What does it take to start a Hotrod Shop?

[arue333]

I know this is a really broad question, but I thought with all of the custom shops on this form you guys would be the best place to find the answers. I Live up in Vancouver Wa, where it rains 90% of the time so there's not a lot of Rod shops. I am trying to figure out what is the best way to go about starting up a business. I have a the basic home shop tools and a 6 axis mill, and a lathe. How did you guys start out? Did you start in a garage? Rented two bay shop, or lease a space? What are the do's and don'ts or pitfalls of starting a shop like this. What are the essential equipment, ie, welders, benders, ect.. besides skilled employees. What type of jobs did you start out with? Did you do side work for other shops?

The big plus is my day job will be supporting most of this venture so I don't need to make a ton of money,

Fishing for good advice,

Thomas