Common Misunderstandings About Handyman Matters
In talking with candidates to be awarded a franchise, there are number of common misunderstandings that come up. They are:
1. “Don’t I Need To Be A Handyman Myself?”
No. Although some construction industry background is helpful, in our model, you are not expected to be out in the field doing the work. Our most successful owners are business people first and grow by managing the work of the other people on their team. There are handyman franchises available that are “turn the wrench” two man operations, but that’s not us. We want our owners to build large organizations with 10, 20 or more people with them as the executive on top.
2. “I’m An Expert In Several Trades, Doesn’t That Guarantee My Success?”
No. The most important characteristic you need to succeed is to be good with and like people. Your job as an owner is to work with and motivate your team and to build and nurture long term relationships with your customers. If you would rather “just do the work” ours is not the right franchise for you.
3. “I Don’t Know Construction So I Can’t Run This Business.”
Not true. Your business and people skills are the most important characteristics you need. You do not need to be a construction expert. Some of our most successful owners have come from the software, engineering and restaurant industries.
4. “If I’m Going To Do It, I’l Just Do It Myself – Why Pay You?”
You can certainly do that. Most people don’t realize how complex an organization this is to run. Our goals for our franchisees are to achieve sales of $200,000, $400,000 and $600,000 in their first three years of business. That would be very difficult to achieve without the technology and systems we provide.
5. “I’m Looking Forward To Being The Boss So I Can Tell Others What To Do For A Change.”
A dictatorial management style does not work with our concept. Although you may have experienced that on a construction site, the coercion type management style doesn’t work in our model. Here’s why.
Understand your craftsmen leave from their homes to go to the customer, so if you treat them poorly, they will take advantage of you. You need to create what we call a “culture of understanding”. By sharing the mission and vision of the business with your craftsmen, valuing their time and energy and going out of your way to make things right – even if you have to go into your own pocket to do it, you build loyalty and trust.
We want owners who want to make money, but t the same time want to help their community with the variety of tasks and skills they have. We want owners who will treat people in a fair and equitable manner and uphold our policy of “doing what’s right”.
