Send us a text

Ready to transform your low voltage skills into a thriving business? Three successful entrepreneurs who've walked this path share the unfiltered truth about what it takes to transition from installer to owner.

Pierce (All Green Lights), Ryan (R&R Connectivity), and Jeff (Better Days Technology) reveal that their journeys didn't begin with meticulous planning but with a willingness to take calculated risks. Each had different safety nets—a spouse with steady income, youth's flexibility, or a strong client base from moonlighting—but all took the leap without overthinking it.

Creating a memorable brand identity proved crucial for standing out in the competitive low voltage landscape. From Pierce's Lego figures marking completed racks to Jeff's crowdsourced logo design, these personal touches helped forge authentic connections with clients. The panel unanimously stressed the importance of proper legal structure (minimum LLC) and seeking guidance from mentors both inside and outside the industry.

The most revealing insights came when discussing early mistakes. All three admitted significantly underpricing their services initially, failing to account for overhead costs beyond materials. Ryan candidly shared a cautionary tale of a project estimated to profit $20,000 that ultimately lost $70,000. When unexpected challenges arise, they emphasized transparent communication with clients rather than suffering in silence.

For finding clients, cold calling proved less effective than authentic relationship building. Ryan's game-changing moment came from answering a 2AM emergency call, while Jeff leveraged hometown connections where "rarely is there not one degree of separation" between him and potential clients. The consistent thread? Exceptional work quality that generates word-of-mouth referrals—the most powerful marketing tool in the low voltage industry.

Looking to start your own low voltage business? Join communities like Tech Knowledge Worldwide where experienced owners willingly share both successes and failures to help newcomers avoid costly mistakes. Remember their parting advice: charge more than you think you should, communicate openly when challenges arise, and never stop learning from others.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD