James has golden hands with which he can do everything. His wife, Laura, therefore invoices his services for small DIY jobs. Their small business does not know the crisis!
Their intervention schedule is jam-packed over several months. Within six months, unemployed Laura and James Young became managers of a thriving small business. Parents of three children, two of whom have autism spectrum disorders (ASD), they form a strong couple in the face of adversity. Just over two years ago, 42-year-old James quit his job as a night shift worker in a warehouse to help Laura with the children on a daily basis.
Their end of the month is difficult, but the little family is holding on. Last June, Laura heard on the radio the testimony of a man who offers a service to help with the assembly of furniture and who has met with great success. The idea of taking advantage of the skills of her genius handyman husband then germinates in her mind… Because in their pretty house, James has fitted out everything with his own hands, in particular to be able to respond adequately to the security requirements of their two autistic children.
“We had to refuse orders in order to limit our working hours”
“It’s simple, he did everything, boasts Laura. The kitchen, the painting, the tiling, the custom carpentry of the dining table and the beds for the whole family. He knows how to do everything!”, Lists she proudly. The stay-at-home mom launches and creates “Rent My Handy Husband” (Rent my handyman husband) which she advertises on social networks. To James the interventions, invoiced 47 € per hour, to Laura the management, accounting and communication.
Orders are immediate, a client’s first contract is signed the same day and, very quickly, the duo is overwhelmed. “I did not expect it to take off so much and so quickly, confides the new boss. We had not measured that few companies or craftsmen agreed to travel to people’s homes for small jobs. There were so many requests that James had to work six days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This was no longer possible for his health and our family life. We had to refuse orders in order to limit our hours. Today , he officiates from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we are fully booked until the end of the year. We are going to hire reinforcements in January”, she explains with a smile.
“We know what a tight budget is. People with disabilities or caregivers have reductions”
Four years ago, James was diagnosed with autism like his children. For Laura, this is her strength. “That’s probably why he has an ability to think outside the box while still being very rigorous.” The incredible success of their business does not make them forget their values. “We know what it’s like to be on a tight budget. We offer discounts for people with disabilities, carers, unemployed and over 65s.”