This is all true!!!! I’m in the same position in Florida. Long beard old truck 7 years in with the same PMC’s. I started with 20/hr now I have $300-1000 days easy 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Great advice Ray, I’m 3 months into my handyman business, coming out of 21 years of Air Force service, I don’t ever want to work for anyone ever again, happy to report that business is certainly busy, it is a scary transition into being an independent, certainly a learning curve, lots to learn, which is why I’m here watching videos of individuals like yourself in the business to get some advice and tips. There is certainly a demand for competent handyman services.
There's a great demand. As a veteran myself I truly do wish you good luck. With the air force discipline you'll do great. All anyone wants is just a reliable and competent guy.
Hello Ray, you really boosted my confidence as a handyman. I recently migrated to Canada with little experience as a handyman but I lack confidence of getting work done, because I always have this notion that things that I'm familiar with back home are different in Canada,. However, I think the actual cause of my doubt is because I haven't done or seen the job done first hand. Over the past few weeks I have bought tools worth over $4,000 and I have done some couple of jobs and my clients were quite happy with the outcome of the jobs and they keep referring me to their neighbours and friends. Even at that I still feel that I'm not good or perfect as a handyman and lack confidence. But your video has really motivated me. Thanks a lot.
A truck you can count on, & an honest days work. Backed up with experience, headed towards your goals. You sir have an action plan. Thank you for the inspirational video.
This info is so valuable to me. I was avoiding property managers and prioritizing homeowners. Finding myself undercutting my potential profit so I don’t upset them with sticker shock
Getting ready to go off on my own starting my own Handyman service, and I love seeing the work order for toilets, because i know that job will take me 10 minutes or less. Great work and glad Allen Lee from The Handyman Journey recommended you!!
For the last 2 years we've had a flat rate on toilets. We replace the entire toilet with an affordable toilet from home depot for $350. For any other toilet repair we're usually just charging our base trip fee which is $125 to change a fill valve or seat or whatever.
I appreciate your honesty Man ! Very simple communication, I’m starting over in life and formerly an automotive business owner and working extra through the years doing apartment maintenance which taught me a lot , now work for a school district maintenance, planning my retirement and same as you just a different cat that needs to do his own thing, don’t like working for other people. Thank you and I appreciate your heart and masculinity and drive! Wish you the best !
This is one of the best if not the best advice I’ve listened to on RUclips. The family part really resonated with me. You have to do everything in your potential for your family.
Bro, I really apprecciate your straightforward and extremely valuable information. You need to know how effectively you have communicated your message because it is a rare skill in the world today and this type of honest talk stands out high and far above the rest. I am of the opinion, having watched the entire video, that your natural talent comes from the heart you have as a provider for your family first, and desire to help your fellow man. This is what the people truly need my friend and you are doing a good thing here, doubt it not! Lastly, I thank you for your service to our great nation sir, it is much appreciated. Carry on my man & may God bless you and your house! PEACE
I've been working in the steel mills for over a decade and trying to find a way out. I've watched a few of your videos now, and you've helped me believe even more that I could follow a similar path. Thank you for your willingness and ability to articulate what you do and how we can apply it in our own lives. Good luck to you on accomplishing everything you're setting out to do, but something tells me you don't need luck.
Something similar happened to me-I restored my 1980 Ford, and people kept telling me that I should do that for others. I resisted-I have a LOT to learn. Now, I a considering taking a leap and forming my own LLC. Great video. BTW, LOVE your truck.
Saw your steering wheel and then heard you have a '72 c20. Made me excited bc I'm starting out with a '75 c20 and people love talking to me about it. Thank you for your videos! So much quality information to motivate me to keep moving forward. : )
I really enjoyed your story brother. I’m 20 and I decided that I’m going full time into handyman within the next 6 months. I had my first $1,000 day installing security cameras and I have not been able to look at careers the same. I have friends who’ve already graduated college and are out in corporate positions making a “good 35/hr” talking trash about the guys pumping the grease traps for $700 a tank
I started my handyman business about 3 years ago and it's yeah I think you changed the way I am now looking at it cuz I'm not I'm that $65 an hour guy and I knew I was losing money and I knew I could do better and listening to your story quite inspirational family and keep up the good videos. Paul Durand Duran the handyman Dallas-Fort Worth Texas
We have a hard time getting people to value our skills appropriately. That's part of the reason I stick with property management companies. Good luck to you sir.
Always respect a hard-working man working towards the betterment of his family. I wish you all the best and may you have lots of profitable jobs always.
Tons of great information! I’ve been doing handyman work for many years and after Covid I decided to give it a try and I’m loving it! I still struggle with pricing cause I’ve always been frugal and most of the stuff I’m doing comes easy for me. Recently I decided to up my cost and on a bold occasion I added another 50% to my estimate as a WTF can happen moment and bud was accepted. :) very happy I did!
That's it! The truth is we are more valuable than we think. Working with your hands isn't something a lot of people still do and it's a necessary part of the economy. Your value is whatever people are willing to pay.
