.
I have done concrete work for myself like for sheds and sidewalks. I had a rental house and I wanted to put in a driveway 21' x 70'. 3 Concrete trucks show up all at once 3 hours late. They didn't bring any extra shoots, the first load set in less than 30 minutes before we could finish it and the 2nd truck started. In about an hour you could walk on it. I should have taken it to a lab and had it tested, they swear they didn't add calcium chloride to the mix. It looks ok like it rained on it. I was livid that day. Nice cool day in the shade. I've poured concrete in the past and came back several hours later and it still hadn't set. They did say that when it sets quick there is less chance of it ever cracking.
Man, that was a tough break, but at least you were able to salvage it to an extent. When you made the order for the concrete, did you tell the dispatcher to space the trucks at a certain amount of time? i.e. 10 minute spacing, 20 minute, 60 minute? It actually sounds like it was the drivers fault and maybe they all stopped at 7-11 and took a coffee break together at your expense.
They might have loaded on top of an already hot balance. That can kick start all of the fresh mud. One company used to do it to us all the time. Then the drivers started to tell me they had a balance that was around 2 hours old
I’m 23 and my wife’s dad is very skilled in tons on construction type jobs and has some equipment. I’m tired of working for company’s making 20-25 a hour I’d rather start a business together thanks for sharing !
ive been working with concrete right out of highschool. my father has a decorative concrete business and two of my brothers work for him still. I have 20yrs on the field, and want to open a business, but its so hard to find experienced concrete helpers.
@@cameronoverfield8764 Good I loved to meet new people and get to know each other with time and patience . Do you mind suggesting any means we can talk off here more often if you don't mind?
Thanks for all you info that you share, has been very helpful to me... By the way, like what you did with your website, nice and clean pleasant to the eye... Slick!
Hey mike, I’m a 22 year old finisher for a commercial concrete company. I’m a 4th generation concrete finisher been doing it for about 6 yrs now and the thought of creating my own residential concrete company has always been my goal eventually. However how much money would you suggest to startup with? And best way to beat local competition with bidding? Thanks for the video
-Great questions. When you tally up all the costs you can think of to start up your new business, take that number and multiply it times 4. That should get you pretty close to a good start up dollar amount. I’m not even kidding. -As far as winning bids over the ‘other guy’, here’s some advice from a guy who was always in the market to HIRE concrete finishers. Don’t try to just meet your clients expectations, strive to go above and beyond. For example - If you have a little down-time on a job, like waiting for the concrete to set a little. Help the contractor out with, maybe a little cleanup on the job. They’ll LOVE you for it! Or, strive to do your contract work as completely as possible with out getting a ‘call back’. And if you do have to go back and complete something, tell them you’ll be there right away. And do it! -The more aggravation you can save the contractor, the more likely he will be to use you over the ‘other guy’. Guaranteed!
psidvicious is very close. You dont have to multiply by 4 but at least 2. You wanna make sure you do work with contracts written also because there are some shady people around. You never want to start a job without a down payment of around 60%. At least when you are the one buying the concrete. That way if they decide for what ever reason they dont want to pay you, you can still pay for the mud and payroll. Hope this helps
@@aarongrabowski5620 The reason I chose 4 as the multiplier was because most contractors pay on a monthly basis (there are exceptions). So above all else, you want to make sure you can meet your payroll and get your men paid.
@@aarongrabowski5620 @Dominic - You should be aware that if you’ve signed a contract with a company that says, you are going to pay for the materials (the concrete), don’t expect them to give you a down payment for it. You won’t get paid for the concrete (or anything else) until it’s time to turn in your ‘draw’ for that month. You likely can work out a deal with the contractor that lets him pay for the concrete but the more responsibility you are willing to assume on a job, the more attractive your sub-contract will be.
psidvicious i get what you are saying. However most of that stuff comes into play if you are doing commercial work. At least in my are. So that is why i was telling him not to START until a 60%balance is paid. Not just check, but cleared check. Btw good luck if you go on your own. Wont be easy, but u will learn alot really quick. Sometimes the hard way. Concrete work is hard work when it goes perfect. So when trouble comes up, which it will, it gets even harder
Hey I been in concrete for a long while and I’ve been interested in actually heating learning and getting into running my own business as well for concrete but I don’t really have a clue where to start and I ran into your videos here on UA-cam and was wanting to see if you can give me a hint on how and where to start learning more about running a concrete business
Almost 17 years experience here. The hourly pay is around $28hr in my city, which is $20hr less than what I really need. And these companies aren't giving out raises at all because they think if people make decent money they won't come back to work. It's really wild how they think, amd trust me they do think like that.
