Hello everyone, I am 32 years old and I started a small appliance business in 2020. I started righ in the middle of covid 19, appliance repair are consider essential so business was booming from the start. I started just by myself, using my own car and the tools I had laying around at home. I was a happy camper!
Now I have grown to 3.5 techs and 1 secretary working 30 hours. In December I will have another office clerks/accountant full time (40 hours) starting; and in January another full time tech. My business is growing way faster than I planned ( good thing). I don’t have any past experience with business management and until now I had hired what I needed and learned as I go. I myself work in the office as manager, supervisor or cleaning the toilet if need be, I oversee everything, I order parts, I schedule, I help techs in the field with technical support, inventory, I help answer calls, I do everything and beyond. from 8 AM to 1 AM every day, trying to keep up and not have to hire more office staff.
But as we continue growing, I see the need for some advice on what should be a good tech to office staff ratio in general terms and what is considered good practice. Also at what point should I look for an assistant manager?
In other words, I don’t want too many chickens in the kitchen.
Thank you guys!
Following - been doing this for 16 years and every time I think I got it figured out I lose or gain someone on either side. Then the dynamics change due to the differences in the people themselves in those positions. Then it can go either way again. ( currently 15 employees and almost exact start up story but hvac ) good luck either way it’s a hell of a journey!