We recently had the chance to connect with Steven Moore and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Steven, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
For me, this is a very simple question; and it isn’t something that brings me joy lately but instead all the time. My dog Comet brings me joy on a daily basis. I realize most people have dogs and of course we all love our dogs. However, I am a very busy person, by choice of course. Between having a fulltime firefighter job, fulltime handyman business, and fulltime real estate management company, every morning and evening I enjoy spending time with Comet. Comet is a five year old toy poodle that weighs six-pounds. He loves going to the dog park every evening and playing fetch. It is such a simple activity to throw the ball about fifty times and let him bring it back to me. Comet is one of the most loving and sweet dogs you will ever meet. He loves everyone, and I mean everyone. He also loves going on car rides, walks, and of course cuddling. My goal is to provide him the best life he can have.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Like most people, we spend our pre-adult years figuring out what we want to do with our life. As time goes on we grow up and often change our minds; whether from life experiences, the people we are around, the latest trends or possible just boredom and want a change. I have gone through several career changes over the years as well but throughout my work experiences I have always had a passion for helping others. My first post-school job I started working in the musical instrument field selling musical instruments mostly to grade school students in elementary school up through high school and beyond. It then turned into a bigger passion to help others and I became a fulltime firefighter; which is still the career I am in. Currently I am in my 11th year as a firefighter which led me in a path of working with my hand and tools. This led me to my “other” fulltime job as a handyman; which is the “brand” I want to spotlight.
In 2016 I purchased a foreclosed home to live in that needed a lot of renovations. At the time I did not have a lot of knowledge of home renovations however with the help of some friends and colleagues I was shown the basics. This included some more basic tasks such as painting and installing curtain rods, but up to more skilled tasks such as installing toilets, vanities, sinks, light fixtures, etc. Once I was done with the house renovations, other friends of friends started reaching out asking me to do work. All of this started more as a hobby and gradually built into a “real business”. I never imagined how many people needed a handyman. Roughly four years and building more experience, in 2020 I started First Responder Handyman and it has become a fulltime second career for me. As a firefighter we work 48 hours (two days) at the fire station and then have four days off. These four days are filled with handyman work.
I pride myself on a type of customer service that treats others fairly and the way I would want to be treated. I enjoy explaining to clients the process of the work I am doing for them; even if they don’t understand. To me it shows a foundation of how much I enjoy the work and the passion I have for helping them. I also don’t mind explaining to someone how to fix a problem themselves if it helps them save money. My goal is to treat others with respect and build trust so they feel comfortable knowing they can pass my information to their friends and family.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Powerful has such a strong meaning. I feel like in today’s world the best definition of powerful is having control and influence over people and events. However I don’t think I like the idea that I am controlling someone else or the events around them. I would prefer to define powerful as having a strong effect on people’s feelings or thoughts; but in a way that it’s feelings or thoughts that reflect yourself to them.
With that definition, I want to say I felt most powerful in 2007 when I purchased my first house at the age of 24. Buying a house for the first time is a huge accomplishment. On one hand it showed that I was financially responsible, made it to the real world, and basically showing everyone I am ready to be an adult. As odd as it sounds, buying my first house really set precedence for my life and can really set your life on a path of freedom or lack of better word, captivity. I probably was not super financially ready to buy a home however it led me on the right path of financial freedom. It showed me how to save money, not only for house repairs but for life in general. Not only do you have to have money for bills and food, but also fun and retirement; which is not easy as a 24 year old. I was not saving much money and probably bought outside my financial means at the time; but it did teach me what I needed to do for the next house I purchased
After living in that house for nine years, I decided to sell and bought my current house in 2016 as a foreclosed home which I purchased at an amazing price. Not to get into too much detail, I was able to pay the house off fairly quickly which then led me into buying more single family homes and turning them into rental property. This was around the same time has starting up First Responder Handyman. With all the handyman knowledge, I am able to fix up these properties and keep them as a second source of income, ultimately being a good investment for retirement.
I want others to see me as a responsible and trustworthy person. I think when you have control over your own life, it not only reflects the self-control you have, but it shows the passion you have to want to succeed. Success isn’t always about making money or having the most money. Being successful to me is about helping others and feeling good about it. I am often told by clients that they can see how much passion I have as a handyman because of the joy it brings me while doing to the job.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You can’t fail if you don’t try. There has to be thousands of quotes about failure and I am not trying to quote anyone. But it is so true that you cannot fail unless you try and I truly believe it encompasses more than just the negativity from failing. It allows you to learn and grow. It allows you to figure out the best way or the most efficient way to do something. It teaches you lessons to learn from. There will be mistakes, downfalls, criticism, doubt, and countless ways to bring you down. But don’t let failure define you. Learn from it and build yourself up. Failing is a teachable moment. This can come from something simple or huge; such as falling while learning to ride a bike or shutting down your business because it wasn’t successful. You cannot be successful if you don’t try.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! I find myself to be a very positive person and have as optimistic outlook on life. I believe in kindness, equality, fairness, and just the basic need of treating others the way you want to be treated. Generally speaking, I think most people want to be liked by others and I don’t mean that in a self-righteous or conceited way; at least not for me. I want others to like me because of who I am and how I treat them. It’s about mutual respect and justness that you have for one another. I have a passion to help others and I think that reflects on my business. As I said before, I am often told by clients that they can see how much passion I have as a handyman because of the joy it brings me while doing to the job. That joy reflects how good it makes me feel to be helping them or teaching them. That all stems from a positive outlook you have on yourself and your surroundings.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly, I would not stop doing anything. I love what I do. I love helping others and I love working. And let’s be real, if I stopped working, I would just become a burden to someone else to take care of. I don’t have enough money to live off of for ten years. I would however slow down. Not only do I have a passion for helping others, but I have a passion and love for my family and of course my dog, Comet. I would spend more time with all of them. A lot will change in a person’s life in ten years; especially my younger family members growing up and I do not want to miss out on those moments. Oddly enough though, I would still want to help them even after I am gone. I would save as much money as I can just so I can give it away and help my family live an easier life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstresponderhandyman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstresponderhandyman
- Other: 314-384-2279
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