Great intro "Bulletproof"! I've been a Realtor for 22yrs and just recently jumped on the "handyman" boat (thanks to COVID). I was down for 7 weeks, during when my CE classes were due. Anyway, I had also been rehabbing homes for the last 11yrs and this was the perfect time for me to make the transition (been at it since Nov 2021). I just wanted to say that your video was inspirational... Thanks!
90% is the key here. Great talk Mr. Ray you had me interested the entire time, I was just gonna watch a few minutes but ended up joining for the whole ride.
You are so right! I had been wanting to do a RUclips channel for a while when I made this one but I had been putting it off because I felt like I needed to have a lot of things perfect first. But I noticed there weren't any RUclips handyman that were giving me the info that I had been desperately looking for when I was starting up so I finally decided to just jump in and do it. We've come a long way since then.
I'm in a different industry entirely, but this was inspiring because so much of it applies. You've helped me consider leveraging the experience I have across many smaller jobs vs. larger, time intensive contracts - great advice. The bit about why clients value a good service provider (one text, they don't have to think about it anymore) was really key too.
I have almost an identical story, only difference is I was a Caterpillar mechanic. I too started emailing PMs and now work for about 6. Started last December and am busier than I could ever want. Good story buddy
That's the best advice I've heard so far. I can tell you this... I try to be home by 4pm lately, and I go straight to the kids and soak up every bit of them that I can. The twins turn 1 yr in a week and I'm doing my best to take that advice. Thanks!
I am an expat living in Argentina and I am thinking about moving back to the US because was a school biology teacher abroad for over twenty years but burned out. I did construction work to pay my way through college and, like you, I just don't want to work for someone else anymore. I think I might go back and try for handyman work opportunities in Washington DC. I enjoyed your video, very clear, descriptive, down to earth, modest, and useful. Keep it up!
Oh man I don't envy you. Days or nights? 12 hour shifts? Ugh, I don't miss those days at all. Lost half my hearing and messed my back up real good by the time I got out.
This information is priceless! Thank you so much, you answered all my questions and gave me a boost of confidence to jump out there and get to work. Thank you!
My problem is that we live in the middle of nowhere. Lots of little tourist towns, but no Home Depot‘s or stores like that within an hours distance. Local hardware stores charge 4 to 5 times as much for the parts, so having a good inventory is almost required, which bumps the start up cost of any handyman business up greatly. Eventually pays itself off, however.
I'm just starting out, as a handyman, at the tender young age of 57. Your talk has been so insightful to me! Many thanks! The best of luck to you. Please wish me luck too. I've subscribed. God bless!
Thank you for your time and the information. The information you provided and how you explained the concept of how to price yourself and organize your business is a eye opener for me. Thank your help.
I’m just glad I found your channel now that I’m starting to do my handy man jobs. Sill working my regular job now because I only have one property management company that barely gives me a small job a week, but I will start sending those emails to property management companies you talked about and see how I can start landing more jobs and eventually quit my regular job. Thanks for all the information you are sharing with us.
Fantastic information and I love the energy and passion when you talk about this work. I sometimes doubt whether I can make this work, they I listen to you and get energized. Thank you!
Wow great video. I will be retiring within the next 2 years and was thinking about starting a handyman business. I’ve always done mechanical work. Have owned my home for 25 years. Always have done the vast majority of my work myself. You learn a lot owning a home. I have excellent troubleshooting skills and great thought processes on figuring out how things are put together,how they should work, and what it will take to fix it. This being said,this is what it takes to fix things.The funny thing is I feel that nobody really taught me all of this. For the most part I figure things out myself. By the way I’m have been a registered nurse for 25 years. Make really good money, but that won’t last forever. One thing my father always told me was I could never be a business man because I’m too honest. Hope that isn’t true to the fact that would stop me from making money. Told my son to watch what I’m doing so that when he has a wife and she asks him to do something he will have the knowledge to fix it. Then I told him on second thought don’t learn anything. If something breaks tell her that you will call someone to come fix it. LOL. Sorry so long. You are truly an inspiration.
been a handyman for 7 years now and learned a lot of good information! I agree I don't like the big jobs the kitchen remodels the bathroom remodels I have underbid those in the past and have killed my hourly rate. I like the small jobs get in get out and do several a day. pays better at least for me.
I mostly agree here. I do love building kitchens, but I wouldn't want to do it every day. On a per hour basis I could make the argument for either route, but as you can see I've chosen the route of multiple small jobs. Of course now that I'm collecting subcontractors and having them do some of the work that has cut into my ability to make great money doing the easy work because I'm giving it all away lol.
@@bulletproofhandyman Yes, but it sounds like you are working less and delegating more. That seems the smart way to go if you can keep it very profitable. As we get older our bodies seem to wear down. I'm up there in age and can't keep doing this to many more years!
