Hot Rods Weird but VERY cool thing happened today!

I work in a Union Sheetmetal shop, mainly doing duct work and once in a while some one off fabbed up stuff and welding projects. Well a little over a week ago I drove my 40 Ford coupe to work because we had a politician coming in to do the handshake thing. Well needless to say my 40 really grabbed his attention, and my bosses attention along with one of the companies owners attention. They checked out the car and asked a lot of questiones etc, I showed them pics of some of my other cars, and the 2 that I built that were mag feature cars. We discussed how I do hot rod/ custom metal work, chopping tops etc on the side while I'm layed off work to get by. Well this past week the owner and my boss had been asking what kind of fab work I can do, and what all I need, what I charge etc. Well today I was given a nice sized garage bay, every sheetmetal tool I could need (almost) welders etc, and the bay even has a lift and bead blast cabinet etc. And was told "Go for it" This is a multi Million dollar sheetmetal/ pipe fitting company, and I was just given the go ahead to start a "Hot Rod shop" there, basically if it has to do with sheet metal work, ch***is fab, suspenion etc I can bid it and do it with their full support. Of course until I get some real clientell I will still be doing what I am now , but was told as soon as I start getting work Ithey would up my tool supplies and help etc. I'm a bit nervouse as I don't want this to blow up in my face,, but this is really an opprutinity of a lifetime for me! Their insurance says go for it along with all the other company investors. They said they would even drop the shop rate for this department to get it moving. I'm still a bit blown away by this, and just hope I can start getting some cars/ projects rolling in in the next few months. So anyone needing any work done!!!!

 

right place right time that is so cool.... Good luck with this.

 

run with it!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is life opening a door! do it! and dont be scared! grab the bull by the horns and kick him in the balls!

 

wow that's ****n awesome man. Hope it all works out for ya!

 

Sounds like your on your way,good luck with

 

Sounds like you work for some good people the reconize their empolyees as peolpe and not just numbers. You also must do some good work too.

 

Nothin like good Karma. Good for you!! Enjoy.

 

It was meant to be no doubt.....hope your a big sucess TOO!!!

 

Congratulations. Sounds like it could be a dream job. Hope it goes well for you. I envy you........

 

Very nice. Right place right time, a lot of successful people started out with a lucky break, go for it! Sounds like you were already working for some good folks. John

 

What a great opportunity. Go for it and good luck.
Later,
****

 

I would get the feeling they would want to see if there is a profit to be made in some sort of a production format. The unions are hurting bad right now, they would love to see an idea or two on how to put guys back to work. Think and dream big and show them that this is a possible chance to expand their work field. Good luck.

 

good luck man...

 

Being yourself can pay off.Sounds good!

 

Just wondering.......... What do they get out of it, and what do you get out of it.

It sounds like a great opportunity for you, you never know where this might lead. Keep your head and dont worry about a thing, I wish I would have had a backer when I started the custom stuff. Good luck.

 

Sounds like you have a dream come true, good luck.

 

Wow, that is awesome man. Good luck and enjoy that one.

 

They must have really liked your work so keep it up man and congrats to you.

 

WOW!!! that is KOOL!!!

 

Good on you!!

 

Ed,

This sounds like a deal of a life time by me!!

I work out on East Elm in JCMO, where are you at?

I might stop by and chat with you. (I commute from Columbia 4 days/week).

PM me if you want to.

pdq67

 

Sounds like the American dream. Good luck.

 

I work just off MO Blvd, I usually work out in the field, mainly Columbia on campus. But spent 9 months last yaer layed off, and got this spot at the shop. I've known many of the people here for years, but what started this still haves me??? Of course they want a proifit, and I'll have to put my best foot forward to do it. I feel my work is quality, but getting someone to pay the $50-60 per hr may take a little coaxing. I feel they would get and honest hard day for that rate, as I always do at home doing this. I feel it will just take a couple happy customers to get this rolling, as really there are no custom automotive metal shops around this area. Just gonna have to get those first few projects in to get the ball rolling.

 

Good Luck & God Bless

 

Good luck my friend!

 

Dude, this **** only happens in the movies. Buy some lottery tickets NOW.

 

thats awesome! good luck!

 

Damn, that's a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity bub. Hope it all turns out great.

 

50 to 60 an hour?? I hope that includes the metal you use. Hope it all works out for you. Make up some flyers and stick them in mail boxes. Got to get this thing off the ground before they pull the plug from no turn outs.

 

I'm impressed, imho to get this to work well you need to approach this now with more head than heart. If this 'new department' is to succeed you will need just a little bit more than talented hands.

Take the time after work to think about how you want the new workshop to look; your new workshop must look professional, be well laid out, tidy, look and be safe, etc. Make plan drawings of this. Keep them on your computer and one set on paper in your filing cabinet, in your new office, you don't have an office? draw one on your plan, then build it.
Your office will have all the usual equipment, beg borrow or steal what you can from other dept's.

A separate area for storage of tools, parts etc.

You may have to do all this in you own time, when you have gone as far as you can using your wits and charm (or when you finish) invite the bosses down for coffee and a chat. BTW you should also be well advanced on part of a project, say when you've just finished a ch***is. Motor installed, wheels on and looking good.

This is the time you ask them for more help. Explain that two guys are needed to make this efficient, have someone in mind so you can offer a name if they ask. It could even be an enthusiastic young guy with little experiance, but someone you want to train for the future success of your new dept.

Have well set out records of your dept's expenditure and a breakdown of your labour. If you need help use your charm (and some authority as the new head of new dept. Don't laugh! If you take this very seriously with a view to profitability and expansion others will take you seriously) use the office personnell from another dept to do your flow charts etc. If you can work on a business plan that incorporates itself neatly into the Companies Plan then so much the better.

Your business plan should have all the usual components except for external Capital Raising requirements. In particular pay attention to Marketing, this is the single most effective thing you can do.*

Your bosses should be impressed by your hard work and vision, this is when they will decide to commit more resources to you.

* You don't say why the bosses want you to do this work. If they havn't said their reasons you must ask. IMO there are two possibilities;
1. They each want a car for themselves and will use Company resources to achieve this.
2. They are aware of current market trends and wish to explore the market, with a view to participating in the marketplace.

If option 1 is what they have in mind you have a short career in the new Car Dep't ahead of you.
If option 2 is what they have in mind, by presenting them with a well run and organised dep't, and a good product with a sound and detailed marketing plan, you may very well carry the day. Even if option one is the reason, you may just change their minds. If you don't ask you won't receive.

You have to be 'proactive' if this takes off you have to be the boss. You don't want someone else bought in to run this while you do all the donkey work.

Dress a little smarter than you have been, yeah! yeah! you'll get some ribbing from the other guys. That's all they are, other guys, this is a chance that comes along very rarely, think about it, talk to others, not just from your work and social circle. Have a friendly chat to people you deal with everyday in small business. People in business have a completely different take on situations than working people do.

Don't forget how to smile, and good luck.