Mike, your story talks about bravery, and I’m sure your intentions are good but, you have covered being brave and no much more. Try helping us with these: How do you recruit for employees. What are bad employees for that trade? Young old? How many workers? Equipment? Thank you!
Starting out my own this year. I started out at 20, and 8 years later decided to go on my own. This will be my first season, but I'm nervous due to lack of customer base. Word of mouth is all I've had for advertisement, and I'm a 1 man crew as of now. I live in Indiana, and obviously it should be slow right now. But how do I obtain steady job flow?
Hi Mike, I recently started my own business and am struggling getting organized. I could definitely use some help on the business end. We do great work but my Dad passed away before he could really teach how to run the business. Let me know if you can help! Thanks Mike
Hey Mike I've been watching your videos for about a year now and I have a question about getting started what license and insurance is required to start something small would be doing it on my own with maybe one other guy helping and how do I go about getting those things any information you can provide me would be helpful thank you!
Hey I'm in northern MN so its winter here now but this upcoming season I have quit my job as heavy equipment operator, bought everything I need and me and my brother are going to start our own concrete buisness, we are very nervous about getting enough work, what are some pointers to getting jobs and how to get connected more in that world. Thank you
If it's like any other business your word of mouth will be your biggest asset! I did wedding photography for years with no advertising and was too busy! Biggest key is do good work, treat people fairly and if you make a boo boo make it right.
@@jeffdeluca1153 Good advice Jeff. @Dominic Marin had just about the same question in this comments thread and I replied to him with what I thought would be some good ‘start-up’ advice. Good luck! 👍
Getting work at first can be challenging. Go meet with your local ready-mix dispatchers. Tell them who you are and ask for some connections. They know a lot of contractors. Then call or go meet with some of them. It only takes one and then the quality of your work and word of mouth will spread from there. Having a website with pics and local SEO will be really helpful also.
Mike Day Everything About Concrete have you found that you have got much work from a website. We get work only by word of mouth. Had a website for years. Its a dusty place
Hello Mister Mike. We appreciate your great content! On the another side: what would you do being a woman in this industry, starting fresh, with not a big portfolio and not much equipment? Thank you for your help
Hey Mike I appreciate the video. I plan on starting my own business in a few months. Is there anyway you could give me some guidance. I would really appreciate it. Thank you again.
I'm a 4th year apprentice with local 538 OPCMIA. In 2 months I journey out. I want to start my own concrete business after I finish school. What should I do now to help prepare for my first year.
@@MikeDayConcrete I’ve got a 12x18 patio coming up and the budget is low. I’m 19 and new to finishing so this process needs to be planned well. I actually have a couple questions is there another way I could communicate that to you?
Cool video I'm still trying too go on my oun,been doing since 15 I'm 41 now just went through a 17 year marriage ended in divorce! Maybe it will come too!
I am 23 and have been running a stone masonry business with my sister. We went on our own 2 years ago and work has been good but do you have any advice for how to grow more?
Whats the top 5 steps to starting out? I already have 19 years in concrete, done just about everything. Now im thinking its time to branch off on my own.
Hi name Franki I’m really trying to start my own business and I figure out I want to do concrete but I really need help getting started and figure out how to run a busy as well
Hello Mike. I have never poured concrete before, I want to start learning the trade. Is there any material I can use to learn the different techniques? Eventually, I want to run my own jobs. Thanks for the videos.
I own 2 of them and they work great for me. It really helps with sealing of the concrete when bull floating. I live in SD and the wind blows here all the time. Now that we use a rattle stick we hardly need or use aqua film which helps the concrete surface from drying to fast. I also now crews up here that don't care for them. My crew loves them. We use then in every exterior pour we do.
Hey make !! What do u think about concrete pumping business! I m in the trucking industry! But thinking of selling my trucks and getting a concrete pump truck ! … do u think it’s profitable ? Thanks
Hi mike . I wanted to learn a little more on stamp and exposed , do you do a lot of these kinds of jobs or prefer just doing more regular concrete jobs?
My husband is looking to start his own concrete company and has been doing concrete over 15+ years. He is tired of making someone else rich off the sweat of his own back. We have an idea on how to get started but not sure about some of the other aspects on the "business" part of things. How can I reach out to you to speak further about mentoring?
Mike I love your content it’s really helped me stay motivated I’m 24 and started my concrete company this year it’s a grind but I love the journey it’s taking me in. Is there anyway I can talk to you? I’d like to learn from your experience
I'm trying to help my husband start his own business. He has been in concrete his whole life and he is 37. What advice could you give me to help get this off the ground? I'm currently working on a business plan. Alot of this is confusing to me as I have always been just a bystander.
I'm trying to partner up with someone in the next 2 years. My boss is retiring but i've only been doing it like 2 years but ya im gonna get your vids on pricing and then try to convert to Canadian dollars. I know how to do a job its just the pricing and estimating that scares me. I hear these big prices and i am a cheap guy lol My boss also drives a 100k truck n looks more professional and looks matter. Im in my 30's but got a baby face just gotta get more confident
Hey Mike im a 38 yo insurance adjuster living in Nevada. I want to start my own concrete business. How do you sugesst i start? I already have my ACI field grade I
Hey Mike I’m looking to start my own concrete business. If you have a some time I’d like to pick your brain to avoid some mistakes and grow into a successful business. Thank you
Hey Mike! I'm a big fan. I started pouring concrete the same way you did with my father-in-law in 1996. I have since worked for two other companies and I am now 41 and I'm thinking of quitting and starting my own concrete company because I miss it. In your opinion what are the three most important purchases when starting a concrete company.
If you can give me some advice it would be great. I want to go out and sell jobs and have a 3 or 4 man crew getting my jobs done. However I'm having trouble figuring out what I should pay guys and if I do pay them a certain wage what if the job goes longer and I don't make any profit for myself? I'm also to worried guys that I hire won't do the job correctly and I have the tendency to stay on the job and bust my ass harder then I should while having 3 other guys on the job who should be doing what I am doing. Any advice would be great
Hi, My husband is starting his own business and I really want to help him marketing or any way possible, from your experience what would you advise would be the most helpful way to help him?
Hey man I ven watching ur videos a lot and 5 months ago I started my own business,and I’m having same problem.I m or hot to order concrete and do the work but the business side of if is all new idk much ,I would have ton questions, reach out if you see this ,appreciate your time
I watched this for information... I got zero of what I wanted. Can you please give us a better understanding of how you started the business and what you needed to know. Im struggling... Im Jobless... but I feel like this work field could help me majorly. I got 2 kids and a wife I love and I feel like I'm gonna lose them soon if I don't do anything good with my life.. I want to be a better father. I have the drive... I just need to know what to do. I know about measuring etc.. I need major help with starting a business tho. Any useful information helps. Did this job do any good for you're life to this day... I just want a happy family.. im honest.. im open to anything. Thanks ...
I just started a 400' sidewalk in the backyard of a client. Out of 400' there is only a 20' spot and a 40' spot that is straight. So used hardboard to form it all up. Any suggestions that would help will be greatly appreciated.
Craig what we do is buy 4x8 sheets of pvc board from Lowe’s or Home Depot and cut into 4 inch strips. They are very flexible and you can reuse them over and over again.
Hi my husband would like to start running his own business in the same area as yourself, concrete driveways etc. To start a business for this kind of role are qualifications of such required. He knows the job and has had jobs given to him in the past but now wants to start his own venture. Please could you help/advise. Thanks.
concrete is not regulated, you dont need a special license to start a business, just go sell jobs and either do the work or sub the work, nothing hard about it
I started my own concrete business this year , have a few bigger jobs under my belt now , but have started to slow down drastically. I advertise mostly through Facebook ads does anyone have any tips on advertising really needing to pick this stuff up !
Hey! Do you have a email? We just did our first big pour, thanks to your videos and inspiration. I’d love to send you a couple pics for you to critique. Thanks
Hi Mike I'm interested in the private channel I'm looking for good advice because I'm starting up my own company and am willing to take in all advice and put to practice!
Wow that's young, I'm a 3rd generation concretor. My family was all union members and were always scared to go on own and loose benefits and retirement. It took me until late 2 years ago, I was 30 and it's been great so rewarding, just hard finding good reliable help
That's awesome, I know it's a scary decision to leave the comfort of a paycheck and benefits sometimes. You just have to believe in yourself and make it happen. It's much more rewarding!