Thank you I’m a handyman in como fornida my limit is 600 I have had to learn what jobs work for me and what does not. I seem to loose money on jobs that take longer than 2 days… thank you for encouraging us
Im in the stone work and starting to get a decent amount of side jobs. Your video was vary moving and is making want to take that leap and go of on my own. So think you for your awesome speech
I'm up in Seattle and just about to take that plunge to start looking for handyman jobs. This vid has helped me feel more confident about doing it than any other Ive watched. Thanks man
Look up ASSOCIATES WEST Property Management. Ask to speak with Marion. They are located in West Seattle on California Ave. They need a handyman and pay asap.
thats a great town to be a handyman I hear handyman up there making $100 an hour easily. no kidding. high real estate values and many white collar worker class with high incomes who dont know the difference between a Phillips screwdriver and a flatbead! lol
This is a great video I love the way you articulate what it is that you do and have done! I've completely subscribed to your content. Thank you so much as i begin this journey.
I am happy to come across your posts. I live in California and want to start a handy man business and listening to you calm a lot of my anxieties. I can fix a few things and looking forward to learning on the job. So thank you and I appreciate your advice.
Yes, in Arizona a handyman without any type of contractors license is limited to jobs of $1,000 or less and they cannot do any plumbing or electrical if it requires a permit.
Yea, I did many of these handyman jobs. What made it GREAT for me was I am certified in a/c, electrical and plumbing🤫😉I have to turn down work or pass it along to others. Life is good.
It's illegal if you're doing it on purpose to subvert the law. It's perfectly okay for repeat clients to continue hiring you for multiple jobs, but you can't break a kitchen remodel down into 10 separate jobs on purpose just to do a bigger job than you're allowed to
Troubleshooting Aviation explains a lot, folks do not realize just how difficult it is to troubleshoot in just one trade, as a handyman across most trades means you need to have serious logic/troubleshooting skills.
Hey buddy! Thank you so much for the inspirational video! Congratulations on the twins, I hope you all are doing great!! I subscribed to your channel immediately. God bless you! Keep making this videos 👍🏼💯
It’s kind of funny seeing a fellow A&P that left the flight line. I’m tired of working and making someone else money. In the process of becoming a contractor to start my own business in SC
It's always easiest to get started on nights and weekends until business picks up. If you do a great job you'll quickly have more work than you can handle.
I've been wanting to expand my part time handyman business and I think this is a great way to go. Really appreciate you taking the time to share. I'm going to give it a shot. Thanks Bulletproof!
When you’re talking about 90% of the time….90% of jobs…etc. I work from a similar strategy. My tool bag, drill bag and a pack out/hardware assortment case can handle 90% of my jobs. For the other 10% I keep kits for more specific jobs (plumbing/painting/electrical). Always play the odds and know what you need virtually all the time.
I feel like the actual number of necessary tools is surprisingly small. Been working on building my kits lately. I'd like to have a kit for every job that has both tools and parts ready to go.
The only problem I've had doing this model is. You have everything but what you need. And still end up having to go for parts. And the big inventory you bought gets damaged and lost from bouncing around in your van. My advice is to make a materials journal and stock the most common items you purchase monthly
Valid point. I learned that the hard way, losing or damaging good materials. I'm slowly building an informal inventory now but I've gotten more organized with bins for different jobs that stay relatively safe.
i will agree with alot of stuff you said and do.I only recently(less than 2 years) got a rais eot $27hr for auto tech of 27 years at the same place i am.I was at $21......they gave it to me instantly...now i know i can and should make more but i like where i work and what i do.I also work on cars on the side and have my own ebay business.i paid for most of my new 36x44 shop this way and built a new house also.I WORK!maybe to much sometimes,Have 2 teenage daughters and a wife and live in the country,it takes a while but anyone can get there.
Thank you!! Great information!! I was curious after listening to this . How do you approach or manage potential liabilities? Example : 2nd or third floor leaks(toilet leak from the flange) or any mysterious leaks or Roof repairs. I typically don’t touch these things because of the potential for problems and discovery of large jobs.
Wow wow wow, you moved from complacency to action. I am a service writer for a dealership and have been looking for a way out, as licensed home inspector I occasionally am asked if I can perform certain repairs which I have done. After listening to your entire story I'm motivated that I can step out and make a difference for my family also. One question...you mentioned business license, how critical is that for a startup and how do you get it.
Yes it really is. Get an account and pay him to draw up and file an LLC. A good one will obtain your necessary business licenses. Get insurance. Have the business set up legally and properly so that you can focus solely on succeeding. It won't just happen. Every detail matters.
Hey Ray, this is the first video of your that I watched, and I subscribed. I'll tell you a little of my story, it's different but the same in a lot of ways. I'm in a small city in Maine. I'm a carpenter by trade and in 1980, I did 2 weeks of work for a family-owned property management and development company. They owned downtown buildings most of which were built in the 1800s. They are a mix of commercial and residential. They owned all of their property and did not manage anyone else's. After the original 2 weeks of work, I got more and more work from them until October of that year when they asked me to come to work for them full time which I did. There wasn't much going on in the fall of 1980 in my area. After the first 18 or 20 years the full-time carpentry work slowed down, so I started to be more of a handyman. I still did wood working but also took on other work that they would have hired out. It was a very good job, and the family was great to work for. As time went on, I became the facilities manager for them. With that job I was the guy who hired the plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC company, we had steam boilers in 3 central steam plants. In 2015 the family decided that they were going to sell the properties and retire. The next generation didn't want to continue with the business. I should add that the company was started in 1863. Over the next 5 years they sold off the properties and most of the buyers were long term tenants of the properties. I worked for them for 40 years and when it was done, I started my own business and a lot of the new owners hired me to continue doing their maintenance until I got sick last year and couldn't continue. If you hadn't guessed, I am an old worn out semi-retired carpenter and just turned 66. Sorry for the long comment. We Mainers tend to make long stories even longer. Now to get to my point, you're right about getting in with some property management companies and do right by them and yourself. I know firsthand that if I had an issue with something that I couldn't do for one reason or another, I'd call the appropriate contractor. The relationship with our contractors was great. Our electrician, HVAC company and roofing company had been working with us for over 30 years. I'd call and the job would get done without the owners having to worry about anything. They did the work, and we paid the bill. I'm sure I'll enjoy watching your videos and will more than likely comment from time to time.
