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)?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?Business Coach and/or Mentors..
Has anyone here worked with a business coach or mentor? I'm curious about the experience and whether you think it's worth the investment. Did it help you grow professionally or achieve specific goals? Any tips for finding the right one, or things to look out for? Would love to hear your thoughts!What was your biggest win in 2024?
The year isn't quite over yet, but it's time to start evaluating what went right (and wrong) in 2024, so we make 2025 our best year yet! My biggest win for this year was surpassing my personal and professional financial goals, after a weaker-than-anticipated Q1. The road to get there truly wasn't easy but I'm glad I didn't lower my expectations when things started off tough and adversity continued to show up. It was a big reminder to me that we are all a little tougher than we give ourselves credit for being. What went well for you this year?
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.
