←back to thread

America's new millionaire class: Plumbers and HVAC entrepreneurs

(www.wsj.com)
185 points hhs | 2 comments | 13 Oct 24 15:35 UTC | HN request time: 0.002s | source
Show context
thomasjudge ◴[13 Oct 24 21:11 UTC] No.41831631[source]▶
This article and a lot of the discussion fails to make clear that there is a big difference financially between being a plumber/electrician/hvac tech and owning a plumbing/electrical/hvac business
replies(4): >>41831960 #>>41831961 #>>41832027 #>>41832102 #
JumpCrisscross ◴[13 Oct 24 22:05 UTC] No.41832102[source]▶
> a big difference financially between being a plumber/electrician/hvac tech and owning a plumbing/electrical/hvac business

It seems to cost about $10 to 50k to acquire the tools, vehicle and licenses to start a plumbing business. Is there something else that’s substantial beyond the normal attention to detail and savvy that every small businessperson must have?

replies(2): >>41832168 #>>41832374 #
1. User23 ◴[13 Oct 24 22:41 UTC] No.41832374[source]▶
Well for one when someone’s AC is out during the summer, heat is out during the winter, their water doesn’t work, or worse yet is flooding, then that person has a pretty poor negotiating position. Plumbers and HVAC can basically name their price for emergency work.
replies(1): >>41832668 #
2. potato3732842 ◴[13 Oct 24 23:28 UTC] No.41832668[source]▶
And the licensing system ensures that everyone has slaved away so long to get into the "I can make the big bucks now" club that they won't compete on price once they're there.