It sounds like you have a very serious lifetime of experience! I would be lucky to have you commenting on my videos and I'm sure I could learn more than a few things from you. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel sir.
@@beansuppa7872 I have lots to share. I don't really want to put my phone number or email on here though. I ran steam boilers and plunged toilets. Re-building storefronts to shoveling snow. My love is still the handyman stuff, but it is getting harder to do. I just did a small job, 1.5 hours, for a customer. It was a couple hundred bucks in my pocket. I am not able to take on a lot of work now due to health reasons.
Six $125 jobs would be six quick jobs that I get done in one day by 3pm. One $999 job might be a day and a half or two days or at least one very long day. It's more per unit of time. Sorry for the confusion.
This was like sitting down and having a cup a coffee with a mentor. You have the knack for story telling. Keep it up. Subscribed
Thanks!
Reading you comment made me watch this video and sure enough halfway through subscribed as well 👍🏼
Great video. Thanks for the info.
This is all true!!!! I’m in the same position in Florida. Long beard old truck 7 years in with the same PMC’s. I started with 20/hr now I have $300-1000 days easy 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thats Awesome!
Great advice Ray, I’m 3 months into my handyman business, coming out of 21 years of Air Force service, I don’t ever want to work for anyone ever again, happy to report that business is certainly busy, it is a scary transition into being an independent, certainly a learning curve, lots to learn, which is why I’m here watching videos of individuals like yourself in the business to get some advice and tips. There is certainly a demand for competent handyman services.
There's a great demand. As a veteran myself I truly do wish you good luck. With the air force discipline you'll do great. All anyone wants is just a reliable and competent guy.
Hello Ray, you really boosted my confidence as a handyman. I recently migrated to Canada with little experience as a handyman but I lack confidence of getting work done, because I always have this notion that things that I'm familiar with back home are different in Canada,. However, I think the actual cause of my doubt is because I haven't done or seen the job done first hand. Over the past few weeks I have bought tools worth over $4,000 and I have done some couple of jobs and my clients were quite happy with the outcome of the jobs and they keep referring me to their neighbours and friends. Even at that I still feel that I'm not good or perfect as a handyman and lack confidence. But your video has really motivated me. Thanks a lot.
You're as capable as anybody. You may be fast or you may be slow, but you're capable and the speed will come with time.
A truck you can count on, & an honest days work. Backed up with experience, headed towards your goals. You sir have an action plan.
Thank you for the inspirational video.
You're welcome sir.
This info is so valuable to me. I was avoiding property managers and prioritizing homeowners. Finding myself undercutting my potential profit so I don’t upset them with sticker shock
That's common.
Getting ready to go off on my own starting my own Handyman service, and I love seeing the work order for toilets, because i know that job will take me 10 minutes or less. Great work and glad Allen Lee from The Handyman Journey recommended you!!
For the last 2 years we've had a flat rate on toilets. We replace the entire toilet with an affordable toilet from home depot for $350. For any other toilet repair we're usually just charging our base trip fee which is $125 to change a fill valve or seat or whatever.
Why does this vid not have 1,000,000 views?? Love you dude!!
Thank you for the compliment. I'm trying to give the information that I wish I had heard years ago. More to come!
I appreciate your honesty Man ! Very simple communication, I’m starting over in life and formerly an automotive business owner and working extra through the years doing apartment maintenance which taught me a lot , now work for a school district maintenance, planning my retirement and same as you just a different cat that needs to do his own thing, don’t like working for other people. Thank you and I appreciate your heart and masculinity and drive! Wish you the best !
I appreciate that!
This is one of the best if not the best advice I’ve listened to on RUclips. The family part really resonated with me. You have to do everything in your potential for your family.
That's what it's all about sir.
Do a video on what you carry on your backpack
That will be this weekend!
Bro, I really apprecciate your straightforward and extremely valuable information. You need to know how effectively you have communicated your message because it is a rare skill in the world today and this type of honest talk stands out high and far above the rest. I am of the opinion, having watched the entire video, that your natural talent comes from the heart you have as a provider for your family first, and desire to help your fellow man. This is what the people truly need my friend and you are doing a good thing here, doubt it not! Lastly, I thank you for your service to our great nation sir, it is much appreciated. Carry on my man & may God bless you and your house! PEACE
I appreciate all of that sir. I can't fail at being a father and husband, so that is always my driving force.
