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.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!
2025 Best Year Ever
With this year ending in a new year beginning, we should be starting to think about planning for the upcoming year. What are some of your tools you use for planning for the year to come and also daily planning. Do you have any cool tricks that you use to help you in setting goals, and breaking down, goals into smaller action items, and taking those action items and making them happen. Please share your tips, tricks and or traps things that have worked and have not worked.This Book Has Been Foundational For Me!
Alright, listen up. If you’re runnin’ a small business and haven’t read Michael Gerber’s The E-Myth Revisited, you’re missin’ out big time. This book’s a game-changer, no two ways about it. Gerber breaks down why most small businesses fall flat and how to dodge that bullet. And here’s the kicker: it ain’t about how good you are at your repairing something; it’s about how well you run the business. Gerber’s got this idea that every business owner’s got three jobs: The Technician – the doer. This is the one out there grindin’ it out, doin’ the actual work. You’re a plumber? That’s you fixin’ leaks. The Manager – the one keepin’ things in line. Schedules, budgets, makin’ sure everything’s runnin’ smooth. The Entrepreneur – the big thinker. The one lookin’ down the road, dreamin’ up where this business can go next. Problem is, most folks are stuck bein’ just Technicians. They’re good at doin’ the work but not so good at runnin’ the show. That’s why they end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and still strapped for cash. If you wanna run a solid business, you gotta stop tryin’ to do everything yourself. You need systems & processes, you need to be able to hand stuff off so the whole thing doesn’t fall apart if you’re not there. That means you gotta step up as the Manager and Entrepreneur, not just the Technician. It’s the only way you’re gonna grow and get outta the daily grind. The eventual goal is to be in Entrepreneur mode full time! There’s even an E-Myth Contractor version, but don’t jump there just yet. Start with the original. The basics are the same no matter what kind of gig you’re runnin’, and once you get those down, then you can see how it fits for your trade. The E-Myth ain’t just a book; it’s a playbook for people like us running a business.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)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)?
