I worked for a guy who had a transmission shop while I was in high school. He told me he works 80 hours a week for himself, so that he doesn’t have to work 40 hours a week for someone else.
FUCK UNIONS. I was a journeyman electrician for 14 years. WORKING 60 HOURS A WEEK just to make a decent living. I quit, went to engineering school. Got a BSEE degree, and a professional engineering license. Now I work in a nice air conditioned office 45 hous a week making $165k. FUCK that electician bullshit!!! Been there done that. I live a good life. BEST thing I ever did was leave the trades and go to engineering school.
I was a union fire protection installer in canada making 90k a year with a van and phone. I left the trade to be a lazy landlord. Best decision I've ever made. Now I'm fatter and lazier than ever lol.
I’ve been self employed as a handyman for just over a year. The hardest thing for me is managing the stress of uncertainty in what I am going to find when I dig into a job.
Handyman business is great and anybody can do it, but not everybody can do it right. There's so much more to it than just the skill set. Always listen to your client's concerns and requests. You don't always have to put in 14-18 hours/day but don't delay things unnecessarily. Keep up with the schedule, let the customer know that you're making efforts to save them money in materials, labor etc and try to throw in some freebies every now and then if you can. Also, be clean! Don't leave a messy job site behind at the end of the day. Constant communication is key! Whether it's project related, maybe you're gonna be late that day or you need to take some time off, keep the customer in the loop. On bigger projects where I get paid periodically, I always let them know before I send them an invoice, I don't just send it out of the blue. There are many other things you can do to be a really good handyman but this is pretty much the basics of it and it will most likely get you many referrals!
Key is communication w customer/client...If you are too busy to get to a customer's project or issue tell them. Your better customers will wait if not they will find someone else. I will follow-up with my customers who will not wait just to keep the communication lines open for the next call for my services..
not anybody can do it. I promise. the knowledge and skills set go along way. you can listen as much as you want to and could charm as much as you want but if the end product is a shit job....I can bet you won't be back
I left the mechanical engineering field to start my handyman business. I am not making more money by far. But am happier. I had some specific issues with hearing loss and just job satisfaction (awful employers) that factored in heavily.
I'm a Physics PhD with over 25 patents assigned to previous employers in the electronic medical device field. I'm treated like a technician by entitled woke employers. I'm looking to get out of the field that destroyed my health and enjoyment of life. I used to work 80-90 weeks stressful weeks with NO overtime for many employers. Totally abused by the blue-pilled woke SF Bay Area. Physics has made many innovations but seldom rewards those key people. Hope people are going to be comfortable being under the duress of China's hold on semiconductor chip technology.
@@rchn1315 In my 25+ years in my field, I witnessed so many who put in countless hours. I never understood that. Employment was always an agreement for me...I put in a fair work week and received the pay promised. Some of those guys did get extra perks and faster raises. But from my point of view...they were being used up and missing out on their own families. Something I never let a company do to me. I always gave honest effort and did a good job. But I worked hard to keep them from taking advantage of me. I hope that my handyman business generates decent income. It has been a good start but only been running since May this year. Time will tell. Also hope I stay physically able. I am 52 and not without some problems. But so far so good. Even loosing some weight with the new role...so that is good. I enjoy the reward of feeling I accomplished things and also hearing from satisfied customers. Even though they are paying me good wages, the mostly seem very pleased with my work. That goes a long way with me.
@@efrenquiroz12 yes and no. I have always relied on my knowledge to solve problems and find sound and reasonable solutions. That aspect of my work has not changed. I have been confronted with things that still have me relying on my sound judgment and knowledge of mechanical properties of things. Its a lot more hands on now though. And meetings and emails are focused on clear needs and sending an invoice. Not the email chain nightmares of before nor the useless meetings that got nothing accomplished. But there is certainly a rewarding career in there if you get a degree and get in with a good company and things work out.
@@joeturtleneck2300 In a world where people care more about where your college degree came from than what skills you actually have, people in the trades are a valuable and dying breed. Ironically, even the most educated scholars can’t make it through the day without a functioning toilet or with a leaking roof. Tradesmen are truly essential. And yes - Donald Trump is a boots on the ground, old school, where it is and where it will be if you don’t pay attention type of guy. If people are going to only believe the main stream media narrative they need to wake up and smell the coffee 🇺🇸
@@EnProto they definitely happen. And they suck. But as I've been doing ot full time, I'm still making more. It was surprisingly easy to take off. I used the app task rabbit to meet clients. And can still do so on slow weeks. But without the app I average about 10k a week Edit A MONTH. NOT A WEEK lol.
@@EnProto task rabbit is hourly however you get to communicate with clients before agreeing on price. Say you have to install light fixtures that'll take 2 hours you can set your hourly at 50 but put a 3 hour minimum. My biggest piece of advice would be, learn how to schedule. That's the hardest for me. Trying to figure times and dates and time on jobs etc. But as far as finding clients. Make business cards, their cheap and leave them with friends family and at stores, I've gotten numerous clients just from talking to people at home depot.
My customers ask if they can refer to Me their friends and family…. I’m not the cheapest out there either! But I do a good job, and clean up my mess when I’m done. Be friendly, responsive, respectful. You’ll always win!👍
As someone who has hired friends in different industries to help get more home improvements done, I can't tell you how much more likely I am to hire someone who cleans up after themselves. I understand the trades are a different animal and a lot of laborers are used to leaving messes because "it's not their problem", but when you're in someone's home with pets & kids it should be just as important to leave the house as clean as it was before you did the work. Thank you
Hey man! You inspired me to start my own handyman business but I only do it part time. ( mostly because I’m young and my current job has great benefits and will pay for my plumbing licensing while being non union) I’ve now almost double my income for the year from 45k to almost 85k. Watching your videos really pushed me to start seeking my own work and taking my extra time and making it into even more money. I love doing my work and I take pride in it. I’ve done this all at 20 and it’s really set me on track to meet my goals in life and all I can say is thanks for all of these videos that really help motivate and give perspective on a possible way of life. Keep the great content flowing!
