I am a General contractor in New England and really need some Quality Carpenters and carpenters helpers. Is there anyone in N.E. or want to come to N.E. to work in the residential homebuilding sector.Possessing skills from frame to finish is helpful but will train the right people.-Jules from N.E.
Edited 3/18/2003 8:08:04 PM ET by Jules
Edited 3/18/2003 8:10:19 PM ET by Jules
Replies
New England's a big place....whereabouts?
The Maine - New Hampshire seacoast area is where we do most of our work. The past year and a half our work was mostly new homes start to finish, now because of a number of reasons renovations and remodeling and additions seem to be what alot of people are doing. In the next year ahead, I see a nice balance of both.We take pride in these projects and coninue to look for people with the same passion in their work.
The area is 1 hr. from boston, 40 min. from portland and 45 min. from N.H. white mountains. Not to mention all the beautiful waterfront here on the seacoast. It's been rated as on of the best places to live in the country. Where are you from?
I am currently in Natick, MA...about 1hr from the rt95 tolls. I grew up about 1/2 way between where I am now and where you are. Could you email me with some more specifics. I am currently employed however my "boss" has been in a crisis for about a year now and frankly it's getting old. I run a very productive crew for him now, (just under $425000 last year...four guys payrolled, no materials, insured) however I now handle payroll, banking, estimates and a myriad of other jobs that should be his. I own my own truck, 2 of every tool imaginable along with generators and compressors. Most of what I do is framing and trim, but I can do alot of finish, siding, roofing and drywall. If I had to pick an expertise it would be tricked out roof cutting and exterior trim work. I have pictures, and references that are mine and not my companies. I would love to expand my horizons by following more builds through from beginning to end.
Drop me a line and tell me a little about your company. [email protected]
In addition, I have my MA unrestricted construction supervisor's license and don't drink or use drugs.
Edited 3/12/2003 9:40:12 PM ET by dieselpig
Hi dieselpig,
Hello fellow New Englander! It sounds your boss is very lucky to have someone like you to pick up the pieces and carry the load. In most cases, things fall apart quickly and productive business generally halts. When you're not the owner of the business and still doing all those things, it's clear the strain on you.
The work we do is mostly located in southernmost Maine and it's almost always start to finish on remodels or new construction. We can usually pick and choose what aspects to do and sucontract the other phases. Presently we run a four man crew and look to add to - or preferably - start a second crew for a multitude of other jobs we currently turn away. We would like to keep pursuing high end work and need the appropriate help to follow through. I think to have interesting projects really do help everyday work seem a little more fun and keeps the unique and creative skills sharp. Tell us a little more about you....
You may wanna give Mike Smith a call. He is up your way. He's OK for an old bloke, ( has a drinking problem but his hands usually stop shaking by lunchtime ). It's an advantage if you play golf and sing as they are his other pastimes and will give you something to chat about.
Quittintime
Hey Mark, Thanks for the reply. I've dealt with people like that for years and despite giving them chance after chance it never seems to work out longterm. Quality people are what we are going to target, but I suppose "quality" is also a relative term. People who love what they do is I suppose would be more appropriate and can also be counted on at the job sight. Does this person, do you think, fit this profile? Jules
Jules,
You can't listen to what Mark says. He is a habitual liar. Can't remember squat from one day to the next either. Why, I'll bet that tomorrow, he doesn't even remember that he told this lie about Mike.
Mike doesn't have a drinking problem.
He's perfectly ok with it. It's those around him that have a problem with it.
I'm astonished that after Mike took Mark in, during a truly sad and desperate time for Mark... showed him all the tricks of the trade, and set him on his way fully equipped to run his own business... that Mark would be so desparaging of Mike.
If I were Mike, I would take back the shoe shine booth that he gave to Mark. That's what I'd do. I'd also make him pay for the wear and tear on the butler suit that he wore while at Mike's place. Those things aren't cheap, you know. And from what I hear, Mark purt near wore out the seat of the pants.
Quittin' Time
That's what I love about this place, friends sticking up for each other.
No Mikes drinking isn't a problem, and yes he loves what he is doing, Drinking a lot and working a little. Life is good.