@@MikeDayConcrete I'm looking for a mentor please email me @cgar.2012@gmail.com
@@MikeDayConcrete hey mike men I want to get into the concrete business and I’m 20 from Detroit, Michigan, and I want to know the first step to starting to become a a concrete contractor
You can fund your own retirement fund. The union likes to steal pension money. They stole mine
The union is trash.
Hey man, I really enjoy your videos! Owned my own concrete business for five years now and still going strong. Keep up the great work!
Hey Tyler. I'm actually interested in starting my own concrete business. I own an agency that offers Brand Architecture, Logos, websites, etc. so if you'd be interested in helping me and kind of mentor me and how to get started, I can provide some of my services to you for free in exchange. I can give you my email if you are interested or you can send me a link to your socials and I can hit you up there. Thanks. I live in Texas by the way.
im finishing my apprenticeship in brick and block this year but so keen to learn more about concrete work, specially cause is related. best channel here, no chit chat.
I pour concrete every day , and love watching your videos and your back round/ how you started ! I don’t learn much I just enjoy the content . Thank you for taking the time to do so.
I am a concrete guy as well. How I got my start was just about the same as yours. Like I tell everyone I am strong enough to do the work and dumb enough to keep coming back every day. As the years go by I realize there are worse ways to make a living. I love concert and will do it till I can’t do it no more.
As a Jamaican watching your channel I’ve gain a lot of knowledge. Looking forward to your assistance and coaching.
I learned how to finish in Michigan now I got my own thing going on in Georgia. 2 different worlds I lost my first pad down here. I could pour 6 yards easy in the cool Michigan weather but in savannah georgia it's way too hot. Lesson learned. It makes me feel better knowing you made mistakes and had to fix them. I have to grind down and resurface the pad!!!!
Thank you for share with everybody your experience, and I really want begin my own concrete business and I appreciate all help you can give me!
you have great talent in the placer finishing which definitely can set you apart. excellent product
@Mike Day Concrete: Thnx Mike, love Ur vids. I especially like the part where U talk about the encouragement U got.
I know how important that is because I grew up in so much negativity and that kept me back from doing things for decades.
Positivity is everything caus without it U dont even try.
Your Number One Mike ...
Hey Mike...
Great video and encouragement! With corporate America so uncertain today it's good to see entrepreneurship is alive and well! Thank you
@Hello Jeff DeLuca, How are you doing?
Mike from all your videos, we can sure tell your a hardworker, down to earth honest person , and do some real great videos. , that even guys in the trade pick up new , or better ideas. On how to do things. , thanks mike , keep em coming
Wow yes sir
I'm going thru that something right now THANKS👍👍👍
Good luck!
Mike, how you doin.. I’m four years doing concrete. It’s a job I keep getting better at and one that I’m never tired of and always look forward to going to. I’ve been a skilled laborer in just about every aspect of construction, but it’s concrete that I find myself more or less built for. I know I need to get my own company going. I don’t know how, and it just might kill me to be sitting down for any length of time during the day if I know there’s a hole I can dig or a coctrete slab I could be busting out and throwing into a dump truck. In other words, I’m not an office guy. Seems like you might be made from the same cloth as me, so to speak. How is it running a business insofar as daily operations and such. A day of concrete is a damn good day for me. Would a day of running my concrete business be better? Anything you might want to say on that is appreciated. Thanks either way, Mike. You’re a good dude.
very generous of you to give back this way!
Yes i’am Lee’s Concrete Construction out of Madison, IN. And I can relate I know how to do the work and get up. I started when I was 24. I started with my grandpa when I was 12 every summer. And then I took off on my own. And I could use some business strategies.
Just started my concrete business , I actually named it cement finishing ! But I’m happy with the name for now eventually I will change it to concrete finishing 😂 but I’m super excited
This is why I'm here, stumbled upon your channel by chance. I've run crews and even been at the point where I was bidding/organizing/setting up/ pouring/ finishing & putting hours in basically running the ship. All for other guys that eventually either bury there company or completely screw over everyone around them only increasing there own wealth and well being. The current company I work for out west is great but basically starting over building a reputation which is going good but my summer fall work in the east the company has many many issues stemming from the top down. I'm in a position that I could break off potentially after a few recent side stamp work that caught the eyes of a good size builder In the area. Offering me work to bid on and do , the way I look at it if I'm not like all these knuckleheads younger then me that suddenly never have boots on and I actually work and mostly solo as much as possible to start I could cover my costs and potential losses and not effect my families well being.