Union electrician here in the heavily regulated NW; I could never go handy man. I'd go elec. contractor or GC if I didn’t have small children to care for. After my first 4.5 years in the trade, all I do is tell people what to do all day; it's hardly blue collar anymore for me unless I want it to be. I feel like an over paid secretary half the day, and an over paid instructor the other half. I could live comfortably working 40-50hrs a week, 9 months out of the year and maintain better than avg health insurance indefinitely for my family.
Thanks for the perspective. Im all for people bettering their lives and make more money. Everyone will have to decide what's best for them. If you aren't succeeding as an electrical contractor you may want to reach out. If you don't level up your business skills who cares what you can do with your hands. You will ultimately fail. Thats really the man reason people stay employed. You have mastered that skill not only by being able to run your business but by diversifying by doing CZcams.
Earned 500 two weeks ago for removing carpets and baseboards from an office. Of course, they forgot to mention it was a fully furnished office that a dozen desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves and a decades worth of crap had to be thrown away. I didn’t mind, hard work but 500 for a day was nice.
I salute you Handyman dude. Your channel is good mentoring and is helpful in envisioning a way out of the rat race of living paycheck to paycheck and not having a way to provide for a brighter future. Talk about positive masculinity.
Lol love the Union rant 😂💕👍 And yes it definitely takes a certain kind of person to be self employed, it's not for everyone. If it all works, the rewards can be great, but that's a big *if*
First!!!! I would love to hear the tangent Handydude of the past went on. I bet he’d have me rolling in the floor! Very well presented info. Definite food for thought.
I love your content!! I only have one ask and that is to please do the video of your dialogue requesting referrals. I am planning to do my own thing in the future and this would be enormously helpful
You dont need to validate your cost other than to see if you can keep yourself.busy with jobs at.your rate. Just dont expect to get every job you bid on, and dial in your pricing. For some, it will be too much for them. Nothing you can do, just focus on the customers who can afford to pay for the work they want to get done
In my opinion, your distinction from the competition is your interactions from the social side of things. It's the glue (or caulk...) that makes everything else work. The customer service, the conversation, and the strategy are what lands the job, and the follow through is what keeps the customers. A video exploring your approach would be very interesting...I think that's on the "running the business" side of things more than the "doing the job" side. But it's the secret sauce that keeps your doors open and keeps the cash flowing.
It's being a good salesman. I worked side by side with my dad in our family business and learned from a salesman who worked in the great depression. That door to door guy showed me a thing or two. If you can't sell yourself, who will?
I too have quit my electrician job for 25 years and started handyman/remodel business about a year and a half ago...best decision ive ever made career wise...tripled my annual income
I can vouch for this. Lol I manage a 2.3 M restaurant and our maintenance guy handles 5 of our locations and charges $70 an hour. Anything after 5 pm is 1.5x pay and Sunday is 2x pay. My uncle is a electrician in California for a Union and he’s a foreman making around $52 an hour last time I talked to him. Our Maintance guy also handles a couple other restaurants, but makes about $10k a month. He also has certifications for hot equipment, cold equipment, air conditioning, fryers, etc. I think he told me he did about 25 years worth of school while he was writing in different trades. He worked for Ecolab, Hi-tech, and multiple other companies. He told me other Maintance guys charge about $110 an hour
I'm a general Foreman in Seattle and on the check I make over $70 per hour. Google local 46 2021 wages to see. Foreman is 66.90. Not to mention, we also just voted to accept our latest contract $15 over the next 3 years. I bet your uncle is making a bit more now. When I journeyed out in 2006, jw made 31.50 per hour. All wages I've mentioned are on the check not total package.
The only thing I wouldnt like about becoming a handy man even tho I learned all the other trades enough to function if I were to become a handyman. I would have 6 times the amount of tools and work to constantly steady and keep going. I would rather stick to electrical. Easy cuz I dont have to learn more about electrical whether its control & automation or power and lighting.
It's been my experience that subcontracting can work well. You make a bit less, but you're also not spending time driving around town selling jobs & then trying to collect. Also occasionally contracting some choice jobs individually for bigger margins.
This Video has so many Golden Nuggets mate :) I have listened and watched so much of your content over the years and the last 1/3 of this 1 is Pure Gold ! Thank you for the Fire Re-Ignition :) Cheers, Dan.
Amen! There is so much money to be made in this type of business, number one working for yourself is an increase in responsibility, but then all of the profit is yours. That alone is worth the switch. But on top of that the fact that you are building something for the future as you stated, and that you have freedom and liberty in your life, makes it the only wise choice for those who have the intestinal fortitude. Thanks so much for your videos and input! Very encouraging! Handymen in our area make from $100 an hour to $250 an hour… I just don’t see a downside to going into business for yourself. We even bill for travel, and we charge for estimates… $200 per estimate. When you get your perfect clientele, and all your ducks in a row… The business will actually run itself.
In California you have to licensed as general contractor which allows you to do multi craft or a subcontractor which only allows you to do limited work according to your trade. You can do basic home repairs as a handy man as long has it is under 500$ parts and labor per job. Which means painting, and basic plumbing and repairs. But they also have owner/ builder law which allows the owner to do the work himself. Which is a loop hole but your now a 1099 employee who works for someone else. A laborer.
Learning to manage stress and anxiety is probably the most important aspect of being self employed. And the infamous LLC that everyone thinks makes them legit🤣. I always tell young guys to start as a sole proprietor, get established, then switch to S-Corp.
So I’ve been in building maintenance and healthcare for many years. Lately I’ve been working for a local oil heating company as a service tech, oil heating and a/c, which is a union shop. Great benefits, pay, etc… my first service job ever. So it’s taking me a long time to get used to working alone and driving all over from customer to customer. The independence is nice which makes me think about starting my own business. Ultimately I’m intimidated on having constant work to pay the bills, having/buying into health benefits, retirement, etc… Frustration is at an all time high.
IBEW Local 6 San Francisco is up to $80 an hour before benefits. Benefits are usually about 20-25% everywhere except the south. Southern states don't have strong unions and they have less market share so their contracts are usually a lot weaker.
