I have about 10 employee’s. All W2. The cost is insane, the stress to make sure I keep the work coming in is insane. I can’t even do the work I like to do because I spend half my day traveling from job to job checking up on the crews. It’s a nightmare. Life was so much easier when I was an army of one!
There is something to be said about working for yourself. If you want to get paid more, charge more. If your quality and service match a big company, you can probably get away with a charging more than you think.
@@GC-jo1rn I work for a pretty big roofing company in my area, on weekends that I have off I am self employed trying to get my own business up and running; no matter where I work or who I work for I am constantly reworking somebodies mistake. It doesn't matter if Im working my roofing job or on my own on weekends, every job had an idiot in a rush before me that cut corners and their work either wont pass inspection on a commercial roof or wont pass an inspection in a residential house or just flat out isn't good enough for me to sign my name to. I shoot for perfection and sometimes end up not perfect but way better than hack work. I don't think I will ever hire anyone to work for me when my business takes off...not even close friends who do decent work.
When I hire a helper it seems like I become Their helper.... getting the tools, the materials, etc. Setting them up to do the easy part and then having to make sure it is done right. I only hire help when I need more muscle.... and usually only for 3 or 4 hrs. I work alone 98 per cent of the time... always have a home shop (low overhead) and relax and take care of personal stuff when things are slow.. This has worked pretty well for 4 decades.
totally agree... spend time money effort material and tool prep getting them set up to do a simple task, like wall painting, and then they "center cut " the job i.e. show up late, leave early, make just enough to get high, take their cash and disappear ....
Keith...I can say I work 99% of the time and I do major construction. I manage to sheetrock ceilings alone with 1/2 4 x 8 (with the help of a board across the wall so I can tuck in one end) and 3/4 ply on outside walls. i love working alone and have been for two decades.
Don't underestimate the risk associated with injuring yourself in a job such as manual labor. It's not unlikely and the consequences to your income are dire in a 1-man shop. Something to think about.
There are some jobs you cannot do by yourself. You need helpers. Plus you will get tired so you need some one to pick up the slack. It takes longer to do it all yourself. Plus, you have to train your workers because they don't know HOW YOU WANT IT DONE.
Brother this has hit home big time! This year has been so tough on me and only BECAUSE I tried to go big in an area where money doesnt come easily. I lost thousands of dollars on shitty helpers and employees. Demographics is EVERYTHING. YOU are an incredibly smart individual and one hell of logical mind. You're an inspiration for me today in massive ways. An eye opener indeed.
My parents had a handyman company. My mom was the office manager, did all the marketing, payroll, ran the schedule, answered the phones, etc. My dad did estimates 4 hours a day and did jobs 4 hours a day. The two of them teamed up on hiring. They hired guys on a 1099 basis. The guys had to have their own tools, transportation and insurance. The guys would mostly do their own estimates and jobs and the customers would pay the business and the 1099 guys got a cut. At one point my parents had about 13-15 1099ers working for them. It was really insane. They couldn’t handle it. Optimum workload for them was about 5 guys. But 3 of those guys my parents had known for roughly 30 years and were trustworthy. Most of the time the hires were a complete disaster or headache or criminals or druggies. When my parents retired and sold the business it was making about a million dollars a year and my parents got to keep around $200k of that. They ran the business out of their house and it was 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. They took 2 weeks off in the summer and 2 weeks off in the winter. Plus federal holidays. In my honest opinion, watching my parents go through all that for years just for 20% profit margin so NOT worth it. They overpaid their guys for sure but I think everything would have been worse had they paid their guys less. I got laid off from my job earlier this year when COVID hit and being the son of a contractor who had his own handyman business I know how to “handyman” too so I just started a social media and word of mouth advertising campaign and started closing jobs and working. 8 months later I do zero advertising, I get all my work via referrals and word of mouth and I’m always booked out 3-4 weeks. I control my own time and schedule, I can drop my kids off at school in the morning without being worried I’ll be late to work and get shit from a boss, I can take care of personal matters that can only be done on weekdays and I don’t have to ask anyone if I’m allowed to handle my own personal matters, and I make more money than any of my previous jobs made me. There are many more benefits. I’m not rich by any means and will probably never get rich doing this as a one man business unless I do really specialized high end work but right now I make considerably more than what is considered average or middle class. I think quite a lot about hiring people and building a business but I’ve seen my parents go through that for years and I don’t want to go through that either. I’d much rather have low anxiety and less money than high anxiety and more money. I think I’m just going to keep getting better and better, increase my skill level, charge more money over time and invest the profits in stuff like real estate or the stock market as gone over in this video. And maybe hire people for simple shit like painting and caulking and assembling peoples’ IKEA furniture and things like that.
Man, you have no idea how much of a breath of fresh air this was. I’ve been feeling the pressure to grow but I’m wanting to stay solo and everyone around me is saying hire, hire, hire!
In my 20’s (80’s-90’s) I wanted to learn different trades. I was a grunt for tile setter, roofer, worked in a cabinet shop. I was willing to shut up listen & learn. I even offered to work for free for a week & said if you think I’m not worth paying don’t hire me. I was a hard worker & aimed to make my mentor/boss job easier. I always got hired. I don’t see that today. My daughter is 23 & lives in Kauai now & makes $22 hr & got her job after 1 week just there visiting a friend. Her work ethic has given her job security bcz her boss knows she’s a worker. It’s not just knowing a trade, it’s accepting you need to start from the bottom & build experience. Today ppl expect $$$ off the bat. I hear you about helpers can be flaky,but every now & then you can find a kid who knows the value of a mentor & takes advantage of living at home while they learn so they can afford to earn less. Those are the ones you want to pass your knowledge onto👍 thx for your vids😊
I'm younger (32) but have been in the trades since I was 22. At one point, I nearly did what you did and was going to show up on a framing site, bags I hand, and offer to work for the day. Hire me and pay me or send me on my way. I ended up working on my own for a few months at odd jobs before hiring on with a remodel company. There's still good young guys out there. Just harder to find
That’s how I am too- I’ll work for free or real cheap just to listen and learn! People will tell you so much if you give them respect and shut up and be ready to learn!
Reading these.comments.makes me want to puke. Never work for free, never settle to shut up and just work to learn,. Have confidence don't be a.push over. Don't listen to people who say you have to shut up and listen. You are doing physical work aren't you??? That speaks for itself, you shouldn't be a grunt and work for nothing that's mind boggling I hear it all the time these losers who do this.makes you look weak and just a grunt for the guy making.all the money...contractors and developers.are the worst breed too. Trades is a suckers bet, especially in building construction . Never settle.to just.be a grunt doing manual labour that's the worst mindset to have. Most of the typical trades are skilled labour, harsh reality but it's.obvious and most trades workers.i know even on the higher wage scale won't be millionaires until they are 80 years old. Especially in the economies we are inheriting from earlier generations
As part of the 20s in now a days I seem to find a lot of trade companies that are willing to hire and call people helpers/apprentices don’t treats them as such. They don’t teach them much at all instead. It’s sad
Really like your channel. When you’re self employed ,every day you wake up you’re unemployed. One of my dad’s sayings. He was a sign painter. He kept a roof over our heads & food in our bellies. He taught me how to mix concrete,roof a house & sheet rock plus many other things in life. He ran his sign company out of a cigar box. I can still smell it. If you own a house.....you deserve it.
I understand that it's your job, your business and you found the work. But I've worked under someone like you and was very grateful to have someone want to teach me what they know. Sorry that you've had the bad experience of many people now. They want a high amount of pay for as little as work as possible. Btw, I'm a convicted felon too. I changed and wanted to make a good life for myself. We are still out here.
Good job man! My son is a convicted felon who hasn't gotten to where you are yet. But it's looking better right now than it has in years. He's held a job and cleaned up considerably from all appearances. So I realize it's incredibly hard to get it together and improve your life as you have. So I just wanted to encourage you and give you a pat on the back! Stay strong!
@@yepper1165 This industry is one of a very small group of business/trades that gives felons a chance to actually make a decent living, and in my opinion being a felon has very little to do with anything when it comes to having a skilled craftsman as an employee. In my experience, Felons are super grateful for the opportunity to show an employer that they are worth taking a chance on... I certainly don't give them the office keys and a work truck after a couple weeks on the job... but like I tell everyone I employ, "You get out of this job what you put into it...& Good work never goes unnoticed.. after putting my stamp of approval on each job we complete I will call each customer and ask them to tell me about anything my guys did that made a lasting impression on their experience working with my company....good or bad. This technique has worked wonders for me for years. Lastly, Most felons are just people like you and me that made one bad decision, often years and years ago. Our system sets them up for failure, making it damn near impossible for them to earn a decent living. Be careful...don't hire rapist, violent, repeat offender type cons, but some of the most skilled craftsmen i've ever known have been felons, and they're usually so grateful to be treated with respect and given an opportunity, that they will go above and beyond to show you their loyalty & appreciation.
Sounds like what you might actually sometimes need is another friendly, competent, handyman associate that you can call in if you score a massive job and vice versa.
That’s been pretty much my business model for the past 15 years. I’m friends with many businesses in my trade and we have been trading working and helping each other out from almost the very beginning of our businesses. Number one rule is not to be a thief! No card dropping!
Amen, Brother. I've been self employed for 35 years. The biggest mistake I ever made was taking on 1099 contract employees in an effort "to expand my business".They brought problems and issues to the workplace that had nothing to do with my efforts to make a living. I work alone and have been happy.
Love what you said about stress. Keeping things simple and stress free allows me to enjoy the work I'm doing and not chase that mighty dollar. I find just doing good honest work and caring about the people always seems to pay off. And like you have said, they will pay you well for it. Thanks for the videos!
I recently became a helper and my boss values me and my work ethic. He gave me a bonus. I have a car, I bring my lunch sometimes, have a phone, and am honest. I'm 25 and I've always been interested in a handy man kind of field. I love it and am eager to learn more. With that being said, I do see the downside.
Stay in it, learn it(especially the business side). Your future is way brighter than you can even imagine! I wish I could knock off 30 years and be in your shoes. Tradesmen ARE the rich folk in the very near future.
I run a maintenance and light construction company in Washington DC. Yes, managing people is very difficult and all the negatives mentioned are legit. But at the same time, I get lots of satisfaction from turning my formerly degenerate bunch of technicians/handymen into efficient and effective employees who stand by my side and push ahead for something better. I'm a loner by nature when it comes to my work, but in the process I found out I'm one he'll of a leader with a 12 person staff who are willing to fight the fight with me. We fix broken shit. Same process goes with managing employees, they need to be fixed properly. Stop complaining about the other people who work for you and maybe learn something yourself about how to manage effectively. Btw, does anyone in this comment section not feel that raising the cost of your labor on a job by 1000s of dollars to accommodate a helper, and then not getting a helper so you can just pocket the money yourself, seems a bit shady? I'm a free market capitalist and always for everyone making whatever the market will bear for their efforts. But at the same time, are we sure we are being as honest as we should be to our customers by taking this line of thought? I've been in the trades for almost 30 years, so I understand the difficulty in what we do. Don't come at me with some selfish bullshit, I'm looking for a serious discussion here
@@bunnyman6321 probably great... Here in the DMV it's good, it's just difficult at times to find great professional guys. I definitely take pride in whipping these guys into shape
@@vanderumd11 I'm in the DMV area as well. You're right about finding professional guys. When I have rehab projects dealing with contractors definitely be a challenge .
