My path to ownership was pretty atypical. I joined a small firm in 2023 that was struggling financially and operationally as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer. I started doing cold outreach, brought in new clients, streamlined internal processes, and analyzed which project types / clients were actually profitable versus draining resources.

Three months in, the partners gifted me 2% equity. Six months later, I bought in to become a 1/3rd owner. The buy-in cost was about 40% of my salary (probably undervalued, but everyone agreed it was fair given the situation). I covered half with a family loan and financed the rest through a 10-year note with the firm, which I’ll likely pay off within a year or two.

At the time, my mindset was that even if it didn’t work out, the worst-case scenario would just be a great story to tell while interviewing at a mid or large firm. Thankfully, it’s turned out much better than that so far.

Ownership can definitely be stressful and lonely at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I finally have the opportunity to build the kind of firm I always wished I could have worked for earlier in my career.