You seem like a good dude mike!I appreciate all your videos
Thank you for the advice sir!!
-Great advice Mike. I went the other, ‘comfortable’ route. I made good money, but it’s never as profitable working for someone else as it is being your own boss. I will say though, it takes a certain kind of person to run their own business. You must be a self-motivated person and after you start to see some profits roll in, don’t let up. Let that be your motivation to go at it even harder.
-Where did you get that right-handed drive Ford truck? 😉
You're right, self-motivated, driven, never quit kind of attitude are all qualities you need. If it weren't for that one guy seeing those things in me and motivating me I wonder where I'd be today.
I have done concrete work for myself like for sheds and sidewalks. I had a rental house and I wanted to put in a driveway 21' x 70'. 3 Concrete trucks show up all at once 3 hours late. They didn't bring any extra shoots, the first load set in less than 30 minutes before we could finish it and the 2nd truck started. In about an hour you could walk on it. I should have taken it to a lab and had it tested, they swear they didn't add calcium chloride to the mix. It looks ok like it rained on it. I was livid that day. Nice cool day in the shade. I've poured concrete in the past and came back several hours later and it still hadn't set. They did say that when it sets quick there is less chance of it ever cracking.
Man, that was a tough break, but at least you were able to salvage it to an extent.
When you made the order for the concrete, did you tell the dispatcher to space the trucks at a certain amount of time?
i.e. 10 minute spacing, 20 minute, 60 minute? It actually sounds like it was the drivers fault and maybe they all stopped at 7-11 and took a coffee break together at your expense.
They might have loaded on top of an already hot balance. That can kick start all of the fresh mud. One company used to do it to us all the time. Then the drivers started to tell me they had a balance that was around 2 hours old
@@aarongrabowski5620 Wow, I never heard of that but looking back on some of my experiences, I’m wondering now if that’s what happened to me. 🤔
Thanks for giving back..waiting on the details of your private channel
You're welcome, It's in the works now.
I’m 23 and my wife’s dad is very skilled in tons on construction type jobs and has some equipment. I’m tired of working for company’s making 20-25 a hour I’d rather start a business together thanks for sharing !
Great video, thank you
You’re the best man 🥺😭♥️.
ive been working with concrete right out of highschool. my father has a decorative concrete business and two of my brothers work for him still. I have 20yrs on the field, and want to open a business, but its so hard to find experienced concrete helpers.
Awesome Video as usual!
Great video for newcomers and people that are it every day
Need the beginning steps to get started! Like you, how to do the work is all there, but need the info to initially get started.
^
I m interested in learning more
Damn great video mike. You are damn good concreter!
@Hello Cameron, How are you doing?
@@lydiaanderson3312 good and you?
@@cameronoverfield8764 Good I loved to meet new people and get to know each other with time and patience . Do you mind suggesting any means we can talk off here more often if you don't mind?
Experience means a lot I still do the best on every job!!
I've got a job Interview for a concrete job and I'm like lost cause I've never done anything with concrete. I hope it'll be good.
Hey ! Could you make a video about how to start up a business or send link of video if you have made one already 🙏
Thanks for all you info that you share, has been very helpful to me... By the way, like what you did with your website, nice and clean pleasant to the eye... Slick!
Hey mike, I’m a 22 year old finisher for a commercial concrete company. I’m a 4th generation concrete finisher been doing it for about 6 yrs now and the thought of creating my own residential concrete company has always been my goal eventually. However how much money would you suggest to startup with? And best way to beat local competition with bidding? Thanks for the video
-Great questions. When you tally up all the costs you can think of to start up your new business, take that number and multiply it times 4. That should get you pretty close to a good start up dollar amount. I’m not even kidding.
-As far as winning bids over the ‘other guy’, here’s some advice from a guy who was always in the market to HIRE concrete finishers. Don’t try to just meet your clients expectations, strive to go above and beyond. For example - If you have a little down-time on a job, like waiting for the concrete to set a little. Help the contractor out with, maybe a little cleanup on the job. They’ll LOVE you for it! Or, strive to do your contract work as completely as possible with out getting a ‘call back’. And if you do have to go back and complete something, tell them you’ll be there right away. And do it!