Spoken like a wise business man. Keep it lean, stay hungry, keep the quality high and you’ll be able to weather whatever the market has in store for us. I’ve been running my own show for less than 2 years but I’ve learned already that it’s just not worth the effort to bring on a helper. The markets bound for a dip and when that happens us solo guys want our clients to remember us as the carpenters that works hard, do good work and charge a fair prices. Keep it simple!
@Real Estate All the smart people are doing other jobs because they realize they're never going to make good money as your helper. The good ones eventually leave to start their own business. Most labor in the trades are drug addicts, alcoholics and other undesirables that can't work a steady job. At least in my city.
Hard work pays off well because of this. You can sign up for a contractors service agency and get job offers every week if you are sharp, work hard, show up early, and have a good attitude.
Working alone has it share of challenges. I'm amazed seeing what you do without help. I had employees the first 20 years of business and now have worked without for the past 10. There are pros and cons to both but overall feel lucky to have survived. You are so right about 2008...
Working alone is lonely(many times) but peaceful. Working with someone gets things done faster(not 2 times but maybe 3 times as fast, depending on the task and depending on how good he is).
I have a criminal record. I turned my life around. Don't drink, don't do drugs. Havent had so much as a speeding ticket in 6 years. I work my butt off. 80 hours a week for weeks sometimes hard, physical labor. Don't discriminate against an employee solely based on their criminal history. 1/3rd of Americans have a criminal record of some sort. How can a person change their lives around if employers aren't willing to give a person a second chance? lack of employment is a major factor in how a person lives their lives. I know if I didn't find the career I have now I wouldn't be doing as well as I am now. It gave me something to live for. It kept me focused, and straight. Obviously some people will continue to be screw ups no matter what they are offered but many people just need a door cracked open for them and an opportunity.
No premises apart from home, No staff, no helpers, only 1 vehicle, no smoke breaks, no sickness, not feeling well, always texting, always on phone, too heavy, too cold, too long, no tools............ too high, got a hangover, overslept, after 20 years of employing numerous staff I called it a day at 52 years old (I felt 65). I was never trained to be a medic, nursemaid, psychiatrist, babysitter, timekeeper, accountant, taxi driver, waker upper and it physically exhausted me, there are many posting on this video who feel the same. Great videos keep it up.
I am an apprentice carpenter for a remodeling company and I am as "green" as you get. The Handyman is my self issued homework, thank you for feeding my hunger for the craft..... of fixin' stuff!
I am in an interesting situation. I own my handyman business and have no employees or helpers. However, there are two friends of mine, who also own their handyman businesses. (There is plenty of work here for all of us.) When one of us needs help, we just call on the others and we have set pricing in place for just this sort of thing. At the end of the year, we 1099 each other. It is nice knowing that I have them to call on when needed, and I can trust them to show up, be clean and sober.
That is an awesome setup you have going on. I did that with a guy when I first started out. That relationship you have with your friends is hard to find.
This is what I do, have a couple guys in the same situation, we call on each other when needed, we are hiring and firing each other all the time. Works out well, we trade hours when we can and settle up at the end of the month.
Thats good. I have one guy that helps me from time to time. He owns his own business also. Makes the job faster. Dont have to constantly oversee. No stress at all. Makes for some smooth jobs
What's nice is doing most of the sales and work yourself. But once ever-so-often get asked by a customer to do a larger job. They may ask you to replace their roof that's over 20sq. Its a good time to call other independents you know and have worked with and see if they can schedule a few days to help you out. First off, you stay in touch with other like-minded individuals. Second, there's an opportunity to barter labor services to help each other or there's simple 1099's to issue annually if payment is over $600. Third, and I believe its the best benefit, the quality of the job is top notch. All these guys are all busy with their own stuff, have their own tools, and are highly skilled. A couple of family members of mine do this with me. I usually work cousins like this a few weeks of the year. Maybe I'm lucky to have a great core of close family/friends in the trades. All I know is that they don't really cost each other much and its actually a hoot working together. Working alone has its benefits but sometimes its fun to tackle a large project with a trusted few and have fun.
Been in biz for 40 years and in the trades for 48 years. When I started my business I tried hiring/training young guys. Thought it would be noble to help my fellow man learn and earn. What bullshit. I heard every excuse in the book for not showing up or for arriving late to work. Flat tires, stomach ache....etc. ....etc. when the cats away....the mice will play.......funny how ,on payday .they would be on the jobsite. I got tired of that crap fast and have been a one man band for a long long time. Never a quality problem. No more babysitting. I’m a happy man. Just turned 70. People don’t believe it. Dave Heitman dba Dave The Carpenter Semper Fidelis
Young fellas just don't put effort in anything nowadays that's all . I'm thankful for my boss to give me a chance to learn and always gave 100 of me in every job and thanks to that I can say Im been treated right because I did my part too .
Hey, I'm a young guy. Been in the trades since I was 22 just out of college. I've benefited tremendously from mentors and good teachers. But I've nearly been pushed out of the trades by grumpy old farts that don't think young guys are capable of "skilled" labor. But you know what? I always show up, I always work hard, and unless there is a death I have no excuse. All the gloomy old guys touch a nerve for me because I know I'm not the only one and I've worked with some awesome Carpenters my age.
@@feluto7172 As an electrician I make 40$/hour plus benefits. Costing employers 65$/hour with all costs. Small contractors charge either 75$/hour to 125/hour for the expensive ones. Almost all tools are provided, everything except the basics. An apprentice starts at 20$/hour. They usually do less than half the work of a journeyman. Their sole purpose is to learn and keep a positive work to cost ratio compared to fully licenced electricians. Companies have over head, people finding work, accounting, shop keepers, and so on. All of those costs are I the hourly cost charged to the client. Based on hours worked for me to make more money as a matter electrician I need 5 employees working year round. Any less than that and I make more money as a simple employee. Your 20$ to 100$ comparison issues stem from where? Other than the "difference/gap" seeming big where is your issue? I don't want to assume anything, but starting a business isn't anywhere as easy add people think. 80% of businesses fail on their first year, the employees get paid, and the owner is in debt. I know guys who made negative income, literally not just with deductions, for the first 3 years. By year 5 they made 150k as an owner instead of 70k as a worker. The risk was high, the strain on finances with his wife were considerable, but he was one of the lucky ones who made it past year 5. I'd say put your money, time, and effort where your mouth is. You'll realise what fair is when you have to sell your house because you paid your suppliers and employees their due. Or you might make it to profitability which is below a 10% chance. 90% chance to lose everything versus 10% chance to be balling. I don't like those odds.
I quit my 9-5 going on 3 years ago and started a handyman business. I was making $50k/year as an electrician. I have more than doubled my income, work for myself, and work 40 hours a week. I came across your videos and love the content. I’ve taken sales training courses, digital marketing courses, and a lot of just living to learn. I have added your videos to my tool belt. Great content and it’s cool I’m not alone in my undertaking. Keep up the good work and thank you!
It feels like I’m the only 20 year old that loves working long hours of manual labor. Nothing like going to bed after a long productive day of work 👍 P.S. I'm a low paid apprentice electrician but just have my eyes on getting my Master done so I can get some real money going
Youll go far with this attitude, im twice your age with same attitude, make sure you eat enough too getting older means you need to eat alot more to keep in tact. If and when your low back goes out workout your abs everymorning for a pain free back
An electricians apprentice work is not that hard.. LoL , try being a masons or plumbers helper , those long hours over time will put you in a wheel chair
i used to only have three employees and it was one of the most stressed i had ever been. once i got back to solo and working smarter, life is so much better
Good Day! I am a woman who is starting a home/housecleaning, window-cleaning, estate-sorting business with a partner/best-friend. So I am not in the 'handywoman' business per se. But I have to say, your input, wisdom wrought from experience with your handyman business, is one of the best, if not the best, resources I find for this type of entrepreneurial business. I love that you are a 'one-man-show', and that you are intentional about it. This video is just what I need on this day. Thanks for the sharing of your knowledge. I am very grateful.
Lmao. “I don’t want employees; I don’t want helpers and I’m not trying to grow my business like a construction company...” Five seconds later Handyman is hawking Jobbers, a service for managing employees...growing your business... 😂
I've done every aspect of construction. Been in it over thirty years. Ran my own company with up to 26 employees. Did my own thing just by myself. He is exactly right about the stress of running a big show. The way I did it when I was just a one man show was team up with another very qualified guy or two when I landed a big job that was the kind of money I didn't want to walk away from. That being said. Yes the biggest money I ever made ($300,000 a year) was when I had a lot of employees. My health suffered, my marriage suffered. I saved my health and my marriage. was it worth it. Who knows, I'm worth a few million now and work when I want on what I want. I don't think I would be here without a few years of making the big money.
Legit employee? Fica, Social security, additional payroll, withholding, workmens comp, (in some cases) benefits - medical, dental and i'm sorry to say this but in today's world you can't rule out a man sueing you for sexual harrasment.
Labor Board is no joke. Lawyers get in these employees ears "I can get you $20,000". Out here in CA the Labor Board doesn't want to hear your case, "Settle this or this violation is $10K, This one is $10K + the employee can sue you for 30 days wages.........." doesn't matter who's in the right, the employer hires a lawyer, cuts his loses and settles.
@@billysyms5761 And the money awarded the employee from the Courts is blown in less than a week. The settlement did nothing to enhance their life, but encouraged more victimization syndrome. And the employee is looking for another job/payday/benefits victim.
@@jazzmonk5670 Most small business guys can't let this go to court, the legal fees alone would be devastating. Even if it did the State piles on and poses fines - and they are paid first. The small businessman usually does not have the pockets deep enough for all this. These cases usually settle before all that, like I mentioned, people see this as some sort of Lotto. Incorporate. Keep your Corporate veil tight. That's what saved me, which according to a document I signed is about all I can say.
I’ve been waiting for this video HM. You explain everything in a way that makes sense and is logical. I’m almost through year two of my self employment journey and business is good. I’ve had a helper on larger jobs that have time restrictions but I’m learning to do more and more solo. Especially watching your videos and seeing my profits go in someone else’s pocket. I’d say the only thing I miss about being on a larger crew was the camaraderie and just seeing how other guys do things. There’s always that 70 year old veteran journeyman on the crew that blows your mind with a trick you’ve never seen before. I miss the hell out of that!
Watch youtube videos to get those veteran tricks :-) It's lonely though. Maybe find someone who does the same thing as you and hang out with them. I fix cars on the side and know a guy who does as well. We chat sometimes.
