Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in general services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Craig Jooste, co-founder, and CEO of Local Handyman Group, located in Surrey, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We franchise various brands of handyman services 604Handyman, 250Handyman, 780Handyman, 403handyman, 306Handyman, Ontario Handyman, and the Local Handyman Group across Canada and the US. We find the right fit with our brand in franchise candidates and then use our extensive operational, marketing, and business coaching tools to help propel our Franchise Partners to succeed in their markets, building a national brand with a local vibe and feel. We use our four pillars of Revenue, Lead Generation, Operational Excellence, and Unit Economics to ensure our Franchise Partners go further and faster with us than on their own.
Tell us about yourself
My wife Kristen and I are Co-Founders of the Local Handyman Group. It started out as a need that Kristen had (a trusted handyman service) that we just couldn't find, so we solved the problem ourselves by launching our brand. We are branded, insured, trusted, and great communicators, and these simple strengths place us at the front of the pack. I am motivated every day by interacting with our awesome Franchise Partners across Canada. We share best practices, methodically build out business plans, execute them, and win!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Watching people in your organization grow and build new skills! Revenue comes with marketing and actioning those marketing plans, but seeing some develop new skills and become a really great operator is the biggest accomplishment. When we bring on Franchise Partners, and their businesses grow and flourish, that is success to us. Becoming proficient at business, unit economics, and lead generation is rewarding to see as a franchisor and business coach.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You need "grit" to push through the rollercoaster. That is this thing we call a business. There are a lot of highs and lows in business, and staying level is something you have to try to maintain. Entrepreneurship is also sometimes lonely as you feel like you are the only one going through whatever it is. That's the beauty of a franchise system. We are all here to support each other. We walk the same path and can help each other up on tough days and celebrate on the highest of highs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know the pillars that support your business; ours is:
1: Revenue
2: Lead generation
3: Operational Excellence
4: Unit Economics
Have a million-dollar mindset: every percentage point of a million dollars is $10,000-long before your business does a million dollars. You need to have the mindset that for every 1 percent, you grow that $10,000, and for every 1%, you save in expenses that $10,000 in your pocket. Consistency in your daily execution!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://localhandymangroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localhandymangroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localhandymangroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-handyman-group/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.