HS018 – Interview With Ed Padilla:  Home Inspector, Handyman, and Founder of ACHP

HS018 – Interview With Ed Padilla: Home Inspector, Handyman, and Founder of ACHP

Author: Dan Perry: Handyman | Small Business Owner July 25, 2014 Duration: 38:12

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast, I sit down with Ed Padilla, founder of ACHP (Association of Certified Handyman Professionals).

Ed has a really interesting story.  After being trapped in the corporate rat race for several years, he realized that he wanted something else.  So, he quit his job and capitalized on the demand he could see present for home repairs.

In 2006 he started Padilla Home Inspection and Handyman Services.  Soon after getting started, he noticed that handymen had a terrible reputation in the eyes of homeowners.  Tired of getting the stink-eye every time he entered a home, he had the urge to change this perspective.

Three years later, he took action and created ACHP, a non-profit, member based organization  to help handymen all over the country appear more reputable to homeowners.  Now, ACHP is growing and offering benefits to it’s members such as great insurance rates.

I’m honored to have Ed on the podcast.  He’s doing great things for the handyman industry and by listening to him you get the sense that he really cares about our industry.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

  • Where to go for your general liability insurance and what to consider.
  • Insights into the home inspection industry.
  • How to limit liability as a home inspector and handyman business.
  • The importance of confidence when starting your own business.
  • The most important skills you need as a handyman.
  • Quality over quantity.  The benefit of taking your time on your jobs.
  • What is the ACHP and why is it important?

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

  • ACHP website (go here for general liability quotes and more)
  • ACHP LinkedIn Group (Great place to interact with other handymen even if you’re not a member of ACHP)
  • Handyman Web Academy – Learn the best strategies for getting customers. (Now called “Handyman Marketing Machine”)

The post HS018 – Interview With Ed Padilla: Home Inspector, Handyman, and Founder of ACHP 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
Pricing Pitfalls – Nine Ways Handymen Leave Money on the Table [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:31
Pricing is one of the top two most important topics when running a profitable service business - only second to marketing. Whether you're a pro handyman, contractor, or any service provider, pricing directly impacts your…
Specialist vs. Generalist: Six Reasons it Pays to Specialize [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
The variety of jobs you see as a pro handyman is stimulating and enjoyable but can also limit your profits. In this episode, I discuss how choosing one or more services to specialize in can boost your income and even you…
7 Profitable Handyman Business Models That Can Replace Your Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
The handyman business is versatile, with many paths to generating a profit. In this episode, I break down seven different business models that are proven and profitable within the realm of handyman services. I talk about…
Handyman Business Names: The Ultimate Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
Many handyman business names have already been taken, but that doesn't mean you can't find a great name that helps you attract customers. In this episode, I talk about key business name criteria, ways to generate unique…
How to Start a Business While Working Full-Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Starting a business while working a full-time job can be challenging because you have limited time and energy to apply to your business. However, it is totally doable with the right mindset and a methodical approach. I'v…
Should You Get a Contractors License? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:09
Despite what many people assume, you don't need a contractor's license to operate a profitable home repair business. In fact, in some cases, it can actually be a hindrance. In this episode, I share my story of how I grew…
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
In this episode, I dive deep into the start-up costs for a typical handyman business. I share a list of common expenses as well as provide insights into where to invest your money for the highest ROI. Not only will you l…