I did the same! I walked away with 3 houses,&2trucks/trailers,backhoe,tractor,40'bus made into log cabin and all the tools all paid for. Table saw/band-saw to bending brake/slitter etc. No Employees! I tried a couple of decent guys but the people didn't like it! They pay more for me and thats it! Casual labor once in a while(to set up pump jacks or move cast iron tubs! Got out on top,lovin retirement!
Good, solid advice for sure. I do everything myself and only when absolutely necessary I’ll bring in a helper to lift or hold something that just can’t be done alone. I try to stay away from any jobs that I can’t handle solo. It’s crazy but even when I bring in a friend he’s gotta take bathroom breaks, smoke breaks, lunch breaks, has car trouble, etc... I guess I’m a different breed but when I’m in work mode I’m working and when I finish early I take my time and enjoy it. I haven’t taken an official “lunch” in years.
Shaka Doug Corbin I own an Electrical Contracting Co and primarily do control work for large mechanical contractors. I do it all myself as well. Come in, work non stop and go home. All I see is contractors paying guys to shoot the shit or be on their phone. Guys are getting paid for eight while giving two to three maybe hours of actual work. F that. Key is keep your overhead as low as possible which keeps the stress as low as possible. 👍🏻
@@fredgibbons7974 you nailed it, I roll solo as much as I can, have other like minded guys to call on for bigger jobs or when I'm over booked. We get tired of each other and hire and fire each other all the time.
Another great thing about working for yourself. You work when you feel like it. You want a day off? You take a day off! No employees to notify or worry about not having hours. You schedule work tight but not so tight that you can't keep up. You charge the price that keeps your calendar from being too empty or too full. You are comfortable saying "no" to a job even though you technically have the time. Money matters. Health matters too.
Love this channel. Question: I run a one man show plumbing business. If I just wanted to solely operate it how to I not get burnt out with all the manual labor it requires? I would think a helper would be great to take care of all the digging and shlepping even though my profits will be less. would love to hear your thoughts.
If I had a helper without tools instead of cash he would blow at the bar or on silly crap. I always bonnused them with tools. A hammer here a pair of channel locks there. They would still forget to bring them or lose them. One man band these days now too.
You have put a voice to the way that I have naturally run my own business. First as an independent electrical contractor and now as a pro handyman. Great presentation! You are so right, the stress and the expectations of employees whose primary focus is to be at your doorstep at 7am half awake with a monster drink breakfast so that the hourly clock starts right away! Their focus is getting in their hours, not trying to efficiently do a great job. I have no stress. I get up, do some meditation and yoga, read and head out when I want to. I call a 5-6 hour work day a full day. I get by with 20-25 hours per week in the field maximum. Great talks! Thanks so much!
Right on Justin! Who determined the 8-10 hour day, 40 plus hour workweek as a standard? I say reduce your wants and needs and save time for your real life!
James Newsom - Yep! Spend that extra time being productive for your own life through investing and taking care of family. I find that if I overwork physically, then the rest of my life suffers because I have to use extra time to recover. One way to reduce needs is to throw the 📺 in the trash!
I truly feel that if you can find the right helper/mechanic you can make even more $. Finding that right person is the problem though. I had my own business for a # of years, got a great job with a pension, benefits, and a flexible schedule. I now work on my days off (avg 3-4 days per week) with a more knowledgeable older carpenter/handyman. He has taught me so many old school tricks of the trade and me showing him new tricks/tools that it just works out perfectly for the both of us. The key is definitely having the right person which is hard to find. And you dont want to teach someone everything only to leave you and be your competition.
Wait a sec, you 2 who just had a misunderstanding, arent you supposed to fight it out for days in Comment Attack court like everyone else on UA-cam? Haha. Glad to see people being humans. Well done.
First time listener here. Interesting perspective! What it sounds like might be interesting (at least from my perspective) is if you had a business partner that saw things exactly like you did and then you teamed up together and were able to complete more work for a high price. A scale play. The other option is getting someone to do the customer interface, invoicing, bidding, etc., while you did the stuff you enjoy! I was thinking of myself for example, I'm retired at 45 and thought I'd do that for free just to give me something to do to help a business grow and become more successful. Very insightful perspective you've given! Thank you.
I’m 62 now if I knew then what I know now as they say 1989 started with 3 mfg doors and retailing related home improvement products Built the company to 50 employees It was awesome but very stressful Always feeding the machine Remember if your the owner you are responsible for everything Lightbulbs to lawsuits Love your channel
Excellent info. I once had 22 head aches, I mean, employees. The last 15 years of self employment, 0 employees, working stress free and enjoying going to the job. Seemed like all I did when I had employees was "put out fires" or replace equipment, or go back and re-due or fix problems created by the "help"!
You are exactly right! In 1992 I had 4 employees a showroom a 2500 square foot shop going strong and then the first gulf war happened. It was like the phone company had gone out of business totally nothing but crickets. Since then I have followed the same philosophy as you describe here. Thanks for the great videos
I plan on sharing my skills and teaching others the things I know. if know body trains the youngsters then what. I could not rest in piece knowing I didn't pass on my skills.
@drain the swamp 2.0 what kinda business do you have, if I may ask? its commendable to see ppl passing on skills & work ethic to another generation. There seems to be a lack of that "pay it forward" concept, as ppl are ever more self centered & showing unfathomable levels of greed & narcissism these days. Keep up that integrity & cheers to you & thanks again for being an honorable bloke! with care/concern for the future. most BB's have no sense of mentorship or grooming replacements, they would rather die w. their hands, white knuckled on the trigger of control, rather than relinquish it to the children or the next generation. Let's make the future better than we had it, when our parents handed it down to us. Many Blessings!
@@joeywantstoplay At some point that trainee, may become your competition. I had a couple customers call my trainee/cousin because I was too busy. I helped him start a pest control business in his college town 3hr away. (Same business name, just set a Google business address at his college apartment.) The problems started when he graduated and came back home. He said, he was going to the airforce. 18 months late, the airforce hasn't happened yet.
I smiled at the video title because I know exactly what you were going to say. I also am a solopreneur like you, though in a completely different industry. I've hired employees in past years and it was all stress and babysitting, which I don't want to do. You can make plenty of money and still grow your business by yourself without hiring people to work for you. The worst thing is that bad employees stain your reputation, which is built over years of hard work, sacrifice, and sweat. Thanks for the video!
I could not agree more, I'm 22 years old and it is Dec. 28, 2020. This has been a crazy year for any business owner but I am so glad that I have no employees. I have had more than enough work for me this year but I would have never made it having to pay someone else
I've been do entire renovations myself from 17 years. I'm 60 and staying quite busy. Great topic. It's impossible to find reliable help today. I agree 100% with everything you said.
last employee ex meth addict, has a probation officer, has a restraining orders from 2 different women, chain smokes in the company vehicles when they are told not to, uses company vehicles to do personal things such as going out for lunch, leaves said lunch in work vehicles, no shows/ no calls at least twice a week, comes in an hour late when they do come in, always wants to leave early, takes frequent breaks just to smoke and talk on the phone while other employees are working, gets antsy wanting to do things quickly messing up jobs, and much more. sticking solo ty,
I really lucked out. I have a few college aged guys that help me under the table on most of my jobs. I am in landscape construction. I am busy enough in my area that it works out very well. Yes I could do all the work myself and it would end up taking twice or three times as long. My time is worth more than that. I would rather pay the guys 15-20 bucks an hour to do a lot of the labor and I keep them busy and get to focus on getting profitable jobs. You have to charge twice to three times what you are paying them in order for it to really make sense. A lot of it depends on the market you are in.
Illegitimate worker: on disability, bottle of beer in hand, someone to drive him around, borrowed tools, takes days off when he wants, no insurance, sues you when he gets hurt.
It depends on the job, if you have a helper making a patio he doesn’t need to know much just bring pavers. Later you can teach how to cut properly and you will have a well oiled machine of a group.
Words of gold! I am a young aspiring self employed carpenter/painter, and your video opened my eyes to the real difficulties of owning a business with employees. My father, in the same line of work, has a few employees for about 12 years and I see that he has more stress than needed. I will take this advise to the bank and only take on what I am personally capable of!
What you say resonates with me. I didn’t survive the 2008 downturn. Partly from having employees, mostly from not being a very good business man. There’s more to running a business than being good at what you do. For a time the volume of work made up for my lack of knowledge but when things slowed down I had to close shop. Been thinking real hard about giving it another go.
I fix cars on the side. I've probably tripled what first charged. I still have as much work as I want and make enough to invest in tools and equipment that lets me work faster, enabling me to do more jobs or have more free time and still make the same money.
Nice video great topic! I love that you’re just stashing money away like a crazy person I love it! You’re gonna be so wealthy soon if you’re not already!
I’m in the middle of a Home Improvement Exam predatory class for my state and just last night we were discussing this very topic. It seems to me like the big goal of contractors is to build a large business and have a bunch of employees but even the instructor, an older gentleman, advocated having no employees and only ever hiring 1099’s if he needed to. There is a ton of anxiety associated with leaving a stable job and going out on your own but the idea of not having to worry about Workmen’s Comp., dirtbag employees, etc. is such a relief.
I always end up working with awesome homeowners. The homeowners always had plenty of money and always had a ice chest full of beer and always had a place for my friends and I to stay. We never got out of hand and work always felt like a vacation away from home, especially in the woods away from all the negative nancies and such. Building their homes always turns into doing interior finishes to welding pipe for the perimeter of their land and we get more work from their neighbors and family out of state. It's quite an adventure fixing licensed contractors mistakes on weekends!
@@yepper1165 now that was a Legendary gen z, just dissolved into space, nowhere to be found....oh....he's at Starbucks drinking free water and using Wi-Fi.
@@yepper1165 well what kind of help are you looking for? I’m 20 in Florida but can move anywhere as needed as long as I’m paid a sustainable wage. I have 2.5 years plumbing experience and 6 months electrical. Mostly basic electrical construction. No service. And for plumbing I did 1 year digging ditches, 1 year learning construction, and 6 months of service plumbing.
Thanks for all the informative videos. I worked for years for someone else and know how to do build and fix a lot of stuff but never learned much about the business end which is more of a challenge to figure out . 💪👍
When the family business started going under, our employees remained the same and continued doing the minimum. When we announced that we were selling, here cam the tears and the "what are we going to do" statements. Well, should have thought of that earlier. I work for myself now, make great money, and work far less hours.
This may have been one of your best vids yet on the biz side of things. You dip into the regulatory/ admin burden side of things, but also touch on cultural things. I believe we are headlong in a cultural nosedive, and that dive is directly reflected in our political leaders, who inflame in turn the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs who would like to grow the biz, but know better in the end. Well done you.