It takes a certain type of crazy to be a self employed “one man army” like a lot of your viewership is. It’s not “normal” to the outside world, but it’s normal to us.
Thank you man, if it was not for you. I would be in the same place. I started working as a handyman and I am making $200+ per day. Last week I made over $500 a day. Best advise. Tell the truth Do what you say Only do what you can do. So far I'm enjoying it. Thanks again man.
@@Th3beastcj make cards. Write what you know how to do. Cards can be very simple. Assembler Basic upkeep Don't make it large. Like 4 things Then be the best at it. Communication is key. Put cards at the local Lowe's and depot. I place them in the furniture section that need someone to put them together. I am sure you really can't do it. But people help each other and you can do it too. Simple work sometimes people can't even do. You got this. It you can imagine it. You can get it. You will do amazing. Let me know how well you get it.
@@DavidrKun thanks so much for the info,I’ll do my best and give the card thing a go! Right now atm I full time spray technician just looking for something to do on the side and increase my income. Sadly I’m inexperienced and don’t really know how to do anything but want to learn.
@@Th3beastcj why don't you do what you are doing now? Spray Tech or something in that line. Do what you know. People pay you for what you know. I know a lot. However I really don't want to do big Projects. I'm simple. Anything I can do in an hour or 2. Putting things together is easy. I do cieling fans. Watch a video. Anything you don't know. Watch a video. But in the end. Don't do anything you don't like. Or not sure about. Plus I tell my clients I don't do anything electrical. Replace light bubbles filters. Mostly older people. They can't do it. So I help them. You can too. I helped clean out a garage. I put up Christmas lights. I even helped a client move from one state to another. Life is what you make of it. Have fun and you never work a day in your life helping people
Admit it handyman.....the real ultimate key to your success is that beautiful flowing beard of yours and the aurora of awesomeness that it projects. But your advice is solid.
One often overlooked factor as to why I'm transitioning to this line of work: avoiding repetitive stress injuries. Ex. my father knew a guy who laid tile for a career. The guy was always on his knees, that creates pinch points where things like blood and lymphatic fluids are stifled- he ended up developing a large tumor behind his leg, which needed to be excised. That's an extreme example but every trade has it's own hazards from doing the same things over and over.
Don' forget about the time OUTSIDE of the hours you ONLY have to work to earn your weekly take home (estimating , billing, supply runs , equipment maintenance , equipment (again) maintaining insurances (cost etc,) . AN be sure your work ethic does not need a nudge to keep working on a regular basis (like an employee) when "I feel like goofing off" is considered to often. ( a 30.00 per hour wage can be in reality a 60.00 wage with a decent employer)
I'm in the Electrician Union. I've seen some bad ass guys, and some that are worth less than a leaf on the ground. But I think it goes both ways, I'm sure some non union guys have had the same experience with guys they've worked with.
Here's a freebie for ya handyman.. regarding the caulk gun hat... I have two thoughts.... underneath... support the sealant amendment. or A large 2A and underneath "to adhere"
I finally made the right choice and got into hvac with a small company. The trades have so many opportunities for those of us that missed the mark in school, when he says your brain works right if you can understand these things it is an understement. Can't tell you how many people make over a 100k and can't change their air filters regularly. Once I pass the contractors board I don't doubt I will earn more then that figure just to run around and do simple tasks
What do you do in the HVAC company? It sounds like you like it, I build ductwork in a shop. Never install, aka- field work. But I'm trying to get out of it, I've learned a little bit about building it, but I feel like within a year and a half, I became the best one there. There's people that have been there for several years that ask me how to do something. I feel like they have nothing left to teach me, so I'm trying to further my knowledge. You don't have to reply if you don't want, I'm just curious about what you do
@@coreycarter1695 day to day i am the installation manager and oversee residential HVAC installation across the board ( duct replacement usually flex duct, equipment change outs of all styles and manufacturers, electrical panel up grades, water heaters, etc...). Over the years I've gotten plenty of diagnostic experience fixing my own guys shit or just going out on service calls when our techs get over loaded. I really enjoy how many different things residential HVAC gets your hands on. I feel like it is the fast track to get out on your own as a general contractor. I hear you on feeling like you have topped out in your field, I'd say ask yourself if the money is good enough to give you the life you want. Not every job has to be a passion if it can provide you the financial freedoms to follow your passion.
Union still work hard. Union training is way smaller classes and seems set up better than the local college. I've been pretty impressed with the union. Fewer carpenter jobs to scaffolding though.
I'm going to pay for a Small business start up coach. Take some classes in business. So that I can be successful. Since we have started I'm liking it and I'm going to do the best I can for myself, my family, and for my business.
Tried both in self employed and as in employee in separate times. What the handy man says is true its not the greenest yard on both sides. You have to weigh the options. There is different stresses on both. Another thing to look out on is when your self employed banks look at you as a higher risk versus W2. I myself have used my W2 as leverage to buys houses as an investor not my small buisness. And yes you can still buy while only self employed but W2 wins. I'm 30 and have been in the LOTS of Trades since I was 12 finally started to get paid at 15 and now I work as Refrigeration Tech. I have two small buisness humble beginning in each. One as a Realestate Investor and one as a Brick Mason Contractor. I May say try both but life balance is also where you pay so do it right.
There is a great program on line called exactremodel, its a tough program to figure out but once you do it really benefits cuts down on estimating and updates every month for labor and material cost in your area
I'm employed full time and run a side hustle woodshop making cutting boards etc. I also have 35 years of wearing a tool belt. I offer handyman services for my immediate neighborhood, am I stepping on skilled tradesman toes by hanging ceiling fans, storm doors and replacing disposals or faucets? I steer clear of jobs that need permits or jobs above the normal homeowners abilities that just don't have the tools or time. Should there be anyone mad at me for doing jobs they might have gotten?
