How's the economy in Salt Lake City (Provo, Orem: sales, Home Depot)

[BVB]

I have been planning my new business for 2 years and am now officially starting to negotiate for location and soon will be posting to hire a staff. Just wondering how the economy is and what would be a good wage/salary for qualified people. I would be looking for people in sales (good attitude and willing to learn), light technical skills (preferably someone who is good in light carpentry) and also office staff who have are comfortable with basic computer programs such as email, excel, word and power point. Your comments are welcome, as well as suggestions as to where a good location would be to open for a home improvement related business. Thank you future neighbors!

[markg91359]

I think you'll find an abundance of highly skilled people in Utah who could work in all these areas who won't cost you an arm and a leg. While Utah County (Provo, Orem, American Fork, Lehi) is not my choice of places to live, I wonder if it might not be a good place to consider setting up this kind of business? BYU has lots of students who would love to work part time. Sales skills come somewhat naturally to people who have been on a mission. Utah County is home to Novell and you should find lots of computer savvy folks too. The recession has affected Utah too, but perhaps less than many regions of this country.

The only downside I see is that many people here try and do their own home improvements or get help from friends or neighbors. I've heard people in your line of business actually make this complaint. You may even have people pretending to be potential customers show up to try and get "ideas" or "instruction" on how to do various jobs who will disappear after they get what they want. Its just something to be aware of.

[5280milehiguy]

I would be very cautious. In reality, home improvement is best taken care of at a Lowe's or Home Depot and most people here are leary about start up businesses without a lot of references. Check the Utah department of consumer protection, they may have records of previous businesses that made mistakes with their customers. All in all, the salaries for people here are low, and with the economy as it is, they will take almost any job for little pay.

[bvboomen]

Thank you Mark and Mile Hi Guy. Your feedback is appreciated. Just wondering what you would estimate a realistic rate of pay to be for light skilled labor with some carpentry experience.