Your channel makes me think... I have always been self employed and when the home market crashed it was not a good thing. Every body needs a home and repairs are needed.. Granted you may have to take a little less during a downturn but if you are skilled in this business you live well. I used to work solely for builders in finish and trim, I specialized and made more money, I lived well. Not realizing where the market was headed I found myself without a backup plan. I specialize in turn of the century homes (old homes) and live in an area where there are many. Newer homes are a piece of cake for me. Older homes cost more to work on (materials and labor). I am almost 60 now and I do get tired but I couldn't have it any better. I have lived in retirement most of my life. Save your money, take winters off, if you want, Great life! 😃
I have about 5 years of drywall finishing experience, ive been doing it since i was 18 right outta high school. I love it so much! ive been working for the same guy for like 4 years, hes a good man, a good boss.
I'm another one-man show. I can confirm that what this guy is saying is spot on. If I need a day laborer to help clean the job site, mix cement or dig, I hire a worker for a day using a temp agency. The agency covers the worker's insurance so that my help is technically a subcontractor and I don't have to worry about the extra long-term responsibility of an employee. Keep your business simple, only take on what you can handle on your own.
Job I was on the lady threw 2 painters off the job for drinking. When confronted by thier boss they responded." It was 12 o'clock wtf man" lol. Told the lady if you want them to cut in a straight line they gotta get rid of the shakes... rotflmao
You hit the nail on the head!!! I do plumbing and electrical and have been in business for 16 years and I work by myself. Plus the wife says I'm in a better mood since I don't hire anyone anymore.
I’m a carpenter from the UK now working in the US. The schooling and apprenticeship system here is at best, appalling. There is no system to train young people that don’t want to follow a college education but want something more than a minimum wage job. I hear from my local HBA that they can’t attract B or C grade students but at best they offer a D quality curriculum. For example my course began with the following topics. Health and safety. Self care - eating right - staying hydrated. Mentality and attitude. Sight cleanliness. Tool ID and handling. Basic joints. These were the things I needed to be as productive as I could be from day one. What was also explained to me on day one was, “Any trade is like playing the piano, you’re not going to be at concert level after one day or one year or maybe even five.” It’s a skill that has to sink deep into your subconscious before your become proficient, in an age of instant gratification this concept is critical to explain.
Matt L I’m lucky enough to have been able to apprentice in Germany. I always dreamt of going back to the US and starting a company but now I don’t see it happening anymore..
Amen Brother! Self employed Tile layer here almost 20 years now. I’ve had small crews and I’ve had a few decent helpers and a pile of terrible helpers. None of these decisions made me happy or more profitable. They Just created more headache and forced me to babysit and fix other peoples mistakes constantly. At the end of the day I chose to be self employed and when I work by myself I choose my pace, maintain my quality that has built my reputation, take a day off when I want, and I choose which jobs I take and which ones I don’t. Just like you said, you have complete control at maximum profit when you run your business this way. Yeah I’m still in the labor side of things, but I chose tile as my trade and I love every second of recreating spaces. I Wouldn’t trade it for anything. This video felt like hearing myself talk lol. You can try to tell people, but most will never understand. After going through what 2008 put us all through I’ll never change my business platform and I’ll have some extra money in the bank to take some fishing trips when the work slows down.
Man alive you GET IT!! LOL This is my life exactly and I'm in DownTown Tokyo. I have well-meaning friends trying to get me to expand, rent a shop, hire workers etc, nope, not interested. I have subs, they are independent contractors, wallpaper guys, electricians, plumbers, IT guys, a glass shop guy etc. I'll never hire an employee, way to much hassle. If you want to hire an employee, I think you have to be doing three times the business that you do by yourself. The thing is when you are a one-man show it does not take much to keep you busy. I'm finally done with paying for the kids university, they have done well and are both gainfully employed, now I can put more money into my investments. Keep preaching it, this is GREAT content! Cheers from Tokyo!
When people ask me why I am building a side hustle to eventually live off of for when the boss either dies or retires, instead of just buying him out. I have 2 main reasons for not buying him out and this is one of them.
I agree with your philosophy completely on this. If you Dont cheapen yourself and your labor you'll be able to take on a more realistic work load and add value to the jobs and customers you deal with
I’m doing pretty much the same thing you’re doing. My experience is that you can’t rely on others to show up, to listen to instructions, to care about their work, to be professional with my clients or not to hurt themselves or worse yet me. I’ve installed large beams, repaired foundations, built additions, built scaffolding etc. by myself. There’s almost always a way to get a job done alone. I have one guy I can count on to help me when I absolutely can’t do without the help. He is also a business owner and I help him on occasion as well. I sometimes consider becoming a general but I enjoy the work and despise the juggle. Maybe once my knees go....
I hired an independent HVAC contractor like this. He was having trouble moving around (very obese, getting older)... he had his son work with him, was teaching him while the son did the work so they would both have an income in the future.
When you make the decision to hire employees and grow a business you're no longer doing what you love. You are now the manager of people aka you become their mother, father, psychologist, banker, bail bondsman, etc, etc. The stress will make you old before your time, I sold the plumbing company I founded in 1978 to my employees in 2004 and haven't look back. I now work alone and am one happy stress-free person. Great perspective on the subject!
I'm with you there. Though I went into engineering for a career, I've always wanted to start a small business. I currently have a couple rentals that I manage and fix up, so materially I'm considering property management and handyman-ing I'm a few years once I'm sick if being behind the computer all day
I'm starting to feel that way myself. I've been in engineering for 8 years, and I don't mind the computer part, but being inside my house all day, every day gets old. Also tired of working for a company that is constantly doing really dumb stuff. I'll have to replace a lot of income if I'm going to work for myself, but I am starting to want yo give it a try.
Good advice, thanks. I often find myself struggling with taking on larger jobs that require additional manpower/equipment, or letting them pass for jobs Im comfortable with that are still profitable.
Hey Man! I was literally thinking of this topic this morning, "This guy really needs to do a video on this thing called a, 'recession'", because, apparently no one remembers what that was like. I remember 2009 like yesterday, when the S&P 500 bottomed at 666, yes, weird....we all thought the world was going to end, yet it didn't....however, if you are not stuffing your profits away in this economy, you are a fool. I am seeing low money down mortgages in my area already, SPEC homes at $650k+....the past tends to repeat itself. Good video...The tortoise vs. the hair...
Its more work managing employees and their never-ending excuses than it is to just do the work. Customers could give zero fks about excuses. The best I could ever hope the few times I've had an employee was that they wouldnt lose customers for me, and they did lose a few recurring customers.
Insurance goes up for every dollar earned and hour worked by an employee. You should expect that you are going to pay $1.16 for every $1 an employee makes. Its insainly expensive to have employees. How much could you earn just in the time it takes to interview and manage another person?
This thread goes on forever... an education in itself... there is a lot to know and I wish I had this channel in the 70's when I started out.. Finding a niche that you really enjoy can be very profitable... building gypsy wagons, tiny houses, garages, dining tables, sheds, trim work, stairs, etc. Knowing one's craft and knowing business is a success formula.. Thanks Handyman for your intelligent perspective.
One way you can avoid chasing jobs and lowering your standard when recessions hit is to have land or fixer properties that your men can work on when the jobs get slow. Worst case scenario You can bounce them back and forth.
Everytime I raised prices I found it had great results (less work, more money) and that I should've done it way sooner. And I still should raise my prices even more...
Totally agree. I almost tripled what first charged. I have maybe 20% less work but that suits me, I'm still making double on a month per month basis, and with more free time.
I’m just a bottom feeder because I just charge 20.00 an hour plus gas and materials. I thought that was decent enough money because I love the work and I feel blessed to work for my self BUT I recently found out a guy that I work for used to pay another guy 60.00 an hr to do what I do and he said I do a lot better job and I’m faster. 🤨🤧. New Year I’m raising prices.
You can’t make any money at 20$ an hour if you actually have a business license and pay taxes. I found at $50 an hour I can actually make a profit and stay in good Standing with insurance and Uncle Sam. But with inflation the new year is bringing a 10$ an hour raise.
This is the business management app I use to run my business go.getjobber.com/thehandymanbusiness Let me know how you like it.
I have about 10 employee’s. All W2. The cost is insane, the stress to make sure I keep the work coming in is insane. I can’t even do the work I like to do because I spend half my day traveling from job to job checking up on the crews. It’s a nightmare. Life was so much easier when I was an army of one!
There’s the proof right there 👆🏻 that handy dude is on the right track.
@@jmlcolorado keep it simple, put out a quality product and move on. Too much work dilutes the product.
Its hard to get quality employees, I'm a finisher/painter. I want things done a certain way, the right way.
There is something to be said about working for yourself. If you want to get paid more, charge more. If your quality and service match a big company, you can probably get away with a charging more than you think.
@@GC-jo1rn I work for a pretty big roofing company in my area, on weekends that I have off I am self employed trying to get my own business up and running; no matter where I work or who I work for I am constantly reworking somebodies mistake. It doesn't matter if Im working my roofing job or on my own on weekends, every job had an idiot in a rush before me that cut corners and their work either wont pass inspection on a commercial roof or wont pass an inspection in a residential house or just flat out isn't good enough for me to sign my name to. I shoot for perfection and sometimes end up not perfect but way better than hack work. I don't think I will ever hire anyone to work for me when my business takes off...not even close friends who do decent work.
When I hire a helper it seems like I become Their helper.... getting the tools, the materials, etc. Setting them up to do the easy part and then having to make sure it is done right. I only hire help when I need more muscle.... and usually only for 3 or 4 hrs. I work alone 98 per cent of the time... always have a home shop (low overhead) and relax and take care of personal stuff when things are slow.. This has worked pretty well for 4 decades.
Wow 4 decades. Great job.
totally agree... spend time money effort material and tool prep getting them set up to do a simple task, like wall painting, and then they "center cut " the job i.e. show up late, leave early, make just enough to get high, take their cash and disappear ....
@@juancarlosmorenoaldana2361Thanks, I have not gotten rich however I have lived a fairly stress free life with no debt or mortgages .
Keith...I can say I work 99% of the time and I do major construction. I manage to sheetrock ceilings alone with 1/2 4 x 8 (with the help of a board across the wall so I can tuck in one end) and 3/4 ply on outside walls. i love working alone and have been for two decades.
@@flexiblestrategist9922 What? You replace a helper with a board? 😳 Oh my young millenials. Are you all that incompetent? LOL!
Don't underestimate the risk associated with injuring yourself in a job such as manual labor. It's not unlikely and the consequences to your income are dire in a 1-man shop. Something to think about.
I became self employed at the age of 61. Best thing I ever did.
Robert thanks for saying this
@@xbfdx988 Was that supposed to be funny ?
@@xbfdx988 It was ineffective.
There are some jobs you cannot do by yourself. You need helpers. Plus you will get tired so you need some one to pick up the slack. It takes longer to do it all yourself. Plus, you have to train your workers because they don't know HOW YOU WANT IT DONE.
@@crand20033 then don’t take the jobs you can’t do by yourself. Small jobs you can do by yourself in a day always make a profit. Easy as that
Having employees is an entirely different skill then fixing items.
I am whit you 👍
Like he said, having employees gives you more risk, stress, and anxiety.
