Starting Maintenance Co. on Maui

[boodhabunny]

Whynot?

Thank you for your response, I really appreciate hearing all viewpoints. Things are tough here on the mainland too, we are all hanging on for an interesting ride hoping we make it through the tough times.

In our area, bad weather often prevents us from working during the winter, so at least HI has that advantage!

Best wishes for a prosperous 2009.

Debra and Rick

[boodhabunny]

Originally Posted by HankDfrmSD

Aloha, Rick and Debra (feels funny writing that - my son and daugter-in-law, whol live on Kauai, are Rick and Debra),

I know about this subject strictly as a user of similar services, but I think my experience is pertinent, and may be useful to you.

We decided to expand our house in Kailua, Oahu, by quite a bit, about fifteen years ago. It took quite a while to decide exactly what we wanted to do, and to get the plans drawn, and all that time I was looking for someone to do the work. I'd lived in Hawaii off and on over thirty-five years, so I knew that finding someone reliable was the most important part of the deal. If you hire someone who will disappear when the surf's up (common problem) you will get pretty frustrated.

I "asked around", but hadn't found anyone, till I asked the manager at the local hardware store "Hardware Hawaii". Before Home Depot came along, this was THE place where everyone bought their building materials on Oahu. He said "Call Dave xxxxxxxx". I did, Dave signed a contract, and did the job. He was outstanding. I realized later that I was really lucky to get Dave at just the right time. His services were really in demand. He did most of the work himself, with usually one helper, plus occasional subcontracting to a plumber or electrician.

Interestingly enough, after Home Depot showed up on Oahu, Hardware Hawaii hired Dave to totally revise their lumber supply system, setting up a lumber storage and delivery system at several places on Oahu, and I suspect that is why Hardware Hawaii is still able to compete with Home Depot.

Why am I telling you all this, Rick? Because if I were starting out as I think you want to, the first thing I would do is find the equivalent of Hardware Hawaii on Maui, and get to know management. Maybe they would tell you who is their equivalent of Dave, and maybe you could get to know their "Dave", and either work with him for a while, or take on some small jobs that people want done and he doesn't want. If their "Dave" learns that you are reliable, with a good work ethic, I'll bet you will get started well.

As many have said here, it's the Island equivalent of Networking that makes it all work.

Hank

Hank,

Awesome advice! Thanks so much. We are looking to embrace the island life and become active members of the community. My wife and I are both outgoing, friendly, and very excited about our move.

Thank you again for your thoughtful reply.
Mahalo!

Rick and Debra

P.S. Is there a Hawaii Hardware or similar on Maui? I'd prefer to buy tools and supplies from local merchants than from Home Depot, if possible.

[hotzcatz]

Just since last fall, the work on the Big Island has gotten even slower than it was before. "Glacial" might be a good term to describe the work load these days. Frozen solid and movement is only perceptible by scientific methods. I've got one tiny drafting job on the boards right now and on that one the homeowner is going to do the work since his electrical work is so slow he now has time to work on his own house. After that, there are several small jobs for friends, but I can't charge for those but it will at least keep the drafting board clean. Generally, I'll have up to four drafting jobs going on at any one time, usually for a whole residential house or small commercial jobs. Now it is one addition, not even an entire house.

Fortunately, we do fine without the need for the income from my work, but if it were otherwise we'd be in a world of hurt. Made almost as much repairing clocks (a hobby of mine) and selling chickens as drafting last year, might be time for a job change for a couple of years. There is a new Farmer's Market coming to our area so everyone is trying to figure out what to grow to sell there.

Can you set up your move to Maui so you can survive on your wife's income?