Work/Life Balance. What does that look like?
I searched the forums and didn't find a good conversation regarding the work/life balance topic (link if you know of one). I found a great topic started by bedellmgmt a while ago about how he had to let go of his hobbies and the pursuit to get some back. How do you maintain a healthy balance in your life beyond work? Do you dive headfirst into your business and try to connect with family whenever you can? If this sounds familiar, how does your family feel about it—do they understand and support you? And perhaps the more profound question is this: Do you believe your company thrives because it takes priority, or do you think its success comes from achieving that work-life harmony? Many of us grapple with these dilemmas. I’ve experienced both sides myself. For me, one of my most important values has always been to provide for my family. Over 20 years ago, that meant putting in long hours—sometimes up to 100 a week—to achieve success. Unfortunately, it also meant missing out on precious moments with my kids, family, and friends. While I built a business that supports us financially, I often found myself thinking, "Why doesn't anyone seem to recognize the effort I'm putting in?" This focus on work led to some tensions at home because I was so absorbed in my career. They wanted me, and I was confused because I thought that was what I was giving them. Have you ever experienced that? And if you did, how did you overcome it?
Those moments that just make you smile...
Yesterday as I was doing some exclusion work for a residential customer, I had a moment that just made me feel so happy and couldn't help smile. I finally took the leap and started my own company in a field that I am a true professional! I am finally doing this for myself. This is my business. I am my own boss. I am not working for the man anymore. I was swept away by this feeling of pride and joy knowing that I am doing something I have been dreaming of for 5 years. It filled me up with such a positive glow. I really and truly hope everyone gets these moments sometime during your day. It's small things like this that keep you going. It softens the blows when you have a bad day or letting the negative thoughts move in. We are all going to have those stressful times, scary times, hard times... but when you get these positive feelings, take it all in and enjoy that sense of pride.How do you Differentiate Yourself from Your Competition?
One of the frequent concerns we all hear from businesses in the service industry is their struggle to attract more customers due to competition from others offering similar services at lower prices. So, if you're a business owner committed to growth, what can you do to navigate this hurdle without resorting to undercutting your prices? First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that if the only thing setting you apart is your price, potential customers will naturally gravitate toward the cheaper option. After all, who would willingly pay more for the same service? The real key to overcoming this pricing challenge is to highlight what makes your products and services unique in the eyes of your potential customers. So, what strategies are you using to draw new clients through your doors?Can we be real? What do you do on the days/weeks you just want to quit?
Occasionally, I will have days or weeks I just want to give up. I'm 9 years in. I have had a lot of ups and downs. I have learned hard lessons. I have experienced big wins and losses. And every once in a while I feel defeated. I try everything to grow and make my business better and then I find myself taking steps backwards and feeling exhausted over the thoughts of having to build something again. This could be team members leaving that I invested in, money I saved that I now have to spend on repairs, or unexpected losses, and the list goes on. We all have those days we feel like we just don't have what it takes to actually make it. What do you do? How do you keep moving forward? Share some hopeful stories. Share the worst stories and how you overcame. I don't want to hear how you just win all the time. Tell me the stuff that made you sleepless, the stuff that made you cry, and that stuff that you thought you just couldn't rise from. I need some encouragement that even when I think the worst is happening I can still overcome and keep moving forward and win!Minutes & Opportunities: How do they matter?
At the start of my journey in the service industry, an experienced mentor imparted a crucial piece of advice: “The service industry is all about minutes & opportunities” Back then, I struggled to grasp its full meaning, being young and still relatively new to both the industry and the complexities of life. He elaborated that in the service business, each minute counts. If you don’t seize opportunities, someone else will. If you neglect to track your time, you’ll find yourself adrift. If efficiency escapes you, survival may not be in the cards. As he shared his wisdom, the pieces began to fit, though it took years and the launch of my own company for me to truly understand the depth of his words. Do you track the minutes in your company? Did you find any valuable information from doing so? Opportunities often present themselves more than once – but only a handful of times Embrace the chances that come your way. Quote every project (within your expertise) that crosses your desk. Pursue every lead and respond to calls promptly. There’s wisdom in the saying, “The early bird gets the worm.” Generally, being the first contractor to return a call and provide a quote significantly boosts your odds of landing that job. If you begin to decline quotes, you might find opportunities dwindling. Potential clients don’t appreciate wading through mediocre offerings, so make sure to deliver exactly what they want right from the start. What steps have you taken in your company to ensure that calls are answered and emails are responded to promptly? Do you quote everything within your scope of work that comes in?What Podcasts Are You Hooked On Right Now?
Let’s be honest—when you’re driving between jobs, grinding away solo, or just trying to unwind after a long day, podcasts are clutch. I’ve been on the hunt for something new lately, and figured I’d throw it out there—what podcasts are you listening to that actually fire you up, teach you something, or just help you zone out and reset? Could be trades-related, mindset, money, business, or even total random entertainment. I don’t care if it’s about tools or true crime—if it’s good, drop it. Always looking to stack the playlist. What’s in your rotation?$1K Home Depot Giftcard Giveaway 🔥🛠️
Have you registered for Jobber Now to get an exclusive first look at Jobber's newest features on September 25th? ✨👀 All registrants have a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to The Home Depot! 🧰 DOUBLE your chances of winning by commenting below to tell us about your business's biggest WIN so far this year! You'll receive an extra entry into our draw for this gift card. 🙌 Terms & Conditions🚀 Jobber Summit is looking for speakers!
We’re on the hunt for passionate home service business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to deliver 25-minute sessions packed with practical advice. Check out our list of preferred topics, submit your session outline, and get ready to make an impact at Jobber Summit 2026. ✨ Applications are open until September 30: jobber.com/speakers ✨
