Today we’d like to introduce you to James Oliver.
Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My story ultimately started in 1999 when I was in an accident suffering a severe brain injury due to falling out of a pickup truck and being drug underneath it. I endured severe injuries, actually died, twice, was partially paralyzed, and was in a coma for a short time.
I wasn’t expected to make it through, and if so would be unable to care for myself. However, that didn’t happen. This led me to pursue a career as a massage therapist, which I practiced for about 6 years. I then went on a multi-year hiatus exploring and learning about myself. After some pretty intense experiences, I enrolled in a technical college where I received a degree in diesel technology and business management. Shortly after, I met my now-wife, wrote and self-published a memoir, and then had a child together.
Struggling to get by, I started working at the dead horse point oil field as a good pumper for 3 years. After this, I got a job as an HVAC, technician and became a universally certified tech. During this time, I started a very successful Airbnb obtaining one of the last Airbnb licenses in Moab as the local government put a moratorium on Airbnb licenses in 2016. I was an HVAC tech for nearly 4 years, also being exposed to the construction industry daily. I was offered a position with the city of Moab as the facilities mechanic and decided to pursue this as a potential “final career.”
During this time, I started to collect tools and equipment doing side jobs for extra income as a handyman, also while establishing a clientele. Then, I was able to get licensed as a general contractor in the state of Utah so I wouldn’t be so restricted. I quickly realized the industry needed someone like me terribly in Moab. I’m a people person and usually tend to get along with people easily, so I decided to hit the ground running as a handyman general contractor in Moab.
It’s been flourishing organically ever since.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a lot of unintended preparation on this path. For the most part, things fell into place the best way possible, but the road was not smooth. It’s been a very bumpy road full of uncertainty and anxiety. However, I’m very persistent and self-motivated.
As you know, we’re big fans of Arches Handyman LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a general contractor specializing in smaller projects. I usually work on my own, unless I’m installing metal roofs, or building heavier awnings or similar. I pride myself on my ethics and am known for being honest and responsive.
I’m very versatile and organized. I am always transparent in my work with my customers, try to involve my clients as much as possible giving as many options as possible.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I have always flown by the seat of my pants so to speak. I have never been timid by the thought of taking risks. High risk, high reward. There are too many examples to note here.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Arches Handyman
