Veteran Takes Charge: Justin Miller Acquires Home Fixers Business
VBP is proud to highlight the success story of Justin Miller, a veteran entrepreneur who recently acquired a home improvement business while utilizing guidance and support from VBP business coaches.
Military Service Shapes Leadership Style
Justin, a former US Army soldier who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, attributes his military experience to the adaptability, decisiveness, and leadership skills he now considers essential for running his business. “The daily operations feel very similar to being a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the military,” he explains. These values also influence his approach to customer service, where he emphasizes honesty, transparency, quality workmanship, and building solid relationships.
VBP Role in Business Acquisition
Justin sought assistance from VBP early in his journey toward becoming an entrepreneur. Lynn Lowder at VBP provided valuable guidance in identifying the type of business Justin would enjoy running and advice on where to find potential opportunities and how to establish rapport with the seller. Additionally, Dale Eisenberg from VBP offered crucial support by reviewing the business’s financials and assisting with due diligence.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
The acquisition process presented several obstacles for Justin. His biggest challenges were securing funding and adjusting to the business’s daily operations. Navigating bank negotiations required much tenacity, but ultimately, these efforts helped him secure financing. Additionally, his military-honed time management skills were crucial during the transition.
The next challenge was modernizing a well-established company to align with the digital age. This transition took considerable time; however, it was successfully accomplished with Justin’s dedication and the support of a strong team that remained after the acquisition. As a result, the business is now generating immediate profits.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Justin has successfully combined his leadership and management skills to run Home Fixers (homefixers.us). The acquisition allowed him to retain a seasoned office manager, allowing him to focus on customer service and sales to an established client base. In the future, he hopes to expand offerings for customers through strategic partnerships and in-house expansions, which may include services such as house cleaning and snow removal. He is also considering opportunities for cross-promotion marketing with businesses outside of home services.
Community Focused Growth
Looking ahead, Justin envisions Home Fixers growing as a successful business and contributing to the local community and economy. He sees potential for creating apprenticeship opportunities for veterans transitioning out of service, allowing them to learn the handyman trade and potentially pursue entrepreneurship themselves.
“… potential for creating apprenticeship opportunities for veterans transitioning out of service…”
“Get the hell after it! Don’t be afraid of hard work. Be prepared to put in the extra hours to build your dream.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Justin’s message to other veterans considering entrepreneurship is simple and powerful: “Get the hell after it! Don’t be afraid of hard work. Be prepared to put in the extra hours to build your dream.”
VBP is committed to supporting veterans like Justin in their business endeavors. We are proud to be a part of their success story!
