I Just Got my First Commercial Client
I started off seriously reaching out 2 weeks ago for my cleaning business. After designing my flyers and card, I started making the calls and sharing flyers at show homes, construction sites and other business. I walked in into a clinic and as we got talking, I focused on what I could over pointing out areas I could improve in cleaning. I was given a chance to do a one time deep clean and I nailed it. Contract for subsequent cleaning signed for a year. Very excited!!!!What's a creative or out-of-the box way you improved your business while short on cash?
In this special episode of Masters of Home Service, Shark Tank's Daymond John talks about "the power of broke," the idea that being tight on money can actually lead to smarter decisions. Has facing financial limitations made you more resourceful or innovative in running your business? Share your story below. You’ll also hear from Daymond advice for business owners on operations, delegation, customer value, business systems, and long-term growth. For home service business owners interested in the Jobber grant program Daymond mentioned, visit jobber.com/grants. Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A site for service pros to rate a customer?
I had a thought the other day about a website to rate a customer experience. A way for us home service professionals to rate an experience with a client and either warn others about a bad client or leave praise for them. A customer should not have to deal with an unprofessional, dishonest, sloppy service provider. And a professional should not have to deal with a rude, aggressive or shady homeowner. Also, knowing you are going to walk into a welcoming home with a great client, can make that drive in to work very pleasant. Why should a homeowner be allowed to not pay us? Or talk down to us and try to walk all over us? Just as a homeowner should not be have to pay for something from a "professional" who takes their money and disappears? It's like dealing with a child, you wanna act up and be rude? You aren't going to get what you want acting like that. Reviews, reviews, reviews...I hear that all day about how important they are to a business. Just as important to a business owner would be getting paid for your work, not being harassed, safe working conditions and have a nonconfrontational day at work. I am not sure if there would be legal considerations to this as we have been hired by them to complete the work, but I have had a few clients that I would love to warn others to stay away from. I wonder what others think about this idea.
How to manage all aspects of a business as a sole proprietor?
I started my business in 2024 and although I have been a foreman/project manager for other companies, it seems like I am having a harder time managing everything on my own as those companies had the employees to work those positions As a sole proprietor how else can I be more efficient with juggling tasks from being the laborer of the company to be in the salesman and doing the accounting. Once I am able to, I would like to have hired employees so that it is not as stressful but for now I am just looking for some advice and possible solutions that worked for others.Did you learn more about business from school or from experience?
When it comes to running your home service business, did formal schooling prepare you, or did you learn more from on-the-job experience? In this episode of Masters of Home Service, Hunter Patrick (Dumpire) shares how he built a $1M junk removal company at just 24 years old. He talks about: How he learned key business lessons without formal education Overcoming critcism when choosing your own path The real value of mentors and hands-on experience Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thoughts on this letter?
I wrote an open letter to Mike Rowe and spammed it on all my socials and sent it in multiple emails to someone who may have access to him. I am curious on what others think about this: Mike, You’ve spent years shining a spotlight on the dignity of skilled work and the real opportunities that exist outside the traditional four-year college path. That message has resonated with a lot of people—including those of us actually out here doing the work, building things, fixing what breaks, and keeping everyday life running. But there’s a gap in the conversation that needs more attention. We keep hearing about six-figure opportunities in the trades, about shortages of skilled labor, and about how young people should step into these roles. On paper, it sounds like a simple equation: high demand equals high pay. In reality, it’s not that straightforward—especially at the level where most people actually start. The truth is, a large portion of trade work in this country is carried by small, entry-level contractors—men and women who own small businesses, often running tight margins, juggling inconsistent workloads, and competing with larger operations that dominate big contracts. These small operators are not making six figures themselves in many cases. So how are they supposed to pay entry-level workers anything close to that? The economics don’t line up. Large-scale projects—the kind that can sustain higher wages—are often controlled by well-funded companies with deep pockets and established networks. Meanwhile, the smaller infrastructure—the local electricians, plumbers, welders, and general contractors—are left fighting over thinner slices of the pie. They are essential, but they’re not positioned to offer the kind of compensation that keeps new talent from drifting elsewhere. So when we tell young people, “Go into the trades, you can make great money,” we’re skipping the part where they spend years underpaid, working for small businesses that are themselves trying to survive. That’s where your voice—and your platform—could push the conversation further. You’ve advocated for scholarships and support for individuals entering the trades, which is valuable. But what if the focus expanded beyond the worker and included the small businesses that train them? What if more money was put directly into the hands of deserving small contractors—not as loans that burden them further, but as true investments or grants? Funding that helps them: Pay apprentices a livable wage Invest in better tools and equipment. Take on larger jobs they otherwise couldn’t access. Actually grow into the kind of companies that can sustain those six-figure roles we keep talking about Because without strengthening the foundation—the small businesses that train and employ new workers—the pipeline of skilled labor will continue to struggle. Right now, we’re asking the bottom of the system to fix a top-heavy problem. If we want more skilled professionals, we don’t just need willing workers—we need stronger, better-supported employers at the ground level. Otherwise, the gap between expectation and reality will keep widening. You’ve already done a lot to change how people view skilled labor. This is an opportunity to push that impact even further—by addressing not just the workforce, but the ecosystem they depend on. Respectfully, Someone in the trenches trying to make it make sense
How to start a mobile mechanic business with little money or equipment?
Anyone have any advice on how to get started in a new business of mobile mechanic for cars/trucks and semis? I am also an independent dealer for AMSOIL and trying to get people to purchase oil from me. I have been rejected for every loan I’ve ever tried to get so I have the minimum amount of equipment and advertising available to me because of that issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.What are the best business coaching programs for home service business owners?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a residential construction/remodeling coaching program with systems, daily operations, hiring etc? Looking for a program that you have had personal success with. Thank you in advance!
