If you’re serious about growing your handyman business, you don’t just need tools—you need systems, professionalism, and smart positioning. In the first 30 minutes of his interview on the Handyman Success Podcast, Garen Wright of Lis Be Done dropped gold-level advice. Here’s what you can apply right away:
✅ 1. Start Legit — LLC and Insurance
Get your legal foundation in place early:
- Form an LLC
- Get general liability insurance
These basics protect you and build client trust—especially for commercial work.
“I started an LLC and got insurance right away.” — Garen
✅ 2. Use Lead Platforms to Start—Then Move On
Platforms like Thumbtack and Angi can help in the beginning—but they’re short-term tools.
- Use them to fill the calendar
- Don’t rely on them forever
“They got me started… but I got off them quick.”
✅ 3. Referrals & Reviews Are Your Real Growth Engine
Garen’s first job? A referral from family. Since then:
- Word-of-mouth and Google reviews have driven most of his work
- He asks for reviews consistently after each job
Reviews boost local SEO and client trust—fast.
✅ 4. Network with Local Pros
Some of Garen’s best leads come from:
- Realtors
- Pest control companies
- Commercial property managers
Tip: Build relationships with other service providers. They’ll refer you first.
✅ 5. Present Yourself Like a Pro
Clients notice:
- Your branded shirt
- Your van
- How quickly you respond
- How easy it is to work with you
“One client said I was expensive—but picked me because my process was smooth.”
✅ 6. Price with Confidence—Know Your Numbers
Garen didn’t guess his hourly rate. He:
- Calculated overhead, drive time, and admin
- Started at $75/hr, now charges $145/hr
- Still books solid because clients see the value
Tip: If you don’t know your numbers, you can’t price right—or grow.
✅ 7. Use a CRM from Day One
Even as a solo handyman, Garen used a CRM (now Markate) to:
- Send estimates
- Turn jobs into invoices
- Automate review requests
- Keep everything organized
Result: Faster workflows, less admin stress.
✅ 8. Pre-Qualify Jobs with Photos
Before heading out:
- Ask for photos and job details via text
- Decide if an in-person quote is needed
- Save drive time and quote faster
Time saved = more profit.
✅ 9. Automate Lead Intake
Garen sends clients a form link to collect:
- Contact info
- Job scope
- Photos
It’s fast, professional, and keeps everything in one place. Less back-and-forth. More bookings.
✅ 10. Start Smart, Not Fancy
You don’t need fancy tools to stand out—just:
- Clear communication
- A clean shirt and van
- Reliable follow-through
- Solid systems behind the scenes
“If you’re going to do it, do it right.”
🚀 Bottom Line
The difference between struggling handymen and booked-out pros isn’t luck—it’s systems and presentation.
Start with these:
✅ LLC + Insurance
✅ Ask for reviews
✅ Use a CRM
✅ Qualify leads with photos
✅ Price based on math, not gut
✅ Build real relationships
These aren’t hacks—they’re habits that work.