-The more aggravation you can save the contractor, the more likely he will be to use you over the ‘other guy’. Guaranteed!
psidvicious is very close. You dont have to multiply by 4 but at least 2. You wanna make sure you do work with contracts written also because there are some shady people around. You never want to start a job without a down payment of around 60%. At least when you are the one buying the concrete. That way if they decide for what ever reason they dont want to pay you, you can still pay for the mud and payroll. Hope this helps
@@aarongrabowski5620 The reason I chose 4 as the multiplier was because most contractors pay on a monthly basis (there are exceptions). So above all else, you want to make sure you can meet your payroll and get your men paid.
@@aarongrabowski5620 @Dominic - You should be aware that if you’ve signed a contract with a company that says, you are going to pay for the materials (the concrete), don’t expect them to give you a down payment for it. You won’t get paid for the concrete (or anything else) until it’s time to turn in your ‘draw’ for that month. You likely can work out a deal with the contractor that lets him pay for the concrete but the more responsibility you are willing to assume on a job, the more attractive your sub-contract will be.
psidvicious i get what you are saying. However most of that stuff comes into play if you are doing commercial work. At least in my are. So that is why i was telling him not to START until a 60%balance is paid. Not just check, but cleared check. Btw good luck if you go on your own. Wont be easy, but u will learn alot really quick. Sometimes the hard way. Concrete work is hard work when it goes perfect. So when trouble comes up, which it will, it gets even harder
Awesome video Mr Day, I hope the younger generation benefits from it.
Would u possibly do an upcoming video on pouring concrete up to an existing pour like a driveway. Love ur videos awesome tips!
I’m praying to go to school for it or have someone bless me and show me how to work
Hey I been in concrete for a long while and I’ve been interested in actually heating learning and getting into running my own business as well for concrete but I don’t really have a clue where to start and I ran into your videos here on UA-cam and was wanting to see if you can give me a hint on how and where to start learning more about running a concrete business
Roman, I can help you in The Concrete Underground: www.everything-about-concrete.com/concrete-courses.html
Almost 17 years experience here. The hourly pay is around $28hr in my city, which is $20hr less than what I really need. And these companies aren't giving out raises at all because they think if people make decent money they won't come back to work. It's really wild how they think, amd trust me they do think like that.
Mike, your story talks about bravery, and I’m sure your intentions are good but, you have covered being brave and no much more. Try helping us with these:
How do you recruit for employees.
What are bad employees for that trade?
Young old?
How many workers?
Equipment?
Thank you!
^
Starting out my own this year. I started out at 20, and 8 years later decided to go on my own. This will be my first season, but I'm nervous due to lack of customer base. Word of mouth is all I've had for advertisement, and I'm a 1 man crew as of now. I live in Indiana, and obviously it should be slow right now. But how do I obtain steady job flow?
How do you get licenced/bonded
I like your videos
Hi Mike, I recently started my own business and am struggling getting organized. I could definitely use some help on the business end. We do great work but my Dad passed away before he could really teach how to run the business. Let me know if you can help! Thanks Mike
Hey Mike I've been watching your videos for about a year now and I have a question about getting started what license and insurance is required to start something small would be doing it on my own with maybe one other guy helping and how do I go about getting those things any information you can provide me would be helpful thank you!
Hey I'm in northern MN so its winter here now but this upcoming season I have quit my job as heavy equipment operator, bought everything I need and me and my brother are going to start our own concrete buisness, we are very nervous about getting enough work, what are some pointers to getting jobs and how to get connected more in that world.
Thank you
If it's like any other business your word of mouth will be your biggest asset! I did wedding photography for years with no advertising and was too busy! Biggest key is do good work, treat people fairly and if you make a boo boo make it right.
@@jeffdeluca1153 Good advice Jeff. @Dominic Marin had just about the same question in this comments thread and I replied to him with what I thought would be some good ‘start-up’ advice.
Good luck! 👍
Getting work at first can be challenging. Go meet with your local ready-mix dispatchers. Tell them who you are and ask for some connections. They know a lot of contractors. Then call or go meet with some of them. It only takes one and then the quality of your work and word of mouth will spread from there. Having a website with pics and local SEO will be really helpful also.
Mike Day Everything About Concrete have you found that you have got much work from a website. We get work only by word of mouth. Had a website for years. Its a dusty place
Hello Mister Mike. We appreciate your great content!
