Starting a Business in Kalispell (Whitefish, Sheridan: rental, house, purchases)

[WacosSon]

My wife and I will be moving to Montana within the next year. We've done all our research and have settled on Kalispell. I'm considering starting a very small business doing computer repair/consultation in Kalispell. From what I can tell, there is not that many companies doing it. My hopes would be that it would remain a 2-4 employee company. I have owned several businesses before and know how difficult it can be to start them up. "Fodderman" made some great suggestions regarding working with local resorts and companies to contract with them. Was wondering if anyone who knows this area can make any other suggestions. Would this company completely fail immediately or is there a need for this type of thing? Do you think businesses would be open to contract with us? Where would be the best place to attempt to open a small office, or would it just be better at first to work out of the house and be mobile?

Just trying to bounce some ideas off of people who know the area. Not trying to take over the computer market (I'd venture thats a generous term for it) in Kalispell, just trying to make a living for my wife and I. Thoughts are appreciated.

[ElkHunter]

I would look at mobile being the best asset. Maybe putting some decals on the car to identify. But you really don't need an office or business front.

I know that down here in Sheridan a friend started his own business. His best assets was the retirement home, library, small business', and such. He's done pretty good. He tied all the local schools together.

I was in IT for years. But I tied ships together. Sat nav is a good thing.

[WacosSon]

That's a great idea. I would love to eventually go store front to get walkin business, but I know that won't end up being the bread and butter of the company. Is your friend's company doing ok?

Also, whats the standard form of internet service provider up there? You guys on Comcast (cable) or on Satellite?

[Fodderman]

Looking through the local Yellow Pages, I see:

Computer Consultants: About 20 companies
Computer Disaster Recovery: About 10 companies
Computer Installation: 6 companies
Computer Networking: About 35 companies
Computer Service and Repair: About 40 companies
Computer System Designers and Consultants: About 30 companies
Computer Training and Instruction: About 20 companies

Most of those categories have duplicate entries from the same companies. From those numbers, I'd say that there is definitely a need for the service. However, you would need to find ways to differentiate your business from all the rest. Having owned several businesses before, you should be familiar with that.

I agree about working out of your home if possible. Or at least have a home office so you don't have to drive to the office every day in the Winter months. But then, I've always been a fan of walking 15 feet from my bedroom to my office (just don't do video conferencing before taking a shower and you're golden). Starting out in your home will also let you get a lay of the land first before signing a rental contract for a small office. You may find you have a lot of business in Whitefish, for example, and would rather open an office there than in Kalispell.

Since you'll be in the computer business, you'll need to consider the location of where you live (if you have a home office) and work (if you have a real office) more carefully than a lot of other places because you'll need a reliable and fast Internet connection and, as you get farther out of town, your choices dwindle. There are three basic choices around Kalispell: CenturyTel DSL, Bresnan Cable, and Satellite. Bresnan offers up to 8Mbps. CenturyTel offers up to 10Mbps (depends greatly on where you're located). I chose CenturyTel because I've always had better luck with DSL than cable and I live close enough to get 10Mbps. So far, I seem to get their advertised rates. Again though, make sure you keep that in mind whenever you're picking out a place to live.

Would businesses contract with you? What do you have to offer them over an established business that has been in the area for a few years? You won't have any local references, which will hurt you. Hopefully you have several good out-of-state references at least. But, you'll have this same problem no matter where you move. You're the new kid on the block. Every new business has to go though the same thing.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by WacosSon

That's a great idea. I would love to eventually go store front to get walkin business, but I know that won't end up being the bread and butter of the company. Is your friend's company doing ok?

Also, whats the standard form of internet service provider up there? You guys on Comcast (cable) or on Satellite?

I'm kind of off the grid. I use a cell modem for internet. Don't have cable, don't have phone, just a laptop and a cell modem. But the fishing is great!!!!!!! hahaha

[Fodderman]

ElkHunter's post reminds me - you really only have one choice for a cell phone in the area and that's Verizon. There are some other carriers, but if you want people to actually be able to reach you, you don't really have a choice. Entering a Kalispell zip at AT&T's website comes up with, "We are expanding our coverage every day but unfortunately this is one of the few areas we haven't reached yet." No iPhone for you (or me)!

[ElkHunter]

You are right. I use verizon. But it's a cell modem. I don't have direct connect with anybody.

[WacosSon]

Fodderman, again, great advice. Thank you. I'm thinking that is where we will probably start - at home. Who knows, might end up there for good - would love not to pay for the overhead of a store. I'm hoping to open an all-in-one office that does everything from computer purchases and orders to training, fixing problems, repairing hardware etc. I have several certifications and alot of experience, but good call on the gathering references - I'm sure even out of state references will be worth something. I pride myself on being a diagnostics tech, so hopefully doing free diagnostics will draw in a little business. There's always gonna be competition, guess I just need to really look into those other companies and figure out the holes they're lacking.

As for the net access, I guess I'll have to see where we move exactly to determine. Would love to be an iphone user, but unwilling to switch to AT&T, so I'm a blackberry fanatic on Verizon. No problem there

[mtn_viking]

If you move to Kalispell, you'll probably be using AT&T since they have purchased Verizon's business in Montana. I live in Kalispell and it is Montana's epicenter for the recession. Jobs are difficult if not impossible to find in many industries. So, not many people w/ money to spend on upgrades or consults.

Plus, there are already a number of people trying to make a living doing computer repair/consultation here. Most are not making much of a living at it. You should know that there have been a two major national tech support businesses located here in Kalispell. Accordingly, there are lots of people that know more than the average bear about computer repairs. I would guess that 80% of the people in the Flathead valley know someone who can work on their computer for little or nothing.

I would not want to try to make a living here in the computer repair biz. That being said, the cream always rises to the top. You may be able to beat the odds but I personally wouldn't want to bet on it. Good luck.

[Dizzydog]

Just got back from Washington, Idaho and Montana trip the past 10 days and can tell you 1 of us had Tmobile and 1 had AT&T.

Tmobile= pretty much worthless up in that part of the country. Especially when on the highways traveling.

At&T- slightly better but still CRAP.

If I moved up there it would be Verizon for me all the way.