What encouraged you to work in this career field?
My first house was a fixer-upper and I really enjoyed transforming it into a home. After the remodel, we were able to sell the house for much more than we had paid for it and this trend continued. I started a small side business painting window shutters and removing wall paper. My first few customers referred me to their friends and my business grew from there.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It's always great when our customers are satisfied with the project at the end, but I think it’s most rewarding when they call me back for the second or third job or refer other customers to me.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really like working with new customers and helping them to feel a little bit of control amongst the chaos of home improvement. When people hire me, they’re not only getting a skilled professional to fix their home – they’re buying the peace of mind knowing that their dream home will become a reality.
What motivates you daily?
I’m inspired by the young men I work with; they remind me of myself and my sons. Many of them I hired and trained on the job while they figured out what life path they wanted to take. For some, the job is just to make money and continue on with school. For others, the knowledge of home repair is a life skill they’ll continue to use throughout their lives.
What education/training does a person need to get started in your field?
A lot of what we do can be learned on the job. But before I teach someone to paint and such, I teach them customer service since that’s the most important thing that we do.
What advice do you have for those considering entering into a career in your career field?
Find a mentor. Someone else has done what you want to do and they can teach you what you need to know and how to avoid pitfalls. Also outsource the things you don’t need to do to a professional, such as hiring someone to manage your payroll. Lastly, get involved with the Chamber of Commerce. They have lots of education and networking opportunities, as well as a very helpful staff. My business grew by 50% in the first year and has continued to grow.
What makes you great at what you do?
I take pride in what I do. When you’re proud of what you do, it shows in your work. Being proud of what do you makes you better at your craft and lets you offer better service than others.