On the another side: what would you do being a woman in this industry, starting fresh, with not a big portfolio and not much equipment?
Thank you for your help
Hey Mike I appreciate the video. I plan on starting my own business in a few months. Is there anyway you could give me some guidance. I would really appreciate it. Thank you again.
how much money did it cost to start it up
I'm a 4th year apprentice with local 538 OPCMIA. In 2 months I journey out. I want to start my own concrete business after I finish school. What should I do now to help prepare for my first year.
Any advice for someone who has no experience and wants to start from scratch?
Hey mike. Just started my concrete business and was wondering if you could give me some tips. Please let me know
That's great Dayten! What kinds of things specifically?
@@MikeDayConcrete I’ve got a 12x18 patio coming up and the budget is low. I’m 19 and new to finishing so this process needs to be planned well. I actually have a couple questions is there another way I could communicate that to you?
Cool video I'm still trying too go on my oun,been doing since 15 I'm 41 now just went through a 17 year marriage ended in divorce! Maybe it will come too!
I am 23 and have been running a stone masonry business with my sister. We went on our own 2 years ago and work has been good but do you have any advice for how to grow more?
Whats the top 5 steps to starting out? I already have 19 years in concrete, done just about everything. Now im thinking its time to branch off on my own.
Thank you sir
Hi name Franki I’m really trying to start my own business and I figure out I want to do concrete but I really need help getting started and figure out how to run a busy as well
Hello Mike. I have never poured concrete before, I want to start learning the trade. Is there any material I can use to learn the different techniques?
Eventually, I want to run my own jobs.
Thanks for the videos.
Check out my training courses in the description of my newer videos.
have u tried the "rattle-stick" it makes ur floats vibrate, its on battery platform too. love to hear ur input
I haven't, if they want to send me one I'll try it and make a video about it.
I own 2 of them and they work great for me. It really helps with sealing of the concrete when bull floating. I live in SD and the wind blows here all the time. Now that we use a rattle stick we hardly need or use aqua film which helps the concrete surface from drying to fast. I also now crews up here that don't care for them. My crew loves them. We use then in every exterior pour we do.
Hey make !! What do u think about concrete pumping business! I m in the trucking industry! But thinking of selling my trucks and getting a concrete pump truck ! … do u think it’s profitable ? Thanks
Hi mike . I wanted to learn a little more on stamp and exposed , do you do a lot of these kinds of jobs or prefer just doing more regular concrete jobs?
My husband is looking to start his own concrete company and has been doing concrete over 15+ years. He is tired of making someone else rich off the sweat of his own back. We have an idea on how to get started but not sure about some of the other aspects on the "business" part of things. How can I reach out to you to speak further about mentoring?
I will definitely need your help! will contact you soon, I love concrete jobs.
Os Angie list recomendable?
Mike I love your content it’s really helped me stay motivated I’m 24 and started my concrete company this year it’s a grind but I love the journey it’s taking me in. Is there anyway I can talk to you? I’d like to learn from your experience
How did you start?
He already failed at it. You don't start a concrete company at 24 with no experience.
I am a subscriber. I have a question on forming and placing mud for a hillside j ditch and vee ditch. You know anything about that or can refer me.?
Sorry, I've never done that before. Wish I could be of more help.
I'm trying to help my husband start his own business. He has been in concrete his whole life and he is 37. What advice could you give me to help get this off the ground? I'm currently working on a business plan. Alot of this is confusing to me as I have always been just a bystander.
I'm trying to partner up with someone in the next 2 years. My boss is retiring but i've only been doing it like 2 years but ya im gonna get your vids on pricing and then try to convert to Canadian dollars. I know how to do a job its just the pricing and estimating that scares me. I hear these big prices and i am a cheap guy lol My boss also drives a 100k truck n looks more professional and looks matter. Im in my 30's but got a baby face just gotta get more confident
Hey Mike im a 38 yo insurance adjuster living in Nevada. I want to start my own concrete business. How do you sugesst i start? I already have my ACI field grade I
How doin get leads ? Angie list ?
Thanks sir, where are you from? And now can you tell me concrete salery?
How do I find work ? Nowadays a lot of marketing online, what’s your opinion?
Mike,
Just closed my sending hand business... I have some rentals and decently handy.. is 38 to old to start and get good at concrete?
