Thumbtack Pro Q+A Series: Brian Cotter, Big Blue Carpentry

Tell me about your business. How did you get started as a carpenter?

I think I wanted to be a carpenter since I was about eight years old. I stayed on that path through middle and high school, and the went to college to get a degree in carpentry. When I graduated, there just weren't any jobs so I joined the Air Force and stayed in for a career. I retired after 23 years and then started my business as a carpenter.

When did you decide to start your own business? Was there a defining moment when you realized this was your path?

I found Thumbtack while I was looking for possible jobs, which is when I realized that I may be able to  do this long-term. It was inexpensive to get started, which was really helpful. Once I started lining up jobs, it just kept growing from there.

Tell me about the first job you took on as a professional carpenter? What was like it like to face your very first client? What did you learn?

To be honest, there have been so many customers, I really can’t remember my first one! My Air Force background helped me get my first couple clients. For 17 years, I did recruiting, which involves everything from sales to customer care and follow up. There, I did learn a huge life lesson - a contract is key. Anything verbal is not the way to do business.

What roadblocks do you continue to face today?

Each job presents its challenges but the single biggest is job budgeting. There is a fine line between estimating costs and keeping the cost within reason. I also am thoughtful about how I bid so I don’t underestimate, which helps avoid any issues with clients.

What do you wish you knew when you started your business?

How tough it would be to help customers understand the costs associated with my work. There is rarely trust between a contractor and customer until something built and complete. Without trust, everything is questioned - you need to work hard to build that trust from the start.

How do you stay competitive?

Mainly, I keep my labor rates down and do quality work. I also have built a small network for subcontractors that I trust. Lastly, I think ahead and bid on work that will keep me booked up for at least six months so I am not scrambling for work every couple of weeks.

Share a moment when you knew things were going to work out.

About two years ago, we had finally gotten to a point where we were paying our bills out of money we earned instead of having to dip into deposits from other jobs to get by. Knowing that we were able to do that meant we had gotten to a profitable point, and I knew I just needed to keep that going.

Was there a project or a moment when you stopped to reflect on what you have accomplished?

On the bigger projects such as garages, houses and sheds. I love to frame because it gives you immediate satisfaction seeing it go up.

What’s the biggest compliment you have received as an owner?

I communicate very well. I make it a point to keep my customers informed so they don’t ever feel like I am leaving them hanging.

What problem have you had to overcome as an owner, and how did you do it?

Having enough money and becoming profitable was the toughest. I put in a lot of long days and weekends to get jobs closed out so we could pay our bills to get to a point where we are profitable. It’s hard work, but always worth it.

What motivates you to keep at it day after day?

My desire to be my own boss. I was in recruiting for so long while in the Air Force and had to make so many decisions without the benefit of a supervisor being 20 feet away that now I am not sure I could work for someone else. I guess what it comes down to is, I want to succeed or fail on my own, and with that mindset, and in order to provide for my family, I have to succeed.

Who do you turn to when you have a question about how to run your business?

I might ask my mother who had a small business at one point, but there’s also Google! I am fortunate to have a loving and supporting wife and together we make the decisions for the business.

What advice do you have for other small business owners?

You will NEVER know everything and will make PLENTY of mistakes which is important. Without mistakes you don’t grow, and without growth you don’t learn. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try something new!

What’s the most unexpected benefit of being a business owner?

How easy it was to start up. Anyone can do it. It’s keeping it going that is the hard part. Lot’s money and time!

What is one tool in your toolbox you can’t live without?

Determination. Without there is no drive and no drive means failure.