I've been working in the steel mills for over a decade and trying to find a way out. I've watched a few of your videos now, and you've helped me believe even more that I could follow a similar path. Thank you for your willingness and ability to articulate what you do and how we can apply it in our own lives. Good luck to you on accomplishing everything you're setting out to do, but something tells me you don't need luck.
Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad the channel is being received the way I intended it.
Something similar happened to me-I restored my 1980 Ford, and people kept telling me that I should do that for others. I resisted-I have a LOT to learn. Now, I a considering taking a leap and forming my own LLC. Great video. BTW, LOVE your truck.
Go for it!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the no-nonsense straight talk. It's obvious why you are successful.
I'd like to be doing better than I am, but thank you for the compliment sir.
Couple mins in and I subscribed. Exact content I'm looking for
Thank you. My goal is to get the information out that can really be used to plan and run a business.
Saw your steering wheel and then heard you have a '72 c20. Made me excited bc I'm starting out with a '75 c20 and people love talking to me about it. Thank you for your videos! So much quality information to motivate me to keep moving forward. : )
That's awesome! Good luck!
Wonderful from start to end. Wonderful ambience and voice.
Thank you!
I like the way you talk. now I know your a real trades man.
I appreciate the compliment although I'm still quite mediocre at a lot of specialties.
This is fantastic thanks
I really enjoyed your story brother. I’m 20 and I decided that I’m going full time into handyman within the next 6 months. I had my first $1,000 day installing security cameras and I have not been able to look at careers the same. I have friends who’ve already graduated college and are out in corporate positions making a “good 35/hr” talking trash about the guys pumping the grease traps for $700 a tank
That's the way I see things now!
Thanks!
I started my handyman business about 3 years ago and it's yeah I think you changed the way I am now looking at it cuz I'm not I'm that $65 an hour guy and I knew I was losing money and I knew I could do better and listening to your story quite inspirational family and keep up the good videos.
Paul Durand
Duran the handyman
Dallas-Fort Worth Texas
We have a hard time getting people to value our skills appropriately. That's part of the reason I stick with property management companies. Good luck to you sir.
I heard Texas is a difficult place to make a high hourly rate because I hear everybody in texas is a handyman! unless your in Austin
Thank you for sharing your wealth of info in the Handyman world!...Take care and God bless...
You're welcome!
Always respect a hard-working man working towards the betterment of his family. I wish you all the best and may you have lots of profitable jobs always.
Thank you, I appreciate that
This is the kind of stuff that I m trying to make my own business I’m still employed. And doing side job’s thanks for sharing
This ideas
Good Luck!
Tons of great information! I’ve been doing handyman work for many years and after Covid I decided to give it a try and I’m loving it! I still struggle with pricing cause I’ve always been frugal and most of the stuff I’m doing comes easy for me. Recently I decided to up my cost and on a bold occasion I added another 50% to my estimate as a WTF can happen moment and bud was accepted. :) very happy I did!
That's it! The truth is we are more valuable than we think. Working with your hands isn't something a lot of people still do and it's a necessary part of the economy. Your value is whatever people are willing to pay.
Great intro "Bulletproof"! I've been a Realtor for 22yrs and just recently jumped on the "handyman" boat (thanks to COVID). I was down for 7 weeks, during when my CE classes were due. Anyway, I had also been rehabbing homes for the last 11yrs and this was the perfect time for me to make the transition (been at it since Nov 2021). I just wanted to say that your video was inspirational... Thanks!
Good luck!
90% is the key here.
Great talk Mr. Ray you had me interested the entire time, I was just gonna watch a few minutes but ended up joining for the whole ride.
Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad it was useful!
It was very good to hear from you. You motivated me to start a handyman career...thank you!
That's awesome! Good luck! Don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything I can help with.
I bet the day you made this video, you had no idea where it would go. 💪to many years to come.
You are so right! I had been wanting to do a RUclips channel for a while when I made this one but I had been putting it off because I felt like I needed to have a lot of things perfect first. But I noticed there weren't any RUclips handyman that were giving me the info that I had been desperately looking for when I was starting up so I finally decided to just jump in and do it. We've come a long way since then.
Thank you for this wish you the best. From a new handyman just starting in Orlando,Fl.
Best of luck!
I'm in a different industry entirely, but this was inspiring because so much of it applies. You've helped me consider leveraging the experience I have across many smaller jobs vs. larger, time intensive contracts - great advice. The bit about why clients value a good service provider (one text, they don't have to think about it anymore) was really key too.
Thanks! I think that has been key with my PMs.
I have almost an identical story, only difference is I was a Caterpillar mechanic. I too started emailing PMs and now work for about 6. Started last December and am busier than I could ever want. Good story buddy
Thats awesome!
Man, I love your positive attitude!!!
Well I have a big family so that makes me very motivated to provide. I also hate working for other people which makes me appreciate this even more.
Good on you Ray!!! Take some time to watch those kids grow too. It's like a blink, and they are about to graduate from High School!
