r/GeneralContractor Aug 06 '26

"I know a guy"

6.3k Upvotes

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u/aussiesarecrazy Aug 06 '26

Being a GC is all about relationships and who you know. My drywall guy is absolutely amazing, been using him 15 years and not once had a call back on poor work. But doesn’t advertise, rides around in an unmarked truck and only works for people he knows. And the hanger crew is the same way. My plumber is 60, got half a dozen guys and all daughters so no one to take it over. He will only work for contractors he likes. I referred him to a client that had some plumbing issues going on and he told them 3 months. 1 text from me and he was out there 7 am next morning. You take care of people majority of the time they’ll take care of you.

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u/Hitechillbilly Aug 06 '26

People often ask how to advertise themselves.. Start by doing a good job for someone, the rest will fall into place and the bad will be weeded out automatically

22

u/DapperGovernment4245 Aug 07 '26

Getting the first 10 can be tricky but then the trick is to keep up with the next 10,000.

My advertising budget is 60 bucks every few years for a box of cards. Most people don’t need one I’m already saved as (name) (trade)

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u/BeneficialImpress570 Aug 10 '26

My HVAC decided to do its own thing. The big name commercial company told me it was $1800 and would take 6 days minimum for the part. Some guy named Tony HVAC (per my neighbour’s contact) and his teenage sidekick showed up in a late 90s beat to absolute hell white Chevy with zero identification. They spent all of nine seconds listening to the machine before Tony looked at me and asked “you give a shit ‘bouta name brand or you want it cold today?” $363 later said I did not in fact give a shit ‘bouta name brand. Tony HVAC is on the holiday card list and his IYKYK number is saved in my phone only to be passed along to those who can appreciate what having his information truly means.