HS 016 – 7 Lessons Learned From 3 Years In Business

HS 016 – 7 Lessons Learned From 3 Years In Business

Author: Dan Perry: Handyman | Small Business Owner May 17, 2014 Duration: 42:30

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast I share 7 of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the last 3 years in business.  These are lessons that have changed my mindset and the way I view business, people, and the world in general.

Today marks exactly three years since I quit my engineering job and decided to venture out on my own in an attempt to control my own destiny and design a better life for myself.

Deciding to quit on that day was the best (and hardest) decision I’ve ever made for myself.  Because of that decision I was able to start a successful handyman business, create this website, and enjoy the entire experience (well, most of it).

That’s pretty cool considering that while working as an engineer I was depressed, out of shape, and really unhappy.  Things have pretty much made a 180 degree turn for the better.

While quitting my job was a great decision, it wasn’t always easy.  There were a lot of struggles over the last three years and many times where I wanted to give up and just go get another job.  There’s a steep learning curve as a beginning entrepreneur.  But, with the support of my readers, friends, and family I was able to stick it out.

Through those struggles I learned a LOT, often times things that I didn’t even know I needed to learn.  That’s what this latest podcast is all about – those major lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I’m excited to share these with you today because they are things I think about all the time.  It’s great to share my story with the hope that it may help you along your journey to dominate life and start a successful handyman business.

Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect in this episode:

  • Why you shouldn’t care if a customers say your too expensive.
  • Why saying no is such a valuable skill.
  • Why you shouldn’t even worry about your competition.
  • How to learn what you don’t know you don’t know.
  • My best tips and secrets on how to enjoy this business to the fullest and design it exactly how you want.

Related Resources:

Thanks for listening and if you get a chance, please leave a written review on iTunes.  It helps the show gain more exposure and you may even get featured on the next podcast.

Comments or Questions

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?  Or, if you haven’t started yet, which one of my lessons hit home the most?  Let me know in the comments below!

The post HS 016 – 7 Lessons Learned From 3 Years In Business 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
Stay Solo or Hire Employees? Here’s How to Decide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:39
After interviewing Rick McFadden and Bryan Clayton on my podcast – two guys who have scaled their home services businesses, I’ve been thinking a lot about the pros and cons of hiring employees. Is it worth the effort and…
How to Grow a $10 Million Landscaping Business with Bryan Clayton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryan Clayton – founder and CEO of GreenPal. I loved this interview because Bryan breaks down some essential skills that all entrepreneurs need – whether you have your…
Handyman Estimates: The Ultimate Guide (+ Free Template) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:08
After ten years of estimating handyman jobs, I’ve learned a few tricks. And in this article, I will share everything you need to know to estimate jobs quickly and accurately. Whether you are looking for helpful estimatin…
Overcoming Setbacks – Mastering the Mental Game of Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:51
Unexpected challenges and setbacks are unavoidable when growing a business, and if not managed properly, can really fuck up your progress. One day you might feel on top of the world, then BAM, a customer gives you a bad…
Pricing Pitfalls – Nine Ways Handymen Leave Money on the Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:31
Few business mistakes are worse (or more common) than consistently undercharging. You’ve done all of the work to get the customer, they hired you, and then you did more work to complete the project for them. The only pro…
Specialist vs. Generalist: Six Reasons it Pays to Specialize [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
Handymen are well known for their “big or small, we do it all” approach, offering a wide range of services. Many view us as “jacks of all trades, and masters of none.” And this generalist approach has its benefits. You n…