That's the best advice I've heard so far. I can tell you this... I try to be home by 4pm lately, and I go straight to the kids and soak up every bit of them that I can. The twins turn 1 yr in a week and I'm doing my best to take that advice.
Thanks!
I am an expat living in Argentina and I am thinking about moving back to the US because was a school biology teacher abroad for over twenty years but burned out. I did construction work to pay my way through college and, like you, I just don't want to work for someone else anymore. I think I might go back and try for handyman work opportunities in Washington DC. I enjoyed your video, very clear, descriptive, down to earth, modest, and useful. Keep it up!
I'll do that!
Good Luck!
Ray, I’m sitting here at my aviation job watching your video. This is incredibly motivational for me.
Oh man I don't envy you. Days or nights? 12 hour shifts? Ugh, I don't miss those days at all. Lost half my hearing and messed my back up real good by the time I got out.
Great advise. I’m looking to start my own as well. This is what i wanted to hear
Good luck!
This information is priceless! Thank you so much, you answered all my questions and gave me a boost of confidence to jump out there and get to work. Thank you!
I'm so glad it was helpful! That's the goal, to motivate.
Excellent content! Thank you for sharing your valuable experience & information. RUclips WIN! 🎯
You're welcome!
Congratulations on your business. Much better to work for yourself... I've done both over the years
I agree 💯
My problem is that we live in the middle of nowhere. Lots of little tourist towns, but no Home Depot‘s or stores like that within an hours distance. Local hardware stores charge 4 to 5 times as much for the parts, so having a good inventory is almost required, which bumps the start up cost of any handyman business up greatly. Eventually pays itself off, however.
Sometimes those barriers to entry are positive, for guys like you who don't mind putting in the extra resources to overcome them.
Great video Ray!
Honest and pure.
I myself just took the leap and stopped “working for the man”.. never been happier.
Keep it up!
That's awesome! I'm trying to find the time to make more videos but I have so much work I barely have time to sleep.
I'm just starting out, as a handyman, at the tender young age of 57. Your talk has been so insightful to me! Many thanks!
The best of luck to you. Please wish me luck too.
I've subscribed. God bless!
I wish you nothing but the best luck sir!
Thank you for your time and the information. The information you provided and how you explained the concept of how to price yourself and organize your business is a eye opener for me. Thank your help.
You're welcome sir. I'm trying to do more videos but I'm so busy I can't find much free time.
I’m just glad I found your channel now that I’m starting to do my handy man jobs. Sill working my regular job now because I only have one property management company that barely gives me a small job a week, but I will start sending those emails to property management companies you talked about and see how I can start landing more jobs and eventually quit my regular job. Thanks for all the information you are sharing with us.
Good Luck!!!
Fantastic information and I love the energy and passion when you talk about this work. I sometimes doubt whether I can make this work, they I listen to you and get energized. Thank you!
I hope you can! It's far better than a 9-5, if you love working
Wonderful Father ❤
Thank you
Thank you very much Bro
Keep on going the good job !
You're welcome! And I will!
A real one. Clearly been through it and give free plethora of wisdom here! Appreciate the advice sir. Keep grinding brother!!
Yes sir, I've definitely been through it! Every day still, from sun up to sun down!
@@bulletproofhandyman Proud of you brother.
Thanks for the chat, my friend. God bless
Thank you too
Awesome video. As a Air Force CE guy that is less than three years from retirement, I know I can do this. Thank you.
Air Force CE, I'm certain you can. I'm an Air Force vet as well.
Thanks. Brother. Good information.
My pleasure!
Wow great video. I will be retiring within the next 2 years and was thinking about starting a handyman business. I’ve always done mechanical work. Have owned my home for 25 years. Always have done the vast majority of my work myself. You learn a lot owning a home. I have excellent troubleshooting skills and great thought processes on figuring out how things are put together,how they should work, and what it will take to fix it. This being said,this is what it takes to fix things.The funny thing is I feel that nobody really taught me all of this. For the most part I figure things out myself. By the way I’m have been a registered nurse for 25 years. Make really good money, but that won’t last forever. One thing my father always told me was I could never be a business man because I’m too honest. Hope that isn’t true to the fact that would stop me from making money. Told my son to watch what I’m doing so that when he has a wife and she asks him to do something he will have the knowledge to fix it. Then I told him on second thought don’t learn anything. If something breaks tell her that you will call someone to come fix it. LOL. Sorry so long. You are truly an inspiration.
I wish you good luck sir. It sounds like you have the confidence to make it happen.
been a handyman for 7 years now and learned a lot of good information! I agree I don't like the big jobs the kitchen remodels the bathroom remodels I have underbid those in the past and have killed my hourly rate. I like the small jobs get in get out and do several a day. pays better at least for me.
I mostly agree here. I do love building kitchens, but I wouldn't want to do it every day. On a per hour basis I could make the argument for either route, but as you can see I've chosen the route of multiple small jobs. Of course now that I'm collecting subcontractors and having them do some of the work that has cut into my ability to make great money doing the easy work because I'm giving it all away lol.
@@bulletproofhandyman Yes, but it sounds like you are working less and delegating more. That seems the smart way to go if you can keep it very profitable. As we get older our bodies seem to wear down. I'm up there in age and can't keep doing this to many more years!
