James Zago P.Eng.

View Original

Let's start a company!

The last few weeks have been educational and exciting! There are so many things to learn while starting a business. Before leaving my last employer, I had a business plan ready. Beyond that, nothing else was actioned and today I wanted to share the steps taken so far.  

I started by informing a few connections that I'd be pursing my own path and at the start offering my services as a project manager on a contract basis. This helped me strike a balance in securing steady work while starting my construction company; with the added benefits of expanding my network in Kelowna and gaining company experience by working on a project in Lake Country.

Now, let's focus on the steps I've taken to establish my company. I had a few potential company names in mind, but before considering any, I checked if the corresponding domain names were available. Then checked the BC registry to confirm I could reserve the name in BC. I didn't want to fall in love with a name to only find out it wasn’t available! Thankfully, I now have a name picked.

Next, I found a knowledgeable accountant who can assist me in structuring my company. Although I knew I wanted to incorporate; we discussed my timeline and goals to determine if a sole proprietorship or a more complex structure would be more suitable.

Currently, I'm selecting a lawyer/law firm, which is something I've never had to do before. I may have overanalyzed it, but I want a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also personable and provides excellent service.

After finalizing the name, I've been working on logo design. What colors do I want to represent my brand? Do I want all caps in the logo? Should I stack the name? Fortunately, there are websites available now that make it easier to review multiple logo iterations quickly. As of now, I've narrowed it down to four choices and I'm excited to reveal the final selection soon!

That's all for now. Starting my own company is an exciting adventure that I'm thoroughly enjoying as someone who loves learning new things. If anyone wants to get in touch with questions, advice, or just to introduce themselves, please feel free to do so!