Brother this has hit home big time! This year has been so tough on me and only BECAUSE I tried to go big in an area where money doesnt come easily. I lost thousands of dollars on shitty helpers and employees. Demographics is EVERYTHING. YOU are an incredibly smart individual and one hell of logical mind. You're an inspiration for me today in massive ways. An eye opener indeed.
@@chief5981 Shitty Boss what they said
My parents had a handyman company. My mom was the office manager, did all the marketing, payroll, ran the schedule, answered the phones, etc. My dad did estimates 4 hours a day and did jobs 4 hours a day. The two of them teamed up on hiring.
They hired guys on a 1099 basis. The guys had to have their own tools, transportation and insurance. The guys would mostly do their own estimates and jobs and the customers would pay the business and the 1099 guys got a cut.
At one point my parents had about 13-15 1099ers working for them. It was really insane. They couldn’t handle it.
Optimum workload for them was about 5 guys. But 3 of those guys my parents had known for roughly 30 years and were trustworthy. Most of the time the hires were a complete disaster or headache or criminals or druggies.
When my parents retired and sold the business it was making about a million dollars a year and my parents got to keep around $200k of that. They ran the business out of their house and it was 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. They took 2 weeks off in the summer and 2 weeks off in the winter. Plus federal holidays.
In my honest opinion, watching my parents go through all that for years just for 20% profit margin so NOT worth it. They overpaid their guys for sure but I think everything would have been worse had they paid their guys less.
I got laid off from my job earlier this year when COVID hit and being the son of a contractor who had his own handyman business I know how to “handyman” too so I just started a social media and word of mouth advertising campaign and started closing jobs and working. 8 months later I do zero advertising, I get all my work via referrals and word of mouth and I’m always booked out 3-4 weeks. I control my own time and schedule, I can drop my kids off at school in the morning without being worried I’ll be late to work and get shit from a boss, I can take care of personal matters that can only be done on weekdays and I don’t have to ask anyone if I’m allowed to handle my own personal matters, and I make more money than any of my previous jobs made me. There are many more benefits. I’m not rich by any means and will probably never get rich doing this as a one man business unless I do really specialized high end work but right now I make considerably more than what is considered average or middle class.
I think quite a lot about hiring people and building a business but I’ve seen my parents go through that for years and I don’t want to go through that either. I’d much rather have low anxiety and less money than high anxiety and more money.
I think I’m just going to keep getting better and better, increase my skill level, charge more money over time and invest the profits in stuff like real estate or the stock market as gone over in this video. And maybe hire people for simple shit like painting and caulking and assembling peoples’ IKEA furniture and things like that.
Be sure to have insurance in case you are not able to work. Sh*t happens...
Man, you have no idea how much of a breath of fresh air this was. I’ve been feeling the pressure to grow but I’m wanting to stay solo and everyone around me is saying hire, hire, hire!
God don’t do it.
Get them small jobs that pay.
In my 20’s (80’s-90’s) I wanted to learn different trades. I was a grunt for tile setter, roofer, worked in a cabinet shop. I was willing to shut up listen & learn. I even offered to work for free for a week & said if you think I’m not worth paying don’t hire me. I was a hard worker & aimed to make my mentor/boss job easier. I always got hired. I don’t see that today. My daughter is 23 & lives in Kauai now & makes $22 hr & got her job after 1 week just there visiting a friend. Her work ethic has given her job security bcz her boss knows she’s a worker. It’s not just knowing a trade, it’s accepting you need to start from the bottom & build experience. Today ppl expect $$$ off the bat. I hear you about helpers can be flaky,but every now & then you can find a kid who knows the value of a mentor & takes advantage of living at home while they learn so they can afford to earn less. Those are the ones you want to pass your knowledge onto👍 thx for your vids😊
I'm younger (32) but have been in the trades since I was 22. At one point, I nearly did what you did and was going to show up on a framing site, bags I hand, and offer to work for the day. Hire me and pay me or send me on my way. I ended up working on my own for a few months at odd jobs before hiring on with a remodel company. There's still good young guys out there. Just harder to find
That’s how I am too- I’ll work for free or real cheap just to listen and learn! People will tell you so much if you give them respect and shut up and be ready to learn!
My god ,
Reading these.comments.makes me want to puke. Never work for free, never settle to shut up and just work to learn,. Have confidence don't be a.push over. Don't listen to people who say you have to shut up and listen. You are doing physical work aren't you??? That speaks for itself, you shouldn't be a grunt and work for nothing that's mind boggling I hear it all the time these losers who do this.makes you look weak and just a grunt for the guy making.all the money...contractors and developers.are the worst breed too. Trades is a suckers bet, especially in building construction . Never settle.to just.be a grunt doing manual labour that's the worst mindset to have. Most of the typical trades are skilled labour, harsh reality but it's.obvious and most trades workers.i know even on the higher wage scale won't be millionaires until they are 80 years old. Especially in the economies we are inheriting from earlier generations
As part of the 20s in now a days I seem to find a lot of trade companies that are willing to hire and call people helpers/apprentices don’t treats them as such. They don’t teach them much at all instead. It’s sad
Really like your channel. When you’re self employed ,every day you wake up you’re unemployed. One of my dad’s sayings. He was a sign painter. He kept a roof over our heads & food in our bellies. He taught me how to mix concrete,roof a house & sheet rock plus many other things in life. He ran his sign company out of a cigar box. I can still smell it. If you own a house.....you deserve it.
I understand that it's your job, your business and you found the work. But I've worked under someone like you and was very grateful to have someone want to teach me what they know. Sorry that you've had the bad experience of many people now. They want a high amount of pay for as little as work as possible. Btw, I'm a convicted felon too. I changed and wanted to make a good life for myself. We are still out here.
Good job man! My son is a convicted felon who hasn't gotten to where you are yet. But it's looking better right now than it has in years. He's held a job and cleaned up considerably from all appearances. So I realize it's incredibly hard to get it together and improve your life as you have. So I just wanted to encourage you and give you a pat on the back! Stay strong!
@@yepper1165 This industry is one of a very small group of business/trades that gives felons a chance to actually make a decent living, and in my opinion being a felon has very little to do with anything when it comes to having a skilled craftsman as an employee. In my experience, Felons are super grateful for the opportunity to show an employer that they are worth taking a chance on... I certainly don't give them the office keys and a work truck after a couple weeks on the job... but like I tell everyone I employ, "You get out of this job what you put into it...& Good work never goes unnoticed.. after putting my stamp of approval on each job we complete I will call each customer and ask them to tell me about anything my guys did that made a lasting impression on their experience working with my company....good or bad. This technique has worked wonders for me for years.
Lastly, Most felons are just people like you and me that made one bad decision, often years and years ago. Our system sets them up for failure, making it damn near impossible for them to earn a decent living. Be careful...don't hire rapist, violent, repeat offender type cons, but some of the most skilled craftsmen i've ever known have been felons, and they're usually so grateful to be treated with respect and given an opportunity, that they will go above and beyond to show you their loyalty & appreciation.
Good luck to you. Do the right thing day after day and you will reap the rewards. Keep your head up, life will get better.
Everyone is a criminal, of varying degree, the difference is some get caught, some get away with it.
@@Expedient_Mensch I gave you a thumbs up- by the way 64 the year of my birth, also I've pretty much seen/done it all .
Sounds like what you might actually sometimes need is another friendly, competent, handyman associate that you can call in if you score a massive job and vice versa.
That's what I do with my friend that's I. The same business as me.
That’s been pretty much my business model for the past 15 years. I’m friends with many businesses in my trade and we have been trading working and helping each other out from almost the very beginning of our businesses.
Number one rule is not to be a thief! No card dropping!
Exactly
@@rcppop3090 that is a beautiful thing cause it helps make you and them money go round
@@rcppop3090 Friend helpers aren't covered by your insurance, are they? Pretty risky.
Amen, Brother. I've been self employed for 35 years. The biggest mistake I ever made was taking on 1099 contract employees in an effort "to expand my business".They brought problems and issues to the workplace that had nothing to do with my efforts to make a living. I work alone and have been happy.
Love what you said about stress. Keeping things simple and stress free allows me to enjoy the work I'm doing and not chase that mighty dollar. I find just doing good honest work and caring about the people always seems to pay off. And like you have said, they will pay you well for it. Thanks for the videos!
I recently became a helper and my boss values me and my work ethic. He gave me a bonus. I have a car, I bring my lunch sometimes, have a phone, and am honest. I'm 25 and I've always been interested in a handy man kind of field. I love it and am eager to learn more. With that being said, I do see the downside.
Good for you man! You will have your own company soon
Stay in it, learn it(especially the business side). Your future is way brighter than you can even imagine! I wish I could knock off 30 years and be in your shoes. Tradesmen ARE the rich folk in the very near future.
I recently came here and I'm interested in this kind of field but don't know where to begin in GA
I run a maintenance and light construction company in Washington DC. Yes, managing people is very difficult and all the negatives mentioned are legit. But at the same time, I get lots of satisfaction from turning my formerly degenerate bunch of technicians/handymen into efficient and effective employees who stand by my side and push ahead for something better. I'm a loner by nature when it comes to my work, but in the process I found out I'm one he'll of a leader with a 12 person staff who are willing to fight the fight with me. We fix broken shit. Same process goes with managing employees, they need to be fixed properly. Stop complaining about the other people who work for you and maybe learn something yourself about how to manage effectively. Btw, does anyone in this comment section not feel that raising the cost of your labor on a job by 1000s of dollars to accommodate a helper, and then not getting a helper so you can just pocket the money yourself, seems a bit shady? I'm a free market capitalist and always for everyone making whatever the market will bear for their efforts. But at the same time, are we sure we are being as honest as we should be to our customers by taking this line of thought? I've been in the trades for almost 30 years, so I understand the difficulty in what we do. Don't come at me with some selfish bullshit, I'm looking for a serious discussion here
Well said. I like how you think
How you making out now?
@@bunnyman6321 probably great... Here in the DMV it's good, it's just difficult at times to find great professional guys. I definitely take pride in whipping these guys into shape
@@vanderumd11 I'm in the DMV area as well. You're right about finding professional guys. When I have rehab projects dealing with contractors definitely be a challenge .
I see your point. You seem to be a well centered person.
Dude you are so right. Been doing this for 35 years, and when I hear you talk I feel like I am listening to myself. EXACTLY!!
"People pay me a lot, I like keeping the money for myself" true words.
Spoken like a wise business man. Keep it lean, stay hungry, keep the quality high and you’ll be able to weather whatever the market has in store for us. I’ve been running my own show for less than 2 years but I’ve learned already that it’s just not worth the effort to bring on a helper. The markets bound for a dip and when that happens us solo guys want our clients to remember us as the carpenters that works hard, do good work and charge a fair prices. Keep it simple!