Hey Mike I’m looking to start my own concrete business. If you have a some time I’d like to pick your brain to avoid some mistakes and grow into a successful business. Thank you
Are you licensed? If so how did you managed to obtain it.
Hey Mike! I'm a big fan.
I started pouring concrete the same way you did with my father-in-law in 1996. I have since worked for two other companies and I am now 41 and I'm thinking of quitting and starting my own concrete company because I miss it. In your opinion what are the three most important purchases when starting a concrete company.
^
I started my own concrete company and wanted to see if you have time to chat a bit and get some good advice
If you can give me some advice it would be great. I want to go out and sell jobs and have a 3 or 4 man crew getting my jobs done. However I'm having trouble figuring out what I should pay guys and if I do pay them a certain wage what if the job goes longer and I don't make any profit for myself? I'm also to worried guys that I hire won't do the job correctly and I have the tendency to stay on the job and bust my ass harder then I should while having 3 other guys on the job who should be doing what I am doing. Any advice would be great
Hi, My husband is starting his own business and I really want to help him marketing or any way possible, from your experience what would you advise would be the most helpful way to help him?
Hey man I ven watching ur videos a lot and 5 months ago I started my own business,and I’m having same problem.I m or hot to order concrete and do the work but the business side of if is all new idk much ,I would have ton questions, reach out if you see this ,appreciate your time
Do you have to take an exam to obtain the license for it?
In Maine you don't, some states require a license and exam. Google your state and contractors license to find out.
My dream is to have my own concrete company I’m 17 years old senior in high school. Does anyone have any tips? Thanks
Hi Mike, have been watching your channel for a while now. What state are you located in?
I'm from Maine. And you?
What state do you do concrete?
I'm in Maine
How much would you say you need to start off the business?
I watched this for information...
I got zero of what I wanted. Can you please give us a better understanding of how you started the business and what you needed to know. Im struggling... Im Jobless... but I feel like this work field could help me majorly. I got 2 kids and a wife I love and I feel like I'm gonna lose them soon if I don't do anything good with my life.. I want to be a better father. I have the drive... I just need to know what to do. I know about measuring etc.. I need major help with starting a business tho. Any useful information helps. Did this job do any good for you're life to this day... I just want a happy family.. im honest.. im open to anything. Thanks ...
Is there any way we can talk I have so many questions! I am also a high that started in concrete and I'm 17 needing more information
I want to get in the concrete business & I would like help with how to start the business?
I just started a 400' sidewalk in the backyard of a client. Out of 400' there is only a 20' spot and a 40' spot that is straight. So used hardboard to form it all up. Any suggestions that would help will be greatly appreciated.
Craig what we do is buy 4x8 sheets of pvc board from Lowe’s or Home Depot and cut into 4 inch strips. They are very flexible and you can reuse them over and over again.
Hey mike I would like to buy my own concrete mix truck and deliver to customer. What do u think?
Hi my husband would like to start running his own business in the same area as yourself, concrete driveways etc. To start a business for this kind of role are qualifications of such required. He knows the job and has had jobs given to him in the past but now wants to start his own venture. Please could you help/advise. Thanks.
concrete is not regulated, you dont need a special license to start a business, just go sell jobs and either do the work or sub the work, nothing hard about it
I started my own concrete business this year , have a few bigger jobs under my belt now , but have started to slow down drastically. I advertise mostly through Facebook ads does anyone have any tips on advertising really needing to pick this stuff up !
call up other contractors and bid more jobs
Hey! Do you have a email? We just did our first big pour, thanks to your videos and inspiration. I’d love to send you a couple pics for you to critique. Thanks
Send to mikeday@everything-about-concrete.com
Mike Day Everything About Concrete having email trouble so I’ll send them tomorrow! Thank you
Mike Day Everything About Concrete hey I sent you a email!! Thanks
What i need is money to be a concrete contractor but its hard when you have a 1 1/2 yr old daugther and a wife that does not work
get ur wife to work! even if its paperwork to start a business! good luck to u
Definitely but remember there is no guarantee in life meaning easy path is not always the best path .
Hey i want to start my own business doing concrete, could you help me out brotha?
Hi Mike I'm interested in the private channel I'm looking for good advice because I'm starting up my own company and am willing to take in all advice and put to practice!
The private one is coming soon. I'm working on it every day. Did you sign up in the video description?