My mid life crisis

[Barton]

Two years ago I quit a 90K+ a year office job, bought a house in Saskatchewan renovated and flipped it for a decent profit. I've been in the renovation industry ever since and love it. In December my employer laid me off so I could go and renovate an old farm house. Work hasn't picked up for him since that time so I started my own renovation company and have managed to keep myself busy. I know starting a business in the middle of a recession is a great idea...lol

Now with things slowing in Alberta my wife and I are toying with the idea of moving to Vernon. We don't know anyone there but have always liked the area. Does anyone have any ideas of what a guy should do to make the move. Should I try to find work first or just move out there and hope for the best. I'd love to stay in the renovation business but have experience in manufacturing as well as being a purchasing manager.

What to do?

 

[H2SNOW]

well lets just say that we did that **** in 99 ....closed the 4x4 business and moved to Penticton ...deal is ...bring cash and lots of it ....it take at least 5 years to rebuild a client base ....my word of advice ...don't do it ......

 

[Barton]

What is the employment situation out there? I think if I can get established with one of the custom home builders I could make a go of it. I love the town I'm in but most of my work is in Calgary and I'm really beginning to hate that city.

 

[sledn]

Stay in the renovation business---still very busy in Alberta.

 

[gusto]

I have a drywall company and it has slowed down about 70% in the last 4 months there is always work in Reno's but it does take awhile to get established here. Prices are very competitive here as well. I guess it all relates to how much money you need to survive. Pm me any time if you have any questions be glad to help....

 

[0007]

Vernon is a decent place to live but a hard place to get paid, people call it the "Paradise Tax"
I think the last while has killed off a few home builder's and contractor's, probably a good thing overall cuz it was nut's for a couple of year's and there were people who should NOT have been in business
As usual though, the creme rises to the top, if you have skill's you will find work
The Okanagan in general has a lot of well off people living here and they build nice big homes, as for reno's, Hurry up I need to mod my bathroom LOL

 

[Drifter]

The Okanagan is pretty slow right now you might want to think twice before you move there. Wages are low and stuff is expensive. Trust me if you are busy in Calgary you should probaley stay there.

 

[Barton]

Like I said, I am really starting to hate Calgary. Thanks for the advice. Gonna keep researching.

 

[ski-doober]

i live 45 minutes from kelowna and have a fixerupper for sale this mornings view

 

[triple]

well lets just say that we did that **** in 99 ....closed the 4x4 business and moved to Penticton ...deal is ...bring cash and lots of it ....it take at least 5 years to rebuild a client base ....my word of advice ...don't do it ......

Lived in Penticton and it's a place where you either have money from where you used to live or you're poor. Unless you're catering to old folks, Penticton is a tough place to make a living. I just got back from Vernon and the Shuswap last night. Vernon is a nice town. Salmon Arm looks like it's going places. The GM dealer built a new building, there's a new court house building and Honda opened a new dealership. There still may be some ground floor opportunity in that area.