Finding a good helper is not hard.... its impossible
@Real Estate All the smart people are doing other jobs because they realize they're never going to make good money as your helper. The good ones eventually leave to start their own business. Most labor in the trades are drug addicts, alcoholics and other undesirables that can't work a steady job. At least in my city.
John Boykin that ain’t nooooooo shit. Worthless
MrJaaaaake I’ll take a drug addict over an adult that plays video games
Hard work pays off well because of this. You can sign up for a contractors service agency and get job offers every week if you are sharp, work hard, show up early, and have a good attitude.
@@tenplus1025 That's why you will always be a broke bitch
Working alone has it share of challenges. I'm amazed seeing what you do without help. I had employees the first 20 years of business and now have worked without for the past 10. There are pros and cons to both but overall feel lucky to have survived. You are so right about 2008...
Working alone is lonely(many times) but peaceful. Working with someone gets things done faster(not 2 times but maybe 3 times as fast, depending on the task and depending on how good he is).
I have a criminal record. I turned my life around. Don't drink, don't do drugs. Havent had so much as a speeding ticket in 6 years. I work my butt off. 80 hours a week for weeks sometimes hard, physical labor. Don't discriminate against an employee solely based on their criminal history. 1/3rd of Americans have a criminal record of some sort. How can a person change their lives around if employers aren't willing to give a person a second chance? lack of employment is a major factor in how a person lives their lives. I know if I didn't find the career I have now I wouldn't be doing as well as I am now. It gave me something to live for. It kept me focused, and straight. Obviously some people will continue to be screw ups no matter what they are offered but many people just need a door cracked open for them and an opportunity.
Good video ! i’m 17 years old right now and i’m an hourly helper myself , i’ll be sure to always remember this advice as i get older. thank you !
No premises apart from home, No staff, no helpers, only 1 vehicle, no smoke breaks, no sickness, not feeling well, always texting, always on phone, too heavy, too cold, too long, no tools............ too high, got a hangover, overslept, after 20 years of employing numerous staff I called it a day at 52 years old (I felt 65). I was never trained to be a medic, nursemaid, psychiatrist, babysitter, timekeeper, accountant, taxi driver, waker upper and it physically exhausted me, there are many posting on this video who feel the same. Great videos keep it up.
I am an apprentice carpenter for a remodeling company and I am as "green" as you get. The Handyman is my self issued homework, thank you for feeding my hunger for the craft..... of fixin' stuff!
I know everything, so I´m just checking if Mr. The Handyman solves his tasks correctly by wachting his videos ;-)
PaPrimitive 2000 how close to NY are you? Will be starting my business in a few months and would love to have a younger version of myself on the team
Enjoy the ride
That is excellent stuff buddy, work and study, perfect combination
You Tube has Made life a do it your self life ,Thanks UA-cam
I am in an interesting situation. I own my handyman business and have no employees or helpers. However, there are two friends of mine, who also own their handyman businesses. (There is plenty of work here for all of us.) When one of us needs help, we just call on the others and we have set pricing in place for just this sort of thing. At the end of the year, we 1099 each other. It is nice knowing that I have them to call on when needed, and I can trust them to show up, be clean and sober.
That is an awesome setup you have going on. I did that with a guy when I first started out. That relationship you have with your friends is hard to find.
This is what I do, have a couple guys in the same situation, we call on each other when needed, we are hiring and firing each other all the time. Works out well, we trade hours when we can and settle up at the end of the month.
Thats good. I have one guy that helps me from time to time. He owns his own business also. Makes the job faster. Dont have to constantly oversee. No stress at all. Makes for some smooth jobs
What's nice is doing most of the sales and work yourself. But once ever-so-often get asked by a customer to do a larger job. They may ask you to replace their roof that's over 20sq. Its a good time to call other independents you know and have worked with and see if they can schedule a few days to help you out. First off, you stay in touch with other like-minded individuals. Second, there's an opportunity to barter labor services to help each other or there's simple 1099's to issue annually if payment is over $600. Third, and I believe its the best benefit, the quality of the job is top notch. All these guys are all busy with their own stuff, have their own tools, and are highly skilled. A couple of family members of mine do this with me. I usually work cousins like this a few weeks of the year. Maybe I'm lucky to have a great core of close family/friends in the trades. All I know is that they don't really cost each other much and its actually a hoot working together. Working alone has its benefits but sometimes its fun to tackle a large project with a trusted few and have fun.
Been in biz for 40 years and in the trades for 48 years. When I started my business I tried hiring/training young guys. Thought it would be noble to help my fellow man learn and earn. What bullshit. I heard every excuse in the book for not showing up or for arriving late to work. Flat tires, stomach ache....etc. ....etc. when the cats away....the mice will play.......funny how ,on payday .they would be on the jobsite. I got tired of that crap fast and have been a one man band for a long long time. Never a quality problem. No more babysitting. I’m a happy man. Just turned 70. People don’t believe it. Dave Heitman dba Dave The Carpenter Semper Fidelis
Young fellas just don't put effort in anything nowadays that's all . I'm thankful for my boss to give me a chance to learn and always gave 100 of me in every job and thanks to that I can say Im been treated right because I did my part too .
Hey, I'm a young guy. Been in the trades since I was 22 just out of college. I've benefited tremendously from mentors and good teachers. But I've nearly been pushed out of the trades by grumpy old farts that don't think young guys are capable of "skilled" labor. But you know what? I always show up, I always work hard, and unless there is a death I have no excuse. All the gloomy old guys touch a nerve for me because I know I'm not the only one and I've worked with some awesome Carpenters my age.
okay but why should they put the effort in when you make 100$ an hour from their work while they get 20$?
@@feluto7172
As an electrician I make 40$/hour plus benefits. Costing employers 65$/hour with all costs.
Small contractors charge either 75$/hour to 125/hour for the expensive ones.
Almost all tools are provided, everything except the basics.
An apprentice starts at 20$/hour.
They usually do less than half the work of a journeyman. Their sole purpose is to learn and keep a positive work to cost ratio compared to fully licenced electricians.
Companies have over head, people finding work, accounting, shop keepers, and so on. All of those costs are I the hourly cost charged to the client.
Based on hours worked for me to make more money as a matter electrician I need 5 employees working year round. Any less than that and I make more money as a simple employee.
Your 20$ to 100$ comparison issues stem from where? Other than the "difference/gap" seeming big where is your issue?
I don't want to assume anything, but starting a business isn't anywhere as easy add people think.
80% of businesses fail on their first year, the employees get paid, and the owner is in debt.
I know guys who made negative income, literally not just with deductions, for the first 3 years.
By year 5 they made 150k as an owner instead of 70k as a worker.
The risk was high, the strain on finances with his wife were considerable, but he was one of the lucky ones who made it past year 5.
I'd say put your money, time, and effort where your mouth is. You'll realise what fair is when you have to sell your house because you paid your suppliers and employees their due. Or you might make it to profitability which is below a 10% chance.
90% chance to lose everything versus 10% chance to be balling.
I don't like those odds.
Damn now I got to fire everyone lol
Lolll that's a nice one
I’m scared. Don’t fire me
I quit my 9-5 going on 3 years ago and started a handyman business. I was making $50k/year as an electrician. I have more than doubled my income, work for myself, and work 40 hours a week. I came across your videos and love the content. I’ve taken sales training courses, digital marketing courses, and a lot of just living to learn. I have added your videos to my tool belt. Great content and it’s cool I’m not alone in my undertaking. Keep up the good work and thank you!
It feels like I’m the only 20 year old that loves working long hours of manual labor. Nothing like going to bed after a long productive day of work 👍 P.S. I'm a low paid apprentice electrician but just have my eyes on getting my Master done so I can get some real money going
Youll go far with this attitude, im twice your age with same attitude, make sure you eat enough too getting older means you need to eat alot more to keep in tact. If and when your low back goes out workout your abs everymorning for a pain free back
You go girl
An electricians apprentice work is not that hard.. LoL , try being a masons or plumbers helper , those long hours over time will put you in a wheel chair
Amen! Used to think I wanted to build a company and now I just want to make a living.
i used to only have three employees and it was one of the most stressed i had ever been. once i got back to solo and working smarter, life is so much better
I had crews doing Kitchen/Bath Installs. What a pain... mistakes made by employees, Expanse overhead, missing and lost tools....
Good Day! I am a woman who is starting a home/housecleaning, window-cleaning, estate-sorting business with a partner/best-friend. So I am not in the 'handywoman' business per se. But I have to say, your input, wisdom wrought from experience with your handyman business, is one of the best, if not the best, resources I find for this type of entrepreneurial business. I love that you are a 'one-man-show', and that you are intentional about it. This video is just what I need on this day. Thanks for the sharing of your knowledge. I am very grateful.
Lmao. “I don’t want employees; I don’t want helpers and I’m not trying to grow my business like a construction company...” Five seconds later Handyman is hawking Jobbers, a service for managing employees...growing your business... 😂
Jeffrey Lonigro if your not like me or anyone who's watching this video, then here ya go lol
Maintaining work is different than trying to grow big
A bit ironic. "Gimme muh commissions"
I've done every aspect of construction. Been in it over thirty years. Ran my own company with up to 26 employees. Did my own thing just by myself. He is exactly right about the stress of running a big show. The way I did it when I was just a one man show was team up with another very qualified guy or two when I landed a big job that was the kind of money I didn't want to walk away from. That being said. Yes the biggest money I ever made ($300,000 a year) was when I had a lot of employees. My health suffered, my marriage suffered. I saved my health and my marriage. was it worth it. Who knows, I'm worth a few million now and work when I want on what I want. I don't think I would be here without a few years of making the big money.
Legit employee? Fica, Social security, additional payroll, withholding, workmens comp, (in some cases) benefits - medical, dental and i'm sorry to say this but in today's world you can't rule out a man sueing you for sexual harrasment.
👍🏽😂🤣
Labor Board is no joke. Lawyers get in these employees ears "I can get you $20,000". Out here in CA the Labor Board doesn't want to hear your case, "Settle this or this violation is $10K, This one is $10K + the employee can sue you for 30 days wages.........." doesn't matter who's in the right, the employer hires a lawyer, cuts his loses and settles.
@@billysyms5761 And the money awarded the employee from the Courts is blown in less than a week. The settlement did nothing to enhance their life, but encouraged more victimization syndrome. And the employee is looking for another job/payday/benefits victim.
@@jazzmonk5670 Most small business guys can't let this go to court, the legal fees alone would be devastating. Even if it did the State piles on and poses fines - and they are paid first. The small businessman usually does not have the pockets deep enough for all this. These cases usually settle before all that, like I mentioned, people see this as some sort of Lotto.
Incorporate.
Keep your Corporate veil tight.
That's what saved me, which according to a document I signed is about all I can say.
Fixing their mistakes.
I’ve been waiting for this video HM. You explain everything in a way that makes sense and is logical. I’m almost through year two of my self employment journey and business is good. I’ve had a helper on larger jobs that have time restrictions but I’m learning to do more and more solo. Especially watching your videos and seeing my profits go in someone else’s pocket.
