For those considering a career in home renovation, few stories are more inspiring than that of Josh Young, the man behind Young’s Construction in Dickson, Tennessee. During a recent conversation, Josh shared his journey, his approach to the business, and the hard-earned wisdom that has guided his success. Here’s how you can apply his insights to your own career.
1. Embrace Your Natural Talents
Josh didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become a handyman; it was something he was naturally drawn to from a young age. “I’ve always been handy,” Josh says. “When something broke, I didn’t have the money to pay someone to fix it, so I just figured it out myself.”
Advice: If you have a natural knack for fixing things, don’t ignore it. Lean into your strengths and develop them further. Whether it’s carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, recognizing and cultivating your innate skills can set the foundation for a successful career in home renovation.
2. Know Your Limits and Be Honest About Them
One of the most critical lessons from Josh’s experience is the importance of knowing your boundaries. “If I don’t feel comfortable with something, I won’t do it,” he says. “For example, I’m not going to touch a load-bearing wall. That’s someone’s home, and I’m not willing to take that risk.”
Advice: It’s crucial to understand your limitations, especially when starting out. Taking on tasks beyond your expertise can lead to costly mistakes. Be upfront with your clients about what you can and cannot do. This honesty will help you build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, which is invaluable in this industry.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of the Less Glamorous Work
Josh’s humility is evident in his willingness to take on any job, big or small. “I’m not too proud to sweep a roof if that’s what needs to be done,” he says. “At the end of the day, it pays the same.”
Advice: In the early stages of your career, you may need to take on less glamorous tasks. Don’t shy away from them. Every job, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn, build your reputation, and earn your keep. Over time, these small tasks can lead to bigger, more rewarding projects.
4. Balance Passion with Practicality
While Josh loves what he does, he’s realistic about the less enjoyable aspects of the job. “I love what I do, but there are parts of it I don’t enjoy, like drywall,” he admits. “But if it’s standing in the way of getting the job done, then I’ll do it.”
Advice: Not every aspect of your job will be enjoyable, and that’s okay. What’s important is to keep your focus on the bigger picture. Passion is essential, but so is the willingness to push through the mundane tasks that are necessary to complete a project.
5. Build Relationships with Other Professionals
Josh emphasizes the value of networking within the industry. “You need to kind of build a reputation with other contractors,” he advises. “If a job isn’t right for you, recommend someone else. This can come back to benefit you in the long run.”
Advice: Networking with other professionals in your field can open doors to new opportunities. By collaborating and referring clients to others when appropriate, you can establish a strong network of contacts who may, in turn, refer work to you.
6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Josh is always excited about custom projects that allow him to expand his skills. Whether it’s building a cedar-wrapped porch or designing a deck with a pagoda, he’s always looking for ways to grow.
Advice: In the home renovation industry, learning never stops. Stay curious and eager to take on new challenges. Whether through formal education, online resources, or hands-on experience, continuously expanding your knowledge and skillset is key to staying competitive.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Path
Josh Young’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, honesty, and humility. For anyone looking to pursue a career in home renovation, his advice is clear: Embrace your strengths, know your limits, be willing to start small, and never stop learning. With these principles in mind, you can build not just a career, but a legacy of quality work and satisfied clients.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, take a page from Josh’s book and remember that success in this field is as much about mindset as it is about skill. The work may be tough, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are well worth the effort.