So its no secret that going from one van where you're the owner operator to having multiple vans with employees is a headache. I would like to hear from those of you who did it and how hard was it? Any advice ? Im at the point where if I push and start getting any more business I may need to expand in some way. I do now between 18 and 22 jobs a week on my own. But i also realise that to have another van I would need to do at least 10 more jobs a week and I just don't know how long that would take to grow
I've said this before. Some of the responsibilities need to be delegated. Advertising, sales, office, the work itself, etc. If you are going to grow; all the different aspects of the business need to be addressed. You can do it all and stay smaller or you can grow and assign work to someone else.
I started by making lists for every aspect of my business like the ones I mentioned. Then I grouped the tasks as if I might assign some of those tasks to someone. I could assign some to me, and some to someone else.
You could assign the jobs to a good tech while you manage other aspects of the business; or you could hire an office person to do the office tasks, while you do the work.
The reality of this is that you will deal with employees that have a life and an opinion. Their opinion should only count if you say so, and they need to adjust their life around your schedule.
One of the best ways to address these issues is with an employee handbook. In it you let them know what to expect and what is expected. A good detailed outline on things from when to be at work to how to apply for time off to how to handle the customer, proper attire and so on. Starting pay to advancement to you name it. (literally).
Try to remember what most employees want. Big pay, short hours, lots of vacation and early retirement.
