With a tough economy comes the need for innovation. That is exactly what Robbinsville resident John Speranza has done by fulfilling a lifelong dream and starting Hope Handyman Service in his hometown.
Hope Handyman Service’s main focus is smaller home repairs, but Speranza also does retail work for stores that don’t have enough people on staff for the job. He markets his new business venture as tackling projects that “lots of people want to get to but can’t, or something that’s slightly out of their skill range since they don’t have the right tools.”
Speranza began his business in the beginning of February, leaving his background of retail management for his passion of handiwork. Speranza got his start as a professional handyman at the advice of his family, who had noticed how useful he was around the house. He worked as a handyman part-time for eight years, and family members told him he should utilize those skills as a career path after he was laid off from his full-time job.
“It was as good a time as any,” Speranza said, noting that he preferred to take on something that he loved rather than get a job that he didn’t necessarily want.
Speranza said he is on-site at nearly 100 percent of the jobs he tackles and can always be reached for assistance. He does estimates and is able to do a full range of projects because he said he has plenty of experience as well as the licenses, references and pricing schedule needed to do the job.
Speranza has experience in areas including hanging sheetrock, sheetrock repair, doors, windows, painting, carpentry, finish work, installation of appliances, caulking, weatherization, flooring, flooring repairs, masonry repairs, power washing, deck staining and electrical and plumbing work. Thus far, he said he received most of his work through local advertising and word of mouth, but plans on setting up a website soon to further promote Hope Handyman Service.
Speranza has many aspirations for the future of his business. He wants to get more into estimates, as well as establishing flat rate pricing and hourly pricing. He is contemplating the idea of discounts, such as for military and senior citizens. He would also like to add more workers, as he currently has only one working partner, a semi-retired engineer named John Powers who “acts as a second pair of hands,” Speranza said.
There’s also interest to expand the scope of Hope Handyman Service’s projects, although Speranza said people are hesitant to spend money on anything other than necessities right now. He still maintains hopes of getting into roofing, siding and kitchen remodeling in the future.
For more information about Hope Handyman Service, call (609) 259-6718.
Hope Handyman owner John Speranza sits in his Robbinsville office. (Photo by Nicole Malczan.)