I’d say the only thing I miss about being on a larger crew was the camaraderie and just seeing how other guys do things. There’s always that 70 year old veteran journeyman on the crew that blows your mind with a trick you’ve never seen before. I miss the hell out of that!
Watch youtube videos to get those veteran tricks :-) It's lonely though. Maybe find someone who does the same thing as you and hang out with them. I fix cars on the side and know a guy who does as well. We chat sometimes.
I did the same! I walked away with 3 houses,&2trucks/trailers,backhoe,tractor,40'bus made into log cabin and all the tools all paid for. Table saw/band-saw to bending brake/slitter etc. No Employees! I tried a couple of decent guys but the people didn't like it! They pay more for me and thats it! Casual labor once in a while(to set up pump jacks or move cast iron tubs! Got out on top,lovin retirement!
Good, solid advice for sure. I do everything myself and only when absolutely necessary I’ll bring in a helper to lift or hold something that just can’t be done alone. I try to stay away from any jobs that I can’t handle solo.
It’s crazy but even when I bring in a friend he’s gotta take bathroom breaks, smoke breaks, lunch breaks, has car trouble, etc... I guess I’m a different breed but when I’m in work mode I’m working and when I finish early I take my time and enjoy it. I haven’t taken an official “lunch” in years.
That’s the way to do it!👍
Shaka Doug Corbin I own an Electrical Contracting Co and primarily do control work for large mechanical contractors. I do it all myself as well. Come in, work non stop and go home. All I see is contractors paying guys to shoot the shit or be on their phone. Guys are getting paid for eight while giving two to three maybe hours of actual work. F that. Key is keep your overhead as low as possible which keeps the stress as low as possible. 👍🏻
@@fredgibbons7974 you nailed it, I roll solo as much as I can, have other like minded guys to call on for bigger jobs or when I'm over booked. We get tired of each other and hire and fire each other all the time.
Another great thing about working for yourself. You work when you feel like it. You want a day off? You take a day off! No employees to notify or worry about not having hours. You schedule work tight but not so tight that you can't keep up. You charge the price that keeps your calendar from being too empty or too full. You are comfortable saying "no" to a job even though you technically have the time. Money matters. Health matters too.
Spot on Shaka, Friends are the worst helpers (or not helpers), Lunch what is that, ate while I worked for 30 years, felt guilty taking a lunch.
Every time I’ve used a helper I felt like my tools 🛠 grew legs! Constantly looking for my stuff
Same. And I'm not a mobile worker. I have a cabinet/furniture shop.
That's called a partner you didn't know you had
Love this channel.
Question: I run a one man show plumbing business. If I just wanted to solely operate it how to I not get burnt out with all the manual labor it requires?
I would think a helper would be great to take care of all the digging and shlepping even though my profits will be less.
would love to hear your thoughts.
Billy Buckles right haha. Some people actually like to buy their own tools
If I had a helper without tools instead of cash he would blow at the bar or on silly crap. I always bonnused them with tools. A hammer here a pair of channel locks there. They would still forget to bring them or lose them.
One man band these days now too.
You have put a voice to the way that I have naturally run my own business. First as an independent electrical contractor and now as a pro handyman. Great presentation! You are so right, the stress and the expectations of employees whose primary focus is to be at your doorstep at 7am half awake with a monster drink breakfast so that the hourly clock starts right away! Their focus is getting in their hours, not trying to efficiently do a great job. I have no stress. I get up, do some meditation and yoga, read and head out when I want to. I call a 5-6 hour work day a full day. I get by with 20-25 hours per week in the field maximum. Great talks! Thanks so much!
Same here. 6 hours a day usually and more if needed. Go in at 10-11 and come home at 5. Everyone is happy.
Right on Justin! Who determined the 8-10 hour day, 40 plus hour workweek as a standard? I say reduce your wants and needs and save time for your real life!
James Newsom - Yep! Spend that extra time being productive for your own life through investing and taking care of family. I find that if I overwork physically, then the rest of my life suffers because I have to use extra time to recover. One way to reduce needs is to throw the 📺 in the trash!
I truly feel that if you can find the right helper/mechanic you can make even more $. Finding that right person is the problem though. I had my own business for a # of years, got a great job with a pension, benefits, and a flexible schedule. I now work on my days off (avg 3-4 days per week) with a more knowledgeable older carpenter/handyman. He has taught me so many old school tricks of the trade and me showing him new tricks/tools that it just works out perfectly for the both of us. The key is definitely having the right person which is hard to find. And you dont want to teach someone everything only to leave you and be your competition.
The advice about how to ride the ebs and flows of the economy is GOLD. If you're a young dude you seriously need to listen to this.
@@melissahill7930 figurative not literal. 👍🏼👍🏼
@@melissahill7930 it's all good.
Wait a sec, you 2 who just had a misunderstanding, arent you supposed to fight it out for days in Comment Attack court like everyone else on UA-cam? Haha. Glad to see people being humans. Well done.
Anything's better than fiat.
First time listener here. Interesting perspective!
What it sounds like might be interesting (at least from my perspective) is if you had a business partner that saw things exactly like you did and then you teamed up together and were able to complete more work for a high price. A scale play.
The other option is getting someone to do the customer interface, invoicing, bidding, etc., while you did the stuff you enjoy! I was thinking of myself for example, I'm retired at 45 and thought I'd do that for free just to give me something to do to help a business grow and become more successful.
Very insightful perspective you've given! Thank you.
I’m 62 now if I knew then what I know now as they say
1989 started with 3 mfg doors and retailing related home improvement products
Built the company to 50 employees
It was awesome but very stressful
Always feeding the machine
Remember if your the owner you are responsible for everything
Lightbulbs to lawsuits
Love your channel
Excellent info. I once had 22 head aches, I mean, employees. The last 15 years of self employment, 0 employees, working stress free and enjoying going to the job. Seemed like all I did when I had employees was "put out fires" or replace equipment, or go back and re-due or fix problems created by the "help"!
Daycare for adults that you have to pay.
You are exactly right! In 1992 I had 4 employees a showroom a 2500 square foot shop going strong and then the first gulf war happened. It was like the phone company had gone out of business totally nothing but crickets. Since then I have followed the same philosophy as you describe here. Thanks for the great videos
I plan on sharing my skills and teaching others the things I know. if know body trains the youngsters then what. I could not rest in piece knowing I didn't pass on my skills.
Reading your comment “drain the swamp” speaks volumes!
@drain the swamp 2.0 what kinda business do you have, if I may ask? its commendable to see ppl passing on skills & work ethic to another generation. There seems to be a lack of that "pay it forward" concept, as ppl are ever more self centered & showing unfathomable levels of greed & narcissism these days. Keep up that integrity & cheers to you & thanks again for being an honorable bloke! with care/concern for the future. most BB's have no sense of mentorship or grooming replacements, they would rather die w. their hands, white knuckled on the trigger of control, rather than relinquish it to the children or the next generation. Let's make the future better than we had it, when our parents handed it down to us. Many Blessings!
I have done that in the past Today however the kids won't work I pay fairly based on skill and training is part of the package
@@joeywantstoplay At some point that trainee, may become your competition. I had a couple customers call my trainee/cousin because I was too busy.
I helped him start a pest control business in his college town 3hr away. (Same business name, just set a Google business address at his college apartment.)
The problems started when he graduated and came back home.
He said, he was going to the airforce. 18 months late, the airforce hasn't happened yet.
People don't quit their jobs they quit their bosses.
13:37 of pure gold. Thanks for always coming real with it, Handyman.
I smiled at the video title because I know exactly what you were going to say. I also am a solopreneur like you, though in a completely different industry. I've hired employees in past years and it was all stress and babysitting, which I don't want to do. You can make plenty of money and still grow your business by yourself without hiring people to work for you. The worst thing is that bad employees stain your reputation, which is built over years of hard work, sacrifice, and sweat. Thanks for the video!
I could not agree more, I'm 22 years old and it is Dec. 28, 2020. This has been a crazy year for any business owner but I am so glad that I have no employees. I have had more than enough work for me this year but I would have never made it having to pay someone else
I've been do entire renovations myself from 17 years. I'm 60 and staying quite busy. Great topic. It's impossible to find reliable help today. I agree 100% with everything you said.
It's 330am and i have no clue why I'm watching this
last employee
ex meth addict, has a probation officer, has a restraining orders from 2 different women, chain smokes in the company vehicles when they are told not to, uses company vehicles to do personal things such as going out for lunch, leaves said lunch in work vehicles, no shows/ no calls at least twice a week, comes in an hour late when they do come in, always wants to leave early, takes frequent breaks just to smoke and talk on the phone while other employees are working, gets antsy wanting to do things quickly messing up jobs, and much more.
sticking solo ty,
I really lucked out. I have a few college aged guys that help me under the table on most of my jobs. I am in landscape construction. I am busy enough in my area that it works out very well. Yes I could do all the work myself and it would end up taking twice or three times as long. My time is worth more than that. I would rather pay the guys 15-20 bucks an hour to do a lot of the labor and I keep them busy and get to focus on getting profitable jobs. You have to charge twice to three times what you are paying them in order for it to really make sense. A lot of it depends on the market you are in.
Legitimate employee...
Vehicle
Cell phone
Gas card
Medical
Payroll tax
Workers comp
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
Wages
Etc.
Etc.
Illegitimate worker: on disability, bottle of beer in hand, someone to drive him around, borrowed tools, takes days off when he wants, no insurance, sues you when he gets hurt.
@@crand20033 real disabled ppl can't do a manual labor job.
It depends on the job, if you have a helper making a patio he doesn’t need to know much just bring pavers. Later you can teach how to cut properly and you will have a well oiled machine of a group.
Words of gold! I am a young aspiring self employed carpenter/painter, and your video opened my eyes to the real difficulties of owning a business with employees. My father, in the same line of work, has a few employees for about 12 years and I see that he has more stress than needed. I will take this advise to the bank and only take on what I am personally capable of!
What you say resonates with me. I didn’t survive the 2008 downturn. Partly from having employees, mostly from not being a very good business man. There’s more to running a business than being good at what you do. For a time the volume of work made up for my lack of knowledge but when things slowed down I had to close shop. Been thinking real hard about giving it another go.
I love your salty sarcasm, makes me want to keep watching and looking forward of your videos
I'm asked the same thing often and your in depth explanation is exactly my thoughts. My issue is not charging enough for any profitability.
I fix cars on the side. I've probably tripled what first charged. I still have as much work as I want and make enough to invest in tools and equipment that lets me work faster, enabling me to do more jobs or have more free time and still make the same money.
I'm also a 1 man army.
All of the reason you mentioned are the reasons why I have not taken anyone on as a helper or skilled hand.
Perfect philosophy, I'm 55 and this is how I operate.
Nice video great topic! I love that you’re just stashing money away like a crazy person I love it! You’re gonna be so wealthy soon if you’re not already!
