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”)
Very good information. I have been following your site for over a year now and it has been some heip. I am in the same boat with insurance as you are since i am in colorado. Home inspections is something i had not thought of but without insurance i won’t touch it. Keep up the good work!
Great information! I have been a ACHP member for about a year now. It is a great organization. And oh yeah the insurance program is great also. Insurance is very important. I carry my policy with me at all times and will be glad to show the customer. There are alot of guys who operate with no insurance. If I don’t get the job I leave them with that information. Request to see a copy of there insurance.
Bob
Congratulations on the wedding, keep her happy. Thanks for the good advice and content of your site.
More great information – Insurance is something you just can’t live without in this day and age. Not to mention police checks etc in Australia.
You wouldn’t believe how busy we are and it’s all thanks to you and your setup information!! We have been up and running for 12 months now and are now at the point where we are turning away customers as we are sometimes booked solid up to 2 months in advance!
Keep up the great work Dan. And congrats on your upcoming marriage!!
Thanks, and that’s great to hear, Dee! I’m happy that I could help you.
Another great podcast Dan, keep up the great work, your killing it!
Thanks James! Appreciate the feedback.
Dan I was looking for reviews on ACHP and came across your podcast. If you give you approval, need I say more.
Hey I have been using your programs, and I love all of the BTW, Do you offer a review of whats in place and suggest any changes? A consult?
Hey TJ! I have offered reviews in the past and may consider doing it again in the future, but at the moment I do not. I’d recommend asking any questions in the HMM group on Facebook.