JakeFromSF Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Afternoon guys, I have finally decided to pull the trigger and quit my job to pursue something ive always wanted to do, Automation. I have a strong background in programming, microelectronics and wiring as well the job im leaving is in Construction so ive got a good grasp on that side. I would like to open up a shop in my town doing home automation with Control4 products as no one around here is currently doing that. I have no doubt I can pick up what ever skills are necessary in installing these systems myself but the information you find online about the startup costs of something like this are incredibly vague. Can you automation pros tell me your stories of how you got started, what I should expect to fork over up front to bring on Control4 and if there is anything i may be overlooking? I am based in Texas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knowitall Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Pretty sure C4 requires an established business with a showroom to even entertain the idea of opening up a new dealer. So after 2-3 years of getting that setup, then you need to goto the training and place an opening order which is gonna cost like $15k Then, you need to keep your numbers up so they don’t pull the dealership from you. Maybe you should’ve figured this stuff out before quitting your job. msgreenf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share Posted July 8, 2019 Thanks knowitall, I'll keep that in mind. I plan on doing new residential. I will need to talk with C4 to see if they require an actual showroom as the company I've spoken too in Oklahoma doesn't have a physical showroom. Any other bits of information anyone may have would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msgreenf Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Thanks knowitall, I'll keep that in mind. I plan on doing new residential. I will need to talk with C4 to see if they require an actual showroom as the company I've spoken too in Oklahoma doesn't have a physical showroom. Any other bits of information anyone may have would be great! They do. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk c44me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share Posted July 8, 2019 2 hours ago, msgreenf said: They do. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk Well darn nabbit. How do you recommend I get into the field? Is there another manufacturer I need to start with before moving over to C4? I am just looking at running a business out of my home for now, doing just residential installation on new construction via a network of home builders im close with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveC4 Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 22 minutes ago, JakeFromSF said: Well darn nabbit. How do you recommend I get into the field? Is there another manufacturer I need to start with before moving over to C4? I am just looking at running a business out of my home for now, doing just residential installation on new construction via a network of home builders im close with. Honestly, probably best to work out a deal with someone who already has all of that. Get a relationship established an existing dealer where he/she can make a little margin and you bring the customers and perform the work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share Posted July 8, 2019 On 7/8/2019 at 7:43 AM, ILoveC4 said: Honestly, probably best to work out a deal with someone who already has all of that. Get a relationship established an existing dealer where he/she can make a little margin and you bring the customers and perform the work. That is a fantastic idea! I had not thought of that but you are very much right. Thank you guys for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggzlot Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 if you really want to be on your own, start with IoT devices. Start selling/installing Harmony Hubs, Sonos, Hue, Nest, etc and tie them all together. Maybe even install Vera hubs or something. Start small. Less overhead, less ordering requirements, less headaches, more set and forget, etc. Hang TVs and sound bars, install speakers, set up Amazon accessories, etc. After having a business for a few years and you show some profits you could maybe go to C4 or another CI installer with your business plan and showing a history of an established business to make a case. CEPro has had numerous articles on companies who just resell/install/support big box store items (as mentioned above) and though not high ticket, its high volume where you can take on 100's of projects a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloC4 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 On 7/8/2019 at 5:56 AM, msgreenf said: They do. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk Only 1 out of 6 companies in the Buffalo, NY, have show rooms... the one... Stereo Advantage is horrible and barely showcases C4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msgreenf Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Likely grandfathered in Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 5 minutes ago, msgreenf said: Likely grandfathered in Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk I imagine so. I think I am going to try what someone up above had mentioned and start by 1. selling and installing over the counter automation products and 2. partnering with a larger automation firm a few towns over that i dont have to compete with, allow them to be my distributor and I just handle selling and installing. Either this or find someone on here who would be interested in being a partner until I have enough sales and experience that i am able to get C4 to allow me in the door. Any additional insight is greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hertz Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 You should start by working for another company. Learn and then when you’re ready start your company. c44me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted August 31, 2019 Author Share Posted August 31, 2019 On 7/7/2019 at 7:52 PM, knowitall said: Pretty sure C4 requires an established business with a showroom to even entertain the idea of opening up a new dealer. So after 2-3 years of getting that setup, then you need to goto the training and place an opening order which is gonna cost like $15k Then, you need to keep your numbers up so they don’t pull the dealership from you. Maybe you should’ve figured this stuff out before quitting your job. Hey @knowitall! Just wanted to update you. I am officially a Control4 dealer Thanks for the push I needed to dive in. Silvaskin, Rexabyte, crazybuppie and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted August 31, 2019 Author Share Posted August 31, 2019 On 7/8/2019 at 4:56 AM, msgreenf said: They do. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk As it turns out, they dont. Rexabyte, Silvaskin and Neo1738 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Lowe Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 23 hours ago, JakeFromSF said: Hey @knowitall! Just wanted to update you. I am officially a Control4 dealer Thanks for the push I needed to dive in. Welcome to the team! its an exciting field to be in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alco Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 @JakeFromSF so what are the requirements? Do you have to meet quarterly sale amounts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted September 2, 2019 Author Share Posted September 2, 2019 I’m excited to get started in the C4 community! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knowitall Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Doubt it but good luck either way in your “all new residential” fantasy land! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crshepard7 Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Go rob a bank or armored truck. That way you’ll have enough money to live halfway comfortably while you work in the A/V & automation field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted September 18, 2019 Author Share Posted September 18, 2019 2 hours ago, crshepard7 said: Go rob a bank or armored truck. That way you’ll have enough money to live halfway comfortably while you work in the A/V & automation field. Im fortunate enough that my other side business and my Engineer wife will keep me afloat long enough to try it out. Also a plus we dont have any kids or major expenses yet! Starting young has its benefits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted September 18, 2019 Author Share Posted September 18, 2019 15 hours ago, knowitall said: Doubt it but good luck either way in your “all new residential” fantasy land! Ive spoken with a few professionals in the field and they are getting me into their circles for more retrofit projects. They said that's where you make the most money so ill chase that as well! Thanks for the good luck! Ill be sure to keep you posted on my progress. As for the doubt, let me know what you would like to see to prove im a dealer lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazybuppie Posted September 18, 2019 Share Posted September 18, 2019 1 minute ago, JakeFromSF said: Im fortunate enough that my other side business and my Engineer wife will keep me afloat long enough to try it out. Also a plus we dont have any kids or major expenses yet! Starting young has its benefits. Not sure why the all the hate is being thrown around. I say congratulations and best of luck my friend. Take your time, do good work, and treat people fairly. tdougray 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeFromSF Posted September 18, 2019 Author Share Posted September 18, 2019 Just now, crazybuppie said: Not sure why the all the hate is being thrown around. I say congratulations and best of luck my friend. Take your time, do good work, and treat people fairly. Yeah i wasn't sure either. I think some people may just be protective of this field and that's okay! I am just excited to get to try my hand at something im passionate for and getting to become my own boss in the process. I do appreciate everyone who gave me the information I needed to get this far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSTRONG Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Did you go to the programmers class ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poseidonsystems Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Congrats Jake on being a dealer! Make sure you get the gear for your home first and spend 50% of your time installing and reinstalling it at your home for about 90 days. That includes controllers, sr260s lights, thermostats, locks, and some speakers with amps. Also, I would make sure you're well versed in the bakpak, over, and the pakedge gear. Best of luck!! Welcome to the community. Great choice to go with Control4. chopedogg88 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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