Running a lineman company isn’t just about technical know-how—it’s about planning, securing contracts, managing a team, and keeping everything running at a profit! However, if you’re an experienced lineman looking to take the next step in your career, starting your own business can be a hugely exciting and rewarding experience.
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Before you dive in, it’s important to be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to:
Understanding your long-term vision will help you make the right decisions early on. Need help structuring your ideas? Use Tradify’s Business Plan Template to create a roadmap for your business.
A lineman business needs to be properly registered, insured, and compliant with industry regulations before you can start taking on work.
When deciding on your business structure, think about your goals for the future. Are you looking to grow, or fly solo forever? Read the points below for information on registering a business in your region.
Lineman work is high-risk, so insurance is non-negotiable. At a minimum, you’ll need:
Check out Tradify's Guide to Business Insurance for Tradespeople for more advice.
Your business must also comply with safety regulations, particularly when working at heights or with high-voltage systems. Not sure what’s required? Check out Tradify’s Health & Safety Survey Questions to make sure you’re meeting industry standards.
A lineman business has high start-up costs, so getting your finances in order is critical.
You’ll need to budget for:
Charging too little means struggling to stay afloat, while overpricing may drive clients elsewhere. Consider:
Use Tradify’s Charge-Out Rate Calculator to ensure you’re setting sustainable prices. If you provide materials, the Materials Markup Calculator will help you apply fair profit margins.
Cash flow is crucial, so set clear payment terms:
Check out Tradify's Profit Margin Calculator to ensure you're setting the right prices to reach your financial goals.
Your tools and vehicles are the backbone of your business, so don't skimp out! Investing in reliable tools from the start sets you up for the long run and protects your safety. Look out for quality:
If you plan to grow beyond a solo operation, hiring the right people is key. You may need:
Hiring the right team takes time. Use Tradify’s Job Description Template and Interview Questions to help pick the perfect match.
To track employee performance and ongoing training, try Tradify’s Performance Review Template.
Most lineman companies secure work through:
A strong proposal increases your chances of winning contracts. Use Tradify’s Bid Proposal Template to present a professional offer.
Building a strong business identity is key to long-term growth. It helps future and returning clients recognise your business and sets the tone for the tone and standard of work you'll complete. For a structured approach, use Tradify’s Marketing Plan Template to map out your strategy, which should include:
Managing jobs, schedules, and invoices manually can be time-consuming. A job management system like Tradify helps by:
Using the right tools will save you time and make running your business easier. Try Tradify for free to see how it can streamline your operations.