Business Success 3: Converted from Construction Worker to Handyperson

This continues our series on small-business successes to inspire you to achieve success

The plummeting economy, housing prices, and construction jobs affected millions of Americans since August 2008. Thousands of general and sub-contractors closed their doors. Hundreds of thousands of construction workers found their hours, salaries, and livelihoods disappeared in months. I want to share the story of John, a construction worker, who reframed his career by starting a handyman business.

Preparation Before the Recession

John began his construction career with a goal to become a general contractor. His insatiable curiosity yearned for practical learning. He set out to learn all the different trades in construction. He worked as a roofer, framer, finish carpenter, electrician’s helper, insulator, and duct worker. His versatility kept him busy. Many subs took this young dynamo under their wing and mentored him.

He supervised a crew of framers on high-end residential construction when the housing bubble burst. He went from working 50-60 hours a week to 10-15. He needed the hours. He needed the money.

Starting His Own Business

John quickly realized that he would have to do something different to provide for his family. He also recognized his most marketable skills dealt with construction. Within two months of the onset of the recession, John decided to start a handyman’s business. He took several steps to get his business going. He

• Found a seasoned, skilled handyman that agreed to apprentice him
• Listed ads on Craig’s List and a local TV web site that carried advertisements
• Built the business around 3 main clients that needed his help every week
• Gave extraordinary service that caused his clients to tell their friends
• Solicited referrals from friends, family, clients, and former bosses
• Estimated when past clients would need new work done and contacted them

The business struggled in early 2009, but began to flourish toward the end of the year. John has had plenty of work for two years. He earns more money than he did working construction, works fewer hours, and has more freedom.

Monday we share a woman who grew a small handicraft business into a family enterprise