Would this be the correct category to introduce myself? I'm a Colorado PLS with 32 years in the surveying profession. I have worked in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Colorado (I like it here so I came back). I am currently unemployed with job-attached status and thinking about trying to start up my own business serving El Paso County. Please pray for a better economy so I don't fall flat on my nose. The unfortunate thing is that I only have conventional surveying experience with Total Stations.
For the past ten years I have been basically an Autocad technician and am fairly proficient with R14 and/or ACAD 2000 versions of the software.
Any pointers or suggestions for a successful start-up will be greatly appreciated. I do have enough equipment to hit the ground running with the exception of a metal locator, but I do have a dip needle and know how to use it.:-P
Vern, Welcome
It's a tough nut to crack here is Colorado. I know many LS's that can not find work and they are now trying to go it alone, solo. Work is not steady and almost all projects are awarded to the lowest bidder.
I'm, not trying to be Debbie Downer, but it's reality.
Having said that- I would try to make contact with some of the local small & custom builders. Even though the economy is bad here, there is still money here and there are a lot of high-end properties / houses being built.
---
Aside from the weather and great people here, why did you come back?
Is the economy bad in the other venues you have been in?
Why El Paso County?
Actually I have been back for almost 17 years. Thanks for the "builders" tip, I had thought of preparing a letter of introduction to distribute to the banks and title companies. I will add builders to that mailing list.
See if you can find a local business association. They are usually comprised of a variety of businesses and local organizations like the chamber of commerce. Rough time to start, but stay positive, give great service.
> ... I had thought of preparing a letter of introduction to distribute to the banks and title companies...
Banks & title companies
Are you thinking ILC's?
Not ILC's exclusively however I have obtained the records of a former ILC company. The company I worked for for 17 years did not do many ILC's and only on a "favor" type basis. I would like to find some way to convince banks and title companies that they should require a minimum of a Monumented Land Survey Plat dated within the past two years for all closings. I know, good luck with that:-(
> I would like to find some way to convince banks and title companies that they should require a minimum of a Monumented Land Survey Plat dated within the past two years for all closings. I know, good luck with that:-(
I hope that you can.
(really)
However - It won't happen!
-also-
Trying to convince them that an ILC should be done won't happen either.
FYI- My former employer hired a marketing firm, 18 months ago, that conducted an e-mail questionnaire that sent out over 8,000 e-mail surveys to Colorado real estate professionals (realtors, brokers, agents, title companies & mortgage companies) that inquired about surveys, ILC's and closings. The net result was that 12% of all Colorado real estate transactions in colorado has a survey or ILC done.
What does this mean?
Of the 3,500 real estate transactions that occur every month in the Denver area, that only about 400 surveys or ILC's are requested. Those 400 projects are in competition for all the private surveyors in the market. --- There's not much to go around
Also (as an FYI) there is a firm in your area conducting ILC's for $99
Don't believe me? -- Search Craig's List
Good Luck~
I did the search but did not find it. He is NOT doing them in accordance with the minimum standards at that price, even if he is a one man band.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/rts/2611792498.html
These guys originally out of the Pueblo area.
They have tried to make a presence in the Denver/boulder area, but they are very active in the Springs.
Also,
You might look into the Black Forest area, Antler Creek and seek out some of the builders there. Also, some of the small towns in your area, such as Peyton & Calhan, as I don't think there are many guys working there.
Welcome, Vern!!
Welcome to Surveyor Connect, Vern! Glad you are here!!!! :clap: 🙂 :good:
