Starting a company. Insurance questions in IL

I have 20 years in the roofing industry. From installations, foreman, and now sales. I am taking a break to pursue another field but me and my marketing friend want to start moonlighting and see if it takes off.

Whats the best order of operation.

I know we need to be a LLC or Inc Get licensed in IL Insurance/Bonded.

Also, we will be subcontracting everything out so how does that play into the insurance? I heard if we do not have our "own" employees on the payroll that we are exempt from workmans comp?

Please point me in the right direction. Hoping for some positive remarks.

I know it will be long, hard work, and another set of headaches. I have been dealing with all those things working for horrible contractors the entire time without being able to be a decision maker. We just want to be our own boss and do good work.

Why do you want a partnership? This is almost a sure way to fail. To make this work you need to define exactly what is each persons duties and what is expected of them. What the consequences are for not preforming these duties. What value is given to each persons duties. 50/50 60/40 10/90....

This will make or break the business, more then anything else.

It is hard enough dealing with people that do not have a vote.

Have a lawyer draw this up first.

Find an insurance agent who deals with roofing.

I just started a partnership in a real estate company. We are 50/50, with me as the managing partner with the only vote.