Do you dream of owning your own business but can’t stomach the idea of wearing a suit and tie? Are you someone who wants to make your own hours and loves to work hard? If so, you might think you’re too blue-collar to start a small business all by yourself. But that’s simply not true. The reality is there are several great business ideas for blue-collar types.
The following are seven to consider:
1. Automotive
In case you haven’t noticed, car sales are through the roof. That means millions of motorists who sooner or later will need maintenance and repairs done. If you’re someone good with tools who also loves to take things apart and put them back together, opening a neighborhood garage might be the right choice.
Many drivers are learning the hard way that dealerships charge too much for basic repairs, leaving room for “mom and pop” shops like yours to swoop in and take their business.
2. Concrete
Chances are you aren’t farther than five feet from the nearest slab of concrete. It’s everywhere, and old concrete is always needing to get replaced. This adds up to endless demand for quality concrete pourers.
While the startup costs are high, the assurance of always finding work means the investment will pay for itself and then some. Bear in mind this is one of the most difficult business ideas on the list, so don’t pursue concrete unless you’re prepared to work hard for your money.
3. Construction
The home building industry is booming, making construction a difficult but lucrative blue-collar business to consider. While you don’t need to go to college to work in construction, a degree from an accredited construction school is recommended for those pursuing a career in construction management.
Fortunately, there are several great programs to choose from, all of which provide an affordable path to construction as a career and a business opportunity.
4. Delivery
Thanks to Amazon, Uber, and other companies specializing in optimized package and food delivery services, starting your own business in delivery fulfillment could be a lucrative option. While Amazon has its own fleet of delivery vans, the online retail giant also outsources delivery work to third-party companies. If package delivery demand drops, you can switch to DoorDash, EZ Cater, Instacart, UberEats, and other food-based services. They make it easy to become a driver and offer flexible hours, making it simple to transition to and from an existing package delivery operation throughout the day.
5. Manufacturing
You don’t need a huge plant and hundreds of workers to make a profit with manufacturing. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, skilled machinists and other craftspeople can run cottage industry businesses out of their basements and garages. The upside to starting out small is there is almost unlimited room for expansion.
6. Repair
With the “right to repair” becoming a rallying cry among consumers across the globe, those with a knack for fixing gadgets and complicated machinery should consider starting their own repair service. From refrigerators to smartphones, there are dozens of appliances and pieces of technology people rely on every day and will pay to have fixed.
7. Waste Management
Once considered the kind of job you went to college to avoid, waste management has become a respected industry in recent decades. That’s because we realized how important it is to dispose of our trash on a regular basis, and how complicated that task can be given the emphasis on environmental protection and safety.
Waste management is about as blue-collar as it gets, given the nature of the business – where sharp objects, bad smells, and heavy equipment are ever-present factors.
8. Woodworking
From chairs to tables to shelves and more, woodworking involves the design and construction of dozens of popular objects and furniture. While most consumers are content with particleboard pieces bought from their nearest Ikea store, a growing minority see the value in purchasing handmade alternatives from classically trained woodworking professionals.
If you consider yourself a blue-collar type of person, chances are you think starting a business is off-limits. But who says so? It turns out there are numerous blue-collar business opportunities to consider. They all involve hard work, but if you didn’t want it that way, you’d be working in an office.