advice for starting a business

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Hey everyone,

I am not sure where to place this thread so I guess this is where it's going....anyway I am 21 and I am setting a goal to have a pond business started by the time I am 30. Other then needing lots of money, economy problems, and all of the other downsides, I was wondering if there was anyone who was willing to give me advice on where to begin. Any and all advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,

-Kyle
 

HTH

Howard
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If you understand ponds. All you need is a shovel and a pickup truck. Heck if you can put a hitch on you car you can scratch the truck.

Equipment for digging holes can be rented.
 

fishin4cars

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I would look into schooling for small business management. Also search the internet for small business plans. In order to get loans you pretty much have to have a detailed business plan. Be looking into small business loans and grants far ahead of time and see what is available in your area.If you plan on having employees at any point you'll need to find out how to pay in SSI, medicaid, and health Ins. you will need to know how to keep books on Taxes, emplyee pay role, Ins, and may need to be Ins. and bonded to even construct ponds depending on your area. You'll need to know how to get a business license, and what permits will be needed to build a pond in areas around you, (word of advise, this is very important, some states, counties and or parishes have very strict codes, some have virtually none.) Not knowing a code before you dig could result in fines exceeding $10,000! Just digging and not getting electric company and gas company approval can result in fines of over $5000. I would also look at trying to work with a company to get as much experience as possible, Digging the hole is the easy part, Dealing with customers, and officials of the state or county can be a real Pain in the .............
 

HTH

Howard
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fishin4cars made some good points (including my lack of expertise) but it is my firm belief that people ought to know what they are getting into. Don't try to start at the top. If you really want to learn the ropes go to work for somebody in the business!

Codes are a pain. You need to make sure you know the ones for the ground you are digging in. Knowing how to find that out is key but you will want to have insurance and maybe bonding.
 
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I have been landscaping since I was 13, but I just recently got a job with a nursery who also specializes in pond supplies and equipment and I have learned a ton. They actually want to train me to become their "water gardens specialist," fancy names are funny haha...anyway I hope that working here with past experience will enable me to one day own a company, but I still have much to learn. Thanks for the input thus far.

P.S. It's like fishin4cars said it's all the "other stuff" that is a pain, but I have to learn....Thanks again!
 

fishin4cars

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klmustang67 said:
I have been landscaping since I was 13, but I just recently got a job with a nursery who also specializes in pond supplies and equipment and I have learned a ton. They actually want to train me to become their "water gardens specialist," fancy names are funny haha...anyway I hope that working here with past experience will enable me to one day own a company, but I still have much to learn. Thanks for the input thus far.

P.S. It's like fishin4cars said it's all the "other stuff" that is a pain, but I have to learn....Thanks again!

Your on the right track, I started off I was in a Wholesale fish house my buddy and his dad owned. I store owner called and had a problem, I went to the store and helped her for the day and got my first job. Years later she helped me get started with my shop. It's a very rewarding job, but don't expect to get rich, If your good and lucky breaking even and making the business just make it is alot, actually making a living is even harder, but It can be done! Stick to your goal and dreams and see where it takes you.
 

addy1

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klmustang67 said:
I have been landscaping since I was 13, but I just recently got a job with a nursery who also specializes in pond supplies and equipment and I have learned a ton. They actually want to train me to become their "water gardens specialist," fancy names are funny haha...anyway I hope that working here with past experience will enable me to one day own a company, but I still have much to learn. Thanks for the input thus far.

P.S. It's like fishin4cars said it's all the "other stuff" that is a pain, but I have to learn....Thanks again!


Learn all you can from them, getting paid to learn! Request extra training, plants, fish, water chemistry, show tons of interest. Look for on line classes you maybe can get them to pay for. By the time you are ready to be on your own, they will have given you a good start.
 
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Can anybody point me in the right direction for a good wholesaler for pond equipment...

Thanks,

Kyle
 

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