A Long Fulfilling Road

It's been a crazy ride going from a basic laborer of a construction company to an actual home improvement expert who has an office, an assistant and my own clients. But, it's been worth it every step of the way.

I started out cleaning up construction sites. Moving materials and supplies. Gofer for the experts. Anything dirty, I was asked to do.

I started to learn the business. I actually started to be able to do the work when the experts weren't there. My bosses began to rely on me. Yes, bosses. Five at one time.

I started to become an expert and actually see things the way they should be done. Not necessarily the way things are done. I started to work more closely with clients and help them make decisions, explain things to them about the work they wanted done.

I got my first client and my first job. Took a cut in pay. But, I was my own boss.

Now, I come into my office and get a cup of coffee. My assistant says good morning and then she does her own thing. Sometimes I wonder if she's actually still working for me. But, there are times when I can't do without her. I take phone calls and I start visiting sites just before noon planning on staying out in the field through lunch and after lunch. Return to the office some time late in the afternoon and tell my assistant to go home. I'm home by 5 just about every day.

I still have some 8 p.m. appointments once in awhile. But, they are more like social calls that are easy to handle because I'm there to answer questions. I take notes. I order materials. I contract work to people I trust and understand what I need them to do. Life is great!