Thanks for sharing your story! Really helping.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you I’m a handyman in como fornida my limit is 600 I have had to learn what jobs work for me and what does not. I seem to loose money on jobs that take longer than 2 days… thank you for encouraging us
You're welcome!
Thanks!
You're very welcome sir! Thanks for the tip, it means a lot!
Im in the stone work and starting to get a decent amount of side jobs. Your video was vary moving and is making want to take that leap and go of on my own. So think you for your awesome speech
You're welcome. I wish you good luck sir.
Great Video, honest and to the point info. Thanks for sharing I'm gonna start my journey.
Good luck! Go out and get it!
I'm up in Seattle and just about to take that plunge to start looking for handyman jobs.
This vid has helped me feel more confident about doing it than any other Ive watched.
Thanks man
That's Awesome
Look up ASSOCIATES WEST Property Management. Ask to speak with Marion. They are located in West Seattle on California Ave. They need a handyman and pay asap.
thats a great town to be a handyman I hear handyman up there making $100 an hour easily. no kidding. high real estate values and many white collar worker class with high incomes who dont know the difference between a Phillips screwdriver and a flatbead! lol
This is a great video I love the way you articulate what it is that you do and have done! I've completely subscribed to your content. Thank you so much as i begin this journey.
You're welcome!
I want to thank you for this awesome video, this was very well explained, you're helping others not be afraid to take that leap. Thank you sir! 💯
Glad it was helpful!
I am happy to come across your posts. I live in California and want to start a handy man business and listening to you calm a lot of my anxieties. I can fix a few things and looking forward to learning on the job. So thank you and I appreciate your advice.
Glad to help
Well spoken and thank you for sharing! Keep on keeping on!
Thanks! You too!
Good stuff man. God bless you and I hope all is working out for you and your family.
Thank you sir. The same to you.
Why is there a $1,000.00 limit? Is there a law in AZ that handyman can't do jobs ovet $1,000? Thank you
Yes, in Arizona a handyman without any type of contractors license is limited to jobs of $1,000 or less and they cannot do any plumbing or electrical if it requires a permit.
Yea, I did many of these handyman jobs. What made it GREAT for me was I am certified in a/c, electrical and plumbing🤫😉I have to turn down work or pass it along to others. Life is good.
Good for you!
Top tier video, looking forward to more!
More to come!
God bless! I wish you well! I'm a licensed handyman myself. Thank you for the information!
Thanks!
13:02 can you divide it up and invoice it seperately? Or is it illegal to keep going back to the same property for seperate jobs?
It's illegal if you're doing it on purpose to subvert the law. It's perfectly okay for repeat clients to continue hiring you for multiple jobs, but you can't break a kitchen remodel down into 10 separate jobs on purpose just to do a bigger job than you're allowed to
Such a great story, thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!
Thank You!
Thankyou so much for this video Ray---very helpful...much apprciated
Thanks for watching!
Very useful information for some one like myself who is looking to start a handyman business. Thanks a lot for making this video 👍
You are welcome
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
My pleasure.
Its hilarious how much tradesmen are worth just for not being drunk and showing up on time. Its terrible but its also fantastic
Sad but true
Troubleshooting Aviation explains a lot, folks do not realize just how difficult it is to troubleshoot in just one trade, as a handyman across most trades means you need to have serious logic/troubleshooting skills.
Thanks, that sounds accurate. Also moving from one platform to another probably instilled an ability to keep learning.
Hey buddy! Thank you so much for the inspirational video! Congratulations on the twins, I hope you all are doing great!! I subscribed to your channel immediately. God bless you! Keep making this videos 👍🏼💯
Thank you!
I really learned a lot,
Thank you bulletproof subscribed
Awesome, thank you!
It’s kind of funny seeing a fellow A&P that left the flight line. I’m tired of working and making someone else money. In the process of becoming a contractor to start my own business in SC
That's awesome! Who do you work for. I've been with Bombardier multiple times, usually 12hr graveyard shift.
Wow! That was outstanding video!
Subscribed!
Thank you!
I want to do it so bad but I’m terrified and it’s not like I have a great paying full time job to begin with I could be jumping off a cliff.
It's always easiest to get started on nights and weekends until business picks up. If you do a great job you'll quickly have more work than you can handle.
I've been wanting to expand my part time handyman business and I think this is a great way to go. Really appreciate you taking the time to share. I'm going to give it a shot. Thanks Bulletproof!
It ain't fancy but it's steady and the pay is enough to support a family comfortably.
Excellent video sir. Thank you for your wonderful insight
Thank you for the compliment!
Thanks for explanation,very helpful👍👍👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
When you’re talking about 90% of the time….90% of jobs…etc. I work from a similar strategy. My tool bag, drill bag and a pack out/hardware assortment case can handle 90% of my jobs. For the other 10% I keep kits for more specific jobs (plumbing/painting/electrical). Always play the odds and know what you need virtually all the time.
I feel like the actual number of necessary tools is surprisingly small. Been working on building my kits lately. I'd like to have a kit for every job that has both tools and parts ready to go.
