I am interested in buying a small glass & door business. It comes with two well-trained employees - one install technician and one inside office manager.

Here's the catch. I've never installed a window in my life. Am I crazy to buy this business? Would you pros out there do it again, knowing what you know now? Are the trade winds favorable in these times?

Would appreciate some insight. Thx.

 

I would say, no... you're not crazy, but you better:

1). be a fast learner and a good salesmen
2). be sure the company isn't coming with some unknown liabilities, (debts or service related problems) and that it has a proven track record for turning a profit, and a customer list that can be tapped for more business.
3). be willing to learn from your installer and office help, instead of acting like their new "boss"
4). hope that those employees don't take off and leave you holding the bag!

 

Fast Learner - check
Good Salesman - about to find out
Willing to learn from employees - check
Employees willing to stay - working on that right now
no debt - check
service issues - need to look into
profitable - check (about 10% margin)
customer list - business is about 30 yrs old

Thanks for the feedback.

 

The promises of two employees don't really mean much. Either one could leave and start their own business at the drop of a hat. Then you end up with half of your staff and a competitor that knows your business and customers. It would be different if there more employees.

The employees will only teach you what they they want to and they can't teach experience.

30 years is only good for advertising if the man that built it up is gone.

It would be different if you had intimate knowledge and experience in the business. This kind of situation is usually bought for the asset value.

Dick

 

what brand window?
NO ADVERTISING

 

Jeld-Wen primarily, with some Marvin. Therma-tru doors.

The general location is in the northwest, not much more than a couple hundred miles from the factory. However, Milgard is about the same distance. Over time I would look into making a switch to avoid going head-on with Home Depot and another local large dealer.

 

kbox, Not bad products, don't worry about HD or Lowes they will make you busier with service calls on their top of the line products. :