Entrepreneurs in #Chicago... let's connect!
Hey everyone! I live in the west suburbs of Chicago and run a handyman business. Would love to connect with others in the area that use Jobber for their businesses, perhaps share some best practices, build some referrals between one another, chat about business, etc. I'm also an Army veteran, so if there are other veterans and first responders outside of Chicago that want to connect and share some of our unique entrepreneurial challenges, I'm here for that as well! Drop a comment if you're interested in connecting... perhaps we can start a Slack/Discord channel or meet up for coffee if you're in the #Chicago area. Thanks! -Justin (Owner, Handy Miller Man, LLC dba Home Fixers)Virtual vs In-Person Events
Thinking back on my entrepreneurial journey, I used to attend numerous in-person events for personal and professional development every year. More recently, in the post-COVID era and beyond, virtual events (like Jobber Summit next month!) have up-ticked in popularity. I've grown to like virtual events as they allow me to attend and participate in opportunities I would never be able to travel to logistically. Do you prefer in-person or virtual events and why? (No right or wrong answers!!)The Power of Distant Mentorship
In today’s world, some of the most impactful mentors are people we’ve never met. Through their content, they share their wisdom, experiences, and strategies, guiding us from afar. For me, one of those game-changing figures is Alex Hormozi. Alex’s straightforward advice and no-nonsense approach to business have completely reshaped how I think about growth, discipline, and strategy. His ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps has helped me make better decisions, even when things felt overwhelming. What makes distant mentorship so powerful is that it’s always there when you need it. On tough days, revisiting Alex’s videos or insights gives me the clarity and motivation to keep moving forward. It’s a reminder that even without meeting someone in person, their work can profoundly impact your path. Who’s been your distant mentor?Time for Hobbies!
When I started my business, I made the choice to give up some of the hobbies I enjoyed to make more time for my business to flourish. I've most recently started to pursue those forgotten hobbies - and it's reminded me of what a journey life can be! Going forward, I am going to make more of an effort to pursue my passions outside of work, hoping to create a little more balance in life. What about you? How are you making time for hobbies in 2025 (and beyond)?Jobber Summit is BACK for its 5th year! 🎉
Registration is open for Jobber Summit, the ultimate professional development event for home service pros on March 5, 2025! 👉 Claim your spot now! Here’s what you can expect: Proven advice from industry leaders Build connections with live networking Attend when it works best for you All online and completely free 👉 Claim your spot now! What are you most excited about for Jobber Summit!?1 more crew isn't going to build your Empire
Its a new year --- My guess is you're thinking about expanding by adding more crews... yes? It's a good goal but not the right one. This approach leads to increased headaches, higher costs, and more frustration. "If I could just find the perfect employee I'd be golden" - I hear it almost every day. If you're serious about winning without piling on loads of risk, franchising is the way. The Pitfalls of Adding More Crews Adding more crews means more equipment, more training, and more management. You're multiplying your responsibilities and expenses. Coordinating multiple teams can become a logistical nightmare, and maintaining consistent service quality across the board is a constant challenge. Plus, all the financial risk falls on you! Franchising: The Smarter Path to National Expansion Franchising lets you grow your brand by partnering with independent entrepreneurs who invest their own money to operate under your name. This strategy allows you to break into new markets without draining your own resources. Why Franchising Works Shared Risk: Franchisees put their own skin in the game, sharing the financial burden and reducing your exposure. Driven Operators: Franchisees are highly motivated to succeed because they own their slice of the business. This often leads to better performance compared to hired managers. Rapid Market Entry: Franchising enables you to enter multiple markets at once, leveraging local knowledge and connections for faster growth. Cost Efficiency: A larger franchise network can lead to bulk purchasing and shared marketing efforts, boosting profitability for everyone involved. Making Franchising Work for You To successfully franchise your business: Prove Your Model: Ensure your business is profitable and can be replicated. Train Thoroughly: Provide comprehensive training to maintain consistent quality across all locations. Offer Ongoing Support: Be there for your franchisees with marketing, operations, and management assistance. Protect Your Brand: Implement strict quality control to maintain your brand's reputation. In short, adding more crews might seem like a path to growth, but it's fraught with challenges and risks. Franchising offers a smarter, more efficient way to expand nationally without overextending yourself. By partnering with motivated franchisees, you can build a national presence and achieve the growth you're aiming for. Think bigger this year. Franchise your business to build an empire. I've done it myself. You can do it too!Franchising Your Home Service Company
Playing in the 'major leagues' is not as hard you might think. Have you ever wondered how national brands grow & dominate their spaces? Franchising your home service company is a tremendous way to limit risk, add new revenue, grow with other people's money, give employees a REAL track of growth to dominate your space. I started using jobber in 2013 for my window cleaning company. I franchised it in 2020 and sold 13 locations in Ut, Az, Kansas & the midwest. (Now they all use Jobber) I'm obsessed with helping others do the same. Did you know that Home Service Franchises are the #1 most sought after franchise concept? It's true. I used to make fun of Fish Window Cleaning & other brands because their services were "sub-par" in my eyes. However - I realized, that just doesn't matter because the franchisor (Fish Corporate) has 350 locations & makes tens of millions, so who's really laughing? If you've ever thought about franchising your business this is the discussion for you!Is Your Home Improvement Business Making a Difference?
As home improvement professionals, we do more than just repair or upgrade homes—we get an opportunity to shape the communities we work in. Every job, every project, and every decision is a chance to make a difference. Hiring local workers? Partnering with local suppliers? Volunteering your time and skills for community projects? That’s how you turn a business into a force for good. Building a well-run business creates stability, fosters trust, and sets an example for the entire community. When your business operates with integrity and efficiency, it inspires pride, strengthens local connections, and drives positive change beyond the bottom line. So, here’s the question: How are you using your business to create meaningful change in your community?
