My uncle has been running his garage door business for 30+ years and is calling it quits. It’s a very small business, no assets, no website, no employees. It’s literally just his phone number. He roughly profits $80-100k before taxes. Basically drummed up just enough business to live comfortably but I know I can build a much bigger business over time. He talked to a bigger garage door company in the area and they will buy it for $12k if I don’t.

I want a small business that I can be absent for and not actually do garage repair/install work and just handle calls and bookkeeping so I would need contractors or employees which I don’t have lined up.

This venture would be to supplement my regular job but absolutely don’t need the extra income. I see this as an opportunity of starting a new business with a little jump start with a steady steam of service calls and then build from there.

I’m writing this for some advice/encouragement, maybe discouragement. I have never run a business so I’m definitely apprehensive about jumping in because of the unknowns especially the process of finding a good contractor/the process to bring on an employee. Do I need a lawyer?

I thought I had more time to figure things out and get more comfortable but he sprung it on me that he wants completely out within a month. What should I figure out? What are some upsides/downsides?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.