Running a Handy Woman Business

I started AmyWorks in 2010 after realizing there was a niche and a need for women in the residential home repair and remodeling field. And there was the fact that I had just gotten laid off and the economy was in the tank. What a better time to start a business?

My formal education is in the environmental science field. I received a BS degree from The Evergreen State College and worked 14 years as a chemist, laboratory supervisor and QA manager before embarking on a business adventure of owning and working a handyman services franchise. All my handy skills were learned from my dad, reading every issue of Family Handyman cover to cover for years, and owning a home in my 20's that needed all kinds of repairs.

I have taken every opportunity afforded me to learn what it takes to run a successful business. I am a graduate of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Emerging Leaders Program, current member of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) and Master Builders, a past participant of the UW Foster School of Business Small Business Growth Collaborative Cohort and carry the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) designation of Certified Graduate Remodeler and BIAW (Building Industry Association of Washington) Certified Builder. I currently am co-chair of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Wood Tech Center associated with Seattle Central College. I have worked with The Aspire Institute for the past four years honing my business acumen and taking full advantage of their coaching services. I hold workshops for homeowners to teach repair skills. And my latest adventure is co-hosting a podcast "Let's Talk…Home Repair".

My greatest joy in business is helping the client realize their remodeling dreams and supporting them in maintaining their biggest investment, their home. Along with that it's providing a great place to work for my employees and supporting them as though they were family.