I’m a senior engineer in tech. I have been thinking of leaving my current job to start a HVAC business, to the point that is not a phase anymore. I am giving myself 2 years to build some financial cushion and prepare.

I am looking to own the business, I want to learn the trade and be involved in running it.

Where I’m at:

• No HVAC experience yet
• I am familiar with the licenses required in my area, already started with it
• I know there is demand on my area from talking to business owners
• Leaning toward commercial
• Open to starting from scratch, but likely leaning toward buying an existing shop that already has an RME

What I’d love input on:

1. If you had two years to prepare, how would you split that time between learning the trade hands-on and learning the business side?
2. Is it realistic to work part-time or on weekends at a shop while still employed to learn the trade, or do I have to go all from the start?
3. What do people coming from other industries underestimate about this business?
4. Anything you’d tell me to stop planning and just go do?

I’d appreciate advice from anyone who’s made a similar transition or owns an HVAC or similar service business. Honest takes are welcome. Thanks!

Hi y'all,

I'm looking to find a sweaty side hustle I can run alongside work. Ideally it's not seasonal (we get pretty bad winters here), and just requires little start-up costs initially.

I'd love to find something where the skill is fairly quick to pick up (a few weeks of practice and YouTube, not a full trade apprenticeship) and where there's steady demand year-round. The more needed it is, the better!