thread Re: Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice in Community Corner

Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice

Thedeckguy — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 05:20:36 GMT

I’ve been trying to expand and built a legite deck building company that doesn’t require myself personally to operate anymore as I’m wanting to grow and have employees formans managers teams and then so on and forth but idk where to start and I’m nervous. Can anyone help me draw up a game plan or give me some encouraging advise as to taking the next step. I know how to get customers land jobs and do amazing work as word of mouth has kept me busy since 2013 but for some reason I’m just overwhelmed with taking it to the next level. A lot of it is I don’t have the capital to just start paying a manager and Forman and a couple hands to help me so I have to figure this out alone. I’m all ears. Thanks!

Re: Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice

rtfulk — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:00:06 GMT

@Thedeckguy Welcome to the community. I would not start by hiring a manager, foreman, and crew all at once. That’s a lot of payroll before the business has the structure to support it.

I’d start with one question: what is the first task you need to get off your plate?

For a lot of contractors, the first step is hiring one dependable person who can gradually become a lead/foreman while you document how you estimate jobs, order materials, schedule work, handle customers, and close out projects.

At the same time, get a really clear handle on your numbers — what each job actually costs, your labor burden, overhead, profit margin, and how much additional monthly revenue you need before adding payroll.

You don’t have to build the whole company at once. Build one layer at a time:

You → dependable lead → small crew → foreman → manager

The goal is to replace yourself gradually instead of trying to fund an entire management team on day one.

Re: Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice

Thedeckguy — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:13:53 GMT

Thank you that sounds like amazing advice! I guess my first thing that would be my biggest help would be to getting a system nailed down in which I can see my numbers. It’s been all over the place for so long I can’t even see clearly at it. I run everything through my personal account cuz the money goes out on bills or exspenses just about as quick as I get it so it’s just been easier to run it through my personal checking in order to get things paid for right away

Re: Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice

bonny — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:24:32 GMT

Look up your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They have low cost programs specifically to help contractors navigate growing their business. Everything from knowing your numbers, what steps to take, and how to formulate your plan to successfully scale your operation.

Bonny Wagoner - Artist/Illustrator

Re: Nervous and overwhelmed deck builder looking for advice

bonny — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:45:35 GMT

The Small Business Development Center in my area offers the Construction Contractor Board Prep Course in person and online. It satisfies the construction contractor licensing requirement. They also offer no-cost advising, which would be a good starting place for you to figure out a plan to grow. Many years ago, I worked at an SBDC before I launched my own business. Since you are already in business, one of the first things they will want to discuss is your numbers, so have those ready to get the most out of your meeting with them.

Bonny Wagoner - Artist/Illustrator