Handyman Success Podcast

Hosted by Jason Call & Allen Lee

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Handyman Success Podcast interviews successful handyman and home improvement contractors to learn their secrets to success. From business operations, to marketing, to personal stories, successes and struggles, listeners will leave each episode with actionable tactics to implement in their own business. Inject growth, efficiency, and inspiration into your handyman business by learning from the success of others! Co-Host Allen Lee, Founder of the Handyman Journey & Honest Lee Handyman Services - https://handymanjourney.com Cost-Host Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros - https://handymanmarketingpros.com Join our private Facebook Group (Handyman Success Mastermind) to ask questions and have discussions around business and marketing for your contractor business - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1189384858180519

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 1, 2026Episode 751 hr 6 min

#75 Coby McManaman, Rustbelt Remodeling

Coby McManaman built his handyman business to over $1 million in annual revenue ... and then watched it all come crashing down. In this powerful episode of the Handyman Success Podcast, Allen Lee and Jason Call sit down with Coby to unpack the entire journey—the decisions that fueled his incredible growth, the mistakes that led to bankruptcy, and the hard-earned lessons that every business owner needs to hear. This isn't just another success story. It's an honest conversation about the realities of scaling too fast, managing cash flow, building the right systems, leading a team, and what happens when things don't go according to plan. Most importantly, Coby shares what he would do differently if he had the chance to start over. Whether you're just getting started or already running a growing handyman business, this episode could save you from making some very expensive mistakes. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

July 1, 2026Episode 741 hr 15 min

#74 The NEW Owner of Honest Lee Handyman Services

After nearly a decade of building Honest Lee Handyman Services, the sale is complete. In this episode of the Handyman Success Podcast, Allen Lee and Jason Call sit down with the new owner, Eric Geier, to discuss the purchase side of the acquisition. Eric shares what attracted him to the business, what the buying process was really like, and his vision for the future of Honest Lee Handyman Services. Whether you're thinking about buying a business, selling one someday, or simply want to build a company that's valuable beyond yourself, this episode offers practical insights and an honest look behind the scenes. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

June 15, 2026Episode 731 hr 6 min

#73 Allen Sells Honest Lee Handyman Services

🛠️ What does it really feel like to sell the handyman business you spent 10 years building? In this episode of the Handyman Success Podcast , Jason Call sits down with Allen Lee to unpack the sale of Honestly Handyman Services in March 2026. Allen shares the emotional side of selling a business, the identity shift that came with stepping away, and the behind-the-scenes process of finding the right buyer. They also dig into what made the business sellable: documented systems, strong processes, a trusted brand, clean operations, and a team that could keep running without Allen in the driver’s seat. Whether you want to sell someday or simply build a stronger, more profitable handyman business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. 💪 🔑 In this episode: Why Allen decided to sell Honestly Handyman Services The emotional identity shift after selling a business How the buyer found the business through BizBuySell Why systems and documentation made the business more valuable What happened when SBA financing fell through Why Allen chose legacy and fit over simply chasing the highest sale price How to make a handyman business more sellable What Allen is doing now with Handyman Journey, coaching, AI tools, and the Handyman Roadshow 👉 Learn more about Allen’s coaching and resources at: HandymanJourney.com 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on growing, systemizing, marketing, and scaling a successful handyman business. Based on the provided transcript from the Handyman Success Podcast episode featuring Jason Call and Allen Lee. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

June 1, 2026Episode 722 hr 16 min

#72 Allen Lee's 10 Year Handyman Journey

Allen Lee started Honestly Handyman Services part-time in 2016 while working as an auto mechanic. Ten years later, he sold the business. 🚐💼 In this extended episode of the Handyman Success Podcast , Jason Call interviews Allen year by year through the real story behind building, growing, struggling through, systemizing, and eventually selling a handyman business. They cover the good, the bad, and the ugly: first jobs, pricing lessons, hiring mistakes, 1099 contractors, building systems, hiring a CSR, surviving family medical challenges, growing a team, leadership lessons, revenue milestones, marketing budgets, and what it really takes to build a handyman business that can operate beyond the owner. This episode is packed with honest lessons for handyman business owners who want more freedom, better systems, stronger teams, and a business that can grow without consuming their entire life. 🔧📈 Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

May 15, 2026Episode 7131 min

#71 CMC Home Repairs (Part 2)

Still working out of a cramped SUV… and wondering when it’s time to upgrade? This is Part 2 of our conversation with James from CMC Home Repairs—and we get real about the behind-the-scenes decisions that can make or break your handyman business. 👉 Should you go into debt for a work van? 👉 How do you invest in tools without going broke? 👉 What actually matters more—image or quality work? If you’re in the early stages (or stuck trying to level up), this episode is full of hard-earned lessons you don’t want to learn the expensive way. We cover: The real cost of upgrading to a work van (and why most rush it) Smart vs. risky business investments early on Tool buying mistakes (and how to avoid “tool addiction”) Creative ways to operate without a full van setup Why trust, quality, and reliability beat “looking professional” Biggest wins (and painful mistakes) from year one The #1 habit that prevents losing money on jobs Why “just starting” is the biggest win most people avoid 💡 If you're trying to grow without drowning in debt—this episode is for you. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

May 1, 2026Episode 7030 min

#70 CMC Home Repairs (Part 1)