The mental game is thing no one gets unless you’re self employed. It doesn’t matter if you’re $50K a year company or a $50,000,000 a year company. There is always something that will keep you up at night, there are always moments of doubt, things that can be done better. I always smile at the folks who say, “ You got it easy! No one breathing down your neck!” Yeah, tell that to my wife! LOL. I have been doing this business for 5 years now, just incorporated, but this is the 7th business I have had. I have learned from each of them, and I have learned from my time in the corporate world as well. My added advice to anyone thinking about going out on their own: follow the financial thought process HM here has laid out, but also, make sure you think about everything that goes into you getting that paycheck. From the marketing, the equipment acquisition, materials acquisition, phones being answered, schedules being made, estimates being processed, contracts being written, all the way done to payroll being processed. All this will need to be done by someone or automated, but it still needs to get done. Great video Handy, I would love to hear your ol’ script for how you talked with clients when you first got started.
Also, I might have been said monkey trained to do all those repairs… I didn’t start off with a decade or more experience in the trades, but I have always enjoyed taking things a part and putting them back together…
@@bdaycakee7065 Yes, everyone and everything is Union in Chicago. You can't take a Sh*t and wipe, you must have a union Ass Wiper standing outside the stall to wipe you! True Story Bro 🤣🤣🤣
You have to work 12 hrs, then another 4 hrs to pick up materials, but don't forget, you also have to spend a few hrs talking with customers and scheduling new jobs. Then you need to find time to eat and sleep.
@@TomatoWithARifle word of mouth. If you are professional, punctual and you clean up after yourself you wont need to advertise. Especially with the shortage of tradespeople we have now
It really does depend on where you live. A lot of what you do, we handyman can't do here (Ontario, Canada). Trades are licensed, like electricians. I'm not disagreeing with the point of the vid, but it's worth the distinction. Also, unions have nothing to do with this.
I started my Handyman business late last year. I rarely work more than 6 hours a day and take time off whenever I feel like it. I get most of my clients from 3rd party apps and poach them for future jobs outside of the apps. I've doubled my income and never plan on returning to the corporate world. For the record, I work in a very affluent area. I don't think I'd able to achieve the same level of success if not for this reason. No kids, no wife.
@@TomatoWithARifle I offer a variety of services, electrical, plumbing, construction, painting etc. I've had amazing success & profitability using mostly taskrabbit. Theyre the only 3rd party that doesn't take a cut from your profits. Thanks for the inquiry.
If you were to move to a new area, what would be your strategy what would be your strategy for figuring out what others charge for your is to charge for your type of service?
It seems most people are using home depot and lowes for new installs. Like doors windows and flooring. That would be a start. You can look at the average income of the area you want to work you can also look at the cost of homes in the area you want to work. Do the houses cost $800,000 or do they cost $200,000.
I worked for a guy who had a transmission shop while I was in high school. He told me he works 80 hours a week for himself, so that he doesn’t have to work 40 hours a week for someone else.
That's true.
Yes I am doing the exact same thing
when you own a business you are the business owner 24/7 so you're basically always on the clock
@@maxlee6676 yes sir always on the clock ⌚
FUCK UNIONS. I was a journeyman electrician for 14 years. WORKING 60 HOURS A WEEK just to make a decent living. I quit, went to engineering school. Got a BSEE degree, and a professional engineering license. Now I work in a nice air conditioned office 45 hous a week making $165k. FUCK that electician bullshit!!! Been there done that. I live a good life. BEST thing I ever did was leave the trades and go to engineering school.
I was a union fire protection installer in canada making 90k a year with a van and phone. I left the trade to be a lazy landlord. Best decision I've ever made. Now I'm fatter and lazier than ever lol.
My Hero!
The freedom from being self employed outweighs any benefits I’ve ever had from any other companies I’ve worked for including unions
My cousin is a GC and he said the same thing. He gets paid $67/hr in the union. Has been doing it for years but recently did his own thing
I’ve been self employed as a handyman for just over a year. The hardest thing for me is managing the stress of uncertainty in what I am going to find when I dig into a job.
Craigslist daily adds are $5 a day and add appliance repair
I'd put something in the contract. Something explaining what happens in a worst case where you cannot finish the job, so you'd be covered.
That's the best way to learn. Be a yes man, search and ask questions until you feel comfortable enough to knock it out and get paid.
Handyman business is great and anybody can do it, but not everybody can do it right. There's so much more to it than just the skill set. Always listen to your client's concerns and requests. You don't always have to put in 14-18 hours/day but don't delay things unnecessarily. Keep up with the schedule, let the customer know that you're making efforts to save them money in materials, labor etc and try to throw in some freebies every now and then if you can. Also, be clean! Don't leave a messy job site behind at the end of the day. Constant communication is key! Whether it's project related, maybe you're gonna be late that day or you need to take some time off, keep the customer in the loop. On bigger projects where I get paid periodically, I always let them know before I send them an invoice, I don't just send it out of the blue. There are many other things you can do to be a really good handyman but this is pretty much the basics of it and it will most likely get you many referrals!
Keep the customer in the loop...! 👍
Key is communication w customer/client...If you are too busy to get to a customer's project or issue tell them. Your better customers will wait if not they will find someone else. I will follow-up with my customers who will not wait just to keep the communication lines open for the next call for my services..
not anybody can do it. I promise. the knowledge and skills set go along way. you can listen as much as you want to and could charm as much as you want but if the end product is a shit job....I can bet you won't be back
Agreed donald chump skill set is 80% of handyman work
The best way to become a super successful handyman is to start a CZcams channel about being a super successful handyman
I left the mechanical engineering field to start my handyman business. I am not making more money by far. But am happier. I had some specific issues with hearing loss and just job satisfaction (awful employers) that factored in heavily.
You left the stem field ? I’m an electrical trainee thinking about going back to school electrical engineering or construction management.
Most engineering jobs that are process and manufacturing related are grinders. EE here.
