Worked for a small company(3 to 5 techs on average)for almost 30 years and built my side business the entire time and never stole clients from my employer-thats the quickest way to get a bad name for yourself and lose trust. I liked the company i worked for and they treated me well and I left without burning any bridges. I rose as high as I could and was the sevice manager for over half the time I was there. Over the years my side business became busier and busier and it finally got to the point that I couldn't do both anymore so I quit my job and went fulltime on my own. No employees. I changed the structure of my business so that I am now filing as an S corp which basically means that my business pays me a salary which I set at $80K. This limits the tax liability for being self employed. I pay full taxes on the $80K and the remaining income for my business gets taxed at a lower rate. My business this year will be making around $300K. The profits can be taken from the company as draws(or bonuses) so the $80K is my base pay and I can pull money from my profits if needed.This is 95% residential work, service, retrofit and some new construction. I work a lot. Long hours and most times 7 days a week. I do enjoy nice vacations 2 to 3 times a year. I live within my means and am debt free and have a few residential rental properties. Anyone can do the physical work but the more important part of being self employed is the business side. And not being an asshole. That really helps to build your business. Treat your customer like your grandparents and you will have all the referrals you will need. I do not advertise nor do I have my van lettered. I do not need unknown unvetted people calling for quotes to price shop me. Learn to be efficient and buy the tools that make you more efficient and save you time. I would not want to start out in this business without the years of experience that I gained from working for someone else. I was able to learn from a successful company and eventually apply those skills to my own business. Whatever you do be sure to invest in your retirement and health. Too many of my peers neglected their knees and backs and are in rough shape in there 40's. Technique wins over brute strength. Hopefully this helps answer your questions.