I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rick Storlie on Builder Lead Converter’s Conversations That Convert podcast to talk about the journey of Mr. Honey-Do and how our business has evolved over the years. What started in Tahoe City with a simple idea, a stack of flyers, and a name my wife came up with has grown into a company that now serves clients across the Lake Tahoe area with both handyman services and larger remodeling projects.
Why We Shifted from Handyman Work to Remodeling Projects
For many years, Mr. Honey-Do was known mainly as a handyman business. That work built our reputation, helped us earn trust in the community, and gave us a strong foundation. But over time, I realized that staying focused only on small-ticket jobs was limiting the business. A small repair can take just as much administrative time, scheduling effort, and drive time as a larger project, but without the same return. That realization pushed me to think differently about where the company needed to go.
Today, our focus has shifted much more toward remodeling, including bathrooms, kitchens, decks, design-build work, and larger renovation projects. We still value our handyman roots, but we have been intentional about repositioning Mr. Honey-Do so clients understand that we are capable of handling more complex projects. Rebuilding our website and improving how we present our services online played a major role in that transition.
Why Contractors Need More Than Word-of-Mouth Referrals
One of the biggest lessons I shared in the podcast is that growth does not happen by accident. Contractors cannot rely only on word of mouth if they want to build a stronger, more predictable pipeline. Referrals are important, and we are grateful for them, but a business also needs consistent marketing, clear numbers, and a system that helps attract the right clients. Working with Builder Lead Converter has helped us become more strategic about lead generation, follow-up, and positioning ourselves for the kind of projects we want to win.
In a market like Lake Tahoe, trust matters deeply. Many of our clients own second homes and need someone local they can rely on while they are away. That means showing up, communicating clearly, and proving that we can manage work professionally from start to finish. Our reputation was built over many years, but marketing has helped us tell that story more clearly to the people who are looking for a contractor they can trust.
Another important point from the conversation was the need to know your numbers. Marketing should not be guesswork. You need to understand where leads are coming from, what is converting, what is working, and where adjustments need to be made. Having that visibility has helped us make better decisions and stay focused on the long-term direction of the company.
My Advice for Contractors Who Want to Grow
For other contractors who feel stuck chasing small jobs or relying only on referrals, my advice is simple: play offense. Invest in your business, work with people who understand the remodeling industry, and be patient enough to let the strategy build momentum. The right systems can change the trajectory of your company.
You can watch the full podcast episode below:
To learn more about the team Rick leads and the marketing systems we discussed in the episode, visit Builder Lead Converter: Stop Chasing Small Tickets! How to Structure Your Business for Larger Remodeling Contracts with Michael Willson.