I'm a Physics PhD with over 25 patents assigned to previous employers in the electronic medical device field. I'm treated like a technician by entitled woke employers. I'm looking to get out of the field that destroyed my health and enjoyment of life. I used to work 80-90 weeks stressful weeks with NO overtime for many employers. Totally abused by the blue-pilled woke SF Bay Area. Physics has made many innovations but seldom rewards those key people. Hope people are going to be comfortable being under the duress of China's hold on semiconductor chip technology.
@@rchn1315 In my 25+ years in my field, I witnessed so many who put in countless hours. I never understood that. Employment was always an agreement for me...I put in a fair work week and received the pay promised. Some of those guys did get extra perks and faster raises. But from my point of view...they were being used up and missing out on their own families. Something I never let a company do to me. I always gave honest effort and did a good job. But I worked hard to keep them from taking advantage of me. I hope that my handyman business generates decent income. It has been a good start but only been running since May this year. Time will tell. Also hope I stay physically able. I am 52 and not without some problems. But so far so good. Even loosing some weight with the new role...so that is good.
I enjoy the reward of feeling I accomplished things and also hearing from satisfied customers. Even though they are paying me good wages, the mostly seem very pleased with my work. That goes a long way with me.
@@efrenquiroz12 yes and no. I have always relied on my knowledge to solve problems and find sound and reasonable solutions. That aspect of my work has not changed. I have been confronted with things that still have me relying on my sound judgment and knowledge of mechanical properties of things. Its a lot more hands on now though. And meetings and emails are focused on clear needs and sending an invoice. Not the email chain nightmares of before nor the useless meetings that got nothing accomplished.
But there is certainly a rewarding career in there if you get a degree and get in with a good company and things work out.
Make Handyman Great Again 🇺🇸
🍻⚒
that means he wasn't great at some point or now. so what are you trying to say? that you're a trump supporter?
@@joeturtleneck2300 In a world where people care more about where your college degree came from than what skills you actually have, people in the trades are a valuable and dying breed. Ironically, even the most educated scholars can’t make it through the day without a functioning toilet or with a leaking roof. Tradesmen are truly essential. And yes - Donald Trump is a boots on the ground, old school, where it is and where it will be if you don’t pay attention type of guy. If people are going to only believe the main stream media narrative they need to wake up and smell the coffee 🇺🇸
@@joeturtleneck2300 that’s my question... chump supporters! Haha
@@bamzKidstill your President. Get used to saying President Trump and ditch the msm.
I was a journeyman industrial electrician. I left to be a handyman. In a good day I can make what I was making in 3 days as an electrical worker.
What about the bad days, weeks, months?
@@EnProto save your money well ??
@@EnProto they definitely happen. And they suck. But as I've been doing ot full time, I'm still making more. It was surprisingly easy to take off. I used the app task rabbit to meet clients. And can still do so on slow weeks. But without the app I average about 10k a week
Edit A MONTH. NOT A WEEK lol.
@@jakehart7617 any other recommendations on getting clients? Isn't task rabbit hourly?
@@EnProto task rabbit is hourly however you get to communicate with clients before agreeing on price. Say you have to install light fixtures that'll take 2 hours you can set your hourly at 50 but put a 3 hour minimum. My biggest piece of advice would be, learn how to schedule. That's the hardest for me. Trying to figure times and dates and time on jobs etc. But as far as finding clients. Make business cards, their cheap and leave them with friends family and at stores, I've gotten numerous clients just from talking to people at home depot.
My customers ask if they can refer to Me their friends and family…. I’m not the cheapest out there either! But I do a good job, and clean up my mess when I’m done. Be friendly, responsive, respectful. You’ll always win!👍
Leaving the place cleaner than when you arrived makes a HUGE difference. Separates the pro from the hack.
Think it goes the cheapest isn't the best, the best isn't cheap.
As someone who has hired friends in different industries to help get more home improvements done, I can't tell you how much more likely I am to hire someone who cleans up after themselves. I understand the trades are a different animal and a lot of laborers are used to leaving messes because "it's not their problem", but when you're in someone's home with pets & kids it should be just as important to leave the house as clean as it was before you did the work. Thank you
Self employed people have the meanest boss in the world, himself.
Hey man! You inspired me to start my own handyman business but I only do it part time. ( mostly because I’m young and my current job has great benefits and will pay for my plumbing licensing while being non union) I’ve now almost double my income for the year from 45k to almost 85k. Watching your videos really pushed me to start seeking my own work and taking my extra time and making it into even more money. I love doing my work and I take pride in it. I’ve done this all at 20 and it’s really set me on track to meet my goals in life and all I can say is thanks for all of these videos that really help motivate and give perspective on a possible way of life. Keep the great content flowing!
what sort of repairs are you doing?
Get your plumbing license. Best license to have in the trades.. electrical is really good too.
Wow! Good for you! That is amazing to hear.
The Handyman strikes again! Welcome back and thank you for all your knowledge and passion brother
Union electrician here in the heavily regulated NW; I could never go handy man. I'd go elec. contractor or GC if I didn’t have small children to care for. After my first 4.5 years in the trade, all I do is tell people what to do all day; it's hardly blue collar anymore for me unless I want it to be. I feel like an over paid secretary half the day, and an over paid instructor the other half. I could live comfortably working 40-50hrs a week, 9 months out of the year and maintain better than avg health insurance indefinitely for my family.
Brother after 4 year how much you get paid weekly if you don’t mind. ?
Thanks for the perspective. Im all for people bettering their lives and make more money. Everyone will have to decide what's best for them. If you aren't succeeding as an electrical contractor you may want to reach out. If you don't level up your business skills who cares what you can do with your hands. You will ultimately fail. Thats really the man reason people stay employed. You have mastered that skill not only by being able to run your business but by diversifying by doing CZcams.
Great timing on this vid. Im going full time handyman next month.
Earned 500 two weeks ago for removing carpets and baseboards from an office. Of course, they forgot to mention it was a fully furnished office that a dozen desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves and a decades worth of crap had to be thrown away. I didn’t mind, hard work but 500 for a day was nice.
@@thomasburr9244 From being a handyman? A couple hundred Bucks. It is my side gig on top of my nine to five, real estate and other investments.
