Starting a handyman business doesn’t require a perfect plan or a fortune in tools. It just takes that first step. In this episode of Home Service Headquarters, Allen Lee, owner of Honest Lee Handyman and co-founder of Handyman Champion CRM, shares how he went from auto mechanic to successful business owner and coach.
From Facebook Post to Full-Time Work
Allen’s handyman journey didn’t begin with a business plan; it started with a credit card bill and a Facebook post.
In 2016, he and his wife signed up for a personal development seminar they couldn’t quite afford. Looking for ways to pay it off, Allen remembered doing handyman work growing up, from replacing garbage disposals to installing faucets and dishwashers.
So he created what he calls “a really horrible-looking ad,” posted it on Facebook, and announced he was offering handyman services. Within hours, his first client reached out, a kitchen remodel.
“I pulled a number out of thin air—$50 an hour—because I was making $25 an hour at my day job, and $50 sounded great.”
For two months, he worked as a mechanic by day and remodeled kitchens by night, learning from YouTube videos as he went.
Going All In
By December 2016, Allen and his wife decided he’d pursue handyman work full-time. He devoted every night and weekend that month to building his client base, creating systems, and even weed-eating a yard at 9 p.m. with a headlamp on.
“I remember I would take off my auto uniform and put on the Honest Lee Handyman uniform, and then it was like Batman or Superman. I was changing into my different costume.”
A financial advisor told him not to quit until he had at least a week of work booked. Thanks to his December hustle and some Yelp ads, Allen started January 1, 2017 with a full schedule.
The Wake-Up Call
Success came quickly, but Allen soon realized that being booked out wasn’t always a good thing.
“We were offering really high-quality work for very, very cheap. People loved it because I was booked out for two months, but what I found out later was that there was probably something wrong with my business.”
He was also losing leads because he wasn’t answering his phone. When a Facebook commenter wrote, “Don’t call Honest Lee Handyman. He doesn’t call you back,” Allen knew it was time to make a change.
Systems Over Hustle
After reading The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, Allen realized that systems, not hustle, create lasting success. His first key hire was a CSR to handle phones and emails.
“I handed her my laptop and Google Voice number and I said to her, I probably shouldn’t have said it this way, but I said, ‘Here you go. It’s your problem now.’ I probably shouldn’t have said it that way, but that’s how it felt because it was a big problem of mine.”
With the right help and systems in place, Allen could finally work on his business instead of in it.
From Handyman to Coach: Helping Others Avoid His Mistakes
As Allen documented his journey on YouTube, other handymen began asking for advice. That led to Handyman Journey, a coaching business that teaches the business side of running a handyman company.
“Most handymen start because they’re good at handyman stuff. But they don’t know anything about the business.” – Allen Lee
His mission: raise the handyman industry to the same level of professionalism as electricians and HVAC companies, with real systems, branding, and leadership.
The Latest Chapter: Handyman Champion CRM
In September 2025, Allen co-founded Handyman Champion CRM, a software platform designed specifically for handyman businesses.
“This is going to be a one-stop shop. It fits into the whole mission of upping the handyman industry to somewhere it wasn’t before.”
The CRM combines estimating, invoicing, payments, and customer management in one platform. The platform offers a free 30-day trial at handymanchampion.com.
Coach's Corner: Lessons From Allen's Journey
Allen’s story is packed with lessons for anyone building a handyman business:
- Just start. Waiting for perfect conditions means never starting.
- Humble beginnings matter. Starting small builds appreciation.
- Busy doesn’t equal profitable. If you’re booked out for months, raise your prices.
- Systems free you to grow. Don’t try to do everything yourself.
- Answer your phone. Or hire someone who will.
“Excuses are just well-planned lies. You can make it happen no matter what vehicle you have or tools you own.”
Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen
Allen Lee’s journey from auto mechanic to seven-figure business owner to CRM co-founder isn’t just inspiring, it’s a roadmap. He made every mistake in the book so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, going full-time, or scaling your handyman business, Allen proves that success doesn’t require a perfect start. It requires taking that first step, learning from mistakes, and building systems that let your business grow beyond you.
The bottom line: This episode is packed with practical, actionable advice from someone who’s been exactly where you are and who built something remarkable from humble beginnings.
👉 Listen now and start your handyman journey with Allen Lee of Honest Lee Handyman and Handyman Champion CRM.
🔗 Connect with Allen Lee
🌐 Handyman Journey (Coaching): https://handymanjourney.com
💻 Handyman Champion CRM: https://handymanchampion.com (30-day free trial)
🎥 YouTube: Search “Allen Lee Handyman Journey”
📧 Set up a free coaching call: https://handymanjourney.com/schedule/
