On my way...now what??
I have been doing a lot of research and traveling to the islands for a few years now and have decided to make the move. I love the feel and life of STX but believe there's more opportunity in STT. I own a business over here and would be able to sell out and open my own business in the islands. My question to all of you that live in STX is what types of businesses are more needed and/or more likely to be successful? It seems like in STT where there is more tourist that it would be easier to be successful. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated....Thanks!!
Any of the skilled trades are needed on both islands. Also any kind of general handi-man skills will be snatched up.
we need a Jiffy Lube.
I can just imagine what a stx version of Jiffylube would be--you could probably leave and go to Mcdonalds for their fast food and then come back before the 10 minute oil change was done!
We need that in STT too or any of those 20 minute oil change places.
hey i have no problems with h and h but a place like jiffy lube would be perfect, and yeah because it's a franchise they have certain standards they have to maintain or they lose the franchise, when your're spending 225 thousand on a franchise, you tend to work there and make sure the job gets done right, we could also use a sir speedy print shop and a decent drycleaner
Oil Genie on STX will come to you and change the oil. Have not used him but see his rig all over the island.
yes i talked to him once in the western auto lot, he seemed nice and he gave me his card, but i just went to h and h and had them check everything
Well it really sounds like you guys want a jiffy lube huh? 🙂 Any other thoughts?
Dukin Donuts!
On STT, a GOOD bakery or a reliable handyman who shows up on time & knows what he's doing (jack of all trades type) In fact our condo association is looking for someone like that to be on call along with some regular maintenance type stuff.
Oh, and a Krispy Kreme outlet would be nice. 🙂
Donuts -yes - Donuts and coffee yes - oil change? with donuts and coffee while I wait YES
handyman...remodeling service...this is what I was planning on doing/starting my own business on STT when i get there in a couple of months. I used to build homes here near Chicago and want to stay in the construction industry, and everyone i talked to while down in STT last week while on my PMV told me they could use more people like myself.
I cannot believe that there are no quick oil change places on the island there with so many cars all over.
I remember seeing some oil change place on STT near Tutu or was I mistaken? I guess the opportune word would be "quick" because it may not have been that.
Taco Bell!
I'd vote for a Taco Bell too but we had one here on STT & it went out of business. It was over by Charlotte Amalie. The building is still all boarded up.
WHAT?!?!?! A Taco Bell went out of business?!?!? What's wrong with the people on this island????? LOL
I was a good customer. I meant to say it was over by the Charlotte Amalie high school. They were very nice people who owned it & I believe I heard he had managed a Taco Bell elsewhere.
Somehow I did not catch the business you have been in. That might be important to know in order to determine the transferrability of the business you know so well. I agree with many folks that on either island (but watch St. Croix.....tons of development as there is so much available land) any type of handyman, construction etc. even lawn services.
With Windham Resorts now backing a casino and resort, the Christiansted bypass, new medical arts building etc., there just are not enough people to go around. Having a major physical disability, when I have tried to get other than teenage help where I am not paying $200 for a few hours work is nearly impossible. Thank God for the teens.
Clearing: Not just for new homes, but existing homes and businesses......if the property is ignored for a year or two, the intrusive species of plants like tan tan just take over. I am helping a new home owner to coordinate clearing his land that got overgrown, but everyone that I heard of who could do this was booked solid. Took 14 weeks to find someone. Even then, the person had no tools so I have had to arrange for woodchippers, chainsaws, etc.
If you are physically able, this arena should remain a boom business for at least the next 15 years. The investment is relatively low (mower, basic tools for plants, chainsaw, woodchipper......all told probably less than $1500)
I hope this is of help.
Best wishes to you,
Dan
What did it cost to rent a wood chipper? Who has them for rent?
Thanks in Advance
Thanks for the help Dan. Over here I run a family roofing business and I have my own roof maintanence and restoration company. Im pretty handy and physical labor is no problem for me. I love the insight into the land maintanence and clearing. This doent sound like a bad idea since the island is growing so much.
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