In today’s episode, Jeff interviews Chris Lalomia from Atlanta,GA. Chris had it all in the corporate world until one day he realized how unhappy he was.  He started his handyman business during the 2008 recession. Through many highs and lows he persevered and now he has a successful business, a Podcast and a book. He is also on track to his Freedom Day!

Chris and Jeff discuss:

1. Chris shares his story.
2. He ran a commercial loan operations department and was living a good life but was unhappy.
3. Chris came up with a plan and started his handyman business in 2008 during the recession.
4. Today Chris has 40 employees and just crested 5 million in revenue.
5. Chris shares what he learned starting a business during the recession.
6. Chris also shares what business was like during COVID.
7. Chris shares about his podcast that talks about his journey.
8. Chris talks about how a trip to the zoo led to his book about his story.

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would probably go knock on the doors of my network and say look, you want to start a handyman business? I'm here, let's go do it. I'll take care of all your HVAC or Plumbing, Drywall too. And then you in turn can start to refer us work. And I can in turn get into other houses and refer back.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Holding on to a toxic employee too long.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “ The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber.”
4. What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Outlook.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom for me is out there doing things I really want to, get out and talk with people. I love talking business but doing it on my terms and when I want to and you know doing it with enough money that I can put some money in my pocket.”
6. What is the best way to contact you? “Thetrustedtoolbox.com or LinkedIn Chris Lalamia.”

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

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