Crafting A Sales Story, Strategic Partnerships, and The Power of Wingin’ It.

Crafting A Sales Story, Strategic Partnerships, and The Power of Wingin’ It.

Author: Dan Perry: Handyman | Small Business Owner November 21, 2013 Duration: 40:07

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast, I bring on Chris Maxwell-Gaines, co-founder of Innovative Water Solutions in Austin, TX.

Chris started his home service business back in 2004 and has since grown it to the point of having 14 employees and over a million dollars in revenue.  He’s got a lot to share from his 10 years of experience.  So, I brought him onto the show so you can benefit from his knowledge and grow your business.

I love Chris’s story because he started his business without a plan and was literally wingin’ it in the beginning.  He had his first customer sold before he even had a service to offer!  10 years later he’s reaping the benefits of his courage.  A great example of why you should just get started.

Here are a few highlights from the interview:

  • How crafting a story can jumpstart your business.
  • A powerful way to use web based content marketing.
  • Strategic partners and what they can do for your business.
  • Why wingin’ it is sometimes the best option and why you should just get started.

Chris doesn’t provide handyman services, instead he installs and maintains water caching systems, among various other services.  However, his insights and tips can be applied to any home service business.

For those of you interested in water conservation systems, Chris is your man.  Not only can he install them for you but he is offering a comprehensive training program for contractor’s looking to add water conservation services to their businesses.  If you’re looking to add another revenue stream, be sure to contact Chris and he’ll get you set on the right path.

The post Crafting A Sales Story, Strategic Partnerships, and The Power of Wingin’ It. appeared first on Handyman Startup.


Dan Perry has spent years building his own successful handyman business from the ground up, and in The Handyman Startup Podcast, he shares that hard-won knowledge without the fluff. Each episode feels like a practical conversation with a seasoned pro who’s been in your shoes, tackling the real-world challenges of turning skilled labor into a sustainable enterprise. You’ll hear specific advice on navigating client pricing, managing a fluctuating schedule, and implementing marketing strategies that actually work for local service businesses. This isn't just theoretical business talk; it's a focused discussion on the operational details that make or break a trades-based venture, from your first truck and tools to hiring your first employee. Dan’s perspective as a working handyman and small business owner provides a unique blend of street-smart tactics and long-term planning. Whether you're just considering hanging your own shingle or you're several years in and hitting growth plateaus, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you build something solid and profitable. Tune in for a straightforward guide through the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship in the skilled trades.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Handyman Startup Podcast
Podcast Episodes
7 Profitable Handyman Business Models That Can Replace Your Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
The handyman business is surprisingly versatile. While many outsiders assume that all handymen businesses are identical, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Since starting my business over ten years ago, I’ve seen a…
Handyman Business Names: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
Naming a handyman business can be challenging since so many names have already been taken. I remember struggling for weeks to lock down a name that was professional and memorable when starting my business. However, in th…
How to Start a Business While Working Full-Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Starting a business while working full-time is totally doable, and it even has some unique advantages that, if leveraged properly, can make building your business enjoyable. I’ve helped hundreds of people start their bus…
Should You Get a Contractors License? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:09
Unfortunately, we handymen can’t just go out, buy a few tools, and start building houses. That’s illegal without a contractor’s license, and for a good reason. Without these laws in place, the quality of our homes would…
How to Start a Handyman Business in 10 Steps (2026 Guide) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
Starting a handyman business can be profitable and fun with the right approach. I know this because I’ve been doing it for over ten years. However, it’s important to understand that a truck full of tools and some home re…
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Handyman Business? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:55
The cost to start a profitable handyman business will usually fall somewhere between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on how much of the process you outsource vs. do yourself. However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend tha…
How much can you make as a pro handyman? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
Having a career as a pro handyman can be surprisingly lucrative. For example, I currently average over $100 per hour doing basic home repairs and often make over $150 per hour. And I’m not special. Many of my students ma…
Quit Your Job In 6 Months Or Less – The Ultimate 9-5 Escape Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:36
I used to wake up every day with one single question on my mind… “How many days are left until the weekend?” I was counting down the days because, like millions of people, I hated my 9-5 job. And this wasn’t just a mild…