I salute you Handyman dude. Your channel is good mentoring and is helpful in envisioning a way out of the rat race of living paycheck to paycheck and not having a way to provide for a brighter future. Talk about positive masculinity.
I like that you tell it like it is & you don’t sugar coat it!! 👍👍
Lol love the Union rant 😂💕👍 And yes it definitely takes a certain kind of person to be self employed, it's not for everyone. If it all works, the rewards can be great, but that's a big *if*
First!!!!
I would love to hear the tangent Handydude of the past went on. I bet he’d have me rolling in the floor! Very well presented info. Definite food for thought.
I love your content!! I only have one ask and that is to please do the video of your dialogue requesting referrals. I am planning to do my own thing in the future and this would be enormously helpful
Any "Rock out with your Caulk out" shirts.?
Would definitely appreciate a video on requesting referrals and validating your cost if you want to call it that
Contractor fight tv / contractor sales academy has good free info on talking to customers.
You dont need to validate your cost other than to see if you can keep yourself.busy with jobs at.your rate. Just dont expect to get every job you bid on, and dial in your pricing. For some, it will be too much for them. Nothing you can do, just focus on the customers who can afford to pay for the work they want to get done
Great content handyman!
Keep it coming.
In my opinion, your distinction from the competition is your interactions from the social side of things. It's the glue (or caulk...) that makes everything else work. The customer service, the conversation, and the strategy are what lands the job, and the follow through is what keeps the customers. A video exploring your approach would be very interesting...I think that's on the "running the business" side of things more than the "doing the job" side. But it's the secret sauce that keeps your doors open and keeps the cash flowing.
It's being a good salesman. I worked side by side with my dad in our family business and learned from a salesman who worked in the great depression. That door to door guy showed me a thing or two. If you can't sell yourself, who will?
I too have quit my electrician job for 25 years and started handyman/remodel business about a year and a half ago...best decision ive ever made career wise...tripled my annual income
Thanks for sharing such gems.
I can vouch for this. Lol I manage a 2.3 M restaurant and our maintenance guy handles 5 of our locations and charges $70 an hour. Anything after 5 pm is 1.5x pay and Sunday is 2x pay. My uncle is a electrician in California for a Union and he’s a foreman making around $52 an hour last time I talked to him. Our Maintance guy also handles a couple other restaurants, but makes about $10k a month. He also has certifications for hot equipment, cold equipment, air conditioning, fryers, etc. I think he told me he did about 25 years worth of school while he was writing in different trades. He worked for Ecolab, Hi-tech, and multiple other companies. He told me other Maintance guys charge about $110 an hour
I'm a general Foreman in Seattle and on the check I make over $70 per hour. Google local 46 2021 wages to see. Foreman is 66.90. Not to mention, we also just voted to accept our latest contract $15 over the next 3 years. I bet your uncle is making a bit more now. When I journeyed out in 2006, jw made 31.50 per hour. All wages I've mentioned are on the check not total package.
Thank you.
I love the voices of different people. 😭😭 hilarious.
I didnt quit my job to be a handyman. I just started my electrical business and so far it is working out pretty good. Employees a must to make money.
The only thing I wouldnt like about becoming a handy man even tho I learned all the other trades enough to function if I were to become a handyman. I would have 6 times the amount of tools and work to constantly steady and keep going. I would rather stick to electrical. Easy cuz I dont have to learn more about electrical whether its control & automation or power and lighting.
Havent seen a video in a couple months. Feels like I'm watching the Lorax.
Excellent video - highly valuable
One thing I have learned about working for myself is you have to be very disciplined to be successful
Its so interesting watch you develop whatever this is
It's been my experience that subcontracting can work well. You make a bit less, but you're also not spending time driving around town selling jobs & then trying to collect. Also occasionally contracting some choice jobs individually for bigger margins.
This Video has so many Golden Nuggets mate :)
I have listened and watched so much of your content over the years and the last 1/3 of this 1 is Pure Gold !
Thank you for the Fire Re-Ignition :)
Cheers,
Dan.
Amen! There is so much money to be made in this type of business, number one working for yourself is an increase in responsibility, but then all of the profit is yours. That alone is worth the switch. But on top of that the fact that you are building something for the future as you stated, and that you have freedom and liberty in your life, makes it the only wise choice for those who have the intestinal fortitude. Thanks so much for your videos and input! Very encouraging! Handymen in our area make from $100 an hour to $250 an hour… I just don’t see a downside to going into business for yourself. We even bill for travel, and we charge for estimates… $200 per estimate. When you get your perfect clientele, and all your ducks in a row… The business will actually run itself.
Would love to hear the dialog on asking for referrals
Just come straight out and ask, “would you refer my company to others?” Then ask, “do you know of anyone needing my companies help?”
Great video and explanation
In California you have to licensed as general contractor which allows you to do multi craft or a subcontractor which only allows you to do limited work according to your trade. You can do basic home repairs as a handy man as long has it is under 500$ parts and labor per job. Which means painting, and basic plumbing and repairs. But they also have owner/ builder law which allows the owner to do the work himself. Which is a loop hole but your now a 1099 employee who works for someone else. A laborer.
You are the top!!! No doubt💪🏽
Learning to manage stress and anxiety is probably the most important aspect of being self employed. And the infamous LLC that everyone thinks makes them legit🤣. I always tell young guys to start as a sole proprietor, get established, then switch to S-Corp.
So I’ve been in building maintenance and healthcare for many years. Lately I’ve been working for a local oil heating company as a service tech, oil heating and a/c, which is a union shop. Great benefits, pay, etc… my first service job ever. So it’s taking me a long time to get used to working alone and driving all over from customer to customer. The independence is nice which makes me think about starting my own business. Ultimately I’m intimidated on having constant work to pay the bills, having/buying into health benefits, retirement, etc… Frustration is at an all time high.
IBEW Local 6 San Francisco is up to $80 an hour before benefits. Benefits are usually about 20-25% everywhere except the south.
Southern states don't have strong unions and they have less market share so their contracts are usually a lot weaker.