The only problem I've had doing this model is. You have everything but what you need. And still end up having to go for parts. And the big inventory you bought gets damaged and lost from bouncing around in your van. My advice is to make a materials journal and stock the most common items you purchase monthly
Valid point. I learned that the hard way, losing or damaging good materials. I'm slowly building an informal inventory now but I've gotten more organized with bins for different jobs that stay relatively safe.
i will agree with alot of stuff you said and do.I only recently(less than 2 years) got a rais eot $27hr for auto tech of 27 years at the same place i am.I was at $21......they gave it to me instantly...now i know i can and should make more but i like where i work and what i do.I also work on cars on the side and have my own ebay business.i paid for most of my new 36x44 shop this way and built a new house also.I WORK!maybe to much sometimes,Have 2 teenage daughters and a wife and live in the country,it takes a while but anyone can get there.
That's the perfect kind of like if you have your family.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences very appreciated it 👍👍
More coming soon. Any requests?
Thank you!! Great information!! I was curious after listening to this . How do you approach or manage potential liabilities? Example : 2nd or third floor leaks(toilet leak from the flange) or any mysterious leaks or Roof repairs. I typically don’t touch these things because of the potential for problems and discovery of large jobs.
So far I just try to take care of everything that my property managers ask, but I charge more to cover the potential of future problems.
Great advice and great story.
Thank you!
Love it.
Awesome!
Good video. Best of luck to you. FYI, you can get free shower valve cartridges from Moen for their valves. Just call them.
I did not know that! Usually I need them same day, but I will definitely look into this!
Excellent video! Very interested in getting started with LLC and Property Management contacts! Subscribed good work
I wish you good luck sir. Hopefully in my future videos will be of help.
Wow wow wow, you moved from complacency to action. I am a service writer for a dealership and have been looking for a way out, as licensed home inspector I occasionally am asked if I can perform certain repairs which I have done. After listening to your entire story I'm motivated that I can step out and make a difference for my family also. One question...you mentioned business license, how critical is that for a startup and how do you get it.
Yes it really is. Get an account and pay him to draw up and file an LLC. A good one will obtain your necessary business licenses. Get insurance. Have the business set up legally and properly so that you can focus solely on succeeding. It won't just happen. Every detail matters.
Good stuff!
Thanks!
Hey Ray, this is the first video of your that I watched, and I subscribed. I'll tell you a little of my story, it's different but the same in a lot of ways. I'm in a small city in Maine. I'm a carpenter by trade and in 1980, I did 2 weeks of work for a family-owned property management and development company. They owned downtown buildings most of which were built in the 1800s. They are a mix of commercial and residential. They owned all of their property and did not manage anyone else's. After the original 2 weeks of work, I got more and more work from them until October of that year when they asked me to come to work for them full time which I did. There wasn't much going on in the fall of 1980 in my area.
After the first 18 or 20 years the full-time carpentry work slowed down, so I started to be more of a handyman. I still did wood working but also took on other work that they would have hired out. It was a very good job, and the family was great to work for.
As time went on, I became the facilities manager for them. With that job I was the guy who hired the plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC company, we had steam boilers in 3 central steam plants.
In 2015 the family decided that they were going to sell the properties and retire. The next generation didn't want to continue with the business. I should add that the company was started in 1863.
Over the next 5 years they sold off the properties and most of the buyers were long term tenants of the properties.
I worked for them for 40 years and when it was done, I started my own business and a lot of the new owners hired me to continue doing their maintenance until I got sick last year and couldn't continue. If you hadn't guessed, I am an old worn out semi-retired carpenter and just turned 66.
Sorry for the long comment. We Mainers tend to make long stories even longer. Now to get to my point, you're right about getting in with some property management companies and do right by them and yourself. I know firsthand that if I had an issue with something that I couldn't do for one reason or another, I'd call the appropriate contractor. The relationship with our contractors was great. Our electrician, HVAC company and roofing company had been working with us for over 30 years. I'd call and the job would get done without the owners having to worry about anything. They did the work, and we paid the bill.
I'm sure I'll enjoy watching your videos and will more than likely comment from time to time.
It sounds like you have a very serious lifetime of experience! I would be lucky to have you commenting on my videos and I'm sure I could learn more than a few things from you. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel sir.
Hey Roy! Awesome story! I’m in Waterville, turning 50 this month. I would love to ask you some questions!
@@beansuppa7872 I have lots to share. I don't really want to put my phone number or email on here though.
I ran steam boilers and plunged toilets. Re-building storefronts to shoveling snow. My love is still the handyman stuff, but it is getting harder to do.
I just did a small job, 1.5 hours, for a customer. It was a couple hundred bucks in my pocket. I am not able to take on a lot of work now due to health reasons.
Thanks
You're very welcome!
great story.....
Thanks!
T 13:24 Ah-hem... how is it you "make more money" on six $125.00 jobs than you do on one $999.00 job? Please do a video on that technique.
Six $125 jobs would be six quick jobs that I get done in one day by 3pm. One $999 job might be a day and a half or two days or at least one very long day. It's more per unit of time. Sorry for the confusion.