From actor to handyman business owner … this story hits different. In this episode of the Handyman Success Podcast , we sit down with James from CMC Home Repairs, who made a bold career shift after 20 years in acting—and built a growing handyman business from scratch. 👉 If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career… 👉 Wondered when to go full-time in your business… 👉 Or struggled with pricing your services… This episode is packed with real, honest insight from someone who’s been there. We cover: How James knew it was time to leave his career and start over The exact moment he went full-time in his handyman business What actually worked (and didn’t) for getting his first clients Angi leads vs. building your own marketing system Pricing mistakes (starting at $60/hr 😬) and how to fix them Why most handymen stay stuck—and how to break out The power of repeat customers and Google reviews Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence. 🎧 Listen now and take the next step in your handyman journey. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

April 15, 2026Episode 6933 min

#69 Rogue River Handyman (Part 2)

Most new handymen struggle with one thing… 👉 Pricing their work. Do you charge too much? Too little? Just guess and hope for the best? In this episode, Tim breaks down how he went from guessing prices to confidently earning $600–$800 per day —even while working part-time. We cover: How to price jobs when you have no experience Why most handymen undercharge (and how to fix it) The “daily rate” method that simplifies everything How to use photos to quote jobs faster When to say NO (and why it actually makes you more money) Lessons from costly mistakes (like a job that took WAY too long) If you’re tired of second-guessing your prices or feeling like you’re leaving money on the table—this is your roadmap. 👉 Charge with confidence. Build a real business. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

April 1, 2026Episode 6822 min

#68 Rogue River Handyman (Part 1)

Most people think you need years of experience to start a handyman business… Tim didn’t. With 6 kids, a full-time role in ministry, and zero formal training, he built a successful part-time handyman business from scratch. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he did it—and how you can too. We cover: How to start a handyman business with little experience Why working part-time can actually be an advantage The simple door-to-door strategy that landed his first jobs How to choose profitable services (and avoid time traps) The mindset shift that turns “side hustle” into real income How to build trust and get 5-star reviews fast If you’ve been thinking about starting a handyman business—but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or underqualified—this episode will change how you see it. 👉 You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start. Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

March 15, 2026Episode 6732 min

#67 Steady Home Maintenance (Part 2)

Want to build a handyman business that people want to work for … and customers trust before they ever call? In this segment of the Handyman Success Podcast, J.R. Crowell (Steady Home Maintenance – Jackson/Flowood, MS) breaks down the real systems that keep his team aligned, trained, and performing — plus what he’s learned about marketing and cracking the “subscription maintenance” code. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The hiring catch-22 : skilled techs vs. “green” employees (and why both have trade-offs) ✅ How they protect culture with open-book management (everyone sees the P&L) + performance pay ✅ Why they train every Friday (and why communication training is the real “cheat code”) ✅ Their Notion SOP system: a searchable internal database that tells techs: what to ask on the first call what tools to bring step-by-step job checklists (ex: door installs) ✅ Smart “make-it-easy” systems: standardized caulks, visual cheat sheets, QR code ordering, and job crates prepped in advance ✅ EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System): when it works best + how J.R. adapts it for smaller teams ✅ Marketing reality: what they tried, what they stopped, and what works now Realtors + punch lists EDDM direct mail Google reviews (why 25–30 reviews changes everything) Google LSA + PPC tweaks Why they’re going all-in on content marketing + YouTube as a long-term lever ✅ Subscription/membership programs: what failed, what worked, and how they’re restructuring it ✅ AI in the trades: why J.R. says to “lever AI quickly,” including a wearable tool that can help create SOPs fast If you’re trying to scale past owner-operator mode, improve training, or build a subscription plan that actually makes money — this is one to steal notes from. 👉 Question for you: Are you building an owner-operator job… or a scalable business? Comment below. #handyman #handymanbusiness #contractor #smallbusiness #homeservices Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net

March 1, 2026Episode 6631 min

#66 Steady Home Maintenance (Part 1)

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a handyman business like a real company (not just a one-man hustle), this episode is for you. In this Handyman Success Podcast interview, Jason Call and Allen Lee sit down with J.R. Crowell of Steady Home Maintenance (Jackson / Flowood, Mississippi) to break down exactly how J.R. built a systems-first handyman company that grew fast — including: ✅ 8 W2 employees (handyman + remodel division) ✅ ~$800,000 in annual revenue (85–90% handyman) ✅ A “business-first” approach with processes, training, and culture ✅ Why adding remodel work is harder than most owners expect ✅ How they stay booked (25–30 leads/week) and avoid schedule chaos ✅ Remote estimating (selling jobs via photos/video) and dispatch systems ✅ Tools + branding + software investments that made them look “bigger than they were” ✅ Culture and hiring: core values, DISC profiles, and building a team people want to join ✅ How they use systems like Jobber + Notion to run training and operations ✅ A membership/subscription model (what worked + what didn’t) This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a professional handyman operation with strong marketing, strong people, and clear rules for how the team wins. 🎧 Listen in if you want to grow past “just you,” hire A-players, and build a handyman business that can scale. Connect with Steady Home Maintenance: Search “Steady Home Maintenance” (Jackson / Flowood, MS) on Facebook + YouTube to see their authentic marketing and culture in action. 👉 Want more episodes like this? Subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s your #1 bottleneck right now — hiring, scheduling, pricing, or marketing? #handyman #handymanbusiness #homeimprovement #smallbusiness #contractor Hosted by Jason Call, Founder of Handyman Marketing Pros, and Allen Lee, Founder of The Handyman Journey Get a professional website, SEO, and advertising at https://HandymanMarketingPros.com Get handyman-specific business coaching from Allen Lee at https://HandymanJourney.com Sign up for our monthly Webinars and Training (FREE!) at https://HandymanSuccess.net