When did you go all in?
Right now, I'm still working full-time and doing my (new) business on the side. I have several leads, but I'm concerned that the leads will slow down once I get past this first wave. What did you do to sustain new leads, and was there a dollar amount of approved jobs before you went all in? I have two young kids and am overall new to entrepreneurship, so I'm struggling to go all in.
Management Design LLC
We specialize in high-end, architectural mail work., my expertise pertain to some of the finest resorts in Las Vegas. Nevada as well working on some of the prestigious homes in Beverly Hills, BEL, Air, California. Performing divine architecture millwork. Uplifting the neighborhood and the community. I am grateful to be on this site.
Any solo cleaning business owners??
Hi everyone, Starting out with your solo commercial or residential cleaning business, what was the biggest mistake you were making or misunderstanding you had about running a business when seeking new clients? And what to you do to move forward and grow? Thank you in advance! I'm just starting out and I'm interested in blindspots I may have as new business owner.
Real Talk: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business
Let’s start a real conversation — no filters, no fluff. What’s it really been like running your business? I’m talking about the mistakes that taught you lessons, the wins that made it all feel worth it, the burnout you didn’t expect, and the goals that keep you going even on the tough days. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the game, your story can inspire someone else (and maybe theirs will help you too). Drop your honest take below 👇 Let’s build something real — together.
💡 Deep Discussion
What core belief about running a home-service business did you have when you started that has since been completely overturned—and how has that single mindset shift reshaped the way you lead, hire, or serve customers today? Ill start give you my answer first: When I launched Mr. Backflow I was convinced that “if you’re the best technician in town, the phone will ring.” I poured every waking hour into mastering test gauges, pressure zones, and relief-valve anatomy—but assumed marketing, storytelling, and team culture were secondary noise. Spoiler: being a backflow Jedi means nothing if homeowners don’t know what a backflow preventer is, why it fails, or who to trust when it leaks. My once-sacred belief—“skill sells itself”—got obliterated in year one. Here’s how flipping that mindset rewired the whole company: Lead with clarity, not jargon • We turned boring reports into photo-rich “device health cards” that read like a mechanic’s inspection sheet. • Instagram reels now explain “Why that brass thing by your hose bib matters” in 15 seconds. Result: service calls doubled and we collect a 5-star review on 4 out of every 5 jobs. Hire for empathy first, wrenches second • New techs must role-play explaining a failed check valve to a curious grandma before they ever pick up a tester. • I can train the plumbing; I can’t fake patience and good vibes. Result: callbacks dropped 30 %, morale skyrocketed, and customers ask for techs by name. Systemize the story • Automated email/SMS drip educates clients on backflow law, seasonal tips, and what to expect on-site. • Team tablets generate on-the-spot quotes with “good / better / best” options—zero mystery pricing. Result: average job value is up 18 % because clients actually understand the upsell. Bottom line: the skill is still non-negotiable, but *communication* is the real differentiator. Once I stopped assuming expertise was enough—and started speaking human, hiring empathetic pros, and packaging our knowledge in bite-size ways—Mr. Backflow went from a one-man wrench show to the go-to clean-water problem solver in Carlsbad.
Maintenance or Design & Build? Or Both?
Hello Jobber community! My name is Levi, I am a Canadian 20 year old home service business owner. secind year of business. I am at a big crossroads here, I do not know if I should commit fully to maintenance (lawn care, clean ups, guaranteed recurring revenue) or Landscape / Hardscape design and build (Sod, patios, decks, fences, retaining walls, longer timeline, better margins, etc..)? Currently we are doing both but it is proving to be an absolute nightmare to manage. Both sides of my business seem so different, recurring small jobs with many clients versus large projects with one client. Currently Landscape ? Hardscape is the majority of our topline, but it is very nice to have that recurring revenue from the lawncare. Plus I do not see a way to stop my mow list without effecting my reputation. I also see a very realistic reality in which the lawncare list overtakes the landscaping. Lawncare seems much easier to scale and automate. Without a doubt we will continue to do spring, fall cleanups and snow removal as we make too much revenue in those couple months, this makes me lean more towards maintenance as those go hand in hand. I just do not know what to do, any suggestions?
