It's impossible for us to give any good advice without knowing more about your son. I read others saying that he should go work for someone for 2 years and get experience but that seems to be advice that would have worked for themselves but doesn't mean the same route would work for him.
Is your son driven? ambitious? does he have the entrepreneurial spirit?
Starting a scratch agency is tough stuff and if he isn't 100% dedicated 24/7 then it would be an uphill battle. Purchasing an agency is always the better way to get into the business if you ask me although that would depend on his financial situation.
Share more info about your son and we could probably give you better advice.
I started scratch with no experience. I highly doubt I would do it that way again. You need (a lot) of money just to keep the doors open and pay basic expenses and get started.
He should get some training with a company like Liberty Mutual or an agency locally, learn the business, build relationships- then jump ship if he likes the industry. This is what I would have done if I was to do it over again.
Appointments will be tough to come by in the indie world. Learning will be a steep curve. You have to have a unique market or relationship or something that is really going to drive growth. Will someone be feeding him business? Maybe a COI in the family?
People think this business is much easier than it really is. Its not impossible, but definitely not easy....