I’m in the middle of a Home Improvement Exam predatory class for my state and just last night we were discussing this very topic. It seems to
me like the big goal of contractors is to build a large business and have a bunch of employees but even the instructor, an older gentleman, advocated having no employees and only ever hiring 1099’s if he needed to. There is a ton of anxiety associated with leaving a stable job and going out on your own but the idea of not having to worry about Workmen’s Comp., dirtbag employees, etc. is such a relief.
I always end up working with awesome homeowners. The homeowners always had plenty of money and always had a ice chest full of beer and always had a place for my friends and I to stay. We never got out of hand and work always felt like a vacation away from home, especially in the woods away from all the negative nancies and such. Building their homes always turns into doing interior finishes to welding pipe for the perimeter of their land and we get more work from their neighbors and family out of state. It's quite an adventure fixing licensed contractors mistakes on weekends!
18 out of high school willing to work $12 an hour used to working long under paying jobs. Helllooooo I’m right hereeeee👋
What area of the country are you in?
@@yepper1165 now that was a Legendary gen z, just dissolved into space, nowhere to be found....oh....he's at Starbucks drinking free water and using Wi-Fi.
@@billstanis2664 No doubt!
Northern California
@@yepper1165 well what kind of help are you looking for? I’m 20 in Florida but can move anywhere as needed as long as I’m paid a sustainable wage. I have 2.5 years plumbing experience and 6 months electrical. Mostly basic electrical construction. No service. And for plumbing I did 1 year digging ditches, 1 year learning construction, and 6 months of service plumbing.
Thanks for all the informative videos. I worked for years for someone else and know how to do build and fix a lot of stuff but never learned much about the business end which is more of a challenge to figure out . 💪👍
When the family business started going under, our employees remained the same and continued doing the minimum. When we announced that we were selling, here cam the tears and the "what are we going to do" statements. Well, should have thought of that earlier. I work for myself now, make great money, and work far less hours.
This may have been one of your best vids yet on the biz side of things. You dip into the regulatory/ admin burden side of things, but also touch on cultural things. I believe we are headlong in a cultural nosedive, and that dive is directly reflected in our political leaders, who inflame in turn the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs who would like to grow the biz, but know better in the end. Well done you.
Your channel makes me think... I have always been self employed and when the home market crashed it was not a good thing. Every body needs a home and repairs are needed.. Granted you may have to take a little less during a downturn but if you are skilled in this business you live well. I used to work solely for builders in finish and trim, I specialized and made more money, I lived well. Not realizing where the market was headed I found myself without a backup plan. I specialize in turn of the century homes (old homes) and live in an area where there are many. Newer homes are a piece of cake for me. Older homes cost more to work on (materials and labor). I am almost 60 now and I do get tired but I couldn't have it any better. I have lived in retirement most of my life. Save your money, take winters off, if you want, Great life! 😃
I have about 5 years of drywall finishing experience, ive been doing it since i was 18 right outta high school. I love it so much! ive been working for the same guy for like 4 years, hes a good man, a good boss.
Keep it small and keep it all my man👍
I'm another one-man show. I can confirm that what this guy is saying is spot on. If I need a day laborer to help clean the job site, mix cement or dig, I hire a worker for a day using a temp agency. The agency covers the worker's insurance so that my help is technically a subcontractor and I don't have to worry about the extra long-term responsibility of an employee. Keep your business simple, only take on what you can handle on your own.
Job I was on the lady threw 2 painters off the job for drinking. When confronted by thier boss they responded." It was 12 o'clock wtf man" lol. Told the lady if you want them to cut in a straight line they gotta get rid of the shakes... rotflmao
omg 😂 😂 😂
You hit the nail on the head!!! I do plumbing and electrical and have been in business for 16 years and I work by myself. Plus the wife says I'm in a better mood since I don't hire anyone anymore.
I’m a carpenter from the UK now working in the US. The schooling and apprenticeship system here is at best, appalling.
There is no system to train young people that don’t want to follow a college education but want something more than a minimum wage job.
I hear from my local HBA that they can’t attract B or C grade students but at best they offer a D quality curriculum.
For example my course began with the following topics.
Health and safety.
Self care - eating right - staying hydrated.
Mentality and attitude.
Sight cleanliness.
Tool ID and handling.
Basic joints.
These were the things I needed to be as productive as I could be from day one.
What was also explained to me on day one was, “Any trade is like playing the piano, you’re not going to be at concert level after one day or one year or maybe even five.”
It’s a skill that has to sink deep into your subconscious before your become proficient,
in an age of instant gratification this concept is critical to explain.
Matt L I’m lucky enough to have been able to apprentice in Germany. I always dreamt of going back to the US and starting a company but now I don’t see it happening anymore..
Amen Brother! Self employed Tile layer here almost 20 years now. I’ve had small crews and I’ve had a few decent helpers and a pile of terrible helpers. None of these decisions made me happy or more profitable. They Just created more headache and forced me to babysit and fix other peoples mistakes constantly.
At the end of the day I chose to be self employed and when I work by myself I choose my pace, maintain my quality that has built my reputation, take a day off when I want, and I choose which jobs I take and which ones I don’t.
Just like you said, you have complete control at maximum profit when you run your business this way. Yeah I’m still in the labor side of things, but I chose tile as my trade and I love every second of recreating spaces. I Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
This video felt like hearing myself talk lol. You can try to tell people, but most will never understand. After going through what 2008 put us all through I’ll never change my business platform and I’ll have some extra money in the bank to take some fishing trips when the work slows down.
Actually really interesting, watched the whole thing without fast forwarding.
Cool. thanks for sticking it out.
Man alive you GET IT!! LOL
This is my life exactly and I'm in DownTown Tokyo.
I have well-meaning friends trying to get me to expand, rent a shop, hire workers etc, nope, not interested.
I have subs, they are independent contractors, wallpaper guys, electricians, plumbers, IT guys, a glass shop guy etc.
I'll never hire an employee, way to much hassle. If you want to hire an employee, I think you have to be doing three times the business that you do by yourself.
The thing is when you are a one-man show it does not take much to keep you busy.
I'm finally done with paying for the kids university, they have done well and are both gainfully employed, now I can put more money into my investments.
Keep preaching it, this is GREAT content!
Cheers from Tokyo!
When people ask me why I am building a side hustle to eventually live off of for when the boss either dies or retires, instead of just buying him out. I have 2 main reasons for not buying him out and this is one of them.
I agree with your philosophy completely on this. If you Dont cheapen yourself and your labor you'll be able to take on a more realistic work load and add value to the jobs and customers you deal with
I’m doing pretty much the same thing you’re doing. My experience is that you can’t rely on others to show up, to listen to instructions, to care about their work, to be professional with my clients or not to hurt themselves or worse yet me. I’ve installed large beams, repaired foundations, built additions, built scaffolding etc. by myself. There’s almost always a way to get a job done alone. I have one guy I can count on to help me when I absolutely can’t do without the help. He is also a business owner and I help him on occasion as well. I sometimes consider becoming a general but I enjoy the work and despise the juggle. Maybe once my knees go....
I hired an independent HVAC contractor like this. He was having trouble moving around (very obese, getting older)... he had his son work with him, was teaching him while the son did the work so they would both have an income in the future.
I have been self employed for 30 years. It was the best decision ever.
Here in Ontario I use a source called "Labour Ready" if I need a guy for a day or two then send him out. I pay that company and they pay him, simple.
They're in the USA a well. You can send them home within the first two hours if you get a waste of hands.
When you make the decision to hire employees and grow a business you're no longer doing what you love. You are now the manager of people aka you become their mother, father, psychologist, banker, bail bondsman, etc, etc. The stress will make you old before your time, I sold the plumbing company I founded in 1978 to my employees in 2004 and haven't look back. I now work alone and am one happy stress-free person. Great perspective on the subject!
I'm with you there. Though I went into engineering for a career, I've always wanted to start a small business. I currently have a couple rentals that I manage and fix up, so materially I'm considering property management and handyman-ing I'm a few years once I'm sick if being behind the computer all day
I'm starting to feel that way myself. I've been in engineering for 8 years, and I don't mind the computer part, but being inside my house all day, every day gets old. Also tired of working for a company that is constantly doing really dumb stuff. I'll have to replace a lot of income if I'm going to work for myself, but I am starting to want yo give it a try.
Desk workers die earlier, just saying
Good advice, thanks. I often find myself struggling with taking on larger jobs that require additional manpower/equipment, or letting them pass for jobs Im comfortable with that are still profitable.
Hey Man! I was literally thinking of this topic this morning, "This guy really needs to do a video on this thing called a, 'recession'", because, apparently no one remembers what that was like. I remember 2009 like yesterday, when the S&P 500 bottomed at 666, yes, weird....we all thought the world was going to end, yet it didn't....however, if you are not stuffing your profits away in this economy, you are a fool. I am seeing low money down mortgages in my area already, SPEC homes at $650k+....the past tends to repeat itself. Good video...The tortoise vs. the hair...
Thank you for your hard work Brother. You are making Murica a stronger force to live in!
Handyman not a slave to almighty dollar. As someone that works in investments and a rental property investor...handyman is dialed in.
Its more work managing employees and their never-ending excuses than it is to just do the work. Customers could give zero fks about excuses. The best I could ever hope the few times I've had an employee was that they wouldnt lose customers for me, and they did lose a few recurring customers.
Insurance goes up for every dollar earned and hour worked by an employee. You should expect that you are going to pay $1.16 for every $1 an employee makes. Its insainly expensive to have employees. How much could you earn just in the time it takes to interview and manage another person?
This thread goes on forever... an education in itself... there is a lot to know and I wish I had this channel in the 70's when I started out.. Finding a niche that you really enjoy can be very profitable... building gypsy wagons, tiny houses, garages, dining tables, sheds, trim work, stairs, etc. Knowing one's craft and knowing business is a success formula.. Thanks Handyman for your intelligent perspective.
One way you can avoid chasing jobs and lowering your standard when recessions hit is to have land or fixer properties that your men can work on when the jobs get slow. Worst case scenario You can bounce them back and forth.
A tip for all tradesmen… hit the gym, work your core and foam roll your back. I’m 28 with no back pain. We’ll see how I am when I’m 65.
kneesovertoes channel. helps your lower as well as your core
Everytime I raised prices I found it had great results (less work, more money) and that I should've done it way sooner. And I still should raise my prices even more...
Totally agree. I almost tripled what first charged. I have maybe 20% less work but that suits me, I'm still making double on a month per month basis, and with more free time.
I’m just a bottom feeder because I just charge 20.00 an hour plus gas and materials. I thought that was decent enough money because I love the work and I feel blessed to work for my self BUT I recently found out a guy that I work for used to pay another guy 60.00 an hr to do what I do and he said I do a lot better job and I’m faster. 🤨🤧. New Year I’m raising prices.
You can’t make any money at 20$ an hour if you actually have a business license and pay taxes. I found at $50 an hour I can actually make a profit and stay in good Standing with insurance and Uncle Sam. But with inflation the new year is bringing a 10$ an hour raise.