It takes a certain type of crazy to be a self employed “one man army” like a lot of your viewership is. It’s not “normal” to the outside world, but it’s normal to us.
Hello - Yes handyman, please do a video on how to talk to customers in reference to asking for referrals.
Would love a video on asking for referrals.
Thank you man, if it was not for you. I would be in the same place. I started working as a handyman and I am making $200+ per day. Last week I made over $500 a day.
Best advise.
Tell the truth
Do what you say
Only do what you can do.
So far I'm enjoying it.
Thanks again man.
PS, finally got out of my Credit cards and have money in the bank. Next is to llc and will be making it soon.
Hey I’m really interested in learning how to be a handyman. Any pointers for beginners on how to get into it and learn be proficient ect?
@@Th3beastcj make cards. Write what you know how to do. Cards can be very simple.
Assembler
Basic upkeep
Don't make it large. Like 4 things
Then be the best at it.
Communication is key.
Put cards at the local Lowe's and depot. I place them in the furniture section that need someone to put them together.
I am sure you really can't do it. But people help each other and you can do it too.
Simple work sometimes people can't even do. You got this.
It you can imagine it. You can get it.
You will do amazing. Let me know how well you get it.
@@DavidrKun thanks so much for the info,I’ll do my best and give the card thing a go! Right now atm I full time spray technician just looking for something to do on the side and increase my income. Sadly I’m inexperienced and don’t really know how to do anything but want to learn.
@@Th3beastcj why don't you do what you are doing now? Spray Tech or something in that line. Do what you know. People pay you for what you know. I know a lot. However I really don't want to do big Projects. I'm simple. Anything I can do in an hour or 2.
Putting things together is easy.
I do cieling fans. Watch a video.
Anything you don't know. Watch a video.
But in the end. Don't do anything you don't like. Or not sure about. Plus I tell my clients I don't do anything electrical. Replace light bubbles filters. Mostly older people. They can't do it. So I help them. You can too. I helped clean out a garage. I put up Christmas lights. I even helped a client move from one state to another. Life is what you make of it. Have fun and you never work a day in your life helping people
You have to manage your time and yourself when you are self employed. Harder than you think.
I've been learning that the hard way lol.
In five years it will just be a giant beard talking. Love the channel keep it up!
Like Cousin It, from the Adam's family.
Uh huh, because of all the work he does with lumber & wood ~ if you look closely it's Spanish moss.
5 days 😆
I feel there is more to the guy's story that he didn't share.
Like his CZcams income far exceeding his handyman income? Lol.
Yep, you have to be skilled at the trade and skilled at business
Myself included, many in the trades learn this the hard way.
Admit it handyman.....the real ultimate key to your success is that beautiful flowing beard of yours and the aurora of awesomeness that it projects.
But your advice is solid.
Referrals is what gets you ahead in self-employment and repeat life time clients.
Please do a video on the dialogue you went through for referrals and pricing. That would be great 👍
One often overlooked factor as to why I'm transitioning to this line of work: avoiding repetitive stress injuries. Ex. my father knew a guy who laid tile for a career. The guy was always on his knees, that creates pinch points where things like blood and lymphatic fluids are stifled- he ended up developing a large tumor behind his leg, which needed to be excised. That's an extreme example but every trade has it's own hazards from doing the same things over and over.
Yes please do a video on the dialog of how you ask for referrals
Don' forget about the time OUTSIDE of the hours you ONLY have to work to earn your weekly take home (estimating , billing, supply runs , equipment maintenance , equipment (again) maintaining insurances (cost etc,) . AN be sure your work ethic does not need a nudge to keep working on a regular basis (like an employee) when "I feel like goofing off" is considered to often. ( a 30.00 per hour wage can be in reality a 60.00 wage with a decent employer)
I'm in the Electrician Union. I've seen some bad ass guys, and some that are worth less than a leaf on the ground. But I think it goes both ways, I'm sure some non union guys have had the same experience with guys they've worked with.
Here's a freebie for ya handyman.. regarding the caulk gun hat... I have two thoughts....
underneath... support the sealant amendment. or
A large 2A and underneath "to adhere"
Make a "come and take it" shirt with caulk gun hahaha that'd be great
I finally made the right choice and got into hvac with a small company. The trades have so many opportunities for those of us that missed the mark in school, when he says your brain works right if you can understand these things it is an understement. Can't tell you how many people make over a 100k and can't change their air filters regularly. Once I pass the contractors board I don't doubt I will earn more then that figure just to run around and do simple tasks
What do you do in the HVAC company? It sounds like you like it, I build ductwork in a shop. Never install, aka- field work. But I'm trying to get out of it, I've learned a little bit about building it, but I feel like within a year and a half, I became the best one there. There's people that have been there for several years that ask me how to do something. I feel like they have nothing left to teach me, so I'm trying to further my knowledge. You don't have to reply if you don't want, I'm just curious about what you do
@@coreycarter1695 day to day i am the installation manager and oversee residential HVAC installation across the board ( duct replacement usually flex duct, equipment change outs of all styles and manufacturers, electrical panel up grades, water heaters, etc...). Over the years I've gotten plenty of diagnostic experience fixing my own guys shit or just going out on service calls when our techs get over loaded. I really enjoy how many different things residential HVAC gets your hands on. I feel like it is the fast track to get out on your own as a general contractor. I hear you on feeling like you have topped out in your field, I'd say ask yourself if the money is good enough to give you the life you want. Not every job has to be a passion if it can provide you the financial freedoms to follow your passion.
UNION SWEEPERS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Pure gold. Laborers* 🤣
I need a good electrician! Tell them to come back!
Well shit i was looking for this type of content. Keep going
Enjoying all the info, quick question. Has there ever been a situation that you could not figure out ?
Houses are pretty simple. Anyone can figure it out.
Union still work hard. Union training is way smaller classes and seems set up better than the local college. I've been pretty impressed with the union. Fewer carpenter jobs to scaffolding though.
Yes please on the dialog for requesting referrals
I can't get use to Handyman turning into Steve Earle! I want handsome Handyman back.