:P
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
1st rule for drinkers, You are ONLY and alcohoilic if you GO to the meetings, if you dont go your only a drunk :)
Saves us college kids about an hour a week at the weekly AAView ImageGo Jayhawks
Jules
I have been searching for such an opporunity that you describe. You have my curriosity up about the NE. I am in transition from the NW. I do agree with you about quality employees, the best ones have a love for the craft. Respond to my post if you wish to converse further.
kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for responding to the post and I apologize for not responding sooner. You say you're coming from the Northwest; that's a pretty area and quite the road trip!
I'm glad we agree on the passion for one's trade, it isn't in eveyone and in some people it never happens. Are you a carpenter or any related field? I've found that some people become great craftsmen just by learning from their mistakes and striving to do better. Do you have a destination at this point and have you ever bee in the north east?'
Look forward to corresponding with you more. -
Jules
I am currently in the northeast ohio area, but have been thinking about a move to your area. I've been doing carpentry for about eight years, and I have references from employers and customers.Maybe send me a little info and a way to get into contact,my e-mail is [email protected].
don't lissen to mark.. it's my wife that makes me drink...and i don't shake neitherMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
suddenly I'm thirsty........
Jeff
.........I'd rather have a bottle in front'a me........
..than a frontal lobotomy.......Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I used to have a drinking problem, but now............I can afford it!
Cheers! Phil.
If it is to be.... 'twil be done by me.
Hello Chad,
Thanks for the response, Have you ever been to the New England area? What made you decide to potentially move this way?
In the post, you said you've been doing carpentry for eight years, what type of work do you have most of your experience in? Doe you like doing start to finish work or a subcontracted specialty? Do you like working in the cold? Most of the work is in southern Maine and we try not to travel if possible. Please respond if curiosity is still there. Have a good one,Chad! ........ Jules
Jules,
The majority of the work I have done has been start-to-finish doing everything from framing and roofing to trim and hardwood floor installs. If it came down to choice I would have to say that I prefer finish work,but also enjoy working on a project from the ground up. As for the weather,I can't say that I LIKE working in the cold,but its part of the job so....In regards to what attracted me to the area,I've gone on a couple of ride alongs with friends who are over the road truck drivers and liked the area alot.Still interested and thanks for the reply
Chad
Jules,
I live in the Merrimac River Seacoast area and have been looking to explore a career change. I'm an electrical engineer by education, but the desk job is annoying me. I've been swinging a hammer since before I can remember (I have pictures to prove it) and I love the sawdust.
If by any chance you need weekend workers, I'll help for free just to get some experience and see what the industry is like. I've had experience doing everything from framing to finish, painting, masonry work, landscaping and I have an eye for detail. I'm also creative at solving problems.
If you have a need, email me back either at this post or directly to me.
Thanks
Rasp (Jeff)
Hi Rasp:
I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your post. I would be very interested in talking with you about a potential "try it out" apprenticeship. I don't anticipate having much in the way of weekend work - at least until mid-May - but we certainly have a number of projects primarily in the York area, that have us working 10-12 hour days this spring into summer.
Please let me know if you continue to be interested in pursuing an opportunity with our building company. - Jules
Jules,
I'm certainly interested in my options in the trades. It is hard to do real research with the engineering job.
(This question is for anyone who's listening)
Has anyone out there been in a similar situation? i.e. Been in the secure but wholly uninspiring career path and considered just taking the risk and starting out from scratch. Any advise on what not to do? How best to proceed?
Just some background: 27 YO, extremely handy, mechanically and electrically inclined, engineering degree, fresh air loving, fresh air deprived, used to have fun, would like to get back to that.
Back to Jules,
Let me know if during the summer you need hands for things. If I'm available, I'd love to help. Heck, I'll do my best to make myself available.
Thanks in advance for all the insight, info, and advice.
Jeff
Jeff:
Could you provide me with an e-mail and/or evening phone so we could talk further? In my trade there's certainly plenty of fresh air. And I'm always inspired by those who's heart believes that building and carpentry, which I've almost always found rewarding, might bring them pleasure. - Jules
Hi Jules,
I am a 41 year old Electrical Engineer who has always been interested in construction. I have remodeled a few homes but am by no means an experienced carpenter. I am good with my hands, a fast learner, and hard worker. I also have many years of working with customers.
I would like to learn more about construction and project estimating.
One final note: I put myself through college as an electrician.
Stuart Slater
Watertown, MA
[email protected]