Whether you just bought your home or have been living in it for years, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance are always needed. As that honey-do list quickly grows out of control sometimes the best option is to turn those jobs over to a professional. William Thomas of Custom Handymen is the perfect person to get those jobs around the house done.
Tell us about yourself and what made you start Custom Handymen in 2018.
My father was a homebuilder and taught me everything I know about construction. I went to the Air Force Academy and served my country for eight years. I then worked in telecommunications for 30 years, while doing residential and commercial remodeling and repairs on the side. I like fixing things and helping people so starting my own business when I retired from telecommunications just made sense.
Who are your main clients and what services do you provide?
Most of my clients are homeowners, but I also do commercial and property management jobs. My favorite work is finished carpentry, such as built-ins, crown molding, and coffered ceilings, but I do electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, sheetrock, and other repair work.
As the industry has evolved, how have you had to adjust your business?
Twenty years ago, building materials were relatively cheap, labor was plentiful, and clients had disposable income. However, over the last five years, especially with the pandemic, prices of materials have skyrocketed, the ability to get parts and materials is elongated, and there is a shortage of skilled labor. So, I have simplified my business and downsized from doing remodeling and building jobs that may take days and weeks, to doing handyman projects that take a day or less. I have little overhead. I do not have an office or a big truck.
What do you think sets you apart from other handymen?
I think there are two things. First, I spent so much time in the corporate world that I understand the mindset of a customer. I know the importance of showing up on time and good communication. The second is experience. There used to be a wider pool of skilled labor, but that number is rapidly declining. I have been working in the industry since I was a small boy learning from my father. I know how to fix and correct mistakes. I have the experience and skill set that is becoming hard to find. I like to say, “A jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
What plans do you have for the future?
My goal would be to mentor young men to learn how to do trades. I am involved in my church and volunteer locally and hope to be able to start a job program for young men ages 16-years-old to 24-years-old. I love what I do and want to teach others so they can love it too. I believe you should invest in things no one can take from you - family, God, health, education, a business that you love.
To discuss your next project call William at 469-406-6064 or visit www.customhandymen.com.