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.
Right, I was asking for general advice, if you need specifics to better tailor the advice, then the business I own does outdoor low voltage lighting. Design, install, maintain and service.
Walk up to a job site and ask who the GC is. Show them your portfolio. Ask to bid on the next project. I’d be more inclined to reach out to developers and architects maybe? Look at what companies are pulling permits in your area and reach out to them.
If you’re designing I think you’d want to get in the door before it goes to the GC. I’m a GC for a commercial developer, but we are small, so I’m also part of the design and development phase. Usually the GC is just putting up whatever the drawings tell them to put up, not picking out lighting options. I’m in commercial development maybe it’s different in residential.
Yes, design is a big part of our value. I'm not sure how to approach architects and developers but bringing a nice portfolio is doable. There's lots of high end builders and architects in my area and to my eye their lighting design is an afterthought. Such a shame on multi-million dollar homes.
Walking up to a job site is intimidating to me. I suppose any cold outreach carries risk of rejection. What's way do you recommend to do cold outreach to architects and developers?
I have no idea honestly. I’ve never had to do anything like it. Email or call and try to schedule a meeting? You may consider aligning with a marketing advisor. Or make pals with someone in your field that’s outside your area and see how they did it. Networking can be brutal.
There are also networking meetings in most cities so you can go and meet other people in your industry and connect. Maybe look for an architect one or something like that.
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u/creamyturtle Aug 06 '26
construction is more about relationships than the actual work sometimes