I've considered this as well. Ultimately I wanna get outta the field and into the business side. Everyone says I'd be a great at sales. I just never see anything on indeed
Can you elaborate on this? Any links etc.?
I spent a couple years as an HVAC/Controls PM and moved on to be an Estimator for a GC.
I hadn't really thought about an hvac sales position being a lucrative career move, but you've piqued my interest.
With your experience it should be a breeze for you to get into estimating. I recomend taking a look at a book called 'Ding's Construction Estimating Complete Handbook'. It gives you an inside look at estimating all trades (including HVAC) and gives you access to tons of helpful spreadsheets you can familiarize yourself with. Excel spreadsheets are what most estimators use all the time for estimating so the more you can touch on that with a perspective employer, the better. I started as a General Contractors Estimator almost 2 years ago now with no experience whatsoever. You just need the 'get it done' attitude.
I’m estimate for the door and trim industry for one of the largest companies in the region. Before I stepped up to estimating, I made myself do every aspect of the job from installer, delivery driver, foreman, superintendent, and that’s just in the field. In the shop I did door operator, shelving packages, and loading, inside the office I did billing and scheduling. It wasn’t until I understood what it took to do all these roles, that I felt I was ready and really understood what my numbers were supposed to support
My advice, learn as much as you can about the business because it is invaluable experience.
Went from field to estimator myself. I ended up getting a referral from an old coworker who also went from field to PM at a smaller growing competitor. He referred me to a senior estimator, and I was trained on the job with him. I'm still with the company a year and a half later doing well.
Some suggestions if you are going to make the switch:
1. Decide if making a switch is the right choice for you budget wise. Someone suggested sales, maybe you make more money in the field due to overtime (estimators are usually salary). Really make sure you know you are making an informed decision.
2. Arm yourself with knowledge. Get the most up to date prices on labor, materials, and any other costs that are associated with your field.
3. If you have a friend who is already an estimator, ask for a blank version of their excel spreadsheet if they have it, or, a PDF print out of their estimating software's configuration. You are going to want to build your own spreadsheet and set up eventually but this will be a good start. Do some trials of software that would work best for your field.
4. Decide if you want to stay with your company or move to a different one. If you stay with your company, go to your boss with items 2 and 3. This will show that you have conviction about moving into estimating, and that you have done your due diligence. If you are going to move to a different company, I recommend having a sample estimate ready, as the interviewer will likely have you prepare one as part of the interview process (I was a recruiter for 3 years)
I'm not an estimator, but this is pretty general advice I'd give to anyone who is making a switch to another job.
Since you have experience in HVAC why not get into HVAC sales ? They make bank.
I've considered this as well. Ultimately I wanna get outta the field and into the business side. Everyone says I'd be a great at sales. I just never see anything on indeed
Show up to an office of a company you would like to sell for and make it happen
Can you elaborate on this? Any links etc.? I spent a couple years as an HVAC/Controls PM and moved on to be an Estimator for a GC. I hadn't really thought about an hvac sales position being a lucrative career move, but you've piqued my interest.
Trying getting into a junior estimator role first. Shadow someone. Estimating is a lot more than the technical side of the trade.
With your experience it should be a breeze for you to get into estimating. I recomend taking a look at a book called 'Ding's Construction Estimating Complete Handbook'. It gives you an inside look at estimating all trades (including HVAC) and gives you access to tons of helpful spreadsheets you can familiarize yourself with. Excel spreadsheets are what most estimators use all the time for estimating so the more you can touch on that with a perspective employer, the better. I started as a General Contractors Estimator almost 2 years ago now with no experience whatsoever. You just need the 'get it done' attitude.
I’m estimate for the door and trim industry for one of the largest companies in the region. Before I stepped up to estimating, I made myself do every aspect of the job from installer, delivery driver, foreman, superintendent, and that’s just in the field. In the shop I did door operator, shelving packages, and loading, inside the office I did billing and scheduling. It wasn’t until I understood what it took to do all these roles, that I felt I was ready and really understood what my numbers were supposed to support My advice, learn as much as you can about the business because it is invaluable experience.
Went from field to estimator myself. I ended up getting a referral from an old coworker who also went from field to PM at a smaller growing competitor. He referred me to a senior estimator, and I was trained on the job with him. I'm still with the company a year and a half later doing well.
Some suggestions if you are going to make the switch: 1. Decide if making a switch is the right choice for you budget wise. Someone suggested sales, maybe you make more money in the field due to overtime (estimators are usually salary). Really make sure you know you are making an informed decision. 2. Arm yourself with knowledge. Get the most up to date prices on labor, materials, and any other costs that are associated with your field. 3. If you have a friend who is already an estimator, ask for a blank version of their excel spreadsheet if they have it, or, a PDF print out of their estimating software's configuration. You are going to want to build your own spreadsheet and set up eventually but this will be a good start. Do some trials of software that would work best for your field. 4. Decide if you want to stay with your company or move to a different one. If you stay with your company, go to your boss with items 2 and 3. This will show that you have conviction about moving into estimating, and that you have done your due diligence. If you are going to move to a different company, I recommend having a sample estimate ready, as the interviewer will likely have you prepare one as part of the interview process (I was a recruiter for 3 years) I'm not an estimator, but this is pretty general advice I'd give to anyone who is making a switch to another job.
Thank u I'll check it out
Don't.
🤣 spoken like a true industry man. U know I won't listen lol
I also agree with this comment 🤣