Busy week, so figured I'd actually write it up instead of just telling myself I would. Filed the LLC myself this week. Went straight through NH's site instead of LegalZoom, saved the markup for basically the same paperwork, done in an afternoon. EIN came back from the IRS the next day. Also finally sat down and ran a real trademark search on the name instead of just assuming it was fine. Nothing conflicting showed up, so that's closed out. Applied for a business bank account too (still pending review) and got Google Workspace set up with a real business email off my personal Gmail. Small thing but it'd been bugging me. Also got real equipment quotes this week instead of just running numbers in a spreadsheet. Hit Bobcat, Cat, Deere, and the local Takeuchi dealer. Bobcat's the clear leader right now on a skid steer and mulcher package. Cat was the most put-together dealer of the bunch, best warranty and best service commitment, but $34k to $59k more for a comparable setup. Deere couldn't quote me on the spot. The Takeuchi dealer's out, didn't have the road service or dealer support I'd need. Nothing's bought yet, but I've got real numbers to compare now instead of guessing. Stopped at a local trailer dealer while I was out there too. Got a contact and I'm feeling good about buying through them when the time comes. Truck's on the radar for December. (F450/F550, 2022+) Also got a real insurance quote range back and I'm comparing two CPA candidates before I actually need one. I know all of this is really far out from actually cutting brush for money. April 2027 launch is the planned date. But I'd rather have the boring stuff, LLC, EIN, insurance, equipment relationships, locked down now than scrambling to figure it out once things get busy. On the personal side: My wife and I had our first son on September 5th. Life's been a little crazy since. But being off my regular job right now has actually been a huge blessing, it's meant we could go do these dealer visits together during a normal workday instead of squeezing it into evenings and weekends. Plus, who doesn't love showing their 8-day old equipment?

UPDATE TO ADD: I found the best independent agent who insures all over the US, so if you need a referral let me know! $140,000 in equipment covered and GL 1M/2M for $1900/yr!! I am getting quoted close to $7500 a year for inland marine and general liability insurance. That doesn’t even include commercial auto. Can anyone let me know what I’m doing wrong and why it’s costing so much to be covered? I want to add, ERGO Next is not an inland marine insurance provider. They do not cover up to $140,000 worth of equipment. So that’s not an option for me. Maybe for general liability but how can I get a reasonable inland marine quote?

Do I get this out of here?

Super excited 15 acres. Some trees are staying. Hopefully I can land my first job.

I signed up with jobber yesterday and i think it’s going to be an amazing addition to my toolbox of software. I would recommend them. I told them that i heard about jobber from Austin and they gave me an additional discount on top of their current promos they are running. Thank you @Austin Gray for the recommendation