Many aspiring tradies dream of breaking away from the nine-to-five grind and running their own businesses.
The idea of being your own boss, setting your own hours, and making serious money is tempting—but for many, the biggest roadblock is the belief that you need a hefty savings account to get started.
One Brisbane electrician is here to prove that’s not always the case. After launching his own electrical business with nothing but determination and a solid skill set, he’s now pulling in $150,000 a year, with his company raking in millions in annual turnover.
And according to him, the biggest lesson he’s learned is that fear—not finances—is what holds most people back.
Now, with a growing team and big ambitions for the future, he’s sharing his experience and best advice for tradies who want to take the leap into business ownership.
From nothing to a multi-million dollar business
When a Brisbane electrician was stopped in the street and asked about his job and salary, his story turned heads. Just two years ago, he and a mate launched their own electrical business, and today, it’s pulling in an impressive $2 million plus per year.
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“I own my own company. Ballpark $150,000 a year, the company’s upwards of $2 million, $2.5 million a year turnover,” he told jobs app Getahead.
With four employees on board and steady growth, he’s already looking ahead to bigger things. “I hope to have 10 employees in another two years,” he shared.
Like many aspiring business owners, he initially thought he’d need a big chunk of savings before taking the plunge. But reality proved different.
“I always thought, being a tradesman working for someone else, I had to have, say, $50,000 set aside to go out on my own,” he admitted.
“Turns out I just went at it with nothing, and it turned out alright.”
For him, the motivation wasn’t just about financial success—it was about his family.
“[I’ve] got two little girls and a wife, and that’s why I do it,” he said.
His advice for others considering starting their own business? Don’t let fear hold you back.
“Just don’t be scared. For anyone, just do not be scared. It’s an open book, so you’ve gotta write it yourself,” he encouraged.
What it really costs to start a trade business
While this tradie’s experience shows that you don’t always need huge savings to get started, launching a trade business does come with costs.
According to tradie marketplace HiPages, here are some key expenses to consider:
- Licensing fees – Required for operating legally.
- Insurance – Essential for protecting yourself and your business.
- Equipment – Tools, vehicles, and safety gear.
- Working capital – Funds to cover initial operating costs.
- Premises – Whether renting or buying a workspace.
- Marketing – To get your name out there.
- Recruitment – If you plan to hire employees.
On top of that, new business owners must choose a structure—sole trader, partnership, company, or trust—and register their business accordingly.
Based on data from SEEK, electricians in Australia typically earn between $90,000 and $110,000 per year. Those who complete an apprenticeship and obtain the necessary licenses can expect solid career prospects, with self-employment offering even greater financial rewards.
For this Brisbane tradie, taking the risk has paid off in a big way. His story is proof that you don’t need to wait until everything is “perfect” to chase your own success—you just need to get started.
