Address: Tyrone

Telephone number: 931-8530

Website: Cherryhandyman.net

Position: Owner

Years with company: Seven

Family: Wife, Barb; three children: Heidi and husband, Chris, and two grandsons in Frederick, Md.; Travis and wife, Chrissie, in Tyrone; and Garrett, Pittsburgh; and our little Pomeranian, Oscar.

What products or services does your company provide?

I’m a small- to midsize-customer focused contracting business whose primary focus is maintenance, repairs and home remodeling. My tasks can include hauling out home debris and unwanted items, and repairs including electrical, plumbing, drywall and painting. My remodeling projects have included bathrooms, kitchens, family rooms, flooring, porches, decks, steps and handrails.

Who are your customers?

The majority of my customers are homeowners located along the I-99 corridor and surrounding areas from Hollidaysburg to State College. I also have commercial customers in those areas.

What is your business day like?

My day normally starts at 5:30 a.m. I devote 30-60 minutes in the morning to business paperwork such as invoicing and estimates. I try to be at the job site no later than 7:30 a.m. I work on-site an average of eight hours a day. With potential customers to see, and time to finish up paperwork related to that day’s activities, total hours related to the business can exceed 10 hours a day.

What is the best business advice you have received?

Be true and honest with the customers. Take the time to fully explain the estimates, work projected and summary of completed projects, and if I’m doing a job, do it right.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned on the job?

Listen to the customer’s wishes or concerns. Offer a finished project that they will be happy with and keep the project within reasonable budget restrictions. Consistently communicate with the customer as the project moves forward. Consider all potential issues that may arise during a project, and cover those concerns in your estimating process.

What does the future hold?

I had sustainable growth during the past six years and see the opportunity for that trend to continue in the future. I value my repeat customers and look forward to earning the business of new customers.

What have you read lately that has influenced your business life?

Manuals related to building codes. With any project you want to make sure that the project is completed using the most up-to-date regulations and standards. Trade magazines are another valuable source of information concerning best practices, along with new and improved building supplies.

If you want your business to be featured in the Mirror’s Behind the Desk series, call 946-7467.

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