Question:
I would like to hear from any small business owners who managed to turn
their hobby/obsession into a full or part-time business. Other than full
service marina's, I haven't found that many small business types here
(NE Florida, SE Georgia). Is it worth taking the plunge?
My specialty is electrical/electronics, but am considering a " marine
handyman" type of business given the number of retiree's down here (NE Fl,
SE Ga)
Answer:
Many years ago, I had worked as a mechanic on heavy equiptment and plant
maintence. I hadn't pulled a wrench in years professionally and while
cruising, I saw a tug boat and a steele boat being built. It looked
interesting. So, I went up to the owner and told him that he looked like
he could use some help. He said no. I said that I was sure that there
were things that he hadn't time to do and I would do it for him. He asked
me what I could do. He had me rebuild several engines for him and the
next thing I knew, he was paying me to be engineer in his tug. I needed a
bigger boat, so I left and built my present boat and went to fl to retire.
Guess what? After building my boat, I tied up in a commercial fishing area
here in the fl keys. There was an old man who was working on putting an
engine in his boat and I couldn't stand it any more and went over to ask
if I could help him. He said no and that he had no money to pay me. I
said ok, Ill show you how to put an engine in and u show me some of your
good fishing spots. A deal was struck and by evening, we were test
running it. The manager of the fish house saw it and asked how much I
would charge to take care of their 3 boats. It wasn't long until I had a
fleet of shrimp boats to care for. Several years ago, I specialized in
smaller diesels and got a couple dealerships and a shop on the water.
Nothing was planned. If you just start helping people, if you are any
good, they will pay you..............so I guess, that is how you do it.