I'm going to pay for a Small business start up coach. Take some classes in business. So that I can be successful. Since we have started I'm liking it and I'm going to do the best I can for myself, my family, and for my business.
Took me acople years to learn the skill trades... framing , electrical, drywall everything... u need to be nice with all costumers.
Tried both in self employed and as in employee in separate times. What the handy man says is true its not the greenest yard on both sides. You have to weigh the options. There is different stresses on both. Another thing to look out on is when your self employed banks look at you as a higher risk versus W2. I myself have used my W2 as leverage to buys houses as an investor not my small buisness. And yes you can still buy while only self employed but W2 wins. I'm 30 and have been in the LOTS of Trades since I was 12 finally started to get paid at 15 and now I work as Refrigeration Tech. I have two small buisness humble beginning in each. One as a Realestate Investor and one as a Brick Mason Contractor. I May say try both but life balance is also where you pay so do it right.
Would be interested in the referral side and also how to work subs and day labor into the pricing.
There is a great program on line called exactremodel, its a tough program to figure out but once you do it really benefits cuts down on estimating and updates every month for labor and material cost in your area
It’s funny I just got my master electrician license and am wanting to do electrical and handyman work!
Legend of the Beard
Yes, referral video please
I'm employed full time and run a side hustle woodshop making cutting boards etc. I also have 35 years of wearing a tool belt. I offer handyman services for my immediate neighborhood, am I stepping on skilled tradesman toes by hanging ceiling fans, storm doors and replacing disposals or faucets? I steer clear of jobs that need permits or jobs above the normal homeowners abilities that just don't have the tools or time. Should there be anyone mad at me for doing jobs they might have gotten?
2:00 Handyman has the same laptop I do :)
Do you still hold your electricians license and does your state allow any type of electrical/plumbing/HVAC work without the corresponding license?
This is my exact situation also.
The mental game is thing no one gets unless you’re self employed. It doesn’t matter if you’re $50K a year company or a $50,000,000 a year company. There is always something that will keep you up at night, there are always moments of doubt, things that can be done better. I always smile at the folks who say, “ You got it easy! No one breathing down your neck!” Yeah, tell that to my wife! LOL. I have been doing this business for 5 years now, just incorporated, but this is the 7th business I have had. I have learned from each of them, and I have learned from my time in the corporate world as well. My added advice to anyone thinking about going out on their own: follow the financial thought process HM here has laid out, but also, make sure you think about everything that goes into you getting that paycheck. From the marketing, the equipment acquisition, materials acquisition, phones being answered, schedules being made, estimates being processed, contracts being written, all the way done to payroll being processed. All this will need to be done by someone or automated, but it still needs to get done. Great video Handy, I would love to hear your ol’ script for how you talked with clients when you first got started.
Also, I might have been said monkey trained to do all those repairs… I didn’t start off with a decade or more experience in the trades, but I have always enjoyed taking things a part and putting them back together…
My face hurts laughing at the union voices. Wasn’t expecting that.. also, caulk hat ftw
Went back and rewatched that again cuz it's so funny!
You must be talking about Chicago Essay 🤣🤣🤣👌!
the Chicago union guys?
@@bdaycakee7065 Yes, everyone and everything is Union in Chicago. You can't take a Sh*t and wipe, you must have a union Ass Wiper standing outside the stall to wipe you! True Story Bro 🤣🤣🤣
You have to work 12 hrs, then another 4 hrs to pick up materials, but don't forget, you also have to spend a few hrs talking with customers and scheduling new jobs. Then you need to find time to eat and sleep.
Yes.. dialogue video please 🙏🙏🙏
I'm a self employed electrician, I did 325k last year. You have to know what youre skillset is worth.
how do you find your clients?
@@TomatoWithARifle word of mouth. If you are professional, punctual and you clean up after yourself you wont need to advertise. Especially with the shortage of tradespeople we have now
@@TR-ut3yh did you started by going to the union?
@@Luis-gh3in no. I started for a 2 man shop.
Good for you bro, hopefully you have many more prosperous years
Wonder if he got a 24 or 48 hour pass from the "ward" . Hope they are able to help him
Whoa! You should announce your beard because I haven't seen it before. You have about 200% more beard than last year.
Oh great, another channel I'm addicted to
It really does depend on where you live. A lot of what you do, we handyman can't do here (Ontario, Canada). Trades are licensed, like electricians. I'm not disagreeing with the point of the vid, but it's worth the distinction. Also, unions have nothing to do with this.
I'm an electrician, I'm curious to know who or what does the handyman do? Thank you.
What’s the best way to build clients
Please do a dialogue video on asking for referrals.
How to request referrals! Yes please!
LA county, right here . We fall under the "300k will get you nothing"
Sounds like Utah these days..
Sounds like a bunch of people are getting screwed over. Seems like hub of contractors charging whole butt money for half butt work.
So glad to be IBEW I can’t imagine paying a JW $25/hour that’s criminal
That's apprentice wages lol
I started my Handyman business late last year. I rarely work more than 6 hours a day and take time off whenever I feel like it. I get most of my clients from 3rd party apps and poach them for future jobs outside of the apps. I've doubled my income and never plan on returning to the corporate world. For the record, I work in a very affluent area. I don't think I'd able to achieve the same level of success if not for this reason. No kids, no wife.
what apps are you having the most success with? and mainly what kind of jobs?
@@TomatoWithARifle I offer a variety of services, electrical, plumbing, construction, painting etc. I've had amazing success & profitability using mostly taskrabbit. Theyre the only 3rd party that doesn't take a cut from your profits. Thanks for the inquiry.
Let me also add that I do have liability insurance as well. Its not a requirement but definitely good to have.
If you were to move to a new area, what would be your strategy what would be your strategy for figuring out what others charge for your is to charge for your type of service?
It seems most people are using home depot and lowes for new installs. Like doors windows and flooring. That would be a start. You can look at the average income of the area you want to work you can also look at the cost of homes in the area you want to work. Do the houses cost $800,000 or do they cost $200,000.